Townsizing is a travel trend in which travelers seek quiet getaways featuring idyllic countrysides, walkable main streets and unhurried afternoons. Go RVing’s latest trends report for September identified townsizing as a trend dealers should learn.
According to Priceline’s 2025 travel trend report, young travelers are 67% more likely than average travelers to see a vacation as an opportunity to live out small-town fantasies. Young travelers are 89% more likely than average travelers to seek out a vacation that offers a lifestyle represented in movies like “The Holiday,” a 2006 romantic comedy starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black.
Travel strategist Dulani Porter said millennials and Gen Zers crave unique, immersive travel experiences.
“Unlike their parents’ generation, they want to carve out their own travel traditions,” Porter said, “and much of that means taking the road less traveled and seeking out places and experiences that their peers may not have.”
Porter said townsizing is usually seen with a preference for smaller towns and cities. Porter said travelers do not have to skip out on big cities when vacationing. Porter said townsizing can lead to finding niche, lower-key activities when visiting a popular spot.
Go RVing said the RV industry can leverage townsizing by continuing to encourage younger buyers to visit quieter, quainter destinations. Go RVing said an RV trip can provide numerous perks for those looking to embark on a townsized vacation.
Visiting townsized destinations on an RV trip is one way consumers can save money on vacation.
Townsizing is about engaging with local communities and supporting small businesses. Go RVing said the concept aligns with the RV lifestyle, which enables travelers to stay longer in one location, connect with town residents or take part in local activities.
RVs with features such as internet connectivity and workspaces provide a mobile space for traveling to different small towns without needing a fixed office.
Go RVing said the RV industry can underscore this trend to consumers by encouraging RV parks and campgrounds to highlight their proximity to nearby, small-town attractions. Marketing campaigns can emphasize small-town destinations’ unique experiences. Dealers can create content telling RVers’ stories as they explore various local attractions.
Go RVing said dealers can develop and distribute themed itineraries focusing on specific towns or regions. For example, Go RVing’s travel guide features quieter, more authentic local experiences near Maine’s Acadia National Park.
Go RVing suggested dealers should partner with RV influencers and digital nomads. Go RVing said the authentic stories and visual content they produce can be highly effective in reaching new audiences.
