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Vail, CO – November 2021
/ Newsmaker Alert / Harvest
Hosts, a membership program giving RVers access to unique camping options,
today reveals its latest survey showing that RVers are traveling later
into the season, despite being more comfortable with the idea of flying
in comparison with this summer. However, travelers are remaining cautious
and considering “trip stacking” with road travel as an optimal backup for
any plans involving flights, especially holiday-related travel. Overall,
the findings show strong interest in road travel throughout 2021 and continued
growth looking ahead to 2022. RVers are making investments in their rigs
and building their holiday wish lists to elevate their next road trip.
“RVing
has taken off, experiencing record interest over the last two years. The
allure of the open road has struck a chord with American travelers, and
enthusiasm for RVing is continuing to grow year over year,” says Joel Holland,
CEO of Harvest Hosts. “Despite the rising gas prices, people are increasing
the number of road trips they’re taking each year, and more RVers than
ever are now planning to keep their RVs out later into the season or even
year-round.”
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Extending the
RVing Season - It is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
In
the last year, RVers discovered the RVing season does not need to be limited
to just a few warm months. Many took more trips in the last year, and rather
than retiring their RV when cold weather hits, they’re prolonging the season
or even keeping it going all year long.
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Forty
percent of respondents took more than five road trips in an RV during 2021.
RVing is typically a more spontaneous mode of travel, but as road travel
grows in popularity and campground spaces become more competitive, 23%
of RVers are opting to plan out their trips 1-3 months in advance.
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The campground
shortage this past summer impacted 41% of respondents. However, 48% of
Harvest Hosts members reported they were not impacted by the shortage -
as Harvest Hosts provides additional options for RVers other than traditional
campgrounds.
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More than
half of respondents (63%) are planning to travel in their RVs later into
the season than usual. Around one-fourth (26%) are now looking to keep
their RVs out year-round, enjoying the adventure of the RV life all year
long.
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Part of
the allure of RVing and a strong incentive to keep it as a travel option
year-round is the safety and convenience given the fluctuating travel restrictions
and guidelines. While many travelers faced last-minute cancelations in
the last year, nearly two-thirds of RVers (63%) did not need to cancel
any of their road trips in the last six months.
RVers Wishing for
Lower Gas Prices for the Holidays - Slip a Fuel Card Under the Tree
RVers
are spending more time on the road than ever, and this holiday season,
they’re not eyeing a new sweater. With gas prices soaring to a seven-year
high on Tuesday, almost a quarter (24%) say that gas prices have impacted
their travel plans in the last few months. Many are wishing for lower gas
prices, or the next best thing - a gas gift card to help soften the blow.
In
addition, road travelers are looking to modify their RVs and elevate their
next road trip adventure. According to the road trip enthusiasts surveyed,
here are the other top items RVers are wishing for this year:
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BBQ /
Blackstone Grill
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Dash Cam
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Fire Pit
/ Solo Stove
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LevelMate
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Solar
Panels
Flying vs. Driving
- Oh What Fun it is to Ride in an RV
Travelers
are becoming more comfortable with the idea of flying again, especially
as COVID-19 vaccine distribution increases and travel restrictions are
easing globally. Many are still planning ahead and taking precautions,
often making arrangements for a backup trip in the event their original
plans fall through.
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When asked
about feeling safe flying, more than half of respondents (56%) said they
now felt safe. In comparison, only 19% of respondents felt comfortable
flying when asked about the topic in a summer travel survey.
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Even as
comfort in air travel returns, travelers remain cautious when making plans.
For any trips that require flying, 40% of respondents admitted they are
considering having a road trip planned as a backup.
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Looking
ahead to 2022, the majority of respondents (95%) will continue to travel
via RV in the coming year and 40% plan to fly at some point. For those
planning to RV, the current top travel destinations heading into the new
year are focused on warm-weather climates. As RVers head south for the
winter after a summer and fall of exploring the rest of the country, the
top states they’re planning to visit heading into 2022 include:
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Florida
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Arizona
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California
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Texas
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Oregon
Overall,
the survey shows a resurgence in travel and continued desire to explore
road travel options in the coming year. During the pandemic, people discovered
a passion for road travel and all that the open road has to offer -- seasoned
RVers taking longer trips and planning much later into the traditional
RVing season. Now, even as air travel regains its footing, many travelers
are still opting for road trips. The road ahead for RVing is looking bright.
For
more info, visit www.HarvestHosts.com.
About
Harvest Hosts
Harvest
Hosts is a membership club for RVers offering unique overnight stays at
over 5,700 locations all over North America – including more than 2,800
farms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, golf courses, museums, and other
scenic small businesses in addition to 2,850 Boondockers
Welcome community host locations. The company’s mission is to help
millions of people live happier lives through road travel, while supporting
wonderful small businesses along the way. To learn more, visit: www.HarvestHosts.com.
Media
Contact:
Stephanie
Baber
5WPR
for Harvest Hosts
212-999-5585 |