‘Recreational Vehicle’ or the RV is a motor vehicle designed with living accommodations. It is perfect for a range of road trips, where you will travel across the country, or just move from one place to another and live in your “car” instead of a hotel. There are also various kinds of Recreational Vehicles (RVs) such as motorhomes, campervans, caravans (which are also known as travel trailers or camper trailers), fifth-wheel trailers, popup campers and truck campers. On these RV trips, you will get to enjoy a personalised, targeted and calming overnight experience, all while being in the midst of the great outdoors. So, given the present situation in the world, does that mean the year of RV travel is here?
Also read: The ultimate road trip packing list
With the global pandemic disrupting the travel and tourism industry, we’ve all been forced to examine what our personal travel future looks like. Travelling with strangers on public modes of transport over extended periods of time, and staying with strangers in new spaces have taken on new levels of stress. Health and hygiene are of primary importance—both in travel and stay experiences—and we cannot control either in any space.
But travel we will and must. This has given rise to an alternative method—road trips. And with a fully equipped RV thrown into the mix, a lot of the pandemic related problems and concerns also stand addressed.
So, is 2020 going to be the year of RV Travel? In May 2020, a survey conducted with 4,000 U.S. and Canadian residents was released by Kampgrounds of America, Inc., and reported by the Colorado Sun. It showed that the pandemic was sparking an interest in camping, especially among first-timers and younger generations. Craig Kirby, President of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) interviewed by Forbes said, “RVs provide a wonderful opportunity for people to continue to enjoy vacations with their families, while still adhering to social distancing, which will likely stay in place in some form for the foreseeable future.”
Best RV Tours In The World
After the intermediate period of isolation, the demand for travel will start rising again and with it, the year of the RV travel. The RV gives you the freedom of sleeping in your own bed, cooking your own meals, and controlling where and how you go—it’s no wonder it might be the preferred type of travel in future. Through it, you get to experience the endless range of outdoor wonders throughout the country (or abroad) with the freedom of independent travel that RV travel guarantees. Once state and national restrictions are lifted, you’ll be able to travel on your own terms while following all the precautionary guidelines. Here are some of the best RV trips that you can try in the near future.
Also read: 15 of the best songs to listen to on a road trip
1Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Experience giant sand dunes fringed with sun-scorched valleys while road tripping through Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. You can hire a van or RV to explore this massive expanse of wind-sculpted sand that seems to stretch on endlessly.
2South Island, New Zealand
You will get to see picturesque fjords, snow-capped mountains, temperate rainforests and black sand beaches—all within the small island of New Zealand. The tranquillity and backdrop will take your breath away. For some added adrenaline, try bungee jumping. You can also do whale watching and go on world-class hiking trails.
Also read: Essential New Zealand travel tips to know before visiting
3Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
Enjoy a caravan holiday adventure amid the Andes in southwest Bolivia in Salar de Uyuni. The world’s largest salt flat is an eerie sight, especially when it rains. The water creates the largest mirrored surface that you can walk on!
4Karakoram Highway, China & Pakistan
Formerly known as China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, the Karakoram Highway is the world’s highest paved international road, hitting an elevation of more than 15,300 feet. This journey will take you along some unforgettable vistas, ranging from towering snowy mountains to pale ribbon-like rivers in the distance and dangerous rock gorges.
5Cabot Trail, Canada
The famous Cabot Trail in Canada is a highway and scenic roadway that covers 298 km, weaving through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. As you drive along this trail, you’ll get to experience the natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands with some spectacular valley and coastal views.
Also read: 14 places you absolutely must see in Canada
6Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
Plan an unforgettable road trip to the stunning turquoise waters of Costa Smeralda. Known as Sardinia’s most popular resort area, you’ll be driving alongside dreamy beaches, stopping to shop at exclusive boutiques and handicraft markets.
7Ring Road, Iceland
There is the one main road in Iceland that encircles the island, called Route 1, or the Ring Road. With a length of 1339 km, it covers most of the country except the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes and Reykjanes regions, as well as a few smaller peninsulas. It takes you through hugely contrasting landscapes and vistas, a staple in the Land of Ice and Fire.
8Garden Route, South Africa
This beautiful 200 km long coastline in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa is a superb driving route. Stretching out on the southern coast from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River, this route is filled with beautiful beaches, lagoons and coves. There is also an indigenous forest filled with beautiful flowers (hence the name Garden Route) and stunning African skies.
9Columbia River Gorge, USA
A designated National Scenic Area, Columbia River Gorge is the largest gorge in America. This RV trip will take you past waterfalls that plunge from towering cliffs into glistening emerald pools, hiking trails that wind through Douglas fir forests, and streams that flow into deep canyons. Don’t miss the National Historic Road that tracks a slice of northwest American history, and the impressive massive hydroelectric dams along the way.
So, Is The Year Of RV Travel Upon Us?
For those who have never travelled by RV, this year might be the best time to try. Experts believe that travel will start with short, domestic trips, where the RV will literally become the go-to vehicle. Craig Kirby adds, “RVs provide travellers control: they allow people to travel where they want, when they want and offer a unique travel experience that allows people to pursue their favourite activities and experience places in the country they may have only seen pictures of in a coffee table book or on Instagram.” So, this might be the year to dream of the wind in your hair, the sun in your eyes, and an open road. Wanna give it a try? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!
