Travelers are rediscovering the tranquility and camaraderie of road trips and camping amid the bustle of contemporary life.
These retreats are being embraced by both families and lone travelers as a way to disconnect, connect, and re-establish connections with nature and beloved customs.
A road trip is more than just a journey to Renate Rutkovskis; it’s a sentimental getaway to a bygone era. She grew up in the Bay Area of California and spent many of her early years traveling to her family’s cottage in Tahoe.
As an adult, she continues the tradition by driving her Subaru sedan along the West Coast. She says, “I love being on the road,” relishing the time she has to herself when driving along beautiful roads.
Rutkovskis is not by himself. In order to escape the hectic pace of life, 72% of tourists are looking for more straightforward experiences, such as road vacations and camping, according to a 2025 trends research by Campspot.
These activities provide 82% of responders with a much-needed digital detox.
Among the families adopting this pattern are Elisa and Lance Bubak. Every month, they take an RV camping trip with their two young sons, purposefully leaving their phones and tablets behind.
“It’s a play-outside kind of thing,” Elisa says, describing how the activity improves their relationship as a family. Every year, they get together with their extended family to hike, fly kites, and watch the sunset at Avila Beach in California.
Elisa comments, “It fills our cup,” expressing how happy she is to watch her kids appreciate the natural world.
Road vacations and camping are proving to be ageless cures, whether it’s the seclusion of the mountains or the joy shared around a campfire. For a lot of people, these getaways provide an opportunity to re-establish a connection with their most important priorities.
