Is RV travel truly the ultimate family vacation getaway? What makes this pastime so popular, with over 8 million RVs on the road in the US alone?

Good question, I thought. So, I decided to give myself a little writing assignment. 500 words or so. What, I asked myself, is so great about RV travel? Why are so many people, from all walks of life and from many countries around the world, hooked on the RV lifestyle? Is it really the ULTIMATE FAMILY VACATION? And if so, why? Well, I scratched my head a little, furrowed my brow, and finally . . . accepted the assignment.

A little research later, the answers were in. According to a recent study by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), approximately 1/12 of all US households currently own a RV. 1/12! That works out to something like 8 million on the road in the US alone! The mind boggles.

This trend points to the obvious - Americans and many other like-minded people around the world just love to hop into their RV and hit the road. Nowadays, many RV owners opt for trips of relatively short duration, closer to home, at a much higher frequency than just a few years ago.

That's the end result - but it doesn't answer the WHY? What advantages does the RV lifestyle offer? Why is RV travel so great?

A lot of it is based on what I call
CamperTrails' 3xf travel concept:
freedom, flexibility & fun

1

FREEDOM, FLEXIBILITY AND FUN
RV owners enjoy the flexibility and freedom to go where they want, when they want. That fits right in with CamperTrails' 3XF system (that's Freedom, Flexibility and Fun). No need to worry about inflexible schedules and luggage restrictions. No need to plan ahead and make arrangements. RVers are free to take it one day at a time. In other words, remain in one place or change your destination according to your mood. Or do both - it's your decision. Bottom line? Only you determine the view from your window!

2

COMFORT
With RV travel, you don't have to give up the comforts of home. You are free to enjoy small winding highways and byways, quaint country towns, state parks, mountainous terrain and all the beauty the outdoors has to offer. Modern motorhomes come fully equipped with kitchens and bathrooms, full home entertainment systems, air-conditioning and much more. Strap your mountain bikes or other outdoor sporting equipment onto the RV, and you're off to vacation heaven. As their name suggests (well, more than suggests, actually) Toy Hauler RVs are specially designed to allow RVers to take their toys - such as off-road vehicles on the road with them.

3

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY VACATION GETAWAY
It is great for family travel. Everyone is close by, parents can spend quality time with their kids, and many RVers feel that it is a great way to bond.

4

ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE
The RV can be permanently packed with all the heavy stuff, ready to go. Just pack a few clothes and your ready to hit the road. (The RV also makes a great storage space for extra garden furniture, back yard barbecue and other garden stuff. This tip courtesy of my wife.)

5

BUDGET
There's an RV for every taste and budget. Starting at around $4000, the sky is the limit. Nowadays especially, you can find great deals on used RVs. eBay always has a large offering, or just check your local classifieds - there are some great deals out there. These hard times dictate economic prudence - so buying a used RV or motorhome can be a wise decision. If you are contemplating a used RV, be sure to download our (free) used RV buying checklist.

6

THE LURE OF THE OPEN ROAD
When you go on a motorhome vacation, you get the freedom and beauty of the great outdoors - right on your doorstep. Enjoy the beaches, lakes and forests, the mountains, the flora and the fauna from up close - without ever giving up the comforts of home. What can beat that?

CLOSE TO NATURE
When you choose a motorhome vacation, you can get as close to nature as is physically possible. If Nature is your passion, RV travel is the best way to see the world

8

OUTDOOR SPORTS
RV travel is great for outdoor and extreme sports enthusiasts. Get immediate access to the sports you love: hiking, bicycling, kayaking, fishing, golfing, racing - or whatever you feel like.

Participant or spectator - the choice is yours!

9

ECONOMY
Cost comparison studies show that in many instances, RV or motorhome vacations are more economical than a comparable vacation by car, cruise ship or resort. When you travel by RV, even when you figure in RV amortization, gas costs, RV camper park costs, food, entertainment and amenities, RV travel costs are significantly less (by a whopping 74%, according to RVIA studies).

10

VERSATILITY
Motorhomes offer owners a wide range of versatility. In addition to camping and other outdoor recreational activities, they can be used for many additional purposes such as visiting special interest outdoor shows, tailgating at sporting events and much more.

Stonehenge, UK

Herod's Northern Palace,
Masada , Israel

Normandy, France

South Island,
New Zealand