Vacation Means Education as Children Learn on the Road in an RV

RESTON, Va., May 23 -- The educational process doesn't have to stop because school's out for summer. As millions of American families have discovered, there is no better way to learn about this country's history and geography than by traveling across America, especially in an RV.

More than 65 percent of RV owners will travel this summer with their children or grandchildren, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association's (RVIA) "Campfire Canvass" survey. Historical sites were named as vacation destinations by more than half of RV owners surveyed. Popular spots included Washington, D.C., Mount Rushmore, Gettysburg and the Alamo.

RVs are packed with amenities to make vacation time productive and provide space to bring along educational tools. En route or at the campground, young travelers can play board or computer games, comfortably read or watch videos about an area's historical significance. RVs provide a great base camp from which to explore historical trails, sites and events that students studied during the school year. "RV travel offers a great opportunity to really experience history, often making the journey just as important as the destination," says children's book author Bob Schaller who frequently RVs with his two young sons during summer vacation season.

Keeping children happy and entertained on the road is no problem for RVing parents or grandparents. With kitchen, bathroom, dining and sleeping facilities on board, kids feel right at home. Jim and Kim Derk of Evansville, Ind., couldn't agree more. This active couple, parents of seven, traveled the East Coast in a motorhome to enhance their children's understanding of their country's culture and history. "Going by RV allows our family to take all the comforts of home on the road, while having the opportunity to see America up close," says mom Kim Derk.

According to a recent study by the University of Michigan, many baby boomers, like the Derks, are part of a new generation of RVers with children, who are taking advantage of the convenience and flexibility that RVs offer for family vacations or trips. In fact, approximately half of today's RV owners are between the ages of 35 and 54.

"RVers have discovered a convenient and hassle-free way to see the country," says David J. Humphreys, president of RVIA. "They feel a greater sense of control over their travel schedules. They can go where they want, when they want. And in today's travel climate, they appreciate these benefits more than ever."

Traveling in an RV is also an ideal way for families to see America while keeping expenses to a minimum. A recent study by PKF Consulting, an international travel and tourism research firm, finds that families of four can spend up to 70 percent less traveling by RV than on trips using cars, planes or cruise ships. And that even factors in RV ownership costs - and the resulting tax benefits.

Popular RV destinations include state parks and forests (82 percent), while roughly half of RVers plan trips to the mountains, RV resorts, beaches and national parks.

A free "getting-started" video is available by calling 1-888-Go RVing or visiting http://www.GoRVing.com. Featuring travel tips from actual RVers, the video comes with lists of nearby RV dealers and campgrounds. For additional information, directory of RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs, visit http://www.GoRVing.com. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195.

RVIA is the national association representing nearly 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs manufactured in the United States.