Senior Highlights....

RVs ARE YOUR TICKET

TO TRAVEL

Home is where the recreation vehicle (RV) goes, according to millions of seniors who take frequent and extended trips across the country in RVs, meeting new people in motorhomes, travel trailers, truck campers, folding camping trailers, and conversion vehicles.

According to a University of Michigan study, RV ownership increased 50% among households aged 55 and up since 1980--the greatest increase for any demographic group. Nearly half of the nation's 9 million RVs on the road are owned by seniors.

"Mature travelers are good candidates for RV travel because many have the time, discretionary funds, and desire to see and experience the small towns, big cities, popular attractions, and natural beauty of the United States," says Hal Norvell of the AARP travel industry relations office. "RVs provide an enjoyable, comfortable, and economical way to take it all in and enjoy the social benefits of camaraderie on the road.

The University of Michigan research found that RV ownership and travel rates rose consistently with age, reaching their highest levels among those aged 55 to 74. Seniors surveyed said the top benefits of RV ownership and travel include: the freedom to go where and when you want, going camping, visiting family and friends, seeing new places, using the RV as a vacation home, and travel in comfort.

This study, as well as many others revealing RV benefits to seniors, was sponsored by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), a hugely helpful organization that can provide a wide variety of advice and publications concerning RV purchase, travel, and other related topics. Contact the RVIA at P.O. Box 2999, 1896 Preston White Dr., Reston, VA 22090-0999, 703-620-6003. They can also recommend many other specific organizations and publications.

While not everyone can backpack or tent-camp, due to age or physical restrictions, anyone can enjoy outdoor living at a campground with an RV. RV travelers are surrounded by home-like comforts in units equipped with comfortable living, dining, sleeping, and bathroom facilities. Modern kitchens help older RVers follow special diets and vacation more often and economically by avoiding high-priced restaurants and hotel facilities. On-board closets and storage space eliminate the need to pack, unpack, and carry heavy luggage.

The flexibility and economics associated with RV travel encourage greater RV use by seniors. Kept packed and supplied, RVs are ready for frequent getaways with little preparation. In addition, a vacation cost comparison study, conducted by the international accounting firm PKF Consulting, found that RV vacations are overwhelmingly more economical than traditional trips by car, bus, train, or airplane, regardless of trip destination or duration. RV vacations cost anywhere from 50-80% less than comparable vacations. Average campground fees of $21--significantly less than the $85 average hotel cost--account for much of the savings.

RV travel also fosters a sense of community, offering mature travelers a valuable network of friends who share a common interest. Camping clubs, which hold annual conventions, regional rallies, campouts, and other special events to bring RVers together, provide an active social network on the road. The Good Sam Club (805-389-0300); Family Motor Coach Association (800-543-3622); and Loners on Wheels (314-686-9342) are among the national camping clubs that are popular with midlife and older RVers.

For constant campers, one exciting travel option is available through networks of membership and ownership camping and RV resorts across America. Fees and privileges vary, but all membership and ownership resorts allow members to stay at "home" campgrounds and affiliated member resorts. Some of the top companies include: American Adventure (206-222-5106); Avila Resorts Investments (805-595-7111); Camper Clubs of America (800-243-2267); Coast to Coast Resorts (303-790-2267); Escapees Rainbow Parks (409-327-8873); Leisure Systems/Safari/Jellystone Parks (513-232-6800); Outdoor Resorts of America (615-244-5237); Resorts U.S.A. (800-441-4010); Thousand Trails/NACO (800-759-1000); and U.S. Vacation Resorts (805-595-7111.

Packaged RV trips--RV caravans to top destinations, with entertainment and social activities along the way--are also on the rise. According to Dave Higbie, director of Woodall's World of Travel (800-346-7572), the most popular destinations currently include Alaska, the national parks, and the country music magnets of Nashville, Branson, and Myrtle Beach.

For non-owners, rentals are a good way to experience RV travel and to help choose a particular RV to buy. Rentals are available through local dealers and national chains. The rental market has averaged 29% annual growth the past ten years and Bob Calderone at Cruise America says reservations are very strong for the coming year. Cruise America (602-262-9611) is North America's largest rental company. "Rental Ventures," a guide to touring North America by rental motorhome, is available from RVIA (see above) for $3.

Most seniors who try RV travel love it and the biggest decision is usually where to go next. There are some 8,000 campgrounds on public lands, often located in areas of spectacular natural beauty or historical interest. These campgrounds can be found in national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges and recreation sites, as well as in state and local parks. RV vacationers may also opt to stay at one of more than 12,000 privately-owned campgrounds around the country.

Along with many catalogs, guidebooks, and magazines, one new source is available to help plan and enjoy RV travel. It should be on the dashboard of every RV traveler. Called Freewheelin' USA, RV veterans Shirley Slater and Harry Basch have prepared the ultimate guide to RV travel. In the introduction, this dynamic duo says, "This easy-to-read guide picks and chooses overnight oases from luxurious private RV parks with heated swimming pools and golf courses to quiet, forested campgrounds in a state or national park, offbeat places to eat or pick up tasty treats to go, and things to do from mountain biking to picking your own farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Tips offer helpful and practical suggestions about each region." They also provide an extremely helpful introduction to the RV lifestyle and specific RVs.

The book reviews ten specific RV adventures in detail: Driving the Alaska Highway; Bouncing Down Baja; the California Desert; the Black Hills of South Dakota; the Lobster Coast; the Ozarks and Branson; the Florida Keys; the Rio Grande; the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive; and Southern Utah's National Parks. Quite simply, the coverage is excellent. The book provides many other tidbits, including RVing abroad, road etiquette, and even a dozen one-pot meal recipes.

Recently published by Fielding Worldwide (310-372-4474), Freelwheelin' USA should be required reading for any RVer. It's a top ticket for RV travel.