US Travel Statistics

Traveling is an integral part of life for many Americans, whether exploring the country or visiting family and friends. Every year, millions of people take to the roads and skies for adventure and new experiences. While international travel is rising, domestic travel remains a popular option for many. With so much travel activity happening across the country, it’s worthwhile to look at some key statistics about US travel.

The US RV & Camper Van Rental industry has seen a remarkable 3.3% growth in its annual market size between 2017 and 2022, illustrating its strong potential for further expansion

According to Ibis World, the rise in the US RV & Camper Van Rental industry has been a welcome boon to travelers of all ages, as it presents an exciting and budget-friendly way to explore the United States. The growth in this industry is indicative of the growing trend for individuals and families looking for alternatives to traditional modes of transportation, as well as finding ways to have a more enriching and long-lasting vacation experience.

For starters, renting an RV or camper van offers so much freedom when exploring different parts of the country. Rather than having to plan around flights and hotels, one can easily plot out their own itinerary based on their needs and interests.

Couple travel has the largest market share within the RV rental market

Traveling by RV is an increasingly popular way for couples to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with each other and nature. In fact, couple travel has the largest market share within the RV rental market.

This statistic from the Verified Market Research website can be incredibly encouraging for couples looking for ways to explore new places together. Provided that traveling by RV is often cheaper than flying, it can be an excellent way for couples to save money on their travel expenses while still having a fantastic time.

RVing also allows couples to explore places they would otherwise not have access to; with an RV, almost anywhere can become your destination. Whether it’s secluded beaches, forests or mountains – all of these incredible natural wonders are now open for exploration, allowing travelers to get off the beaten track and experience something unique.

87% of Americans say road trips are one of the best ways for families to bond

Road trips are a fantastic way for families to bond and make lasting memories. Whether traveling across the country or just going on a weekend getaway, road trips can offer great opportunities for making lifelong memories.

One of the main reasons why road trips are so great for families, says a study from Utires, is that they provide a chance to unplug from technology and spend quality time with each other. Many families struggle to find time together without phones, tablets, or computers always around. Road trips allow everyone to disconnect from their devices and enjoy each other’s company more meaningfully.

In addition to allowing parents and children to reconnect, road trips provide a unique learning experience unlike any other type of vacation. Whether learning about the history of different places or exploring nature by hiking or camping, there is much knowledge to be gained from traveling by car. This encourages family bonding through conversation, exploration, and shared experiences that wouldn’t be possible if taking another type of transportation.

Road trips also allow families to choose fun activities that may not have been available if they were staying at home or taking another form of transportation. Spending time outdoors swimming, playing games, or looking at stars can bring families closer together than ever before while creating delightful memories along the way.

How Far Are You Prepared To Go?

In a recent study performed by RVnGO, they surveyed active RV rental customers and found that 27% of respondents travel within 200 miles of their home and 8.5% stay within 50 miles of their home. The number of trips taken shows that 34% will take 2-3 short getaways throughout the year. 17% of respondents say they take just one vacation a year, and 22% say they take 4 or more vacations a year.

The United States has the largest road network, with over 4 million miles of roads, making it great for RV adventures

Roadtraffictechnology.com states that the United States is an incredibly diverse country with incredible landscapes, fascinating towns and cities, and picturesque views. When traversing the country’s vast terrain, there’s no better way than by car. Americans can take advantage of the nation’s extensive highway system, allowing them to explore different parts of the country while enjoying the convenience and comfort of their own vehicle.

There are 63 national parks and 423 national park sites in the United States

National parks are some of the most incredible and breathtakingly beautiful travel destinations in the United States. With over 63 national parks and 423 national park sites, there is something for everyone – from coast to coast.

From stunning landscapes and lush forests to majestic mountain ranges and crystal clear waters, America’s national parks offer travelers a chance to get up close and personal with nature and explore the beauty of our country. Visitors can participate in activities like hiking, rock climbing, camping, fishing and kayaking.

National parks also allow travelers to learn more about our country’s history and culture. From learning about Native American tribes that once inhabited the area to discovering how their stories intertwine with our nation’s history, national parks allow us to gain insight into the past while exploring its present beauty.

Where Will You Go?

In the RVnGO survey, they found that RV renters are eclectic in their destinations. 56% travel to a National or State park. In another question, 61% stated they refer camping and 36% use the RV rental for hunting or fishing. As for events, 39% of respondents rent an RV to attend music festivals and 19% of respondents rent an RV to attend a NASCAR race and camp at the track.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US, with over ten million visitors yearly

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the largest protected area in the eastern United States and as of 2021, it is one of the most visited national parks in the world, listed by USAToday, drawing more than 10 million visitors annually. It is a stunningly beautiful part of nature that covers over 500,000 acres of lush forests, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountains.

Nestled between Tennessee and North Carolina, this essential natural resource provides a habitat for diverse plant and animal species, many of which are endangered or threatened. The park also has historical significance; it was once home to Native Americans who lived there for centuries before European settlement.

California is the state with the most national parks

California is filled with incredible natural beauty and adventure, home to some of the most stunning national parks in the United States. National Park Trips revealed this state actually has the most national parks out of all other states. This diverse landscape offers terrific opportunities for visitors to explore forests, mountains, deserts, and coastlines with abundant wildlife. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views or exciting outdoor activities, California has something for everyone.

Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic parks in the country and a major travel destination for nature lovers. Here you can experience over 1,100 square miles of towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush meadows and rich wildlife. Popular activities include day hikes through Yosemite Valley and Half Dome, stargazing at Glacier Point and camping in Tuolumne Meadows. The park also boasts some of North America’s best rock-climbing adventures!

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a unique combination of giant sequoia trees, majestic canyons and high alpine wilderness where visitors can enjoy unparalleled beauty among mountains as old as time itself. From hiking trails that lead to incredible vistas to thrilling whitewater rafting trips down roaring rivers, these two parks have something special to offer every type of explorer. In addition to being home to some of the world’s largest trees by volume (the General Sherman Tree), Sequoia & Kings Canyon are also known for their diverse species of plants and animals.

For beach lovers, Channel Islands National Park is a must-see destination off southern California’s coast. The park comprises five islands: Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, San Miguel Island and Santa Barbara Island. These isolated islands provide spectacular coastal scenery and hiking trails that lead up to rugged hillsides full of native plants and animals like sea lions, otters and bald eagles. Kayaking around these islands has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its easy accessibility from mainland California.

For RVers deciding which state to visit first, California will provide an unforgettable experience.

Compare This With General Vacation Rental Statistics

• There are over 140K professional vacation rental management companies worldwide.
• Millennials and younger generations will represent 75% of all vacation rental consumers by 2025.
• The median age of the vacation rental customer is 41.
• 18% of US citizens engaged with the vacation rental industry in 2022.
• Airbnb is the most significant player in the vacation rental industry in the US, with 80% of the market share.
• 4M+ vacation properties were available for rental across the US in 2021.
• The number of vacation rental customers is expected to reach ~840M by 2023 and will continue growing to ~890M by 2026.
• Vacation rental occupancy rates in the US averaged 63% in 2021, with a projected decline to 46% in 2022.
• Around 15% of Americans opted for vacation rental options in 2021.

VACATION RENTAL PLATFORM	MARKET SHARE (IN NORTH AMERICA)
Airbnb	80%
HomeAway	10%
Others	10%

• 25K vacation rental management businesses operate in the US alone.
• Vacation rental management organizations administer an average of 79 listings.

AGE GROUP	SHARE IN THE VACATION RENTAL INDUSTRY
25–34	31%
35–44	26%
45–54	17%
18–24	16%
55–64	10%

Stats On Vacation Rental Market Size

• The average revenue per user in the vacation rental sector globally is $117.90.

• Each American tourist accounts for $305 of the vacation rental industry’s revenue.
• Vacation rental hosts from rural areas in the US earned ~$3.5B in 2021.
• The vacation rental industry earned $82B in global revenue in 2022.
• The US vacation rental market reached $19B in 2022.
• 60M+ Americans used short-term rental options in 2022.

Vacation Rental Trends

• In Austin, TX, vacation tourists have to pay the most for a night: $400+.
• The cost for a night at a vacation rental rose by ~25% from 2020 to 2021 across all states.

TOP CITIES WITH THE GROWING SUPPLY OF VACATION RENTALS	YEAR-OVER-YEAR INCREASE IN AVAILABLE LISTINGS
Houston, TX	+49%
Phoenix, AZ	+46%
San Antonio, TX	+45%
Las Vegas, NV	+41%
Dallas, TX	+39%

 

• In the US alone, a night in a vacation rental in 2021 cost an average of $216.
• Arizona is the most expensive US state, with an average vacation rental price of $287 per night.
• Arizona noticed the highest spike in per-night rates, with a 78% increase from 2020 to 2021. In Tennessee, prices rose by 58%, followed by Pennsylvania (39%).
• Vacation rental prices barely moved from 2020 to 2021 in Utah, with a modest 3% increase, followed by Wyoming (7%) and Maine (14%).
• In 2021, the average short-term rental price per night was $137 globally. In North America, the rate stood at $208, followed by Europe ($114) and Asia-Pacific ($104).

 

P.S. Did you know RVnGO is the fastest growing US based RV Rental company?

It started in 2015. The team at RVnGO has been driving under the radar for several years, developing their website, adding fleet, making improvements and innovations in the marketplace. Because they are smaller, they are able to offer the same services without gouging the Hosts or guests with excessive fees, so the Host keeps their earnings, and the Guests save more. Speaking of savings, don’t forget to make a budget before your trip. Having a good sense of how much money you’ll need and where it’s going can help ensure that you have enough funds for all the planned stops along the way, whether it’s national parks, cities or small towns!

For thousands of RVers, the freedom to explore the US with an RV is a dream come true. With so many places to visit and experiences to enjoy, navigating this great nation is a journey that no one should miss.

If you’re planning a road trip and don’t know what type of RV to choose, contact RVnGO for help. At RVnGO, we can help you find the perfect RV rental for your trip. Whether you’re looking for a smaller, more efficient vehicle, or a larger luxury model with all of the bells and whistles, we have an extensive selection to choose from.

Regardless of your travel style, RVnGO can help you find the right vehicle for your perfect US trip. America is waiting – let us help you get there in comfort!