RVshare 2023 Travel Trend Report

According to Wakefield Research, 99% of Americans are planning leisure travel in 2023, with 51% planning more than last year. Among them, 61% are planning on taking a road trip or vacation in an RV.

As Americans plan to book more leisure travel in the next year, RV interest has continued to grow with 62% likely to consider renting an RV for a trip in the future, a 9% jump from 2022.

50% of travelers claim that an RV is among their top three accommodation preferences.
Among the most interested parties? Parents! 81% of parents are likely to consider booking an RV trip in the future.

RVshare’s 2023 Travel Trend Report predicts another blockbuster year for travel. According to new research conducted by Wakefield Research, nearly all Americans (99%) are planning leisure travel in 2023. The RV travel boom continues to press on with 61% planning to take a road trip or vacation in an RV. Travelers are still seeking relaxation and time with family and friends, and work flexibility continues to evolve and become a more permanent lifestyle for many Americans, ultimately affecting their travel decisions

The RV Travel Boom Presses On

RV enthusiasts span age demographics as well, with Millennials being the most interested age group, followed by Gen X and Gen Z.

RV Travel Enters the Mainstream

The Rise of "Hush Trips"

Remote employees are leaning heavily into the “remote” aspect of their jobs by taking vacation time while continuing to work - maybe from a lounge chair by the pool or at a campground with strong Wi-Fi.

Introducing an RVshare-coined term, “Hush Trips,” when employees are still putting in the hours but working from an alternative location where they plan to enjoy leisure activities in their off-hours, and don’t feel the need to disclose their location. Nearly all remote-friendly workers are interested in sneaking in a vacation without calling off work when their travel accommodations allow.

56% Of all working adults say that they’re very or extremely likely to partake in a “Hush Trip.”
36% Of both Gen X and Millennials, of whom nearly all have remote jobs, claim to already have one planned for 2023.

2023 Travel Plans

Following two years of upheaval and unpredictability in the travel space, the Travel Trend Report revealed that Americans are evenly split on their travel plans for 2023.

Travelers are interested in RVs for a variety of vacation options, with the most common being road trips (62%), trips to National Parks or scenic Areas (61%), family camping trips (58%), and trips with friends (52%). The latter two saw large increases in interest over last year as well.

62% said road trips
61% said trips to National Parks or scenic areas
58% said family camping trips
52% said trips with friends
31% said RV delivery to an event or festival
21% traveling workspace and home school

RVing vs. Other Travel Methods

RV travel offers a level of comfort, flexibility and savings for travelers compared to other travel methods with fewer headaches along the way. According to Wakefield Research, nearly 3 in 5 highlight the ability to change their itineraries and schedules as a significant benefit to traveling by RV. Others focused on cost-related benefits, such as predictability in terms of travel costs and the elimination of fees for traveling with additional or extensive luggage.

Hassle-Free Delivery Entices RV Renters

Discovering New Places Among Top Factors for Travelers

Half of Americans say exploring and discovering new places is an important factor when deciding on their 2023 vacation plans.

58% of travelers are looking for beautiful scenery
53% are looking to visit state parks, national parks and nature reserves
50% are looking to visit beaches and coastal areas
46% are looking for outdoor activities

Attractions also remain important for travelers when choosing their destination:

44% say visiting friends and family is important to them
32% say visiting museums, art galleries, and historical sites
32% say attending music events and festivals

RV Use Cases Expand Beyond Camping

As Americans’ interest in RV travel increases, Wakefield Research reveals that travelers are seeking to experience RVs in new ways - beyond the typical road trip. According to RVshare insights, 20% of rentals are booked for event purposes like tailgating, auto and aviation shows, music festivals and more.

63% Say they’re very or 100% likely to stay in an RV for multi-day festivals - a 10% increase from 2022.
52% Say they’re very or 100% likely to stay in an RV for tailgating events - a 10% increase from 2022.
68% Say they’re very or 100% likely to stay in an RV for trips to National Parks - a 6% increase from 2022.
55% Say they’re very or 100% likely to stay in an RV for hobby events.

Burning Man - Black Rock City, NV
The Gorge Amphitheatre - George, WA
Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, FL
EAA AirVenture Airshow - Oshkosh, WI
Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega County, AL

RVshare’s Top Event Destinations:

RVshare is the largest online community for RV renters and owners. We celebrate more than 3 million nights renters have spent sleeping under the stars in the comfort of an RV from RVshare. Thanks to our more than 60,000 owners, renters can experience RV travel. At RVshare, we believe life is about moments and an RV trip should be one of them.

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Trends also seem to be evolving beyond the types of trips made popular during the pandemic. Wakefield Research reveals that 59% of travelers are still interested in relaxing and unwinding, but a 12% decline compared to 2022.

50% Are interested in spending quality time with family - a 7% decline compared to 2022.
47% Are seeking to enjoy nature and wildlife.
49% Prioritize the importance of enjoying peace and quiet.
34% Are placing importance on catching up with friends.

RVshare’s Top RV Travel Destinations

First-time RV renters account for one third of bookings on RVshare. A factor that can deter those inexperienced renters is the thought of having to physically drive the RV. RVshare provides the option for RV delivery, which continues to increase in popularity.

79% Say that the delivery option would make them more likely to consider an RV trip.
71% Of parents say they’re much more likely to consider an RV trip if the RV is delivered to their destination.

According to RVshare insights, 44% of RV rental travelers stay at a public or private campground. The top 2022 destinations for RVshare renters are:

Grand Canyon National Park - AZ
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness - Lake Buena Vista, FL
Las Vegas, NV
Burning Man - Black Rock City, NV
Yosemite National Park - CA
Ginnie Springs, FL
Zion National Park - Springdale, UT
Campland on the Bay - San Diego, CA
Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, FL
The Gorge Amphitheatre - George, WA

Americans Are Eager to Travel Despite Economic Concerns

Survey results reveal that the economy won’t be stopping vacationers anytime soon. Inflation is unavoidable, but just 2% are likely to cancel their vacation because of it. In fact, 88% of Americans are planning to travel as much or more in 2023 compared to last year. Instead, travelers are considering cost-cutting options.

57% Would look to cook some of their own meals instead of dining out.
49% Would travel during the offseason.
43% Would partake in fewer fee-based activities.

2023 Motivators for Leisure Travel

RVshare Delivery

According to RVshare insights, nearly half of RV rentals were delivered in 2022, and RV rental deliveries are up increasingly compared to prior years:

+48% since 2021.
+150% since 2020.

Top Delivery Destinations

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort - Lake Buena Vista, FL - 12% growth compared to 2021
Campland on the Bay - San Diego, CA
Ginnie Springs Outdoors - High Springs, FL
Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, FL
Georgia National Fairgrounds - Perry, GA
Lazy L&L Campground - New Braunfels, TX