Americans are ready to hit the road this winter, and 28 million of them chose RVing for vacation travel, a 33 percent increase over last year.
That’s according to an extrapolated estimate by the RV Industry Association (RVIA) based on a recent survey of 1,200 U.S. recreational travelers.
RVIA’s modeling is consistent with independent research by Mordor Intelligence, which predicts the RV market will grow from $19 billion in 2024 to $29 billion by 2029.
This increase is partly driven by younger travelers. They’ve embraced the “van life” trend they’re seeing on TikTok and Instagram, and the survey results reflect that.
The study found that Gen Z (35 percent) and Millennials (32 percent) are most interested in purchasing an RV for 2026, using what they describe as a “tech-friendly, flexible and affordable” method.
A busy year for US aviation also likely played a role in driving travelers behind the wheel.
This year has seen months of flight disruptions — from technical glitches to staff shortages and runway closures — and the survey shows that road travel is on the rise as the preferred alternative to air travel.
RV Industry Association said:[The survey] “It confirmed the appeal of RVing as an affordable and manageable travel solution, allowing families to bypass expensive flights and crowded airports while bringing pets, packing their own gear and enjoying a flexible schedule.”
Citing the survey, the RV Industry Association said seven million Americans will RV this Christmas, and nearly half of RV owners (48 percent) plan to stay in their vehicle during the holiday season. During this time, four in 10 people plan to use their RV as overflow accommodation when staying with friends and family – or hosting – to reduce “vacation congestion”.
The survey results also found that nearly four in 10 leisure travelers (39 percent) plan to take an RV trip in the next year—a significant increase from last year—while purchase interest remains at 26 percent.
“In a season when travel can seem unpredictable and overwhelming, RVing puts travelers back in the driver’s seat,” said RV Industry Association spokeswoman Monica Graci.
“Whether you’re parked at the base of a ski resort in Colorado, visiting family along the coast, or chasing the sun with your pets, RVing offers the comforts of home and the freedom to roam without the cancellations, delays, or stress often associated with other forms of travel.
Twenty-eight million Americans know that just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to hang up your keys.
