RV Travel a Growing Trend
Vermont Museum Celebrates the History and Culture of RVs

Listen to Brian Mann's report.

A 1957 Airstream Caravanner. Photo courtesy of Shelburne Museum

"[RVing means] freedom. You don't have to make reservations anywhere. You just go where the wind takes you." Loraine Erlensen, who vacations in a 1977 Dodge motor home with husband Bob and daughter Amanda.

July 8, 2002 -- Every summer, millions of American pack their bags and hit the highways in Winnebagoes, Airstreams and other RVs. RVs, or motor homes, offer people the comforts of home and the freedom of the open road. To a great degree, they have redefined the definition of vacation and changed the way Americans see the country.

For All Things Considered, Brian Mann of North Country Public Radio visits Vermont's Shelburne Museum, which has an exhibit celebrating the history and culture of the RV lifestyle.

The RV lifestyle, first known as 'gypsying', has been around for decades. ine million people own motor homes and one million people live in them full time. There are national RV clubs with their own magazines, and campgrounds have specific spots for RVs.

Museum curator Valerie Hunt has spent the last two years obsessed with America's love of highways and RV travel. The exhibit includes sexy Airsteams with sleek chrome curves and a 1948 school bus converted into a Ken Kesey style hippie land yacht.

The point of the show, Mann says, is nostalgia. And with more and more Americans fearing air travel, industry groups say that RV travel is more popular now than ever. Since Sept. 11, RV sales have risen by more than 20 percent, and these days RV's and highways are a "symbol that says less about adventure - and more about comfort and safety."


Other Resources

• American Wanderlust: A Shelburne Museum exhibit about RVs.

• RV Companion Magazine.

• Consumer Web site that promotes safe RV travel.

• Web site listing numerous magazines for RV enthusiasts.

• New RVer: News and information for novice Rvers and anyone looking to learn about the lifestyle.

• Escapees RV club Web site offers information, stories, and a discussion forum about RVing and RVs.

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