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RV Travel Increasing Among Hispanic American Families

RESTON, Va. -- Isaac and Connie Hernandez and their sons have long known the joys and benefits of RV travel. The El Paso, Texas family bought their first RV four years ago and have already traded up to a larger model.

The Hernandez family is among a growing number of Hispanic Americans who find the RV lifestyle appealing. According to a study by Harris Interactive for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, among those who identified themselves as members of an ethnic group, Hispanic Americans are most likely to consider purchasing an RV.

"When we travel in the RV, it's like having our home with us," says Connie, 39, a radio station account executive. "It's more convenient than staying in a hotel and more affordable than flying."

"When you're traveling, nothing beats sleeping in your own bed," adds Isaac, 41, a police officer in El Paso.

Last year the Hernandez family traded in their 28-foot travel trailer for a larger one with more bells and whistles. They believe it's one of the best investments they've ever made.

"When we first started RVing, we were mostly taking weekend trips to the mountains," says Connie. "But last year we took a two-week trip to California and decided we needed something bigger."

Traveling with their two sons, Nathan, 3, and Isaac, Jr., 17, the Hernandezes appreciate the added space in their new RV, which has three rooms -- living room, bedroom and kitchen -- that slide out or expand by three feet at the push of a button.

"With the three slideouts, our RV is bigger than my first apartment," says Connie. "And it's great for taking along snacks and tapes for the VCR, and toys for our younger son."

The Hernandez family stays mostly at RV campgrounds while on the road, and enjoys the friendly nature of fellow RV owners, who share the Hernandez' passion for RV travel.

"RV owners are polite and helpful," says Isaac. "I once pulled my RV over to the side of the road just to take a break and an RV owner stopped to see if I was okay. That kind of attitude is typical of RV owners."

Do Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez have any advice for someone interested in buying an RV?

"Start with something small that fills your needs to begin with," says Connie. "Then, if you like it, you can upgrade to a bigger RV. And I always tell friends to get something with a slideout because it gives you that much more room."

For those thinking about RVing for the first time, here are 10 easy steps to get started:

-- Surf the web. A great starting point for aspiring RVers is NewRVer.com, which offers loads of information on the RV travel experience.

-- Order a free video or CD-ROM. Call 1-888-Go RVing for a free video or CD-ROM full of helpful RV shopping and travel tips.

-- Attend an RV show. Fall and winter are RV show season, and a wide range of RVs appealing to every taste and budget will be on display at retail RV shows around the country. For a calendar of shows in your area, go to RVtravel.com.

-- Rent an RV. There are more than 460 RV rental outlets nationwide. By renting, potential buyers can try RVing and determine which type of unit best suits their needs. Check the yellow pages under "Recreation Vehicle -- Rentals" for rental outlets, or go to the Recreation Vehicle Rental Association (RVRA) website at rvra.org for the RVRA Rental Directory, which lists more than 340 rental companies in the U.S. and Canada. RV rental costs vary based on the season and size of the unit. The motorhome is the most popular rental unit, typically at $90-$250 per day. Folding camping trailers and travel trailers run $35-$100 per day. Many larger rental locations include mileage and offer housekeeping packages with linens, cookware and other necessities for life on the road.

-- Read RV buyers' guides and books. Visit a local bookstore or RVbookstore.com. RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau have teamed up to produce the 50-minute DVD "Buying an RV." This is an excellent resource for helping a new RVer make a wise purchase and avoid becoming the victim of a scam or bad deal.

-- Visit an RV dealer. To find local dealers, check the yellow pages under "Recreation Vehicle -- Sales,"

-- Look for the RVIA seal. Before you buy an RV, be sure to check for the oval RVIA seal on the vehicle. The seal means that the RV manufacturer is a member of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, and that the manufacturer certifies that the vehicle complies with applicable national safety specifications.

-- Do the math. RV travel is affordable. A family of four traveling by RV can spend up to 70 percent less than traveling by car, plane or cruise ship. Campground fees average about $22 per night, well below the average hotel/motel rates.

-- Take your pick of RV parks and campgrounds. It's easy to find campgrounds with settings and amenities to suit your taste. Campground directories available at bookstores and public libraries provide nationwide listings and comparative information on fees and facilities. The best selection of campground directories is available at RVbookstore.com and an online directory of free or inexpensive campgrounds is at FreeCampgrounds.com.

-- Get going. The RV driving experience is different, but not difficult. With a little practice and proper attention to differences in size, height and weight, RVs are fun and easy to drive.

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