RVshare Releases 2026 Travel Trend Report: Flexibility, Comfort, and Value Will Define the Year Ahead

RVshare, the largest online community for RV renters and owners, today released its 2026 Travel Trend Report1, revealing that next year's travel landscape will reflect travelers' push for flexibility, comfort, and cost-effective exploration.

Flexibility & Comfort:
- Travelers want meaningful but manageable trips.
- Shorter, easy‑to‑plan getaways are rising (interest climbed from 15% to 23% year‑over‑year).
- Repeat visits to familiar destinations are preferred over bucket‑list travel.

Budget Conscious Travel:
- 87% of travelers are actively seeking ways to reduce costs.
- Strategies include off‑season travel, discounted packages, rewards programs, and AI tools for cheaper options.
- “Destination dupes” (similar experiences to iconic spots at lower cost and fewer crowds) are gaining traction.

Pet‑Friendly Adventures:
- 71% of pet owners prefer to bring pets along.
- 16% say they won’t travel at all unless pets are included.
- Demand for pet‑friendly accommodations is reshaping booking choices.

AI‑Powered Trip Planning:
- 26% of travelers plan to use AI in 2026.
- Nearly a quarter already rely on AI for personalized itineraries, hidden‑gem attractions, and multi‑stop coordination.

Destination Shifts:
- Moving away from crowded national parks toward quieter gems like Crater Lake, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Basin, and Canyonlands.
- Major events like the FIFA World Cup and Route 66’s 100th anniversary are inspiring scenic road trips.

Big Picture
- RV travel continues to surge as one of the fastest‑growing ways to explore the U.S.
- Americans are prioritizing simpler trips, trusted destinations, off‑season travel, and personalized planning powered by emerging technology.
- Millennials are leading the charge, with more than a third of travelers already planning RV vacations in 2026.

Why It Matters
- RV travel is becoming a mainstream choice for affordable, flexible, and personalized exploration.
- The blend of comfort, technology, and value positions RV trips as a top option for 2026.
- This reflects a broader movement toward traveling on your own terms, with freedom and authenticity at the core.

This report paints 2026 as the year of customizable adventure travel, where RVs serve as both transport and accommodation.