Today's fast-paced life often leaves busy parents searching for opportunities to spend quality time together as a family. Increasingly, families are discovering that vacationing in an RV is the best way to cement family relationships while having a great time. "Bringing the family closer together was the top answer for parents when asked what are the most important benefits of family RV camping in "Campfire Canvass," a semi-annual nationwide survey of a random sample of RV owners by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Other highly ranked responses were "providing a learning experience," "teaching kids to respect nature," "broadening their horizons," and "developing wholesome values." In a recent research study conducted by Louis Harris and Associates, nine out of 10 current RV owners said RVs are the best way to travel with the family. Perhaps even more significant, 62 percent of survey respondents who have never owned an RV said they also thought that an RV is the best way to take a family trip. Why do RVs appeal to so many families? Most importantly, RVs allow parents to reestablish relationships with their children by removing life's daily distractions. On an RV trip, families are not faced with the interruptions of routine home life, yet they have all the comforts of home. RVing families are able to enjoy each other's company and kids are free to be themselves, without the distraction of soccer practice, swim team or piano lessons. Owning an RV also means every weekend can be a vacation, allowing quick getaways with minimal preparation and planning. According to Christine Loomis, travel editor of Family Life magazine, author of 11 children's books and mother of three, RV trips give families the opportunity for "do-nothing time." "It takes a lot of energy to cope with the hectic pace of everyday life," she said. "The entire family has to have time to put everything on hold, except the family relationship. The RV provides the means to hit the road, leave the daily routine and enjoy quality time together." Many parents also supplement their children's learning during their RV travels. The Campfire Canvass found that 43 percent of families cite visiting a historic location for educational purposes. Science and nature centers, zoos and museums were also frequently mentioned. To receive a free booklet full of RV, campground, rental and trip planning information, would-be RV vacationers can contact Go Camping America at P.O. Box 2669, Dept. 23, Reston, VA 22090; 800/47-SUNNY. "The RV provides the means to hit the road, leave the daily routine and enjoy quality time together." http://www.woodalls.com/output.cfm?ID=154531