If you’re considering holiday RV travel this year, you’re in good company. Plenty of people travel by RV or motorhome to visit loved ones or to escape chilly climates for a warm Thanksgiving. This article will help you navigate all the challenges of holiday RV travel, from driving conditions to family dynamics to how on earth to cook a traditional meal in an RV kitchen.
- Why the holidays are the best time to travel
- Fall and holiday travel insights
- Halloween travel
- Thanksgiving travel
- Cooking holiday meals in an RV
- Best Thanksgiving destinations
- Christmas travel
- Best Christmas destinations
- Healthy holiday tips for travel
- Holiday RV safety tips
This post contains affiliate links. RVshare may receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on a product or service link.
Why the Holidays are the Best Time to Travel
Summer may be a popular time for road trips, but holiday RV travel is also fun and popular. Here are a few reasons why.
Necessity
You may have to travel over the holidays anyway. Families all over the country are trying to get themselves all in one place to celebrate. This makes the winter season a popular time to hit the road. And holiday RV travel means you don’t have to continually pack and unpack each night on the road. Also, if you can moochdock in your loved ones’ driveway, you have a guaranteed place to stay. You also have some extra room during a possibly crowded visit.
A Seasonal Change
Summer travels are long over by December. And after a fall of school, work, and extracurricular activities, everyone may be ready for a change. Travel shakes things up. It also allows families bonding time together and a chance to disconnect from their busy lives for a bit.
New Scenery
Warm seasons are a good time to explore, but travel during the fall and winter brings its own beauty. See the changing leaves during the fall months, or enjoy snow-covered landscapes in December. You can get outdoors just about any time of year, as long as you have the right clothing!
Fall and Holiday Travel Insights
RVshare surveyed RVshare surveyed 1,200 active RVshare renters in late August, ranging from the age of 25-89 to see what their holiday 2024 travel plans were. Here’s what we found:
- Overall Fall Travel: Despite a quieter Labor Day, 77% of respondents plan to travel at some point this fall. More than half are opting for shorter trips lasting less than a week.
- Frequent Fall Trips: Over half of those surveyed are planning to take multiple trips throughout the fall and holiday season.
- Driving to Holiday Destinations: A majority of respondents (53%) said they will be driving to their holiday destinations this year. Just 20% who will be flying. Interestingly, half of the respondents prefer driving because they find it more enjoyable than other modes of travel.
- Top Influencers: The key factors influencing fall and holiday travel plans are cost (42%), followed by convenience (23%) and comfort (19%).
- Domestic vs. International Travel: A significant 72% of respondents will not be traveling internationally this fall or winter.
- RV Trips for the Holidays: An impressive 75% of respondents would consider taking an RV trip this holiday season, either for leisure or to visit family.
- Preference for Road Trips: Nearly half (44%) of the respondents are more likely to choose RV or road trip travel for their next fall or holiday vacation.
These insights show that while travelers may face uncertainties and challenges, there remains a strong appetite for exploration and adventure.
Halloween Travel
Late October is an amazing time to travel. The fall leaves are in full glory in many areas, and the weather is cool without being downright cold. There are a number of great Halloween destinations that are perfect for RVing. Many of them even have events and parties to celebrate the day.
If you enjoy handing out candy or taking your own kids trick-or-treating, you don’t have to stop just because you’re camping, either. Plenty of campgrounds are friendly and helpful communities where campers enjoy handing out candy. Some campgrounds, like various KOAs and Jellystone Parks, even organize family-friendly events for the evening.
Thanksgiving Travel
Lots more people hit the road for Thanksgiving! Whether you’re packing up to spend the holiday with extended family or simply aiming to get away from it all, these road trips are way better in an RV. You’ll have the opportunity to stay close to family … but with a little elbow room. You also have the ability to cook all your holiday favorites or free up the main kitchen by cooking some sides in your RV.
Here’s how to enjoy a successful Thanksgiving on the road, along with some of the best Thanksgiving destinations to consider.
Cooking Holiday Meals in an RV
If you’re staying near friends and family, having an extra kitchen in your RV can help to free up space in the main house kitchen. But if you won’t have a larger kitchen nearby, it’s still possible to cook your holiday meal in your rig.
You may need to check the size of your roast to make sure it will fit in your RV oven. You’ll also have to plan out how and when to cook all of the sides and desserts you’ll want for your meal. You can make some things ahead of time and save them for the big day. Also, consider other methods of cooking along with your RV oven. Maybe make some dishes – or even the main roast – on a grill or outdoor deep fryer. You may want to bring along an Instant Pot or slow cooker to handle some dishes. You could also consider a combination of homemade and grocery store-prepared dishes. Make the treasured family dishes yourself, and outsource some of the others.
How to Entertain a Big Family in a Small Camper
Even if you’re confident you can make the meal in your small RV, you may not be so sure about actually eating it. If you’ve got a large extended family, the idea of fitting them all into a 40-foot RV can be overwhelming… or even downright alarming.
But even if you’ve got a lot of guests to consider, you can entertain them comfortably with your motorhome or travel trailer as a base, so long as you prepare. Here are a few ideas to make the big day a little smoother.
- Head outdoors. Depending on where you’re camping, the weather might be perfect for enjoying a Thanksgiving meal al fresco. You might even be able to drag over a picnic table from an empty campsite for more seating.
- Go casual. If you trade your traditional, sit-down Thanksgiving for a lower-key, finger-food affair, folks can circulate and eat at their leisure. Which means you don’t need to seat fifteen people all at the same time.
- Consider a caravan. Camping can be a great way to bring the whole family together in a middle space, rather than having everyone travel to one family member’s city. If everyone brings their own camper, there’s plenty of room for cooking, dining, and mingling. And you get to have your privacy once the meal’s over!
If you have a big group, check out our tips for entertaining in small spaces. It’s easier than you might think!
Best Thanksgiving Destinations
Here are a few Thanksgiving travel ideas to consider, whether you’re looking for quick weekend getaways or longer-term November travel.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
How better to celebrate America’s first feast than in the very city where it took place almost 400 years ago? Plymouth does Thanksgiving with fervor, offering patriotic concerts, a parade, and waterfront tours.
And if you don’t want to recreate the banquet yourself, you’ve got plenty of catered options. The Plimoth Plantation historical park offers a low-key (but delicious) homestyle buffet or an educational “Story of Thanksgiving” dinner experience.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Williamsburg, Virginia
If you want to get an authentic taste of colonial life, head to Colonial Williamsburg. Actors will introduce you to colonial life in the 1600s. (Plus, there’s disagreement over Thanksgiving’s origin story; some historians argue that this was the site of the actual first feast.)
Of course, the self-declared world’s largest living history museum has a ton of entertainment and education to offer no matter when you visit. But with the spread they put out for the big day, there’s plenty of reason to make Williamsburg your Thanksgiving destination.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Williamsburg, Virginia.
Charleston, South Carolina
If you’re looking for a place to thaw out, this southern gem is worth your consideration.
With daytime temperatures hovering in the 50s and 60s, the weather is not too hot and not too cold – perfect for meandering Charleston’s charming city streets. Snap a quick photo in front of the famous Rainbow Row before grabbing dinner at one of the many world-renowned restaurants. (What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than a feast with no work required?)
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Charleston, South Carolina.
Saint Petersburg, Florida
If a beachside Thanksgiving is calling your name, look no further than Florida’s Gulf Coast. Despite its sleepy demeanor, Saint Pete packs a serious punch when it comes to art and culture, including the largest and most extensive collection of Salvador Dali artwork in the world.
For the big night, you could crank up your RV oven… or head to one of this beach town’s many world-class eateries. There are ample culinary opportunities to explore in what the locals call “the ‘Burg.” And the 70-degree weather is a bonus.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Redwood National Park, California
Although this California national park might not have the big-name star power of Death Valley or Yosemite, it’s hard to beat if you’re looking for nature to give you some perspective. Wandering through a redwood forest that’s home to some of the tallest trees on earth will make you feel like you’ve been through a shrink-ray… or as if you’re a fairy in an ancient, magical thicket.
And late fall is a great time to visit this part of California, where temperatures are just chilly enough to keep you in the holiday spirit without freezing you to the bone. Be sure to bring a waterproof layer, as the area gets a lot of rain.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Redwood National Park, California.
Christmas Travel
If you’re already planning to make a Christmas getaway road trip, an RV can be a game-changer. Rather than spending the most magical day of the year in a characterless hotel room, you can be cozied up with your family in your own private space, complete with Christmas decorations, games, and delicious Yuletide treats.
Just as with Thanksgiving, it takes a little bit of planning to pull off Christmas on the road.
Keeping Holiday Traditions When You’re Traveling
If you’re used to putting on a big production for Christmas, complete with ornate displays of intricate decorations, you might wonder how you can translate that to the RV life. After all, even in a large Class A motorhome, you’re dealing with a pretty limited space; you may not have room for a full-sized Christmas tree or piles of carefully wrapped presents.
But one of the best things about RVing is that it forces you to downsize and reevaluate what really matters. And there are ways to shrink down your traditional Christmas adornment to a trailer-friendly scale without giving up any of the holiday spirit.
So maybe instead of a full-sized Douglas fir, you opt for a tabletop version. And to decorate the tree, look for shatterproof ornaments that can stand up to the rigors of travel. Other easy ways to decorate include battery-operated light strands for either indoors or out, window decals, and even a simple bowl full of candy canes. You can decorate the outside of your rig with some festive icicle lights as well.
As for presents, maybe instead of lots of toys, games, and gadgets, each person gets one really good gift… and you save the money to use on exploring new destinations.
Best Christmas Destinations
Christmas trips come in all forms, from trips to bring the family together to cozy romantic getaways. No matter what you’re after, here are some of our best Christmas vacation ideas — for families, couples, and even solo adventurers.
Saint Augustine, Florida
If the oldest city in America isn’t already on your travel bucket list, it should be — and with one of the largest and most elaborate Christmas light displays in the world, there’s no better time to visit.
Aside from taking in the splendor of Nights of Lights, a trip to Saint Augustine promises a wealth of other festive opportunities. Meander around the town’s historic square, pausing for a photo with the oversized Christmas tree, or grab a toddy at The Ice Plant, a homegrown bar that’s been featured in a number of nationwide top-ten lists.
Once you’ve had enough of city life, the beach will be waiting to welcome you. In fact, if you camp at Anastasia State Park, you’ll almost be able to see the dunes from your doorway.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Saint Augustine, Florida.
Durango, Colorado
This southern Colorado town is perfect for outdoor adventurers. Whether you strap on your skis, suit up with your snowboard, or do some winter hiking, Durango is a one-stop shop for all sorts of icy excitement.
Even if you’re not the sporty type, there’s tons of family-friendly fun in this winter wonderland. Take a ride on the Polar Express. Enjoy the parade or sit back for a sleigh ride later in January during Durango’s five-day Snowdown celebration. Of course, you can also simply sip on hot cocoa from the comfort of your RV’s couch. (With lots of blankets and the furnace on, of course.)
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Durango, Colorado.
New York City, New York
New York City is an exciting, can’t-miss destination — and with its array of iconic holiday landmarks, Christmas is the perfect time to visit.
Whether you’re ice skating at Rockefeller Center or kicking back while the world-famous Rockettes kick up their heels, New York at Christmas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And if you can stick around, they throw a great New Year’s Eve party, too.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near New York City, New York.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, we have an idea: trade that snow-filled winter wonderland for the soft sand beaches of this central California coastal destination. They’re just as white, and a whole lot warmer.
Along with the opportunity to thaw from your hometown’s winter weather, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers an array of adorable boutiques, prestigious wine-tasting rooms, and some of the very best beaches in the country, including a dog-friendly one. Come see why Clint Eastwood decided to call this place home… and even once served as the town’s mayor.
Click here to see RVshare rentals in the Monterey Bay area of California.
Branson, Missouri
If your only experience with the Ozarks is the Netflix show of the same name, you’re missing out. This mountain-filled, south-midwestern landscape is easily one of America’s most underrated destinations.
And if you decide to visit during Yuletide, you’ll be treated to the kind of down-home party you’d expect from a heartland community. Already filled with tons of live shows, shopping, and dining destinations, the town comes alive with glittering lights during its annual Ozark Mountain Christmas.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Branson, Missouri.
San Diego, California
Whether you enjoy a catered holiday meal at one of the city’s many incredible hotels and restaurants or sit back on the sandy beach to the sound of the crashing Pacific, it’s hard to imagine a more scenic or serene place to spend Christmas. And yes, we know California’s expensive… which is why it’s so cool that the area offers more than 25 free holiday activities.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near San Diego, California.
McAdenville (AKA Christmas Town), North Carolina
You’d be forgiven for never having heard of this small North Carolina town, just half an hour west of downtown Charlotte. Its population barely tops 600… but this little community makes a seriously big deal at Christmas. They actually rename their city Christmas Town for the season!
Wander around the large lake at the center of the village and admire the locals’ dedication to their decorations. Time it right, and you can also experience the annual tree lighting or Yule log parade.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Christmas Town, North Carolina.
Healthy Holiday Tips for Travel
Travel during the holidays can seriously challenge your regular healthy lifestyle. With a plethora of goodies on offer, and normal exercise schedules thrown off for travel, it can be hard to feel like you’re staying healthy on the road.
Here are a few tips for a healthy lifestyle while you travel.
- Make simple swaps in your favorite holiday recipes. In many cases, recipes can be tweaked in simple ways to make them better for you. Swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream or olive oil for butter. Also, make sure that along with the delicious desserts and sides, you have an array of fruits and veggies to keep you feeling good.
- Find fun ways to move. Winter brings all sorts of opportunities to get outside. Bundle up for a walk around town to see the lights or head out into the mountains for an epic day of skiing. Don’t forget about snow angels and snowball fights — just because something’s fun doesn’t mean it’s not exercise!
- Instead of denial, try moderation. Healthy living doesn’t mean never eating a cookie in your life. It just means eating a moderate helping. And if you do, don’t beat yourself up over it. Health is about lots of choices over a long period of time, not one decision.
- Make sure to find time to retreat and recharge. As wonderful as it is to spend time with loved ones you might not get to see very often, the holidays can also be busy and stressful. That goes double if you’re sharing a small space, like an RV. Finding time to get grounded and centered is just as essential to your health as eating well and exercising. Check out this post on great yoga poses for RVers, which will help relax both mind and body. If you’ve got a full house (or mobile home), check out this post on finding personal space inside a small camper.
Holiday RV Safety Tips
No matter what time of year you travel, safety comes first. Safety-conscious RVers will carry an up-to-date emergency kit on board. A kit should include basic first aid, roadside repair tools, and extra potable water.
But when you’re traveling during the holidays, it’s important to take some extra precautions to keep your family safe. Winter driving can make the roads slippery and extra treacherous, and increased traffic can increase the chance of collisions.
Here are some basic holiday safety tips to keep in mind when you’re planning your holiday RV trip.
- Be prepared for winter driving. Even if you’re used to driving on icy roads in a regular car, you’ll need to up your vigilance to tackle those frigid highways in an RV. With so much weight behind you, stopping on a slippery road becomes even more difficult. Depending on your rig and where you’re headed, you may need to invest in snow chains or snow tires. And no matter what vehicle you’re driving, you’ll always want to leave yourself plenty of extra stopping space. Here are seven pro tips for driving an RV in winter weather.
- Holiday celebrations mean lots of alcohol… so be on the lookout for drunk drivers. Not all road hazards are weather-related. In fact, other drivers can be one of the deadliest factors when it comes to traffic accidents. Given that the holidays are about celebrating, it’s likely many people will imbibe, and they may not stay off the road afterward. While you should always have your eyes peeled for drunk drivers, it’s even more critical to stay alert during the winter holiday season. In fact, on major holidays, it might be a better idea to avoid the road entirely.
- Reserve your campsite early. While spontaneity is fun, you always run the risk of not having a place to camp for the night. That’s doubly true during the popular holiday travel season. Although it may be convenient to call it a night in a Walmart or Cracker Barrel parking lot, it’s not always the most secure – or festive – camping situation.
Make sure your RV is properly winterized! Your rig’s pipes can freeze just like the ones at home, and a breakdown in freezing winter temperatures can be more than just an inconvenience. From the proper use of RV antifreeze to tips on staying snug as a bug even in a small travel trailer, we’ve got the information you need to safely camp in the winter weather.
Ready to Take a Holiday Road Trip?
Whether it’s a spooky Halloween getaway, a satisfying Thanksgiving on the road, or a Christmas journey your family will remember forever, holiday RV travel isn’t just possible; it’s an amazing way to experience your favorite traditions. When you spend the holidays in a camper, you’ll be able to enjoy the best parts of holiday travel — quality time with loved ones and a renewed sense of wonder — without worrying about the hassles that come with other types of trips. (Such as missing your flight!)
No matter where you’re headed or how you get there, we hope you have a safe, relaxing, and joyful holiday experience.
