Staycations: Americans read a lot about staying home in 2008, but it didn’t happen. We like our playtime, and a run-up of fuel costs didn’t change that.

Savecations: Americans are looking for ways to cut costs this year without giving up their family getaways. RVIA’s latest Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners found that 85% will travel at least as much this winter as they did last year, if not more.

Overspending: It’s no surprise that the economy is making consumers look for more bang for their vacation buck.

Value: Saving is the new spending. A recent study showed that RVing is 27-61 percent less expensive than other forms of travel. Some 30 million Americans already enjoy the value that RV vacations offer. More than 80% of RVers say they save when they travel by RV.

Air Travel: High fares, long lines, baggage fees, only three ounces of shampoo and no more free pillows & blankets. 

Road Trips: Bring what you want; it’s your vacation. Take it all with you — including the kitchen sink, a large bottle of shampoo, a case of water and your favorite pillow & blanket for napping.

Cruising: All the stomach-flu outbreaks, cramped cabins and tight schedules. It’s easier to feel more like the hapless Gilliganthan the charming Captain Stubing.

Cruising the country’s highways and byways: Sitting in the plush captain’s chair and charting your own course — now that’s freedom.

Eating Out on Vacation: Expensive. Eating out while on vacation does two things: 1) subtracts from your bottom line and 2) adds to your waistline.

Eating In on Savecation: RVs come equipped with gourmet kitchens. Emeril, Rachael Ray, Mario Batali and other famous chefs have prepared meals in RVs. It’s healthier for your body and wallet when you take a stocked fridge, stove and microwave with you.

The Old Fly/Hotel/Car Rental Vacation: It’s costly, and hard on the environment.

Smaller and Smaller: A 2008 study by PKF Consulting proved family RV trips leave a smaller carbon footprint than the old fly/hotel/car rental trip. RV makers are producing lighter, more energy-efficient units. Almost 20 percent of owners now use solar panels on their rigs to further reduce their energy consumption.