Twenty Eight Million Americans Choose RV Winter Travel

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • Approximately 28 million Americans plan to travel by RV this winter, marking a 33% increase from 2024.
  • Nearly four in ten leisure travelers plan an RV trip next year, with high numbers expected during both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Z, are driving future RV purchase interest due to its perceived affordability and flexibility.
  • A significant portion of RV owners plan to use their vehicles as guest quarters when visiting family to reduce holiday crowding.

A substantial 28 million Americans are projected to choose recreational vehicle (RV) travel for their holiday trips this winter, representing a significant 33% increase compared to 2024, according to a survey by the RV Industry Association. This rise is attributed to factors like economic uncertainty and unpredictable travel logistics, as RVing offers cost-effectiveness, schedule flexibility, and a means to bypass congested airports and expensive flights.

RV travel is clearly being embraced as a solution for holiday accommodations. Nine million Americans plan to use RVs for Thanksgiving travel, and seven million plan to do so for Christmas. Furthermore, more than half of RV owners plan to stay in their RVs while visiting family for Thanksgiving, with a nearly equal number doing so for Christmas, often using the vehicle as a mobile guest suite to reduce holiday crowding.

Younger generations are key drivers in the RV market’s growth. Gen Z (35%) and Millennials (32%) demonstrate the highest RV purchase consideration for 2026, viewing it as an affordable, flexible, and tech-friendly way to explore. Road trips, specifically those lasting four to seven hours from home, are the top reason for this winter travel, and 40% of RVers plan to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist in trip planning and finding campgrounds.

The popularity of RVing also benefits local economies, as 70% of RVers anticipate taking three or more trips next year, with an average spending of approximately $1,500 per trip. Additionally, RVing is highlighted as the most pet-friendly travel option this season, with 67% of RVers planning to bring their pets along on their winter adventures.