Why Fly - RV

ROSEMONT, Ill., Jan. 24 With many people still hesitant to fly and families watching their vacation budgets in the face of recession, officials at the Chicago RV, Camping & Van Show -- beginning Wed., Jan. 30, at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont -- are reporting renewed interest in RVing.

``Being together with friends and family has become more important for many since Sept. 11,'' says Keith Mistrik, Chicago RV Show manager. ``Whether it's a weekend getaway or a vacation to see the U.S.A., RVing is an affordable, comfortable and flexible way for families to enjoy time together.''

Mistrik reports that the economic and air travel situations should produce big crowds at the show, which runs through Sun., Feb. 3. ``All the latest cost comparisons are favoring RV travel, and the opportunity to rent RVs and 'try before you buy' is also attracting a lot of interest from families,'' Mistrik says.

A recent vacation cost comparison study by the international travel and tourism firm PKF Consulting found that, even after factoring in RV ownership costs, a family of four can save up to 70 percent on average when traveling by RV.

Also, rental RV company Cruise America, Inc., has reported its domestic rental business increased by 20 percent in September alone and perhaps as much as 25 percent for October. This is already on top of huge gains for the RV industry in popularity among ``baby-boomers'' with families.

The average age of the RV owner is now down to 48 years old, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association; this is after years of RVing being considered a ``seniors only'' domain.

``We're seeing a continuing trend toward families buying and using RVs,'' Mistrik says. ``There are no air safety issues, no baggage to lug from hotel to hotel, no lines to stand in, and you set your own travel times. It's extremely convenient.''

Some 25,000 people are expected to attend the Chicago RV Show, which will feature more than 500 new 2002 RVs on eight acres of indoor display space, all under one roof. ``We'll also have a variety of vacation and travel destinations exhibiting, so people will have a chance to compare and choose places to vacation this summer,'' Mistrik says.