by Guest Author Karin Manning

Becoming an RV family has now reached record levels. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) nearly 1 in 12 US vehicle owning households own an RV. That's a staggering 8 million households in America alone! The typical motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel owner of today is 49 years old and married, though according to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, more motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers are now owned by those aged 35-54 than any other age group. This raises the question, why do people choose and use RVs? RV family members can look forward to simply coming home and just driving their RV straight into the park.

Rvers can permanently have their RV packed all ready for their next trip. There is no need to repack your holiday essentials every time you plan a quick break away. It's a great way to travel as a family. In fact, RV owners say that traveling in a RV actually makes their bond even stronger.

RV owners don't have to give up the comforts of their home. Rvers can enjoy small towns, beaches, parks, mountains, campgrounds wherever they want, whenever they want, with all the comforts of home. The new sport utility RVs make it easy to transport outdoor vehicles right on board too.

There's an RV for every budget and taste. They can start at $4,000 and go up to $400,000 for type A motorhomes. Today's RVs provide travelers with all the amenities of home with fully equipped baths and kitchens, central air and heat, surround sound stereos and even plasma TVs.

According to a vacation cost-comparison study conducted by PKF Consulting, RV vacations are more affordable than traveling by cruise ship, commercial airline and personal car. The study estimated a family of four can spend up to 74 percent less when traveling by RV, factoring in ownership costs and resulting tax benefits.