Exploring vacationing after the pandemic: The Nomadic RV Experience

In the wake of the global pandemic, domestic travel has become a popular choice for many, and RVs have emerged as a preferred mode of transportation. RVs offer travelers the opportunity to explore the nation's vast national parks and outdoor recreation areas while maintaining social distancing, making them an attractive option for those seeking adventure while minimizing risks.

The demand for RVs is soaring, with many towns across the country boasting RV dealerships struggling to keep vehicles on their lots. Sales of Class B motorhomes, or conversion vans, have nearly doubled, with a 98% increase in sales. This surge in demand is not limited to traditional RV dealerships; entrepreneurs are also buying up small fleets of RVs to rent out on platforms like Outdoorsy, an AirBnB-like platform for RV rentals.

Outdoorsy saw a nearly 4,500% increase in bookings during 2020, making RV life more accessible to a broader audience. This trend is expected to continue, with more than 61 million Americans planning to go RVing this year, an increase from 46 million in May of 2020.

The trend of commodifying #VanLife, as seen in companies like Tempe Arizona-based Boho Camper Vans, is worth considering in the context of post-pandemic tourism. In early 2020, the owners of Boho Camper Vans appeared on ABC's Shark Tank and secured the backing of Barbara Corcoran with a valuation of over $1.5 million. As of March 2021, Boho Camper Vans have a year-long waiting list for new builds and a full rental calendar on their ever-growing fleet of rental vans.

The Boho buildout, which makes vans Instagrammable, starts at about $35,000, adding to the overall cost of purchasing a camper van, which ranges between $70,000 and $100,000. The average Ram ProMaster or Ford Transit vans can cost anywhere from $38,000 to over $50,000.

Traditional RV rental companies like CruiseAmerica may be facing competition from platforms like Outdoorsy, but it's unclear if the larger surge of interest in RV rental is also lifting their business. The RV Industry Association reported these trends in the RV's role in post-pandemic tourism.

However, it's important to note that if you live near a major tourist attraction, there may be potential increases in RV traffic or crowding at RV campsites. For much of 2020 and likely for the next several years, international travel will remain difficult for many people, making RV travel an attractive alternative for those seeking adventure while minimizing risks.