RV industry observes centennial

The RV (recreation vehicle) industry was founded in 1910. To highlight the year-long celebration of the RV centennial, RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) is designating June as RV Centennial Celebration Month, a focal point for the industry to rally around just as Americans are gearing up for summer and the vacation season.

RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a recent study comparing vacation costs. PKF Consulting, an international consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, found that “typical RV family vacations are on average 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied.” Even factoring in RV ownership and fuel costs, RV family vacations tend to be significantly less expensive than other types of vacations, according to the study.

For more information on RV vacations–including rental locations–visit www.gorving.com.

AAA publishes a series of 11 annually updated AAA Camp Book guides that list privately operated campgrounds, which are rated by AAA, as well as publicly operated campgrounds. Privately operated campgrounds are assigned a AAA rating level of 1, 2, or 3 based on facility condition, guest services, visual appeal and natural environment. These ratings help members choose campgrounds that meet their specific needs.

CampBook guides also provide brief area information and attraction references for destinations that have listed campgrounds. More than 10,500 campgrounds are listed in the printed CampBook guides and on AAA.com.

To pick up a CampBook, visit the nearest full-service AAA office. On AAA.com, the listings are accessible through the campground search feature and the TripTik Travel Planner.

New air service to Branson, Mo.

New nonstop service between Branson and Austin, Houston, Shreveport, Des Moines and Terre Haute will be available starting May 17 through Branson AirExpress, a charter service operated by ExpressJet Airlines. Branson AirExpress will provide service five days a week between Branson Austin, Houston and Des Moines. Service between Branson, Terre Haute and Shreveport will be available three days a week.

Introductory fares, starting at $39 one-way, will be available through April 17 for travel through June 17.

ExpressJet features Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft configured with no middle seats, free XM® Satellite radio and leather seating. The Brazilian-made regional jet seats 50 passengers.

Branson Airport, which opened last summer, is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. For more information, call (888) 359-2541 or visit BransonAirExpress.com.