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2009 Travel: What’s Hot and What’s Not
With the new national focus on economizing, green living and getting back to basics, 2009 is a year of change in many areas of our lives, including travel. Here’s a look at What’s Hot and What’s Not for 2009, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.
NOT:
Staycations: We read a lot about staying home in 2008, but it didn’t happen. We like our playtime, and a run-up of fuel costs didn’t change that.
HOT:
Savecations: We’re looking for ways to cut costs this year without giving up our family getaways. RVIA’s latest Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners found that 85% will travel at least as much this winter as they did last year, if not more.
NOT:
Overspending: It’s no surprise that the economy is making consumers look for more bang for their vacation buck.
HOT:
Value: Saving is the new spending. A recent study showed that RVing is 27-61 percent less expensive than other forms of travel. Some 30 million North-Americans already enjoy the value that RV vacations offer. More than 80% of RVers say they save when they travel by RV.
NOT:
Air Travel: High fares, long lines, baggage fees and only three ounces of shampoo.
HOT:
Road Trips: Bring what you want; it’s your vacation. Take it all with you — including the kitchen sink, a large bottle of shampoo and a case of water.
NOT:
Cruising: All the stomach-flu outbreaks, cramped cabins and tight schedules. It’s easier to feel more like the hapless Gilligan than the charming Captain Stubing.
HOT:
Cruising the country’s highways and byways. Sitting in the plush captain’s chair and charting your own course — now that’s freedom.
NOT:
Eating Out on Vacation: Expensive. Eating out while on vacation does two things: 1) subtracts from your bottom line and 2) adds to your waistline.
HOT:
Eating In on Savecation: RVs come equipped with gourmet kitchens. Emeril, Rachael Ray, Mario Batali and other famous chefs have prepared meals in RVs. It’s healthier for your body and wallet when you take a stocked fridge, stove and microwave with you.
NOT:
The Old Fly/Hotel/Car Rental Vacation: It’s costly, and hard on the environment.
HOT:
Smaller and Smaller: A 2008 study by PKF Consulting proved family RV trips leave a smaller carbon footprint than the old fly/hotel/car rental trip. RV makers are producing lighter, more energy-efficient units. Almost 20 percent of owners now use solar panels on their rigs to further reduce their energy consumption.
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