RVs provide solution for holiday travel and guests

The recession has caused a lot of American families to pare down their holiday travel plans. Instead of flying to see family and friends, many are driving to save money. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, most holiday trips are made to visit friends and relatives with 73 percent at Christmas and 59 percent at New Year's, compared with 33 percent for the year as a whole. And, according to RV rental companies, RVs are becoming an increasingly popular way to bring the whole family along for less.

RV Business reports that General Manager Edward Calderon of California's El Monte RV told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that Thanksgiving was a busy rental time for his business.

"This is our busiest holiday for rentals. All of our biggest RVs are rented," he said.

The busy Thanksgiving holiday may mean that Christmas rentals will be up as well. Several rental companies are already advertising holiday specials on their websites. For example, RVCentral.com is offering a limited time Christmas or New Year's offer of a five day rental for the price of three days.

RVs can also be used to house extra house guests for the holidays. "Some people have more family members than rooms. Instead of sending them to hotels, they're renting RVs," said Calderon.