Welcome to our travel trend report, where we utilize internal data as well as survey results from travelers to gain insights into what the future of travel holds.
This past year travelers favorited the Grand Canyon, Black Rock City in Nevada, and The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. They also continue to appreciate delivery, with a 14% lift in bookings that requested delivery on the RVshare platform year-over-year.
Looking ahead to 2024, we’ve interviewed travelers to get more insight into what kind of trips they’re planning. Will they be traveling for the solar eclipse? Do they want trips that are filled to the brim with adventure, or perhaps something a little more low-key? Will they be trying out an RV trip for the first time? We’re thrilled that more than half (54%) of travelers interviewed are likely to consider renting an RV for a trip next year and 57% are planning to take a road trip or vacation in an RV in the next 12 months. Delivery is as in-demand as ever, with 78% of travelers more likely to consider an RV if the RV is delivered to their destination. Luckily, many of the owners on the RVshare platform offer delivery, so if driving or towing a vehicle isn’t your thing, we’ve got you covered!
We’re excited to share more of the trends we’re seeing for the new year, let’s dive in!
Overall RV Travel Interest is High
In a 3-year trend, 86% are planning to travel at least as much this year as last, including 44% who plan to increase travel this year. As the post-pandemic increase in travel is apparent, it’s more prevalent in younger generations with 58% of Millennials and 53% of Gen Z.
While nearly the same amount of Americans year-over-year are planning to travel in 2024, 57% said they are planning a road trip or vacation in an RV within the next 12 months, which is nearly flat compared to data from 2022 and a 9% increase from 2021. Similar to last year, the population of those who are planning to RV in 2024 tends to skew towards a younger crowd, with a 9% increase for Gen Z travelers.
Trending Destinations
According to RVshare insights, after a summer with heavy international travel and bucket list trips, 35% of Americans are planning more domestic travel in 2024, While many travelers checked off Europe on their travel wish list this summer, Travel Trend Report data reveals that now 62% are most excited about taking more relaxing trips to destinations away from crowds and well-known attractions, and just 24% are looking to plan more international trips in 2024.
Following a three-year trend, the Grand Canyon continues to be the number one destination for RV travelers. However, there are two new destinations that have made their way to the top charts this year, including The Gorge Amphitheatre in Quincy, Washington, and Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The introduction of these two top destinations has knocked off destinations from years past including Moab, Utah and San Diego, California’s Campland on the Bay Resort.
This year, RVshare observed the following top destinations for renters, of which many are predicted to continue into 2024:
- Grand Canyon, Arizona
- Black Rock City, Nevada
- The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Yosemite National Park, California
- The Gorge Amphitheatre in Quincy, Washington
- Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida
- Ginnie Springs, Florida
- Garner State Park, Texas
RV Delivery
First-time RV renters account for a large portion of bookings on RVshare. A factor that can deter inexperienced renters is the thought of having to physically drive the RV. xx amount of the vehicles on RVshare offer delivery, which is an increasingly popular amenity for many renters. In fact, there was a 14% lift in bookings that requested delivery on the RVshare platform year-over-year.
The Convenience of RV Travel
Travelers see many ways that RVs offer a more preferred method of transportation when compared to flying. When considering the cost and chaos that can accompany air travel, RV travel offers more flexibility and smooth sailing along the way. When asked why RV’s are a more preferred travel option:
- 58% said it’s because they have a greater ability to change the time schedule
- 50% say they don’t have to deal with loud or unruly passengers
- We’ve all seen the viral videos that spread like wildfire of the unruly passengers and chaotic flights. RVshare noticed a 3% increase year-over-year of travelers not wanting to deal with the drama that can ensue from air travel.
- 49% say because they have no fees for extra luggage
RV Use Expands Beyond Camping
Preferences for overnight accommodations between hotels and RVs continue to fluctuate for many Americans, but there are several specific use cases where RVs are preferred.
- 60% are likely to choose an RV for a trip to National Park
- 56% for a multi-day festival
- 44% for a tailgating event
While RVing might not always be needed for visiting family or is less preferred than hotels for other types of trips, RV travel allows travelers to put an emphasis on relaxing and getting away from crowds, which data shows is most important to them in 2024.
