“Holiday” and “travel” are almost synonymous. But between the shutdown and long-lasting staffing shortages, anyone who’s stepped foot inside of a major airport lately might be thinking twice before hitting the friendly skies to get home for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Along with the long lines, major delays, and ever-increasing airfares, plain old ease and flexibility have made road trips the smarter, more relaxed choice for 2026 holiday travel.
Below, we’ll cover some of our favorite local road trip routes in every corner of the U.S.A, as well as must-download travel apps, insider tips and hot holiday travel RV deals. Let’s get to it!
Why Road Trips Are the Smartest Way to Travel This Holiday Season
What makes the open road the smartest way to travel this holiday season — especially if you’re traveling by RV? So glad you asked. Here are just a few of the benefits.
- You’ll save on travel costs. No last-minute checked bag fee or surge-priced flights. Instead, you’ll just need to fill your tank (and your passengers’ bellies). Plus, most campgrounds’ fees are far lower than hotels or vacation rentals.
- You’ll enjoy a flexible schedule. No hours-long delays where you’re stranded in the terminal, and no layovers in a city you don’t even like. When you’re the driver, you set the schedule, the route, and the pace.
- You’ll have freedom to explore. It’s been said plenty of times before, but it’s the journey, not the destination. Along the way from Point A to Point B, there’s an infinity of things to discover, including small towns, local Christmas markets, holiday lights displays and more.
- Your family will be comfy-cozy. RVing specifically gives you the flexibility to essentially bring home along for the ride. Enjoy more space, more privacy, and the freedom to truly relax,which is a far cry from the experience of most crowded airports or even hotels.
Search RV rentals near you to start your holiday road trip planning.
Holiday Travel Deals Near You: How to Save Big in 2026
Now that you know where to go this holiday, here’s how to get there while still saving big.
- Search “RV rentals near me” early. It’s never too early to start planning for winter fun, and availability tightens fast in November and December!
- Take advantage of weekday or post-holiday pricing. Many parks and RV owners offer discounts right after Christmas, when holiday travel slows down.
- Use deal-finding tools. Some of our favorites include GasBuddy for finding the cheapest fuel nearby (a few cents a gallon can really add up when you’re filling a big RV tank!) and AAA or Groupon Travel for regional attraction savings.
- Join local travel groups. Regional Facebook or Reddit road trip groups often share limited-time campground or rental promos. (Plus, you might even make a new friend or three who share your passion for travel!)
Book an RV Trip for Travel Tuesday!
This Thanksgiving week, give yourself or a lovedone something to be grateful for. Book an RV trip with RVshare between Monday, November 24 and Travel Tuesday, December 2 and unlock major holiday savings on your upcoming adventure.
✨ Your Holiday Promo Codes
Use these codes at checkout and save instantly:
- HOLIDAY50 — Get $50 off when you spend $500
- HOLIDAY100 — Get $100 off when you spend $1,000
- HOLIDAY200 — Get $200 off when you spend $2,000
Whether you’re planning a cozy winter getaway, a spring break escape, or a bucket-list summer trip, these savings work for any future reservation you book during promo week.
🎄 Bonus: You Could Win a Free RV Trip
Every booking made during the promotion automatically enters you to win:
- 1 grand prize winner: a completely free RV trip
- 5 additional winners: a $250 RVshare gift card
Best Driving Apps for Smooth Holiday Travel
Chances are you already live in your phone, at least a little bit of the time. Downloading the right RV apps can actually make a big difference when it comes to saving money and, perhaps even more importantly, planning headaches.
Navigation & Local Traffic
Getting around functionally is the first step toward any successful road trip. We recommend:
- Google Maps and Waze for real-time traffic in your area.
- Roadtrippers to find roadside attractions and fuel stops “near me.”
RV & Camping Apps
Here are some RV-travel-specific apps to help you find cool campgrounds, navigate a big rig with ease, and more.
- Campendium, iOverlander, and Harvest Hosts help you connect with fun and sometimes hidden local RV sites — and, in the case of Harvest Hosts, breweries, wineries, and farms with overnight parking.
- RV Parky makes it easy to find open holiday RV parks near your route.
Safety & Weather Tools
Safety first! Here are the must-haves to keep ahead of weather and any potential emergency situations.
- WeatherBug or MyRadar for regional weather alerts.
- If you’re a member, go ahead and download the AAA app to make getting roadside help when you need it as easy as a few taps.
Best Holiday Road Trips Near You (By Region)
Thinking local is anything but limiting. Starting with the question, “What’s there to see near me?” can take you farther than you think!
Another important thing to think about: RVshare has recently begun offering one-way RV rentals, which can help make a single route a lot more enjoyable since you’ll have all the time of your vacation to explore and meander (rather than saving time, energy and money for the return trip).
Below, find just a few of our favorite holiday road trip ideas across the entire U.S.
Northeast Holiday Road Trips
Enjoying a holiday in New England — one of the most iconically Christmas-y parts of the country? Here some can’t-miss holiday road trips near New York, Boston, and Philadelphia (among others).
New York City to the Finger Lakes, New York
We’re talking cozy lakeside stays, one-of-a-kind wine tastings, and snowy scenery. And that’s not to mention the urban magic of New York City itself, of course! Yes, there are RV campgrounds even in the Big Apple.
Boston to Woodstock, Vermont
If it’s New England charm you’re after, this route has it. Start in one of the nation’s most historic cities and venture across covered bridges and through quiet, snow-covered farm towns along a route that shows off some of the best of three separate states. (And don’t forget a side quest to White Mountain National Forest or Green Mountain National Forest!)
Philadelphia to Lancaster, Pennsylvania
It may only be an hour and a half of driving time, but the trip will take you far from the bright lights and big buildings of one of America’s metropoles and straight into the quaint heart of Amish country, where you can peruse handmade holiday crafts to check each and every person off your list.
Pro RV Tip: Winter-friendly parks like Lake George RV Park or Normandy Farms stay open year-round.)
Southeast Holiday Getaways
Way down south where the weather is hot, there are still plenty of cool places to enjoy your winter travels.
Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia
They don’t call it Hotlanta for nothing — and the four-ish hour trip to Savannah crosses some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes. Once you arrive, enjoy historic holiday tours, riverfront lights, and the city’s famous pralines and other confections. We also recommend adding a quick trip out to Tybee Island to see the ocean.
Orlando to St. Augustine, Florida
Starting in the Sunshine State’s center, you can make your merry way northeast along I-4 and then I-95 to the nation’s oldest city. (Yes, you read that right!) While St. Augustine offers sweet coastal charm any time of year, during the winter, the Nights of Lights festival makes the city shine. Grab a horse-drawn carriage tour for the best view of it all.
Nashville to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
From the heart of Music City to Dolly Parton’s favorite town, this four-hour trip passes through some of the most scenic parts of the mountain southeast — and of course, once you end up in Gatlinburg, it’ll be an easy drive to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s even more beautiful dusted with winter snow!
Midwest Holiday Routes
If you’re lucky enough to call the heart of it all home, here are some road trips that’ll bring wonder to your winter
Chicago to Galena, Illinois
Leave behind the Windy City to enjoy small-town festivities, snow-covered hills, and wide-open spaces. If you’re looking to enjoy winter sports, head to Chestnut Mountain for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and more.
Kansas City to Branson, Missouri
Three hours south from Kansas City, find yourself in the gateway to the Ozarks, and immediately adjacent to plenty of fun to-dos from Silver Dollar City to enjoying a show in the Theatre District. You’ll also find drive-through holiday light shows, not to mention the sprawling expanse of Table Rock Lake to the west. What’s not to love?
Cincinnati to Hocking Hills, Ohio
Easily one of the midwest’s best-kept secrets, Hocking Hills State Park offers plenty of on-site camping options, along with scenic hikes featuring frozen waterfalls and ancient stone cliffs. If you’re looking for a more rugged winter adventure away from it all, this one’s for you.
Southwest Sunshine Escapes
Who hasn’t dreamed of enjoying a sunshine-y winter holiday in the American southwest? Here are three of our favorite routes across its deserts and plains.
Phoenix to Sedona, Arizona
If you’re hoping to hike over the winter but still stay warm — not to mention long, cozy nights gazing at the stars that punctuate a black sky above a red-rock background — Sedona has all of that to offer and more. (And by more, we mean plenty of spas, art galleries, and of course its famous Vortexes, along with nearby Coconino National Forest.)
Dallas to Fredericksburg, Texas
Four hours south from Dallas, you’ll have the chance to explore German-inspired Christmas markets and experience Texas Hill Country wine tastings. If you’re brave and balanced, you could also try on a pair of blades at the Eisbahn outdoor ice skating rink!
Las Vegas to Zion National Park, Utah
For campers who want both rugged adventure and mild temperatures, starting out in Las Vegas and winding your way out to Zion National Park is a perfect compromise. Along with seeing some of the most stunning views in the American southwest, you’ll also get to enjoy one of its most popular national parks with far fewer strangers crowding your photos.
West Coast Winter Wonders
Many who live on the west coast call it the best coast, even if they haven’t explored all of its many stunning features. Here are a few routes to expand your Pacific horizons this winter.
Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake, California
Not every major American city can boast such close proximity to truly rugged wildernesses, but not every major American city is Los Angeles. Depending on traffic, getting out to Big Bear Lake, the crowning jewel of San Bernardino National Forest, will take you about three hours. It’ll also take you entirely out of the rushed city environment and into a more relaxed holiday spirit.
San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Another classic for city-dwellers hoping to get away from it all, driving from the Bay Area out to Lake Tahoe winds you past Tahoe National Forest, Eldorado National Forest, and plenty of other stunning scenery. Once you arrive, hit the slopes or relax in the hot springs and enjoy the holiday village vibe.
Seattle to Leavenworth, Washington
Did you know there’s a Bavarian-style village just two hours east of Seattle? Even if you did, what better time to visit it (and enjoy a warm pretzel and cold beer) than the holiday season? Leavenworth leads when it comes to family-friendly charm.
Tips for Planning a Local or Regional RV Holiday Trip
Ready to get going on your holiday travels? These insider tips make for a happy and hassle-free adventure, no matter where you’re headed.
Stay Closer to Home
Longer isn’t always better, especially during the busy holiday season when family gatherings and parties with friends may be filling up your schedule. Even a quick two- or three-day road trip can feel like a major escape, and staying closer to home can help the trip stay light on your budget as well.
Choose Scenic Routes
State and national parks, tiny towns with sweet holiday markets and winter-time parades, and stands of snow-covered trees all make winter road tripping way more than worth it. Even if it takes a few extra hours, go for the scenic route and enjoy the whole journey, not just the destination.
Bring Festive Comforts Along
One of the coolest things about RV travel is that you have full flexibility to bring along just about anything you want! String lights, a mini Christmas tree, and cozy holiday-themed blankets all make your rig feel like your home away from home. Honestly, even a favorite holiday playlist can substantially raise the winter cheer vibe.
Plan for the Weather
Winter traveling does have some safety-related caveats, including opting for winter tires, ensuring you have antifreeze and double-checking that your heat pump or furnace is up and working (depending on the region you’re traveling in, of course). Just make sure that whatever you go and wherever you’re headed, you take the weather into consideration.
Think Through the Length of Your Trip
Although shorter trips can make a big splash, longer trips can offer more leeway for exploration. Here are our rules of thumb:
- Local getaways: 2–4 days
- Regional adventures: 5–10 days
Make the Journey Your Holiday Tradition
Road tripping your holiday travels this year means less stress, more flexibility, and if you play your cards right, even new traditions on the road. Turn “holiday travel near me” into a holiday adventure with your loved ones — an adventure you’ll want to repeat year after year.
Skip the airport this year. Find RV rentals near you and create your own holiday road trip tradition with RVshare.
