As the travel industry continues to evolve, RV rentals have become a go-to choice for adventure-seekers and families looking for a more flexible way to explore.
At the forefront of this shift is Maddi Bourgerie, a key leader at RVshare. With over a decade of experience in the travel industry and a passion for making road travel more accessible and enjoyable, Maddi plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategy and responding to emerging trends in the travel industry. Here’s her take on what to expect for 2025:
Q: What is trending this year?
Maddi: “Road trips remain a top choice for travelers, with 60% planning a road trip or RV vacation in the next 12 months. The preference for driving over flying is driven by the desire for flexibility, cost predictability, and avoiding baggage fees. RV rentals are particularly popular, with many opting for RV delivery services to enhance convenience.
RVshare’s 2025 Travel Trend Report spotted a trend that passion-driven travel is reshaping the way people approach trip planning in 2025 – most likely due to the “Taylor Swift effect” where swifties traveled world wide to attend the Era’s tour in 2024. In fact, 94% of travelers are considering trips centered around their passions. Popular themes include food, history, music, and even niche interests like sports or “set-jetting” (visiting locations from favorite movies or TV shows).
Travelers are increasingly prioritizing trips that offer authentic cultural engagement, unique accommodations, and opportunities for personal growth. We are calling it “splurgecations” where travelers allocate more budget to premium dining, attractions, and activities.
Both trends highlight a shift from traditional sightseeing to experiences that foster deeper connections with destinations and align with personal values.”
Q: Are travelers shifting their focus?
Maddi: “Travelers are moving away from overcrowded tourist hotspots and seeking out “detour destinations” that offer quieter, more authentic experiences. For example, we are seeing people head to destinations like Redwood National and State Parks vs. Yosemite or Big Bend National Park instead of the Grand Canyon. Both detour destinations don’t make the top 15 when it comes to the number of yearly visits allowing travelers to avoid overcrowding.
Annual road trips are also making a comeback as 67% of parents are yearning to bring back the magic back to their family travel traditions. Over half of travelers are planning an annual trip with family or friends in 2025, making spending quality time with loved ones the most important factor when making travel plans. In an even more recent survey of RVshare renters. In an even more recent survey, RVshare renters reveal that family time and relaxation is the most important factor when choosing their spring break destinations.”
Q: Do you anticipate more road trips?
Maddi: “Yes, road trips are a popular way to travel, 60% of travelers are planning to take a road trip or vacation in an RV this year. This growing interest highlights the advantages RVs and car travel offer over other modes of transportation from the flexibility to change schedules, freedom from baggage fees and more predictable costs.
This trend underscores the growing popularity of domestic travel and the appeal of flexible, self-contained travel experiences.”
Q: Why are RV rentals gaining popularity?
Maddi: “RV rental interest is steadily inclining according to our trend report due to a combination of evolving travel preferences, technological advancements, and broader societal trends that have people leaning into outdoor travel. RVs are increasingly popular for family trips and group vacations, offering a cost-effective way to spend quality time together. In 2025, 60% of travelers are planning road trips or vacations in an RV, with a notable increase in interest from Gen X travelers. Travelers are also realizing the many use cases for an RV outside of the traditional road trip, including using it as a stationary accommodation for festivals, tailgates and other sporting events, and even trips to a National Park where they can have the RV delivered to their destination for ease and convenience.”
All in all, survey insights predict another compelling year for travel. With Americans eagerness to travel, their intentional planning process and their willingness to splurge on the things that impact their travel most, the combination should make for a busy and interesting year ahead. Paired with the continued interest in RV travel and the diverse selection of vehicles to accommodate any outdoor adventure on the platform, RVshare looks forward to catering to travelers wishes and needs as they hit the road.
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