This holiday season is expected to be one for the history books, with a record amount of people planning to travel between Thanksgiving and New Year's. And while most will be catching an airplane or driving to their destination, millions will be hitting the road in their RVs.
According to a recent survey by the RV Industry Association, 21 million Americans plan to travel by recreational vehicle during the upcoming holiday season. The survey shows 9 million are packing up the RV for Thanksgiving while 7 million are taking a trip for Christmas.
Monika Geraci, RV Industry Association spokesperson, said RVing provides the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones while enjoying the beauty of nature, or having your own accommodations while visiting family.
"Whether you're seeking snowy adventures, headed south for warmer weather, or traveling to see friends and family, an RV allows you to create lasting memories in a comfortable and convenient setting," Geraci said in a statement.
The survey shows that 35% of leisure travelers plan to take an RV trip in the next year. Popular winter trips include visiting family (63%) and road trips (57%, while motivations for winter RVing include snowbirding (57%) and seeking winter or snow-based experiences (45%).
Those who embrace the joy of winter RV travel can really reap the rewards of outdoor recreation, Geraci said.
Spending time outdoors during the winter has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including:
• Boosting your immune system: Exposure to sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
• Improving your mood: Sunlight and fresh air can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
• Increasing your physical activity: Winter activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing can help you stay active and burn calories.
• Enhancing your sleep quality: Spending time outdoors can help to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and improve your sleep quality.