RVshare’s 2024 Travel Trend Report found 86% of Americans plan to travel as much or more in 2024 than they did in 2024.
The report was conducted for RVshare by Wakefield Research.
RVshare said although 2023 international travel was high, 2024 trips will shift toward relaxation. The report found 49% of travelers reported planning laid-back trips. Meanwhile, almost 60% plan to road trip or vacation in an RV in the next 12 months.
RVshare CEO Jon Gray said, “This year’s trend report explores not only what travelers are planning for, but also how they are doing so – with RVing at the forefront of outdoor travel.”
The report highlighted RV use during 2024 trips. RVshare said 57% of those who plan to travel in 2024 will take their trip in an RV. The number is comparable to 2023’s 61%.
Younger consumers are more likely to travel by RV, the report found. RVshare said 74% of millennials will travel by RV, with 67% of Gen Z and 56% of Gen X consumers making RV trips.
Consumers cited trip flexibility as a reason they prefer RV travel. In all, 58% of consumers said the ability to change their schedule makes RVs their preferred option. RVshare said 78% of respondents were more likely to consider an RV stay if the RV is delivered to their destination ahead of time.
RVshare detailed top 2024 travel trends based on the report.
Electric RVs
RVshare launched electric RV rentals in 2023 in partnership with Grounded, a manufacturer of electric-powered Type B motorhomes. The rental service, confined to the Detroit market, began this year. RVshare said the company is working with other manufacturers to have readily available electric RVs to rent by early to mid-2024.
Electric RVs are catching consumers’ interest. RVshare reported half of consumers surveyed have a positive view of electric RVs. The report found 26% viewed EVs as an avenue to save money while 24% said the RVs would be an excellent way to protect the environment.
Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will occur. The path of totality, where the solar eclipse in its totality will render areas dark, will be visible in several states. RVshare said over half of Americans are considering traveling to the path of totality. The report found 46% of consumers booked accommodations for the eclipse while an additional 30% are looking into options. More than half (52%) said they would consider renting an RV for the event. Just under half (49%) of those who plan to view the event are considering traveling to a remote location.
Using AI for Travel Planning
RVshare integrated a ChatGPT travel plug-in to serve as a virtual travel agent in 2023. The report found only 18% of consumers used AI to plan trips. However, 63% said they were interested in using AI to plan their next trip —largely millennials and Gen Z. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (71%) would use the features to find attractions and dining during their travels. However, many were wary of AI. More than a third (37%) said they would not trust AI accuracy and imagined the experience would be stressful.
‘Take Me Away’ Travel
RVshare said many participants reported “planning-fatigue” approaching 2024. Three-quarters of respondents said they would love at least one trip element to be a surprise. Millennial and Gen Z consumers were especially interested in a surprise. However, only 9% of consumers were willing to take a trip that is a complete surprise.
RVshare findings showed participants leaned toward trips where relaxation and family time are accessible. More than half (57%) wanted to spend quality time with family during their travels. RVshare reported that 73% of women were committed to having a relaxing vacation in 2024.
Overall, “Americans want to spend time outdoors,” Gray said. “Whether seeking adventure or purely looking for relaxation.”
