Escaping in a recreation vehicle for a few days, or three months, to the magnificent outdoors remains an American dream.
In a survey by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, RV users said enjoying outdoor activities, spending quality time with family, and taking more mini-vacations, top the list for using their RVs.
Many families are opting for frequent getaways closer to home for two primary reasons: higher fuel costs and busy schedules.
While the shorter trips are popular, especially with families who have children at home, for many empty nesters, the longer fantasy destinations sit near the top of their bucket list.
Alaska is still the most popular dream trip”for most RVers,” said travel photographer John Holod of RV Adventure Videos. “People still have a big romance with seeing the vast landscapes of America’s last great frontier.”
When reached by telephone on his way to present travel seminars at an RV show, Holod said that his “Alaska: RV Adventure of a Lifetime” DVD remains his number one seller. Other popular extended RV journeys for baby boomers include touring the Canadian Maritimes and driving the historic Route 66.
In Part 2 (of this four-part series) on “RVing: An American Dream” we look at how RV manufactures are producing rigs that are lighter weight, more aerodynamic, and more fuel efficient.
Photo: (Top) The majority of recreation vehicle owners say that RVing allows their families to spend quality time together outdoors enjoying nature. (Courtesy of Recreation Vehicle Industry Association). (Bottom) Majestic Alaska landscape by John Holod of RV Adventure Videos.