It’s hard to believe that 2022 is around the corner. After a whirlwind couple of years, we wanted to take some time to see what kind of headspace travelers are in with the new year looming. Has their desire to travel increased since 2020? Are they still hesitant to plan a trip? We combined our own internal data with findings from Wakefield Research among US adults 18+ who have taken a vacation in the past 24 months and the results are looking bright! So bright in fact, that nearly ALL survey respondents will likely travel for leisure next year. You can view the 2022 Travel Trend Report in its entirety here.
Americans are hungry to travel again. Compared to last year, Americans have a stronger interest in travel to clear their minds and escape (11% increase over 2020), enjoy wide open roads (+11%), and explore and discover new places (+12%). They’re also ready to get back to restaurants and bars (+16%), theme parks (+13%), and events and festivals (+13%).
The New Age of Travel
With flexible and remote work becoming a mainstay for many Americans, travel doesn’t have to be saved up and narrowed down to just a week or two a year any more. Working from the road is more of an option than ever going into 2022, with 38% of respondents saying they have more opportunities to work remotely than they did pre-pandemic, and people are ready to take advantage of it!
More than three-quarters of respondents said the ability to work remotely will be a key consideration in how they travel in 2022, with 67% saying a strong WiFi signal is a must have for any glamping trip.
Can I get that delivered?
While driving an RV is much easier than you might expect, and can be part of the adventure, many people would rather have the RV delivered to their destination. Delivery allows you to experience the fun of an RV trip without getting behind the wheel. When you search for your RV rental on RVshare, just click the delivery option and plenty of RVs will pop up whose owners are happy to deliver right to your location of choice!
77% of respondents indicated that they’d be more likely to consider an RV trip if the RV is delivered to the destination, particularly a popular choice among travelers coming from urban areas (58% much more likely to choose RV accommodations given this option).
RV Road Trips Are Here to Stay
RVshare saw a boom of people ready to travel during the pandemic, but seeking a way to do so safely. Many were unsure of airports and cruise ships, and RVs offered a safe and self-contained way to still take an adventure. People began falling in love with the lifestyle (we can’t blame them) and realized that RV travel is the best way to adventure and reconnect with loved ones and the great outdoors.
Travelers planning a road trip or RV vacation are looking for ways to:
- Make road trips more exciting
- Experience nature
- Reconnect with travel partners
- Clear their minds
- Escape, explore and discover new places
Who Are People Traveling With?
RVs not only make for an excellent family vacation, but they are a great way to attend your favorite events with friends too! From cozy campfires to bumping music festivals to tailgates, there is something for everyone when it comes to RV travel.
Where is Everyone Headed in Their RV?
For many, the idea of an RV trip sounds like a blast, but figuring out where to go can be daunting. The good news is, there are not only plenty of places to take your RV and have the best time, but the journey is part of the fun! The best memories are made at that random tourist attraction or diner you pass by in the middle of nowhere. In fact, 74% of travelers reported that local diners and dives are their favorite spots during road trips. So go on, get lost!
If the idea of wandering around in your RV terrifies you, don’t worry, we have plenty of travel inspiration coming your way!
National Parks
Americans love visiting our national parks, and who can blame them. Their beauty, fun-filled on-site events, and endless scenic hiking rails make them the ultimate destination. When you RV at a national park, you put yourself smack dab into that beauty. You’ll fall asleep smelling the pine needles and wake up to crisp air on the trail.
For planning a trip to a National Park, the majority of travelers (85%) would be at least somewhat likely to choose an RV over other accommodation options, including 26% who say they’d be 100% likely to do so.
Top National Parks for RVers
Events
RVs aren’t just for camping any more. They make for the perfect way to enjoy festivals, music, fairs, sporting events and more. After a long day of celebrating and cheering, your RV is on hand for food, bathroom breaks, and a soft place to land at night. Over half of respondents said they’re very or even 100% likely to choose an RV over other accommodations when attending a music, food or other multi-day festival event, including a sporting event or game.
80% of travelers are at least somewhat likely to choose an RV stay over other accommodations for these events.
67% of respondents are at least somewhat likely to consider renting an RV over other accommodations for tailgates.
Top Events for RVers
- Georgia National Fairgrounds: home to year-round events like concerts, rodeos and horse shows.
- The Daytona International Speedway in Florida: holds NASCAR’s opening event every
- year, The Daytona 500.
- Black Rock City: home to Burning Man, draws a large crowd of RVers. After a two-year hiatus, the art and self-expression festival will be back in 2022.
- Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky: a tourist attraction with horse shows, a museum, and year-round activities at the Equine Theme Park.
- State College, Pennsylvania: home of Penn State University, and an appetite for football tailgating.
Campgrounds
Camping will always be a favorite way to enjoy an RV trip. From cozying up around the campfire to enjoying a leisurely hike, swim, bike ride, fishing excursion or any other activity that the campground has to offer, these are quintessential parts of the RV camping experience.
Top Campgrounds for RV Rentals
- The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, FL
- Campland on the Bay, CA
- Ginnie Springs Outdoors, FL
- The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground, FL
- Lazy L&L Campground, TX
- Cherrystone Family Camping Resort, VA
- Vail Lake Resort, CA
- Reunion Lake RV Resort, LA
- Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, CA
- Fort De Soto Park Campground, FL
Fun New Destination: Alaska
If you’ve ever thought about adventuring in Alaska, now is the time! RV bookings in Anchorage, Alaska doubled (+104%) year-over-year (2020 vs. 2021)! Check out some available RV rentals to pique your wanderlust!
New Year’s Resolution: Rent an RV
We hope renting an RV is in the cards for your 2022 travel plans. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway to a campground nearby or a cross country road trip, we can’t wait to see where you end up, and would love for RVshare to be part of your adventure!
