Why RV’ing

Research Shows RV’ers Save on Vacations

source: Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, RVIA

A new study shows that RV vacations cost substantially less than other forms of vacation travel, even when factoring in fuel prices and the cost of RV ownership. For a four-person travel party, the study found savings of 27-62%; a two-person travel party saved 15-48%.

The research was conducted by PKF Consulting USA, and com­missioned by RVIA. It updates previous vacation cost comparison studies done by PKF.

The PKF study provides a vacation cost analysis using two sets of hypothetical travel parties: a 4-person travel party of two adults and two children, and a 2-person travel party of two adults.

PKF analyzed major costs these hypothetical travelers would incur taking nine different types of vacations to nine popular vacation destinations. For each destination, researchers analyzed vacations last 3, 7 and 14 days.

The study compared different methods of travel, including a folding camping trailer, a lightweight travel trailer, a compact motorhome, a type C motorhome, and a type A motorhome. The type A motorhome was used for comparison vs. first-class travel options such as flying first class, renting a premium car, staying in upscale hotels/resorts, and eating meals in restaurants. The other RV’s studied were compared with more modest travel arrangements to more closely identify with the average American vacationer.

RV travel emerged as having a clear economic advantage over other forms of travel, regardless of the RV type. Below is what a four-person travel party could expect to save:

• Folding camping trailer – 47-62%

• Lightweight travel trailer – 34-53%

• Compact motorhome – 27-48%

• Type C motorhome – 28-48%

• Type A motorhome – 38%

A two-person travel party also saved, according to the analysis:

• Folding camping trailer – 38-48%

• Lightweight travel trailer – 23-36%

• Compact motorhome – 19-32%

• Type C motorhome – 15-28%

• Type A motorhome – 14%

As part of its analysis, PKF considered how fluctuating fuel prices might affect vacation costs. Their findings showed that fuel prices would have to reach more than $12 per gallon for a four-person travel party before RVing would begin to lose its economic advantage over other forms of travel. For a two-person travel party, fuel would have to reach $6 per gallon.

Study Shows RV Vacations Least Expensive

Even during record-breaking fuel price periods, typical RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a new study comparing vacation costs.  PKF Consulting, an international consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, found that “typical RV family vacations are on average 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied.”  Even factoring in RV ownership and fuel costs, the study reveals that RV family vacations tend to be significantly less expensive than other types of vacations.

PKF analyzed major costs that would be incurred by a family of four taking eight different types of vacations for three, seven, 10 or 14 days to such popular travel destinations as the Grand Canyon, Cape Cod, and Napa, CA.

Study confirms cost-effectiveness of RV travel

source: RVeNEWS Contributor

OTTAWA – A recent study released by Go RV’ing Canada found typical family RV vacations to be up to 75 percent less expensive per day than the other types of trips. Several forms of travel were compared, and in all cases, RV vacations were more economical than other types of travel, regardless of trip duration, distance or region of the country where the vacation took place.

“This study confirms what we have been saying for years now,” said Jeff Redmond, chairman of Go RVing Canada. “RV vacations represent the most economical way for families to travel and see the beautiful country that we live in. In today’s economic environment, people need to know that RVs represent an adventurous form of travel that is more cost-conscious than any other vacation.

Great RV and RV’ing Websites

TRVA – Texas Recreational Vehicle Association – www.trva.org
Recreational Vehicle Industry of America – www.rvia.org
Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association – www.rvda.org
National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds – www.arvc.org
Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association – www.rptia.org
Texas Travel Industry Association – www.ttia.com
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – tpwd.texas.gov
Texas Association of Campground Owners – www.texascampgrounds.com
Go RVing – www.gorving.com