15 Reasons To Join the RVing Craze (Yes, It’s Back)

Traveling by RV around the country to different national parks, campsites, and vacation destinations is becoming increasingly popular. 

Camping website The Dyrt found that nearly half of all campers prefer RVing to other methods of camping.

Before you book your next big getaway with your favorite travel credit card, consider these 15 reasons why more Americans are trying life on the open road.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic made remote work far more common, plenty of travel lovers decided to take advantage of being able to work from anywhere and take off.

With RV travel, you can drive to some of the country’s most beautiful sites (while always ensuring you have access to Wi-Fi).

Traveling with a pet on an airplane can be chaotic and stressful. Yet, many travelers would prefer not to leave their fur babies at home.

RVing is an excellent solution to the problem, with plenty of space for pets to spread out inside and plenty of access to exciting new destinations outside.

With the rise of social media came hashtags like #vanlife and online communities for those looking to live alternative lifestyles — and you don’t need to live in a van full-time to partake.

Many millennials are jumping at the opportunity to invest in an RV or van to open up new travel opportunities.

All sorts of mental health benefits are associated with spending more time outside.

RV life takes some of the stuffy and stressful steps out of travel, allowing for more wind in your hair and time spent exploring the open road and all the natural wonder surrounding it.

The RVing community tends to be open-minded, interested in freedom and alternative lifestyles, and welcoming to newcomers.

From social media hashtags to online forums, there are plenty of places to find fellow RVers (and they can be really helpful if you have questions about getting started).

Traveling by RV gives you a certain flexibility that traveling by air and planning to stay in hotels or Airbnbs just doesn’t allow.

You never have to worry about getting to an airport early, when you need to check in/check out, and so much more.

Many retirees have a slew of travel destinations on their bucket lists — which is probably why retirees make up a considerable chunk of RV campers.

It makes sense as it offers the freedom to plan your routes and spend extra time where you want — all while providing a cozy bed to sleep in every night.

Camping outdoors offers a unique way to connect with nature, but not everyone wants to (or can) sleep on the ground every night and only eat food that can be cooked by a campfire.

RV trips offer a happy medium — you can still be up close and personal with the natural world, but you also have a bed, perhaps a stove, and a working toilet.

If you plan on traveling for a long time or frequently, purchasing or renting an RV can be quite cost-effective (since you won’t need to pay for airfare, hotels, etc.)

However, aside from the initial cost to buy/rent, there are other costs to consider — like fees for staying in RV parks and gas.

Packaging becomes much easier when you don’t have to worry about getting your bag through airport security (or fitting it into a tiny car). 

Another advantage of RV travel is you can essentially bring whatever you want (within reason) on your adventures.

Traveling by RV literally and metaphorically puts you in the driver’s seat. This creates a certain ease when it comes to travel planning. 

If you need to stop for a few hours to catch up on some work or want to add an extra day in a location you really like, you make the rules.

Taking an extended RV trip can allow you to try out the minimalist lifestyle.

Many people find that once they’ve cut back on their possessions and hit the open road in an RV or van, they don’t need quite as much to live a happy life.

Taking a vacation in an RV creates a great opportunity to bond with loved ones. Since the whole gang can fit in the vehicle together (rather than sitting separately on a plane or train, having a dog crated in the back, etc.), the journey itself provides much more quality time.

If you plan to travel long-term, traveling by RV is a great approach. Hotel and Airbnb fees add up quickly, and traveling by RV means you don’t have to move in and out of accommodations.

Your stuff stays in one place; you simply pack it back in when it’s time to move on.

The allure of living off-the-grid is calling to more and more people these days, and traveling with an RV is much easier than traveling with camping gear.

Because an RV is like taking a tiny home on the road, it provides certain luxuries while also giving RVers a chance to explore and disconnect.

For some, traveling by RV — whether renting or purchasing — can be incredibly cost-effective and convenient when traveling long distances or for extended periods.

While the RV life is not for everyone, it certainly seems to be for more and more people each year. If you’re interested, learn how you, too, can step up your travel game.