Travel

Busting recreational vehicle travel myths

In a historical shift, many say the freedom to do what they want and experience new things are vital to their happiness ahead of material possessions; and for nearly half of those surveyed, RV travel represents freedom and adventure.

Photo by Tyler Nix from Unsplash.com

Published

7 years ago

July 28, 2018

ZestMag.com Staff

Outdoorsy announced survey findings that debunk recreational vehicle (RV) myths, while uncovering surprising insights into travel trends ahead. In a historical shift, many say the freedom to do what they want and experience new things are vital to their happiness ahead of material possessions; and for nearly half of those surveyed, RV travel represents freedom and adventure.

“RV travel is making a big comeback, driven by millennials and their love of the freedom it offers. While our survey results will be surprising to a lot of people, our team at Outdoorsy has known about this trend for years,” said Jeff Cavins, co-founder and CEO of Outdoorsy. “We have seen all types of people searching for adventurous experiences, and it validates that RVs are a better way to have an adventure when you’re traveling and want to be fully immersed in the experience of the open road and destinations.”

Traveling to New Destinations Weekly More Desirable than Sex

More than two-thirds of Americans would rather travel to a new destination every week (68 percent) than have sex every day (32 percent). Additionally, 55 percent of Americans say they would travel by RV specifically to have an adventure, with approximately a quarter of respondents saying it allows them to escape reality (27 percent) and gives them cool stories to share (26 percent).

Americans say the freedom to do what they want (95 percent) and the ability to experience new things (84 percent) are important to their happiness. These are more important than material possessions (53 percent) or sharing life on social media (33 percent). The desire for exploration and experience is particularly relevant for RV owners/considerers, who say that freedom to do what they want is an important aspect to their happiness, coming in at a staggering 99 percent and 98 percent respectively.

The survey also uncovers that RV travel represents adventure for 45 percent of Americans, ahead of traveling by plane (32 percent) or cruise (41 percent), and second only to traveling by train (47 percent). Those who would consider owning or renting an RV are especially interested in traveling by RV for the adventure, coming in at 71 percent and 75 percent respectively.

It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination This Summer

While half of Americans would travel to national and state parks by RV this summer (54 percent), followed by campgrounds (33 percent) and small towns (30 percent); nearly a third say they would not travel to a specific location at all, but rather prefer to enjoy the open road (29 percent). Additionally, among RV owners/renters and considerers, 57 percent say that taking advantage of the scenery while on the road is appealing, with 48 percent saying that traveling by RV is appealing, because it enables them to experience new things at every destination.

Those who would consider owning or renting an RV are particularly more interested in the open road – with 40 percent saying they wouldn’t travel to a specific location this summer, but would instead just hit the open road.

It’s Important to Disconnect to Connect with Others

RVing is also an important way for people to connect with loved ones and disconnect from work and even social media. Americans say they would want to spend the most time with their significant other (38 percent), followed by family (31 percent) if they were to take an RV on their next trip.

If given the choice between the two, nearly two-thirds of Americans (63 percent) say they would rather disconnect from work, versus capturing incredible travel images for social media (37 percent). Millennials are more torn on this sentiment, with more than half (55 percent) preferring to disconnect from work over capturing incredible travel images for social media (45 percent).

Of those who own or rent – or would consider either option – RV travel is appealing, because it allows them to experience new things at every destination (48 percent), to disconnect from work and stress (36 percent), and disconnect from social media (18 percent).

Other key insights include:

Domestic travel is driven by patriotism and cost. Most Americans (58 percent) would choose a domestic trip over traveling overseas, because they want to see more of their own country. In a close second, Americans also say they would choose domestic travel, because it is less expensive than international travel (51 percent).
Although Americans crave adventure, few have ever rented an RV. They haven’t ruled RV’ing out though – many would consider it. Only one in 10 Americans have ever rented an RV (10 percent), but nearly half would consider it (48 percent).
Affordability impacts travel decisions and vacation day use. Americans who are employed say that they would be most likely to use their vacation days if they had cheaper travel options (37 percent). Of those who own an RV, have rented an RV or would consider either option, nearly half say that an appealing aspect of RVs is that they offer a cheaper way to travel (47 percent).
Travel flexibility is also key. Of those who own an RV, have rented an RV or would consider either option, over two in five (44 percent) say that an appealing aspect of RVs is being more in control of vacation time.

The findings arrive as Outdoorsy continues to bring the $100-billion-dollar RV rental industry online and into the sharing economy for millions more, thanks to robust international expansion.

For this study, an online survey was conducted by YouGov with a sample of 1,145 respondents in the US (18+), including 289 millennials (aged 18-34). The sample was weighted to ensure national representation across gender, age, region, education and race/ethnicity. The survey was conducted between June 13-14, 2018 with a margin of error of +/- 2.9 percent at the national level and a 95 percent confidence level.

Related Topics:good life recreational vehicle RV travel

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Destinations

SUBIC is cheapest destination for end-of-year holidays – Agoda

Travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodation options for Christmas and New Year’s Eve have many destinations in Asia to choose from, with Subic being the most affordable destination in the Philippines with an average room rate of 5,046.69 PHP per night.

Published

5 months ago

November 22, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Digital travel platform Agoda has announced its list of the most affordable holiday destinations for the end-of-year holidays. Travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodation options for Christmas and New Year’s Eve have many destinations in Asia to choose from, with Subic being the most affordable destination in the Philippines with an average room rate of 5,046.69 PHP per night.

Hat Yai, Thailand, leads the list as the most affordable on average in Asia with an average room rate of 2,699.39 PHP per night, making it the top choice for cost-conscious travelers in late December. Following closely are Surakarta, Indonesia, and Varanasi, India, with rates of 2,758.08 PHP and 2,875.44 PHP per night, respectively. These destinations provide a mix of cultural experiences and scenic beauty, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Michael Hwang, Country Director, the Philippines, at Agoda said: “The holiday season brings joy, cherished moments with friends and family, and the spirit of exploration. It’s also a time when expenses can quickly accumulate, making budget considerations crucial for travelers. At Agoda, we take pride in offering great prices, ensuring that with affordable flights, accommodations, and experiences, there’s more room in the budget for Christmas presents.”

To compile the Cheapest Destinations ranking, Agoda looked at the room rates of the ten most popular cities in each of the nine analyzed markets. Since the rank is based on averages, deal hunters are likely to find even lower rates in these and other destinations on Agoda.

The nine destinations are:

Hat Yai, Thailand (Average room rate: 2,699.39 PHP)
Whether it’s the holiday season or not, Hat Yai once again takes the crown in Agoda’s Cheapest Destination ranking. The lively Southern Thailand city, known for its markets and delicious street food, comes alive during the holiday season with festive decorations and local celebrations. The Kim Yong Market is the perfect place for some last-minute Christmas shopping, with unique gifts and a lively atmosphere.
Surakarta, Indonesia (Average room rate: 2,758.08 PHP)
Also known as Solo, Surakarta offers a rich cultural experience with its traditional Javanese arts and crafts. The city is home to the stunning Keraton Surakarta and the popular Pasar Gede market. During the holidays, visitors can enjoy traditional performances and local delicacies, making it an ideal destination for a culturally immersive end-of-year celebration.
Varanasi, India (Average room rate: 2,875.44 PHP)
Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, provides a spiritual and cultural journey. The Ganges River, with its famous ghats, offers a serene setting for reflection and celebration. As the year draws to a close, the city is adorned with lights and festivities, offering a unique blend of spirituality and year-end celebrations.
Dalat, Vietnam (Average room rate: 3,638.31 PHP)
Once again, Dalat is the most budget-friendly tourist destination in Vietnam. As Christmas and New Year’s Eve approach, Dalat transforms into a festive haven, with twinkling lights and joyful celebrations, creating an enchanting backdrop for unforgettable holiday memories. December typically brings cooler mountain air, ideal for an unforgettable end-of-year vibe.
Miri, Malaysia (Average room rate: 3,814.36 PHP)
Known mostly for its natural beauty, Miri might not be the first destination that springs to mind for a Christmas holiday. However, the city on the northern coast of Sarawak, in the island of Borneo boasts cultural diversity and offers a relaxing holiday experience. After exploring the Niah Caves or enjoying time at the beach, visitors can take in the Christmas decorations that light up Miri Times Square.
Subic, the Philippines (Average room rate: 5,046.69 PHP)
Subic, with its sun-kissed shores and adventurous spirit, is a tropical paradise for the holidays. Christmas is an extended festive season in the Philippines, and Subic comes alive with its family-friendly attractions and vibrant local markets, providing a joyful setting for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations by the sea.
Taitung, Taiwan (Average room rate: 5,868.25 PHP)
Budget-savvy visitors or domestic travelers wishing to escape the big cities during the year-end holidays are best off in Taitung. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich indigenous culture, Taitung is located on the easternmost part of Taiwan and is the first to witness the island’s sunrise, making it a popular spot for New Year’s celebrations. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a year-end destination, with several large-scale music festivals starting in November, attracting many visitors from afar.
Nagoya, Japan (Average room rate: 6,396.39 PHP)
Nagoya, a city rich in history and modern attractions, offers a unique holiday experience. Visitors can explore the Nagoya Castle and the bustling Sakae district while enjoying Nagoya’s popular and delicious cuisine Hitsumabushi (grilled eel) and Miso Katsu (pork seasoned with miso). The city’s winter illuminations and festive markets create a magical atmosphere, perfect for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Yeosu-si, South Korea (Average room rate: 7,511.36 PHP)
Yeosu, a coastal city known for its beautiful scenery and maritime culture, offers a serene holiday escape. Visitors can explore nature on Odongdo Island or the admire the city landscape from a Yeosu Maritime Cable Car. The city is an ideal destination for holiday celebrations, with immersive experiences such as the La Terrace Winter Village theme park offering a magical Christmas atmosphere.

Agoda’s offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Ideal for a carefree end-of-year holiday.

Travel

Singapore Airlines now only airline to serve Cristal 2015 champagne

Cristal 2015, which is celebrated for its exceptional quality and refined taste, will be served in SIA’s Airbus A380 Suites and Boeing 777-300ER First Class cabins from 1 December 2024. Initially available on flights between Singapore and Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo.

Published

5 months ago

November 15, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will become the world’s only airline to serve the iconic Cristal 2015 champagne, following an exclusive agreement with leading French champagne house Louis Roederer.

Cristal 2015, which is celebrated for its exceptional quality and refined taste, will be served in SIA’s Airbus A380 Suites and Boeing 777-300ER First Class cabins from 1 December 2024. Initially available on flights between Singapore and Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo, the offering will rotate to other Suites and First Class routes on a three-month rotational basis.

Crafted by cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cristal 2015 blends 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, sourced from 45 vineyard plots across Louis Roederer’s seven Grands Crus. It exemplifies meticulous attention to detail, from a bespoke, sustainable viticulture approach of Louis Roederer’s exceptional Grand Cru vineyards to the artful blending and extended cellar ageing that gives the wine its depth and elegance.

Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “This partnership between two world-class brands demonstrates Singapore Airlines’ commitment to elevating the travel experience for our discerning customers. Exclusively offering a premium champagne like Cristal 2015 will delight our Suites and First Class customers, and ensures that they continue to enjoy an unparalleled, luxurious journey with us.”

Mr Frédéric Rouzaud, Chief Executive Officer, Champagne Louis Roederer, said: “Cristal 2015 delivers intense and delicious aromas with superb energy and an ethereal vibration. This is a timeless champagne of supreme balance and measure, resonating with the chalkiness of its soils, bursting forth in a bracing, vertical effervescence, with an insistent, precise, and finely honed freshness. We are really delighted that our iconic Cristal champagne has been chosen to be served on board Singapore Airlines”.

The Airline’s world-renowned panel of wine consultants, who brings a wealth of expertise and unique perspective to the in-flight wine selection process, meticulously selected Cristal 2015 for its exceptional balance and depth of flavour.

SIA wine consultant Ms Jeannie Cho Lee, the first Asian to be awarded the Master of Wine title, said: “Our goal is to ensure that the finest wines from the best vintages enhance the travel experience and complement the in-flight cuisine on board Singapore Airlines flights. Cristal 2015 is an exceptional experience, which is highly sought-after by the most demanding wine connoisseurs worldwide.

“Its depth and impressive quality from the meticulous ageing process results in a champagne with intricate and intense flavours of toasted pinenuts, crushed stones, and white flowers, coupled with a crescendo of refined flavours and a lingering, persistent finish. The quality of this wine remains prominent even at 36,000 feet, making it the perfect addition for SIA’s Suites and First Class customers.”Cristal 2015 joins SIA’s curated list of exquisite champagnes, offering Suites and First Class customers up to three premium labels to choose from on each flight.

Destinations

Pinoys’ top picks for weekend adventures

With the “ber-month” holidays on the horizon, Pinoys are setting their sights on short weekend, domestic getaways. These short trips provide a refreshing mix of relaxation and adventure without the pre-planning required for travel to faraway destinations.

Published

8 months ago

September 5, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Digital travel platform Agoda reveals the top five most searched destinations by Pinoys for a brief yet fulfilling weekend getaway or staycation. For those who are craving a quick escape but unable to commit to a longer vacation abroad, weekend breaks in the archipelago offer the perfect solution.

Agoda looked at searches made by Pinoy travelers for overnight stays between late August to September. Manila, the second most populous city of the Philippines, emerged as the top choice, followed by Cebu, Tagaytay, Boracay Island and Batangas respectively.

Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda shared, “Weekend getaways or staycations are an excellent way to recharge without the need for extensive planning. The Philippines offers such a diverse landscape where travelers can enjoy the cityscape, the beach or even the mountains without needing to travel too far. Each location also offers unique experiences that cater to different interests.”

Here are Pinoy’s top destination choices for a weekend break:

Manila
Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a mix of iconic landmarks and modern attractions. Visitors can do anything from exploring Intramuros, the historic walled city, to enjoying a shopping spree at numerous malls. The city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene make it an ideal spot for a quick urban escape.

Cebu
Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is famous for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. Travelers can visit the iconic Magellan’s Cross, dive in the crystal-clear waters of Moalboal, or take a scenic drive to the highlands of Busay for a panoramic view of the city.

Tagaytay
Just a short drive from Manila, Tagaytay is a popular destination for its cool climate and stunning views of Taal Volcano. Here, visitors can enjoy a leisurely day at Picnic Grove, savor local delicacies at Mahogany Market, or simply relax in one of the many cozy cafes overlooking lake Taal.

Boracay Island
Boracay Island remains a top choice for those seeking sun, sand, and sea. With its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Activities such as kite surfing, island hopping, and sunset sailing are just a few of the many attractions travelers can enjoy here.

Batangas
Batangas is a favorite for its accessibility and diverse attractions. From the pristine beaches of Laiya to the diving spots in Anilao, Batangas caters to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. The province is also home to historical sites like the Taal Heritage Town, making it a well-rounded destination. Agoda’s extensive offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. This makes planning a weekend getaway easier and more convenient.