Amid crowded airports and rising air-travel costs, millions of Americans are turning to a more flexible and comfortable option: traveling by caravans or RVs. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association revealed that nearly 28 million people plan to travel in these vehicles during the winter of 2025, including 9 million during Thanksgiving and 7 million at Christmas, signaling a clear boom in “road-trip culture.”
John Ferrando, CEO of Blue Compass, says the appeal of this type of travel lies in its simplicity—passengers maintain full control without needing to go to airports or stand in long lines. These vehicles offer families the chance to pack their own belongings, sleep in their own beds, and set their schedules away from airline pressures.
Modern RV models now come equipped with advanced technologies such as solar power, WiFi service, Starlink compatibility, pet-friendly designs, and even retractable patio decks that turn the campsite into a backyard. Prices range from trailers starting at $12,999 to luxury motorhomes costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, making the experience accessible to both beginners and seasoned travelers.
Industry Growth Fuels America’s RV Boom
Behind the scenes, the industry is experiencing significant growth. New vehicle sales at Blue Compass rose 17% this year, while used RV sales jumped more than 20%. Lower gas prices are also fueling this trend, and according to Ferrando, tariffs have had only a minimal impact on the market.
Around 86% of RVs in the United States and Canada are assembled in Indiana, which shipped over 333,000 units in 2024, valued at more than $20 billion—solidifying its role as a major industrial hub in the sector.
Blue Compass continues to expand, opening new locations in Kentucky and Florida, acquiring a store in Georgia, and an Airstream dealership in Virginia—clear signs of the growing popularity of life on the open road.
With the 250th anniversary of the United States approaching in July 2026, Ferrando believes RV travel embodies a uniquely American spirit: “Our customers buy our products to get out and enjoy the best America has to offer.” It is a journey that reflects not only freedom but also support for local manufacturing at a time when Americans are seeking more independent ways to travel.