Memorial Day Still A Big Travel Holiday

AAA recently projected the number of Americans traveling during the Memorial Day holiday will drop slightly compared to the previous year, but travel will still be popular despite fuel costs.

AAA estimates that 37.87 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, a decrease of nearly 360,000 travelers (0.9 percent) from last year’s total of 38.23 million.

Nearly 31.7 million Americans (83 percent of all holiday travelers) expect to travel by automobile, a one percent decrease from the approximately 32 million people who drove a year ago.

“Many Americans are feeling a financial pinch this holiday weekend from record high gasoline prices and other factors,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “Despite the small decrease, we will still see a significant number of people traveling this weekend. More than 12 percent of the U.S. population will be celebrating the Memorial Day weekend away from home.”

Source: AAA

Winnebago Celebrates 50 Years On The Road

Winnebago Industries homepage features details on the 50th anniversary of Winnebago and the introduction of the new 2009 Winnebago, Itasca and ERA brand motor homes.

Winnebago is holding a Dealer Days event May 12-15, 2008, at The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a theme of "50 Years on the Road".

According to Winnebago...

Winnebago Industries displayed 50 motor homes representing key elements of the Company's 23 model lines and 78 floorplans, 46 percent of which are new or redesigned for 2009.

"Winnebago Industries broadened the product differentiation between the Winnebago and Itasca brands for 2009, providing our dealer partners with new and exciting motor homes to fit each of their needs," said Winnebago Industries Chairman, CEO and President Bob Olson.

"We're excited to introduce our redesigned Winnebago Adventurer Class A gas line with exciting new floorplans and aggressive pricing. Our totally redesigned Itasca Suncruiser is now more widely differentiated from the Adventurer and features unique new floorplans at a tremendous value.

We also made significant upgrades to our Class A diesel products while holding the line on pricing, made added positive changes to our Class C product lines complete with the redesigned Winnebago Aspect and Itasca Cambria products, and have new floorplans throughout our entire 2009 lineup."

Source: Winnebago

RV Owners Say RVing Is Still The Best Value For Travel

The RVIA recently reported that despite high fuel prices, 82 percent of RV owners say RV vacations cost less than other types of vacations.

According to the RVIA...

This is one of the reasons why so many RVers plan to travel this spring and summer. Most RVers are simply adjusting to fuel costs rather than not traveling in their RVs, according to a new study.

The latest biannual Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners, conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), reveals that 76 percent of RV owners intend to use their RVs at least as much this spring and summer as last year.

Of those who said their plans would be affected, 58 percent said they’d travel to destinations closer to home, 35 percent said they’d travel fewer miles and 34 percent said they’d stay longer at one destination.

“Because there are more than 16,000 campgrounds throughout the country, RVers have the flexibility to cut costs by staying closer to home,” says Richard Coon, president of RVIA. “Whether they travel five or 500 miles, they can still have a great outdoor experience.”

Surprisingly, one-third of RV owners say fuel costs won’t affect their travel plans, according to the study. Their travel intentions reflect research by international travel and tourism experts PKF Consulting. They found that even as fuel prices increase, RV trips remain the most affordable way for a family to go because of the significant savings on hotels and restaurant costs.

Source: RVIA

Renting An RV Helps Buyers Overcome Their RV Driving Fears

MercuryNews.com reports on would-be RV owners who want an RV, yet are afraid they could not handle such a large vehicle. No one wants to be the bumbling RV owner that Robin Williams played in the movie RV.

According to the article, RV buyers need not fear getting behind the steering wheel. An RV dealer can help you pick out the right vehicle for your comfort level and budget.

Cruise America and other RV rental companies offer the chance to rent and try a particular RV style before making a purchase.

Source: MercuryNews.com

Jayco Embark Provides Everyday Comforts Of Home

Jayco has just released details about the new Jayco Embark motorhome.

According to Jayco, the Embark is nearly 40 feet long, features a tastefully decorated expansive interior, four slideouts and thoughtful floorplans, as well as high-end amenities that give it a sense of luxury and provide the every day comforts of home.

Standard features include an Optima Leather hide-a-bed sofa, Northridge Maple cabinetry, attractive nickel hardware, one piece Honex solid surface countertops with built-in sink, convection microwave, pillow-top mattress and under bed storage.

Built on the Freightliner Business Class chassis designed for superior visibility, the Embark boasts an unusually powerful 330-horsepower Cummins ISC diesel engine and 6-speed Allison TRV 3200 series automatic transmission with overdrive, offering over 7 tons of towing capacity. In addition, its 55-degree turning radius, cruise control and air brakes with ABS.

The Embark comes with several "must have" items for cross-country travel, including electric powered triple entrance step, side-hinge motorhome-style baggage doors, automatic hydraulic leveling jacks, Onan 6,000-watt quiet diesel generator with auto-changeover and 110-volt Apex electric roof mount patio awning by Carefree of Colorado. Safety features include daytime running lights, driver and passenger-side airbags and 3-point lap and shoulder safety belts.

The Customer Value Package features a premium AM/FM/CD/DVD cab entertainment center with back-up camera, monitor and GPS navigation, plus other top-notch entertainment items, such as an exterior entertainment center with AM/FM/CD stereo and a 32-inch high-definition LCD TV. To further enhance your experience, an optional Winegard satellite dish option expands your channel options.

Source: Jayco

RVers Adapt To Fuel Costs And Keep On Traveling

While RVers are concerned about rising fuel costs, StarNewsOnline.com reports on RVers who haven't let pain at the gas pump dull their love of RVing. The fun of RV travel still beats the price of gas.

A big draw to RV travel is the friendliness of other RVers and a sense of community found in each park they visit, something lacking in hotel stays or air travel. RVers find each destination offers the chance to make new lifetime friends.

The choice of different RV sizes opens the door for new RVers. RV dealers are finding ways to match the right RV with a customer's budget and needs.

Source: StarNewsOnline.com

Texas Offers Plenty Of RV Destinations

The Lone Star State is filled with RV adventure according to Keven Ann Willey in a The Dallas Morning News feature story.

Texas has over 120 state parks, with two dozen within a two-hour drive of Dallas, and RV parks ranging from the simple to the luxurious. Texas state parks experienced more than 9 million visits in 2007.

It not just retirees and the wealthy who go RVing. Willey reports that the typical RV owner is 49 years old, married, with an income of $56,000.

Source: The Dallas Morning News