One of the oldest names in the world of travel trailers is Airstream. The company was the only travel trailer manufacturer out of over 400 to have survived the Great Depression, and that longevity and endurance means something. Airstream owners are a dedicated group; their love for those shiny, silvery trailers knows no bounds.
That’s what makes the Airstream Club International so special — the dedication of its members. For over 60 years, the club has been an essential part of the Airstream brand and lifestyle, connecting Airstream owners all around the world.
Airstream of Vermont at Pete’s RV Center, located in South Burlington, is your New England Airstream RV dealer. Read on to learn more about their exclusive Airstream Club International and what it means to be a member of this elite group.
Wally Byam Caravan Club (WBCC)
Way back in 1955, Airstream founder Wally Byam’s caravan adventures to Europe inspired the formation of a nonprofit club that used his name. Byam had conceived of the notion of taking some fellow travel trailer enthusiasts to Central America on a trip. Sixty-three trailers made it to Nicaragua before the caravan turned back north, and while the trip was challenging, all the participants wanted to attend another one as soon as possible.
Byam took his own unique Airstream Bubble to Europe in 1955 before taking a 26’ trailer back to Europe the very next year. He would later travel through Africa, from South Africa to Kenya, with another caravan in 1959. His explorations were inspiring to other travel trailer owners, and the idea to promote travel using Airstream RVs was born.
The Wally Byam Caravan Club International was founded in Kentville, Nova Scotia, during a caravan traveling through Eastern Canada. The club was registered in Ohio in 1957 as the Wally Byam Caravan Club, which changed in 1963 to the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc. Today, there are eight “doing business as” names for the WBCCI, one of these being Airstream Club International.
The club promotes a wanderlust spirit with its members’ enthusiasm for traveling, meeting new people, forging friendships and expressing personality. Wally Byam outlined a multi-part creed that encouraged these qualities, along with urging members to travel to distant corners of the globe, fostering international goodwill and more understanding via new contacts.
Airstream Club International Culture
The culture of the Airstream Club International can be summed up in the idea that every traveler should leave a place better than it was when they found it. Club members are encouraged to respect the diversity of the community and be mindful of what they do and say so that they do not create disharmony amongst members. The club urges its members to demonstrate acceptance, compassion and goodwill.
Rallies
The 16,000 members of Airstream Club International encompass new Airstream trailer owners as well as seasoned veterans, all of whom can be found at one of the yearly international rallies or at a regional event. There are twelve geographical regions that each have their own event roster, so no matter where you live in the United States, you’ll be able to find a regional event near you.
Caravans offer longer events that are organized by specific Caravan Leaders, allowing members to travel as an organized group across the country. Every summer, anywhere from 700 to 1000 Airstream trailers converge upon an American city to participate in a week-long International Rally, where members can meet each other, participate in activities and attend seminars. 2021’s event will be the 64th such rally, taking place in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Want to join up with the Airstream Club International? There are over 100 local clubs across the world, so you’ll be able to find one near you by visiting the Airstream Club website. If you need an Airstream trailer before you can join up, then you’ll want to check out the full selection of new and used Airstream RVs for sale at our South Burlington, VT, dealership. Airstream of Vermont at Pete’s RV Center proudly serves the cities of Worcester, MA, and Manchester, NH, as well as all of our New England customers.
