Video: Hit the Open Road!

www.GoRVing.org
This year's higher fuel costs didn't stop the Herzog family from hitting the road in an RV for their 12th consecutive summer trip.

Acclaimed author Brad, 42, his wife, Amy, 41, along with their two boys, Luke, 11, and Jesse, 10, just completed their annual two-month RV trip that took them to 12 states as Brad does research for a new book and his blogs on GoRVing.com. 

While no one likes high gas prices, Brad says his family saves money by avoiding flying and hotels and eating meals onboard their RV. Plus, Brad says the memories created during their family trips, the time they spend together and the learning experiences they enjoy are priceless.

Johnny Cash's hit, "I've Been Everywhere," could be the theme song for the Herzogs' summer trip. The family has logged more than 100,000 miles in their Winnebago motorhome and has been to all 48 contiguous states. Because of their vast experience in traveling by RV, they've been designated the "National Explore America Family" by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.   

Along with gathering material for his books and blog, Brad says he and his family enjoy important health benefits during their travels. He believes they're more physically active while on the road than at home. Among this trip's activities, the Herzogs planned to hike through a redwood forest, paddle down the Snake River and walk across the nation's highest suspension bridge. In addition to being physically active while they're on the road, the Herzogs also are able to maintain healthy eating habits traveling in an RV equipped with a full kitchen.

Inspired by his RV journeys, Brad has received critical and commercial acclaim for his travel memoirs - States of Mind and Small World - published by Simon and Schuster. His latest book, Turn Left at the Trojan Horse (Citadel Press, May 2010) offers his RV road-trip version of the Greek epic The Odyssey.
 
RV Fact Sheet

- After celebrating its 100th anniversary last year, the industry continues to rebound from the recession. The RV industry is growing at a steady pace, despite the overall economic climate.

- RV shipments are up about 4% so far this year. The industry expects to end the year with slightly higher shipments than in 2010.

- The continued popularity of RVs underscores the enduring strength of the RV lifestyle and the industry's ability to weather difficult economic times.

- RV ownership is at a record high. Research shows that the number of RV-owning households has reached a new peak of 8.9 million, up from to 7.9 million in 2005

- RV ownership rates have surged among the 35-to-54 year-old age group and baby boomers.   

- RVing has remained popular for more than a century because it's the most cost-effective way for families to have a great vacation. According to a PKF study, RV family vacations are 27-61 percent less expensive than other types.

- RV owners have been on the road throughout the summer. They love the RV lifestyle and when gas prices rise, they don't stop RVing. With more than 16,000 campgrounds throughout the country, RVers adapt by traveling closer to home and staying longer in one place. Whether they travel five or 500 miles, they can still have a great outdoor experience.