In the Northern Hemisphere, summer is the perfect time to take yourself off camping. Waking up in the middle of a field, listening to the sounds of nature with just you and a tent for company may sound like bliss to some. But for others who prefer to take some creature comforts with them, how about a campervan instead?
Travelling in a campervan or RV still allows you to take in all that nature has to offer but just in more comfort. It’s a great option for those who love camping but don't enjoy sleeping on the ground and is an affordable way to explore some of your continent's most beautiful surroundings while enjoying the comforts of home. It's like taking a road trip but in style.
There Are Several Benefits of a Campervan
Freedom
A campervan or RV gives you the freedom to stop and park at a relaxing campground, or a beautiful country road. You can drive for as long as you like then pull over wherever the mood takes you. You also have the flexibility of travelling for longer taking a road trip around a continent stopping at many places along the way because you have everything with you.
A Home from Home
You can travel with the same amenities you would find at home. Most newer models have luxurious indoor spaces which may include: a full kitchen, comfortable sleeping area, a conventional oven and microwave, full bathroom with separate shower, a table to eat at (dining area), a refrigerator, and even a flat-screen TV or Wifi depending on which model you choose and your budget.
No Baggage Allowance
Unlike travelling on a plane, you don’t need to worry about what you’re taking with you and have to downsize all your clothes until they fit into your hand luggage. You can pack everything that you think you’re going to need come rain or shine and even those larger items that you can’t usually take.
No Setting Up
Everything that you need is within your motorhome so you don’t have to spend time pitching a tent, starting a fire and gathering all your cooking equipment as it’s all ready to go. You don’t have to find somewhere to shower or use the bathroom as you have your very own, and if you feel more secure sleeping somewhere where you can lock the doors at night instead of in a zipped tent, then you have much more security.
So now that you're inspired to travel the open road, all behind the wheel of a spacious, fully-functional campervan, how do you go ahead and do it?
How To Book a Campervan
Take some time to shop around for the perfect campervan for your needs—after all, this rental serves as both your transportation and place to sleep for the night. Here are some tips for your campervan research.
Consider Size
Since your campervan will be your home away from home during your journey, you’ll want it to deliver serious comfort so size is the first factor to consider when choosing a campervan. If you’re travelling solo, there will definitely be plenty of space for you to sleep even if you choose the smallest one. However, if you’re meeting up with friends or picking up others along the way, make sure you have sleeping accommodations for your guests. A smaller campervan will be spacious enough for a solo vacation, but you might want a more spacious one should you plan to entertain during your journey.
Think About Use
The more time you plan to spend in your campervan rental, the more features you’ll probably need. If your road trip takes you to a national park or the coast just a couple of hours away, a base model campervan might be just enough for you. On the other hand, if your journey takes you across the country – or several states – you’ll want a campervan that’s fully equipped for your long road trip.
Check Out the Amenities
Amenities impact comfort and convenience when you’re on the road in a campervan. Seek out a van with amenities that are most important to you. For example, you might enjoy the comfort and added support of captain’s chairs, or perhaps you’re interested in chairs that swivel to allow for conversation and relaxation. If you plan to cook every meal in the campervan kitchen, make sure the kitchen is well equipped and includes utensils, plates, and pots and pans so that every campervan meal is ready to serve.
Map Out Your Route and Rent Accordingly
Campervans are wider than your typical vehicle, which means that they need ample roadway space for safe driving. Carefully examine your route to ensure you don’t have too many narrow roads on it and map out your route. If you do, find out the maximum width of vehicles allowed on those roads, and make sure your campervan rental doesn’t exceed that width. You don’t want to encounter a narrow road that is impassable because of your campervan.
Stay on Budget
Unless you plan on using a motorhome or RV every year, renting is the least expensive option as you don’t have to worry about storing your RV or maintenance which can be costly. Campervans are available at a variety of price points, so shop with your budget in mind. While you don't want to skimp on amenities, you also don’t want to bust your vacation budget on the campervan rental alone. What’s most important is that it has all the amenities that you need onboard. Make sure that you have 24-hour roadside assistance even if it’s in your own country.
In the UK – Spaceship Rentals offers a Voyager campervan from £65 per day. Book a campervan with Spaceship Rentals
In the USA – RVshare allows you to compare RV rates from different brands and find local owners near you. They offer RVs from approx $75 a night. Book a campervan with RVshare
Taking a Course
If you're not feeling very confident you can take a short course which is designed for beginners who want to develop some experience in towing and parking a caravan. They also provide comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding and prepare you for any challenges you may encounter during your caravanning trip to give you more confidence before you go.
Finally
Renting a campervan is a great way of escaping the 9 to 5 and setting off on an open-road adventure with only yourself for company. Who knows, you may even love it that much that it becomes an annual solo travel adventure!
