According to peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace RVshare, RV bookings were up 95% year over year for Labor Day weekend and 123% for the autumn season on the whole.
The platform also reports that it recently doubled its seven-year booking total in just the past 13 months, going from 1 million days booked since the company’s 2013 launch in July 2019 to 2 million days booked by Sept. 1.
“As we look toward the fall months, we usually see reservations drop off,” said RVshare CEO Jon Gray in a recent statement. “This year is different. In fact, we will be up significantly in bookings for the rest of the year as travelers continue to opt for travel options that give them more control.”
But despite their popularity, RV trips present some unique challenges to the travel industry. Jack Richards, CEO of Pleasant Holidays, said that while the company recently considered adding RV trips to its repertoire, the tour operator was turned off by the many add-on fees inherent to the RV planning process and ultimately “decided to pass.”
“There is a daily rate for the vehicle and some charge for mileage, as well,” said Richards. “If you want kitchen supplies such as plates, forks, knives, etc., you have to buy a package. Same for bedding, pillows, blankets, etc. This is a very expensive travel option.”
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