RVing Ranked Among Safest Travel Options, According To A New Survey
RVs have been a popular method of travel ever since their invention. Everyone who loves camping in RVs understands their appeal, but these vehicles are only getting more and more popular as the world continues to adapt to the effects of COVID-19. New research has shown that travelers consider RV travel to be twice as safe as other options, such as staying in a hotel or resort.
This is big news for the world of campers, and it could indicate greater changes in the future. If more people are interested in buying or renting RVs and driving them around the country, we could see a greater increase in industry innovation, competitive trailer design, and nationwide campsite improvements.
COVID-19’s effect on RV travel
The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted several industry patterns. Unfortunately, many people and businesses faced difficult financial crises during this time. However, one sector that thrived was the world of RV travel!
As nationwide quarantines and social distancing protocols were put into place, many people became restless and stir-crazy. They couldn’t get out and about in their communities, and it was more difficult to travel by airplane. In order to enjoy time outdoors and travel in a safer way, many people turned to RVs.
Experienced campers and new ones alike caught the fever. Spring is usually a popular time for RV sales, but manufacturers noticed a distinct increase during the early months of 2020. Many people were buying their first camper ever, while others were purchasing upgraded models.
“…the months of June, July, August, and September have all seen a boom that has surpassed 2019’s shipment numbers with no signs of an incoming downturn.”
businessinsider.com
Before the rise of COVID-19, sales had been holding steady, if not dipping slightly. But now the sales are still up by more than 30% and they don’t show any sign of dropping soon!
It was difficult for some manufacturers to keep up with customer demand and the orders kept flooding in. Some prices had to be raised to meet this increased demand, but most customers still thought it was worth it to buy an RV. An article from The Wall Street Journal has noted that prices are higher now, but the demand is stronger than ever.
Although the sales might have lost a bit of steam in the preceding years, the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak might show some long-term benefits for the recreational industry. People are picking up new hobbies during this time and many have discovered a love of traveling and camping.
Benefits of traveling in an RV
People consider RVs to be one of the safest ways to travel. RVs enable travelers to bring their living space on the road with them, without the contamination risk that comes from visiting hotels, resorts, or Airbnbs. Let’s explore some of the top reasons why RV travel is considered to be safer than other options.
Social distancing
Many COVID-19 restrictions have been loosening as vaccines roll out, but social distancing is still highly encouraged in most places. This has made it hard for people to plan vacations, particularly in popular locations where it will be hard to distance from large groups of people.
RVs are a great solution to this problem! They enable people to travel and visit new places without dealing with crowded living spaces and lots of people. RVs offer fairly small floor plans, but you can rest assured that you’ll be properly separated from other travelers.
Stay within your bubble
Many families and friend groups have formed “quarantine bubbles” over the course of the lockdowns. These small groups have ensured that they only have contact with each other and not outside sources where they could be exposed to diseases. These bubbles enjoy peace of mind, but sometimes they want to have fun too!
RVs provide an avenue for quarantine bubble groups to travel together, while still enjoying each other’s company. You can only fit so many people inside a car for a road trip, but campers expand your group capacity. Many people have enjoyed traveling in these safe, small groups and exploring the country as they go.
Easy outdoor access
Another major draw of RV travel is the great outdoors! We’ve all been spending a lot more time cooped up inside, and most people are ready to hit the road and get some fresh air.
RVs are popular due to their versatility. You can drive them just about anywhere, park, and go on an adventure. You don’t have to go home at the end of the day either, because you’ve got a pre-made campsite everywhere you go. Camping and RV travel are wonderful methods to help you enjoy the outdoors and work off some extra energy. This is especially helpful for families with young kids! No group has been more affected by quarantine procedures than them.
Clean to your own standards
Finally, RVs give you the freedom to clean and sanitize them as you see fit. When you stay at a hotel or Airbnb, you have to take their word for it that it’s clean. RVs give you a lot more control, and you can sanitize them as often as you like.
You’ll also be aware of how many people there are, if anyone is sick, and you’ll know if anyone new comes into the camper. This kind of knowledge can give you a lot of peace of mind if you’re worried about maintaining a clean living space.
The future of RV travel
2020 was a big year for the RV industry. Lots of experienced travelers dusted off their RVs, while new hobbyists bought their first campers. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that the future is difficult to predict. However, it seems that the pandemic has introduced a large new market to the joys of RV camping.
The recreational market has seen a big boom in 2020, and the trends are holding steady for 2021 as well. It’s quite likely that the initial market boom will calm down eventually, but there will be a larger customer base and demand moving forward. It’s a good time to be a part of the RV world because it’s on the rise!
Related Articles:
