OKEMOS, Mich., May 25-Despite high fuel prices, Michigan RVers plan to enjoy the summer. It is projected that from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Michigan RVers will travel 75 million miles and spend over 1.5 million nights in campgrounds and RV resorts.
The latest Campfire Canvass, a bi-annual survey of RV owners by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), reveals that more than a third of RVers say fuel costs will not affect their RV travel plans. Even if adjusting to higher fuel prices is needed, 52 percent of RVers said they will stay longer in one place and 45 percent said they would stay closer to home.
RVing is still one of the most cost effective ways to explore Michigan. According to PKF Consulting, a travel and tourism research firm, a family of four can spend 26 percent to 74 percent less on RV trips. This means there are no added expenses of airfare, hotel and restaurant costs. In fact, PKF Consulting found that fuel prices would have to triple for RVing to be more expensive than other forms of travel.
Other findings from the RVIA study:
91 percent of respondents said their RVs will allow them to take more weekend trips or mini-vacations this summer.
80 percent said RVing strengthens family bonds and nearly 73 percent said RVing has resulted in a closer relationship with their spouse.
Almost 70 percent of RVers will be on the road during the summer holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is celebrating its 65th anniversary, making it one of Michigan's oldest trade associations. MARVAC is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging growth in the recreation vehicle and private campground industries while contributing to the quality of Michigan tourism. For more information, visit MARVAC's Web site, www.marvac.org. MARVAC, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, Mich. 48864-5978; 517.349.8881.
For additional information, please visit our All About RVing section of this web site. Here you will find various articles spotlighting the people and places that makeup the RV and Camper lifestyle.
