A collision of major events is reshaping how Americans plan summer travel, and the RV industry is already feeling it. The FIFA World Cup, the U.S. 250th anniversary, and the Route 66 Centennial all land in 2026, creating a demand spike that traditional hotel infrastructure is struggling to absorb.
Outdoorsy, a global leader in the RV rental marketplace, reports a 15% year-over-year increase in summer 2026 bookings as travelers look for flexible, affordable alternatives to surge-priced hotel rooms.
“With spring weather on the way and the lowest gas prices in years, it’s time for a road trip,” said Jen Young, co-founder and CMO of Outdoorsy.
The Mobile Basecamp Model
Nowhere is the shift more visible than in the Pacific Northwest, where World Cup matches at Seattle’s Lumen Field and Vancouver’s BC Place are already driving interest in what travel planners call the mobile basecamp model.
Rather than booking separate hotels in two different cities and two different countries, fans use an RV to bridge the corridor. The three-hour drive becomes a multi-day experience through the Skagit Valley and the North Cascades.
The approach addresses a real cost problem. Average nightly hotel rates near major World Cup venues are expected to exceed $500 during match weeks. By comparison, Young says RV travel runs about 60% cheaper than a comparable hotel vacation, and Outdoorsy prices average 15% below other RV rental marketplaces.
No License Required
For travelers more interested in the experience than the driving, Outdoorsy’s delivery model removes the barrier entirely. According to Young, 25% of its bookings now involve RV delivery and setup at the customer’s choice of campsites. Families drive their own vehicle to a campground resort and arrive to find a fully leveled, air-conditioned rig ready and waiting.
The model also eases pressure on urban hotel markets. Independent campgrounds near Seattle and along the Washington coast stand to benefit as overflow accommodations for fans and families who can’t or won’t pay peak-season hotel rates.
The Road Trip Reset
The booking surge reflects more than event-driven demand. Young says road trips tend to strengthen family bonds rather than strain them, citing research the company plans to release later this year.
While many travelers still view a road trip as the ultimate relationship stress test,Outdoorsy’s findings suggest otherwise. The company’s research found that trust between partners increased significantly after a major road trip. The survey also found that physical intimacy was more frequent on a road trip than at a traditional resort or cruise.
Family dynamics shift on the road, too. Outdoorsy’s data suggests teens and younger kids follow instructions better during a trip than at home. Families also report longer, more intentional dinners once they leave their routine behind.
Young, who lived in an RV for nearly a year to research the lifestyle firsthand, says the numbers reflect something she observed directly. The RV’s built-in kitchen and bathroom, she notes, eliminate many of the friction points that derail traditional vacations.
The Convenience Factor
Affordability and flexibility are driving spring booking numbers as well. Outdoorsy reports a strong increase in early-season reservations, with spring break trips leading the way. A majority of those bookings involve stays within 150 miles of home, offering families a lower-stress alternative to flying without sacrificing comfort.
The cost advantage extends beyond the rental itself. An RV’s built-in kitchen cuts restaurant bills significantly, giving families more control over their budget and schedule. For a family of four navigating a week-long trip, those daily savings stack up fast.
The delivery option lowers the entry point further. Families without RV experience or towing capacity can still access the experience without renting a truck or learning a new skill set on a busy highway. Young shares that segment of the market is growing, particularly among first-time RV travelers who want the lifestyle without the learning curve.
A Crowded Summer Ahead
The 2026 travel season shapes up as one of the most compressed in recent memory. World Cup matches run across 16 host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. U.S. 250th anniversary events and Route 66 Centennial programming will draw visitors to destinations from Chicago to Santa Monica.
Outdoorsy’s booking data suggests travelers aren’t waiting to figure out their options, with reservations climbing months before the first match kicks off. For families weighing a summer that promises strained hotel capacity and record crowds, the open road is a reasonable alternative.
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