What is Revenge Travel?

Revenge travel is a term that’s been thrown around more than ever this year, but what does it mean? It refers to the pent-up desire that people have to travel after a year lost to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. A sense of wanderlust, of busting out of our homes and exploring the world—not to mention plenty of altered and canceled vacations—has affected many people, sparking travel booms since late 2020. Revenge travel is a way to not take our ability to travel for granted and to once again get out there and explore—with a vengeance. 

According to Outdoorsy, an Austin-based RV and outdoor travel marketplace that connects RV owners with people who want to rent them, the trend isn’t going to slow down. In the company’s End of Year & 2022 Travel Trends Report, co-founder and CEO Jeff Cavins says that revenge travel will continue well into 2022, with a strong focus on self-contained travel that prioritizes cleanliness, safety, and convenience. 

Popular Destinations for RVers

Where can you live out your revenge travel dreams? Many folks are opting for off-the-beaten path locales and passing over urban cities in an effort to avoid crowds and a hectic pace. Instead, small cities and rural areas are in high demand, with destinations near mountains, lakes, and the beach as top destinations. 

Outdoorsy’s report also notes that RV enthusiasts are opting to simply head south to warm-weather destinations, especially for the holiday season. Houston, Miami, and San Diego, among other cities, are some places survey respondents will be traveling to this year. 

RV Enthusiasm is Still Growing

The RV industry has been experiencing record-breaking sales since 2020 because the demand for rigs is so high. And as we head in 2022, the RV and road trip resurgence is not slowing down. Approximately 91% of Outdoorsy’s survey respondents said they are planning to take a road trip in 2022, and 83% of travelers said they would be either somewhat likely or very likely to vacation via RV or campervan if there were COVID surges in 2022.

First-time RVers are dominating the RV and revenge travel market, too. While Outdoorsy is a site for RV rentals, 44% of the survey respondents said their Outdoorsy road trip experience inspired them to buy an RV or campervan of their own. This data goes to show that revenge travel and the popularity of RVs are only increasing.

Do you plan to do some revenge traveling of your own this coming year? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!