campervan to travel the world

A Beginner's Guide to Traveling the World in a Camper Van

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At 54 years old I started living and travelling in my camper van ‘Lucy.' So, why did I choose to live in a camper van

Ever had that feeling that there must be more to life? A life where you feel fulfilled and happy? Well, that was me.

I decided to do something about it, despite having what most people would consider a very desirable life...but one that was stuck in life’s conditioning of living in a house with a nine to five job and only having 4 weeks holiday each year. A friend had previously mentioned about travelling the world in a van and for some reason, this thought had stuck in my mind.  I had always loved the VW Campervans I saw on the road and often thought how nice it would be to have this kind of freedom. It was at that moment the ‘crazy’ idea popped into my head.

Why couldn’t I do just that? 

I thought I was crazy to even think that could be possible, especially having two children, Gina 17 and Zach 13, but anything is possible if you really desire it to be. I hadn’t had a clue where to start and whether I should buy a new van, could I even afford to do that? , or a second hand one, but how would I even know what to buy?

‍ I am one of those people that once I have decided to do something, I just get on and do it. After an initial bit of research on the internet, I found ‘Sussex Campervans’, a company that converts new vans and also sells used camper vans.  Perfect, right on my doorstep.

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So the following weekend I went along to check them out. I knew as soon as I saw them I was going to buy one.

They were a lot of money, but I was investing in a home and a tangible asset.   Fortunately, I was in good financial shape, so I managed to secure a loan pretty easily.  

I had decided to buy a new van, as to be honest the price differential wasn’t that great between the new and used vans with low mileage. I decided on the new Nissan NV300 Tecna, as it came with a 5-year return to base warranty, and EU breakdown cover.  I have also taken out a good camper van insurance which gives me full breakdown cover as well so I have complete peace of mind when travelling. The only thing was I had to wait eight months to get the van. It was a new model and coming direct from the factory as a panel van and then Sussex Campervans would do the conversion.  This would give me time to save as much money as possible for the journey, organise renting out my house and handing in my notice at work , as I had a 3-month termination clause.

My initial thoughts were that I was going to travel for one year, and after that, I would need to sell the van to pay back the finance. 

However, it became clear very soon after I started the journey back in April, that I would not want to go back to my old conditioned life.

I had always wanted to write a book, something that I never seemed to have the time or inspiration to do, and travelling would give me the perfect opportunity. I have now written a few chapters, and it is evolving as I travel.

In nine months I have travelled to ten countries, Scotland, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Spain and Portugal. I have reconnected with my heart and soul and am truly living life happily . 

I have no idea where this journey will lead me but for now, I just hope to inspire others to step out of life’s conditioning and follow their dreams , whatever they may be.

So if someone said to you “ Would you like to live a life of freedom, simple and uncomplicated, free of stress, waking up and going to sleep in the most beautiful places, and being able to work wherever you are? ,” would you say, " Yes ?" If so hopefully the below will help you get started.  There are also books available online on the subject of ‘Living in a Van’ which are very useful.

Here are my 6 biggest tips to getting started in a camper van

1) what van to buy.

I am by no means an expert on vans but I would say buy the best van you can afford if you want peace of mind about not breaking down somewhere remote, and maybe a more secure van, to prevent break-ins.

Newer vans will not only be more reliable and economical but equipment inside the van is likely to be safer, like the gas and electrics, and less likely to malfunction.  You don’t really want to be in cold temperatures and have your heater stop working (yes, vans have heating). Some even have hot water, although mine doesn’t, which just means you have to boil up some water. However, having said all of the above, you can pick up a 2nd hand van pretty cheaply, or even convert a van yourself.

I would highly recommend you watch some YouTube videos on the subject.  There are plenty to choose from.  Some of the nicest vans I’ve seen on the road have been converted by people who knew nothing about how to do it until they did it themselves.  You will end up with a lot of life skills too. Of course, it will take time to do but with the added bonus if anything goes wrong you will know how to fix it.

The other thing I will say is that if you do have any problems with the van and there are other van travellers around they will only be too happy to help you, especially if you are a solo female. The other consideration is the size of the van.  I chose a standard panel van as I had never driven a van before and wanted to be able to park it easily when I was in cities and carparks, and it fits perfectly into a space for a car. It is so easy to drive and you soon get used to the extra width and length. 

I also chose a pop-up roof, rather than a high top, as this allows you to get under all those height restriction barriers, particularly prevalent in the UK and France. This allowed me to stay in some lovely spots that I would otherwise not have been able to access.

A good leisure battery is a must-have , especially if you are going to wild camp rather than pay for sites with electrics.  Even with my new van, there are limitations, especially if you are not driving for a few days and there hasn’t been much sun to charge up the leisure battery from the solar panel. 

I have wild camped for most of the entire nine months of travelling, only plugging into electrics twice.  

This saves a lot of money not having to pay for sites and for me is a big part of vanlife, being able to park up wherever I choose, with the best views.  I have had van views that are not even available in five-star hotels.

2) Budget ‍

I would highly recommend you work out a monthly budget and of course, this will depend on how much savings/income you have and keep track of your spending in a book so you can see how you’re doing.

As I am living on saved money I set myself a pretty tight budget of £300 for petrol and just £120 for food, but I don’t eat out. I pretty much achieved this although, in some countries, like Norway, where it is more expensive, I did go over budget.  But I made up for it in Spain, where it is so much cheaper.  

You will also need money for incidentals, like tolls, (these can really add up so my advice is if you are not in a hurry don’t use toll roads), ferries, hot showers etc.

3) Wild-Camping ‍

Park4Night is the best app and it is free. You can find places in advance of arriving somewhere or just look for places ‘Around me’ once you decide you have driven enough for the day.  I also have the Camperstop app but you have to pay for it, unless you purchase the book and you get a years free subscription.  I purchased this before I knew about Park4Night.

4) Van Living Practicalities ‍

The first thing I will say is that I have not had my van broken into and have only had a problem once at night with some locals. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent either of these things from happening. I have authentic stickers on the windows of my van saying “ equipped with video recording equipment ” (which incidentally I do not have) although I did buy a webcam but it requires a wi-fi connection to work and I never did manage to sort this out.  See wi-fi versus data section. A recording of a barking dog on your phone so that if anyone does try to enter your van whilst you are in it you can play the recording to scare them off.  I have never had to resort to this. When parking in a city ensure it is a safe location, as this is where you are most likely to have an issue.  Parking near other vans is always good as you will find van travellers look out for each other and at night ensure you park under some lighting. 

When I was wild camping in nature I was often in the middle of nowhere on my own, so I always tried to tuck myself away somewhere and also ensured the driver seat was clear so if I needed to drive away quickly for any reason I could.  Again this is something I have never had to do.

I would recommend a compost toilet.  This will save you having to find somewhere to dump the contents of a porta-potty and it is not the most pleasant job.  In some countries, like Norway, this is really easy but I found it particularly difficult in Southern Spain unless you go to a camping site. 

As I wild camp I use nature, or a public toilet as much as possible so as not to have to empty the porta-potty quite so frequently.  Make sure you have a trowel with you so you can dig a hole to cover everything up.  There is nothing worse than seeing toilet paper/wipes littering the beautiful countryside.

Have the largest possible water container and a secondary smaller container (I have 10Litres) as a backup. That way you know once you put the last drop from your back up into the main container you need to replenish your supplies.  This way you will never run out. You do however learn quickly how to be economical with water.

When I first started travelling I used to hunt for water, worrying that I was going to run out, but I never have and I no longer hunt for it.  A lot of petrol stations in Europe have water taps .  

I found the UK one of the hardest places to find water as a lot of petrol stations no longer have taps it seems.  However, pubs often have an outside tap but tend to remove the top part so you can’t use it. My tip is to buy the top part of a tap. I also always carry 5 litres of drinking water. 

The Park4night app is also very useful for finding places to fill up with water.

What clothes to Pack

This will depend on how long you are travelling for and where you are going.  

As I was going to be in both cold and warm places I had to think about this in terms of shoes and clothes. Also, it depends on how much storage space you have. I have one cupboard and no hanging space, so all my clothes needed to be relatively crease-resistant.  I find rolling clothes up helps with preventing creases.

However, I still brought far too many clothes with me and have only worn a fraction of them as you do tend to end up wearing the same ones until they need a wash! ‍

5) Wi-Fi versus Data ‍

I bought myself a mobile router so that I could use wi-fi but I couldn’t seem to ever get more than 3G on it when it was supposed to be a 4G router.  So I have ended up just using data and upgraded to an unlimited data sim.

Be aware that there could be limits on the data depending on where you are travelling in the world, so if you are out of your home country you don’t actually get unlimited data . I only found this out after upgrading to Three’s unlimited data sim.

A lot of van travellers use Motorhome wi-fi so this would be the best option if you would prefer to use wi-fi over data.  

If you are spending a lot of time in cities then you can always use the free wi-fi in bars and restaurants. McDonalds is always good for free wi-fi. ‍

6) Making money on the road ‍

Making money on the road has never been easier.  The internet is a great resource for finding out how but below are a few examples of what you could do:

‍ -Digital nomad if you have internet access and know how to use a computer. Check out the Creatives Platform if you're interested in building your own online brand but don't know where to start and get $100 off their course with the link above.

- Workaway website/app to find an array of interesting work like seasonal or farm work

-House sitting to take a break from the camper van at times. TrustedHousesitters is a great website to start with.

-Hostel work

-Tour guides

-Teaching English online. If you're a native English speaker from the US/Canada, VIPKID  is an excellent company to work for. If you don't fit those qualifications though, check out DaDaABC, PalFish and Cambly.

I am gradually becoming a digital nomad, but it has been/still is a steep learning curve for me. Understanding how to build a brand to look professional,  getting my head around social media and building an audience, having a website to showcase my blogs and getting affiliate links to earn from recommending products I use. It all takes time and it can be a while before you even have the smallest income stream.

Living a mobile lifestyle is an alternative choice.  No hostel costs or rent.  

With a van you have your home, your transport and your place of work right with you.  You can live and travel wherever you want.  

Home is where you park it.

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Travelling the world in a camper van.

You don’t have to be a hippy to hit the road in a camper – there are few better ways to see the world, and here's how to get started

While exploring America’s mother road – Route 66 – in a campervan, I found myself lost in Bryce Canyon National Park late at night. Tired, I pulled over and wild camped, the big advantage of driving your own ‘hotel’. The next morning I realised I wasn’t far from a 2,000m-high lookout – at which I arrived, bleary-eyed, at sunrise, completely unprepared for the landscape spread out before me.

From my randomly found vantage point I watched the day break over a 30km-long series of bizarre amphitheatres and pinnacles, all rich-reds and yellow-oranges; the kind of image that burns into your memory. And it was a fluke made possible only by travelling in a campervan.Going to the Sun road 

The USA is made for campervanning. Other countries can be less hospitable, but still doable to those with a van and a spirit of adventure. The open road lures campervanners. Speak to any camper owner and the sentiment is much the same: these vehicles give you the freedom to go where you want when you want, knowing you’ve got a comfy bed waiting for you at the end of the night.

This freedom also means you’re not held to ransom by outrageous prices for a cuppa at a tourist spot, and you won’t ever be caught short in a public place. Plus, campers carry all the facilities you need to live ‘off-grid’, away from mains electricity and water supplies. But where should you go on your campervan adventure?

New Zealand

Nature pulls out all the stops right outside your window – a conveyor belt of peaks, beaches, fiords and glaciers

New Zealand’s landscape changes constantly. You can be driving through a valley, with mountains soaring either side, then round the corner to find a wild coastline or the tip of a glacier field. That’s the beauty of New Zealand – it crams a world of drama into its small proportions.

The joy of exploring by camper is that, if you like an area, you can stay the night: local law permits you to free camp as long as you’re at least 15km from the nearest large town and off the public highway.

The winter months (Jun-Aug) are a great time to see New Zealand in all its elemental glory, when waterfalls cascade off the mountains and the seas are still crowded with whales. Avoid peak season (Jan-Mar) and you’ll have the roads pretty much to yourself.

Best drives

Te Anau to Milford Sound Drive: through beech trees into the golden meadows of Fiordland National Park, before winding down to the Sound. A simply stunning route.

Coromandel Peninsula: The region that extends from Waihi in the south to Port Jackson in the north is a superb, forested mountain drive.

Essential reading

Although the country's road networks are great, some of NZ's best bits require a little leg work to reach. Get off the road and onto a bike: you'll find a vast network of cycling routes , for every ability. Perfect for exploring where four wheels simply can't go...

Live the dream

Rental information is similar in New Zealand and Australia, so this section applies to both countries. For convenient one-way trips, rent from a multi-depot firm which has rental locations in most of the major towns. This is particularly important for long trips in New Zealand – the inter-island ferry is expensive so you want to avoid making the crossing twice if possible.

Britz offers seven camper types, ranging from the simple, two-berth VW Rookie, to six-berth motorhomes with fridge, stove, shower and toilet. For serious off-roading you can hire Toyota Land Cruiser-based 4WD vans.

Drive where scale is everything – never-ending horizons, big skies and the longest open roads ever

Australia is vast. In the Outback you can drive all day and not see a soul, an absolute dream for self-sufficient campervanners and perfect for off-road desert adventures. But at its edges things aren’t so extreme – a varied and unique mix of reef-meets-rainforest, long sandy coasts, vibrant cities and fascinating hinterlands, well set up for vanning exploration.

Watch out for road trains, though – these trailer-towing behemoths can be over 35m long. They churn up a lot of dust, and overtaking them takes time. There’s significant (if fascinating) wildlife to avoid too – many rental campers will be fitted with bull bars to protect against roaming cattle and kangaroos.

Adelaide to Melbourne: Includes one of the greatest drives in the world: the Great Ocean Road.

Fraser Island: Spend days wildlife-spotting and nights around the campfire. Also, 4WD vanners will love nipping up and down the massive golden beaches.

Cape York’s Overland Telegraph Track: A favourite of serious off-road enthusiasts; includes a wilderness peninsula of tropical forest and savannah, only suitable for hardy 4WDs in the dry season (May-Oct).

It's easy to dismiss rural Australia as an empty, barren environment. Yes, it's stark, but there's plenty of character off those razor-straight roads. Meet the Aborigines of the Red Centre's Pit Lands , just south of Uluru, or follow Simon Reeve's advice on unearthing Australia's greatest surprises ... 

South America

Wild routes for intrepid vanners

Planning a camper trip in South America is more an art than a science. Work out what you want to see and plan a rough route around that and the seasons – remain flexible and you’ll be rewarded with real adventure.

From barren wilderness, stunning mountains and vast plateaus to coastal roads passing oceans busy with penguins and whales, this is a continent ripe for exploring. Argentina is perhaps the most camper-friendly country in the region, thanks to its well-developed highway network, its national parks and its wealth of commercial campsites with electric hook-up.

To Tierra del Fuego: Journeys down both the west and east coasts of Argentina to the very tip of South America are spectacular, with some unsealed road surfaces making 4WD vehicles popular.

The Lake District: Spanning both Chile and Argentina, this mass of waterways offers spectacular driving on good roads.

The pampas: Just south of Buenos Aires, these wild grasslands, full of birds, offer fabulous long drives.

The list of must-dos for South America is never-ending, so take inspiration from Alistair Humphreys' top-10 destinations and start planning from there... Of course, while you're in this neck of the woods it'd be rude not to experience life at high altitude: head to the hills of northern Argentina, and tackle the 'Highest road in the Americas' . It's breathtaking stuff.

There are a few well-established rental companies. Buenos Aires-based Ruta Sur hires out vehicles in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.

Gaibu has six rental depots in Argentina. It offers dismountable-type campers that fit onto the back of 4WD trucks, and a range of campers from small two-berths up to five-berth motorhomes.

Play ‘join the dots’ between glittering lakes and snowy peaks

Canada’s vast and varying wilderness makes it perfect territory for an extended camper tour. Most vanners point their wheels at the dramatic Rockies and the Great Lakes, but along the way are fabulous stretches of forest, rippling wheat fields and unique wildlife – elk, caribou and maybe even a grizzly or two.

The Alaskan Highway: Connecting the continental US with Alaska across gold-rush Canada, this is an absolute must for the barren wilderness experience.

The Yellowhead Highway: Drive along Highway 16 into the stunning Wells Gray Provincial Park, where you can camp overnight and then visit the awesome Icefields Parkway to visit the Athabasca Glacier.

Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99): Head out from Vancouver along the coastal mountain region of British Columbia.

Want to get off the beaten track? Try tracing the St Lawrence River from Quebec to the coast , to spy beluga whales and mystical forests. Or, if you fancy a break from the road, try an Arctic cruise to meet Inuit locals, as well as polar bears and ice bergs...

The home of the campervan experience – with a wealth of classic routes to choose from

No country is better set up for exploring by camper – or RV (recreational vehicle), as they’re locally known – than the good old US of A. With its breadth of landscapes – from rolling plains to epic mountains – tiny towns, superb road networks and historically cheap fuel (though it’s getting pricier), it’s a campervanning paradise. The vast national parks are often busy with RVers in high season, but book in advance or off-peak and enjoy your own slice of this uniquely American way of life.

Big Sur, California: The quintessential winding coastal road, dotted with all-American diners overlooking the crashing ocean.

Crater Lake Rim Drive, Oregon: This 53km trail skirts the deep-blue caldera of Crater Lake NP.

Badlands Loop Road, South Dakota: Drive through wildlife- and fossil-filled prairie.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana: This National Historic Landmark is an 80km stretch of glorious vistas in Glacier National Park. (Your ride can't be larger than 21ft long, 8ft wide and 10ft tall for this drive, though.)

There's so much road to cover, it's easy to feel overwhelmed - so make sure you do your planning first. Heed Lucy Pearson's hard-won tips for planning the great American road trip , or plot an adventure on the USA's little-driven roads . Yes, some roads are (almost) traffic free, and they're perfect for road trips!

This section covers rental information for both the US and Canada. Cruise America/Canada ( cruiseamerica.com ; cruisecanada.com ) is one of the best-established multi-depot RV rental and sales firms.

Glide through a string of different countries, with history on every street corner and spectacular scenery

Western Europe is well geared up for independent campervanning. You can zip quickly and easily across national borders, and take in the tiny, out-of-the-way villages and scenery that organised tours don’t have time for.

Eastern Europe is a different matter – it’s not used to campervan traffic and roads can be in poor condition. You may feel quite conspicuous in your camper, but the rewards are offbeat stretches where you have the road to yourself.

Helsinki to the Arctic Circle: Tree-lined roads turn into Arctic tundra, a silent wilderness spotted with reindeer.

Highway One, Iceland: The country’s only highway loops dramatically past all the main attractions.

Romantic Road, Germany: A well-travelled (don’t do this in peak season) but beautiful route through medieval towns and past fairytale castles.

Amalfi Coast, Italy: Out of season, this rugged, Unesco-listed shoreline is one of the most stunning drives in the world. Too passé? Try the lesser-visited Adriatic coast instead.

Short on time? See Tom Hawker's account of driving the Fairytale Route in Germany , which threads though the forests that inspired the Brothers Grimm to pen their infamous stories. Liz Edwards has a similarly enchanting time in northern Italy's South Tyrol , where alpine pastures meet snowy peaks. For an island escape, follow in the footsteps of Will Gray on a jaunt around Norway's Lofoten Islands .

For regional listings of UK camper hire firms try Motorhome Facts . McRent is one of the best multi-country rental firms, with depots in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Hiring in the UK allows you to take all your own equipment (bedding, bikes etc) plus, for short ferry crossings, you pay for the vehicle rather than per person. However, if it’s just the two of you, a cheap return flight will save you time and money (on fuel and ferry crossings), plus you’ll be renting a left-hand drive, better suited to mainland Europe.

With a bit of planning you can head off the tourist trail and break out on your own four wheels

Asia is the least-charted territory for overland camper travel, although a few countries are beginning to wake up to the possibilities. Once you’ve wrestled with the red tape of visa applications though, it’s epic territory, and doing it by campervan means you’ll reach areas untouched by public transport, including the Himalaya, wild China and the enigmatic 'Stans.

The Karakoram Highway – Pakistan to the Chinese border: The road is at 4,000m, hemmed in by 8,000m peaks.

China into Tibet: Spectacularly beautiful and, doing it in a camper, you can stop whenever you want.

The Silk Road: Still a pilgrimage for some brave campervanners. The northern route cuts through the Chinese province of Gansu and splits into three further routes, two of them going around the Taklamakan Desert, and the other going north through the mountains into Kazakhstan.

Perhaps the most high-profile 'route' through Asia is the Mongol Rally, which sees teams race from Europe to Mongolia in cars that most people wouldn't venture to the shops in. We chatted to founder Tom Morgan , and Wanderlust's Peter Moore signed up for a stint with team Genghis Carnage: read all about his adventures here ... If a clapped-out little car can do it, maybe a campervan could too?

An extended trip through Asia is likely to take months, and is best done in the company of other similar campers. With this in mind, you’ll probably need to buy a camper; a 4WD is preferable for the uneven roads you’re bound to encounter. Expect to wild camp too – commercial campsites are few and far between.

Plan well – take into account the seasons and weather, and ask for advice from someone who’s been before – visit the Silk Route Motorcaravan Network , which specialises in overlanding by motorhome.

China is beginning to offer RV rental. However, at the moment rental companies insist on you hiring a driver too. One such company is China Exploration . Rental vehicles include rugged 4WD campers and European-style A-class motorhomes. Also, check out rvingchina.com .

Southern Africa

Watch elephants lollop and whales breach from your van window

Southern Africa’s popularity as a motorhome destination has boomed in recent years – South Africa is well set up, while neighbouring Namibia and Botswana offer more rugged adventure. This is perhaps the ultimate voyage into the great outdoors: drive amid shifting sands, big cats, wild coasts and pan-flat plains that go uninterrupted as far as the eye can see.

Garden Route, South Africa: Classic African bush, desert, beaches and mountain passes, plus great national parks.

The Ocean Road to Cape Agulhas, South Africa: Where oceans collide at the southernmost point of Africa – spectacular.

Etosha National Park, Namibia: Its waterholes ensure some of the best self-drive game-viewing anywhere in the world.

Namibian wilderness: With surprisingly good roads, you can drive through epic desert scenery with vast skies and biblical horizons; try the Namib Desert and Damaraland.

Botswana: Visit in winter (June to September) for sublime game-viewing and possibly the best-value way to see the country – many of the smaller reserves are open to self-drivers, though you’ll need a 4WD to cope with the terrain.

Check out our guide to self-driving in South Africa : it's the perfect destination for first-time campervanners. If you're up for something bigger, Lizzie Matthews recommends you try Nairobi to Cape Town , perhaps Africa's most iconic overland route, but one which will give even seasoned adventurists the buzz they crave...

Most of South Africa is fine for 2WD campers. For Namibia and Botswana you’re better off in a 4WD camper if you want to get off the beaten track. The big rental players are Maui and Britz.

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The 8 best destinations for an RV or camper van adventure

Mar 21, 2023 • 8 min read

Camper van travel is a great way to explore the world © Getty Images

Whether you’re cruising in a chrome-plated RV or sputtering along in a vintage VW, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the road in a camper van, where you’re beholden to no timetable and limited only by your ambitions.

Most travelers set their satnavs for the smooth highways of the old dependables – North America , Australia ,   New Zealand – and with good reason (not least the savings offered on pricey accommodation), but those willing to navigate the potholes of roads less traveled may find richer rewards elsewhere. These are the 8 best destinations for an RV trip. 

1. Scotland's North Coast 500

Best camper van travel in europe.

It was billed as Scotland ’s Route 66, but the North Coast 500 is of course nothing like its US counterpart. Cutting a course through sodden carpets of heather in the bleakly-beautiful Highlands, the 516-mile route joins the dots between crumbling castles, weather-beaten fishing towns and middle-of-nowhere distilleries.

Lined with campsites, the road itself incorporates the meandering mountain pass of Bealach na Bà – the highest highway in Scotland – and swings by John o' Groats, the most northerly point in mainland Britain. Bring your bathers in case the weather behaves: Scotland has some surprisingly beautiful beaches .

Most campers start and end their trip in Inverness – the largest city in the Highlands – whose cosy pubs, a 19th-century cathedral and a lofty castle bookend the journey nicely.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Highland Coastal Campers , Loch Ness Motorhomes and Inverness Campervans Rental costs: Campers from around £110/US$130 per day

2. Route 1 in California, USA 

Best for beaches.

Romanticised by beat writers and Hollywood film directors, the American road trip is practically a sub-genre of its own. From Grapes of Wrath to Vanishing Point , Thelma & Louise to Sideways , the nation’s highways are littered with great plots.

Given the profusion of road movies that have come out of Hollywood, California is an apt place to (wheel) spin your own 4WD narrative. The Golden State offers a handful of iconic itineraries, from Highway 101 to the dirt tracks of Death Valley , but if you only drive one road, make Route 1, well, the one.

Lined with campsites, this feted highway hugs the rugged Californian coast for 143km between San Simeon and the Carmel Highlands. All plunging cliffs and wave-lashed beaches, it is the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline in the US.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Escape Camper Vans , Outdoorsy and Jurnii Rental costs: From around US$55/£45 per day

3. East Coast Australia 

Best for partying.

Like koala bears to eucalyptus trees, road-trippers have long been drawn to Australia’s East Coast , where hedonistic surf towns, colorful coral reefs and paradisiacal beaches provide the pretext for camper van capers.

Buckle up in Sydney , where the booming market in used camper vans should produce a reliable set of wheels for those looking to buy. As the Opera House disappears in the rear-view, the East Coast unfurls to reveal impressive national parks, offbeat islands and hard-partying cities such as Brisbane , Cairns and Surfers Paradise . It’s not all boisterous beach jamborees, though. Quiet camping grounds can be found along the East Coast, including many free sites, which often include public barbecues for the obligatory shrimp tossing.

There are all kinds of East Coast road trip routes to take depending on the amount of time you want to spend and which stunning Australian sites you most want to see. The only hard part will be narrowing it down, or deciding where to begin.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include  Hippie Camper and Travellers Autobarn . Rental costs: From around AU$79/US$52 per day

4. Overlanding in Namibia

Best for wildlife.

You’ll need a 4WD to tackle the otherworldly landscapes of Namibia , where buzzing cities, stark desert scenes and wildlife-rich national parks are among the highlights.

Most self-drive trips begin in Windhoek , whose Bavarian-style boozers are the perfect place to pore over maps and finalize routes. Be sure to set the GPS for Etosha , a Belize -sized national park where self-drive safaris and in-park camping are permitted, offering early morning sightings of rhinos, elephants and lions before other tourists have finished funnelling through the gates.

Top off your tour with spectacular drives through the shape-shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert and a stop-off to eyeball the colossal rusting shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast . A word of caution: Namibia’s roads are mostly loose gravel and there are often large distances between towns, so forward planning is essential, including camp-site bookings. If you enjoy the ride, however, you might find yourself hungry for more opportunities for overlanding in Africa .

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Bobo Campers , Namibia 4x4 Rentals and Caprivi Rental costs: From around NAD1650/US$90 per day

Best for culture

The idea of driving in Japan might seem terrifying, but a road trip here is surprisingly serene: aside from the odd racer, Japanese motorists are generally courteous, whilst modern satnavs mean there’s now no need to worry about translating signs. Having a mobile home here also saves on hotel costs – some of the most expensive in Asia .

Wending their way from snow-capped peaks to palm-fringed beaches – via limpid lakes and primeval forests – Japan’s highways offer a privileged perspective on parts of the country that many visitors don’t get to see. Fill up on culture as well as gas in pulsating cities, middle-of-nowhere temples and traditional villages.

With views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko, the Hakone Skyline Course is one of Japan’s most scenic drives , and is conveniently lined with handy rest stops. No less stunning is the Mikuni Pass, which tiptoes above primeval forest in Tokachi Subprefecture.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Japan Campers , Camgo Campervan and Rental Camper Rental costs: From around ¥5900/US$45 per day

6. New Zealand 

Best for hikers.

Travelers often proclaim New Zealand to be the best destination for a camper van holiday – and it’s hard to argue otherwise. From glistening glaciers to wave-lashed shores, its landscapes bring a certain grandeur to road trips, while its hiking trails and legion of campsites make the scenery eminently accessible.

If you like lofty peaks then chart a course through the North Island’s volcanic heartland, stopping off at the hiker’s paradise that is Tongariro National Park. For rugged seashores take the ferry to the South Island and drive the windswept West Coast, past Franz Josef Glacier to Milford Sound .

Buying a camper van is practically a rite of passage for travellers in New Zealand. Trusty steeds can be purchased at Auckland ’s famous car fairs, though there are plenty of places to rent if you don’t want the hassle of haggling. Another plus is the 200 or so campsites run by the Department of Conservation ; spread throughout the country, these spots offer low prices and excellent facilities amid some unbeatable rural settings.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Maui Rentals and Wilderness . Rental costs: From around NZ$48/US$30 per day

7. Chile's Pan-American Highway 

Best for adventure travel.

It’s hard to lose your way on a camper van holiday in Chile , where the foolproof Pan-American Highway runs almost straight down the spine of the country, dispatching road trippers to colorful colonial cities, arid deserts and verdant national parks.

The sheer variety of landscapes is staggering. It seems hard to believe that the Atacama Desert – supposedly the driest place on Earth – is found in the same country as the vineyard-carpeted Elqui Valley and the ice-blue glaciers of Patagonia .

It’s not all about natural wonders. The 3364km-long Pan-American also serves up swaggering seaside cities in the form of Iquique , La Serena and Valdivia, and, of course, the capital, Santiago , behind which loom the lofty peaks of the Andes.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Wicked South America , Condor Campers and Andes Camper Rental costs: From around CLP$40,000/US$50 per day

8. Alberta, Canada 

Best for families.

Icefields Parkway manages to distil almost everything that’s epic about the Canadian wilderness into a brisk 230-km camper van route. From sparkling glaciers to wildflower meadows, snow-capped mountains to cascading waterfalls, this highway packs in some serious scenery.

Calling at Banff and Jasper National Parks , the route hits a sweet spot in May, when spring makes its presence felt in the flowery foothills, but skiing is still possible on higher ground for those who have packed their boots and poles. Come a little earlier – in April – and you can even skate on Lake Louise .

Before you return the RV, take a detour to the sandstone hoodoos of Alberta ’s Badlands, an alien-looking landscape where some of the rarest dinosaur fossils known to humanity have been found. Dinosaur Provincial Park , a Unesco World Heritage site has a brilliant family-friendly campsite alongside an excellent visitor center where children can learn about the area's prehistoric inhabitants.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Canada RV Rentals , North Campervans and Wicked Campers Calgary Rental costs: From around CA$200/US$145 per day

This article was first published Aug 20, 2019 and updated Mar 21, 2023.

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• THE JOURNEY

Tips for Travelling the World in a Campervan

There are several different ways to travel the world. You could fly everywhere, go by sea, backpack or take to the roads in a campervan.

However, taking the trip in a campervan will give you a kind of freedom that no other mode of transport will. The secret is to be prepared, and here we discuss just how to make your trip hassle free.

Have a Plan

The first thing is to plan where you are going and rough timescales to get to and stay in each place. You do not have to rigidly stick to it, as there will be some places you love and want to stay longer, and others you will not like at all. You will also come across places you had not even considered, but having some idea of the direction you are headed is important.

Make a List

Make a list of everything you need to take and do before you leave. Things like visas for the countries you will be entering are vital, or you may be stopped from progressing on your journey. Do not forget travel insurance as not everywhere provides free medical treatment, even in emergencies.

Make sure you pack basic medical supplies such as headache tablets, plasters, antiseptic creams, and bandages. You should also include some paper maps . Maps on smartphones are great, but if you get lost in the middle of nowhere and have no reception, they will not be much use.

Do not overload yourself with clothing. Just make a list that includes a couple of changes as you will find opportunities along the way to do some laundry. Pots, pans, plates, and cutlery will also be needed if you want to cook in the campervan or over a campfire.

Get the Van Ready

You need to ensure that your campervan is roadworthy and that you have a spare tyre in case it is needed. You will possibly be travelling over some rough roads, and do not want to be stuck if a tyre deflates. Clean and pack the vehicle rather than just throwing everything in. It is going to be your home for a while, and you need it to be as comfortable as possible.

Your campervan insurance needs to cover you for travelling in other parts of the world. At sites like Quotezone you will be able to compare policies and prices and find the best deal for you.

Make sure that you maintain the campervan as you travel. Keep fluid levels topped up and if it develops a minor problem, get it repaired before it turns into something major.

Take Copies and Keep in Touch

Take some copies of all-important documents. Copies of site bookings, visas, and insurance policies should be left with a trusted family member or friend. You should also have spare copies for yourself. If originals get lost, it is much easier to replace them if you have a copy. You should also agree to touch base with someone every day, even if it is just a text message saying where you will be that day. If they do not hear from you, they can alert the appropriate authorities and at least they will know where you were up to the day before. This could be vital if you have had an accident on a road where very few vehicles pass by.

Now everything is prepared, you are ready to start on your exciting adventure. Of course, you will probably want to see some of the usual tourist attractions, but your campervan gives you the opportunity to travel off the beaten track as well. This is where you will find what life is really like in the country you are visiting. Meet the locals, see authentic towns and villages and sample the local foods.

In Indonesia, for example, you will find street cafés that sell as much as you can eat for less than £2. They are regulated for hygiene and are a great way of filling up for the day. You will also find that in most countries the locals are far friendlier than people you may encounter working in tourist locations.

This could be your trip of a lifetime and the whole point is for you to enjoy it, but you need to make sure you stay safe as well. Lock your campervan when you’re away from it, don’t flash cash around too freely, and use maps and GPS to maintain your bearings even when you venture off the beaten path.

Traveling the world in any way can be a wonderful experience, but doing it in a campervan can be more exciting than any other form of travel.

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How to Travel the World in a Campervan: Beginner’s Guide

You can travel to almost any country by using the most advanced mode of travelling. You can fly to Dubai, go on a voyage like an old style pirate, to traveling by sea or flying in a aeroplane. 

Not to mention that going for a cruise for weeks and months is also fun but it requires so much money and patience. The cruise ship takes days to travel some distance in the sea and you get a way to reconnect with nature in some ways by cutting off the normal lifestyle. 

The budget also matters when it comes to traveling to a particular location or city. I have read several stories of people travelling around the world in a campervan. Nonetheless these stories are very fascinating and interesting, but somewhere you know that it takes a lot to even do it.

Today we will talk about how to travel the world in a campervan for adventure and fun. It is very much plausible to explore the world just in a van, however, you have to consider a lot of points before you take the road trips.

Plan Everything Before Travelling

Whenever an architect has to build a home, the first thing he does is build a floor plan. The floor plan is a design of the home either on the paper or on the computer in a 3D layout. Likewise, when you plan to hit a road to explore the world in your campervan you must make a plan first. 

Invest some time in jotting down the places that you wish to explore with all the intricate details. Such as how much time it will take to travel to a particular place, you might not be able to come up with the exact or accurate timescale but you can make rough estimates.

Also write down the name of places on a paper with the amount of distance that you’d be covering in your campervan. It’d be better if you look at the map first because you’d be able to make better decisions when it comes to parking the campervan and staying at a hotel. You should also install a high quality GPS tracker in your van to keep track of the place and their directions when travelling in your campervan. 

Here’s a Checklist for your Plan:

Make a list of everything that you plan to do on your laptop, notepad, or tablet. This way you will be able to keep all the records of your activities on your trip and you won’t have trouble deciding what else to be done next. You should plan every single day on your calendar to make your journey smoother and better for yourself. 

You may also need to get visas for some countries and you need to take care of this months before you hit the road.  It is impossible for you to get the entry to a city or country without having a legal permit from the authorities. Therefore, you need to keep all your documents ready before you head towards your journey.  Make sure to acquire great travel insurance as well just in case you meet an emergency during th trip you will have a back-up in hand.

Here are few of the things that you will need for your trip:

• Visa, Passport, permits and entry documents. 
• Photo identity, credit cards and cash
• Travel insurance
• First aid kit
• Antiseptic creams 
• Paper maps or digital maps of roads, locations and places. 
• GPS tracker and apps for measuring the distance from one location to another 
• Temperature meter
• Pots, pans, oven, snacks, drinks, and cutlery 
• Log and fuel.
•  Flash light and replacement tyres 
• Cooking accessories just in case you want to cook off-grid 
• Clothing (don’t over pack though)
• Chargers for all electrical items
• Spare batteries

Choosing the Campervan

Since you are going to embark on a long distance trip you need to choose a campervan that can cover a lot of distance without struggle. Buy twin axle campervan with good interior and hardcore exterior as it will be exposed to different and uncertain weather conditions. Single axle van is less stable on the road and it is not meant for long distance travelling, moreover it would be quite hectic to keep it going on the rough and sloppy roads. 

You need to make a checklist of all the items that you must need during your trips. Always keep a spare tyre with you just in case the existing one gets deflated anytime during your trip. You don’t want to end up getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a deflated tyre, it would interrupt your trip. 

Although you might have a lot of money to spend on camping and road trips you must get travel insurance. The company will cover up all the expenses related to your trip around the world. You can find out how to start a travel savings account here if that helps you save for your trip where you travel the world in your campervan! 

Documents and their Copies:

As mentioned above you must take all of your documents with you so you don’t get into trouble in the middle of your trip. Make several copies of your ID card, passports, and other important documents.  Share your road plan with someone whom you trust a lot, it could be anyone from your circle of family or friends.

Also, try to be in touch with your friends to keep them aware of your whereabouts; text them, FaceTime them and share the pictures of the location. It would help you as well in keeping yourself secure. Just in case you go out of track or feel lost, it would be much easier for your loved ones to find you after tracking the last location where you have been.

Eateries and Motels

You can install any application on your smartphone or android phone to track down the nearby locations you can visit. The application will help you to find even the best and most affordable eateries and motels that fall within the vicinity of where you have parked your campervan. We must be thankful for having the latest technology because we can find places easily using the internet instead of doing any manual research work.

I know most people love camping and traveling alone as they find a strange peace in solitude. However, when you have company you would enjoy your trip more for the simple fact that you will be able to explore different places together. When one partner is tired of driving another can take on the task. And this way neither one of you will ever feel tired during the trip.

Protection Measures

When you travel in a campervan you are more exposed to the outside world. Keep your windows and doors locked at the witch and odd hours. Make sure to have a fire extinguisher inside along with protective tools. Install at least two GPS trackers, one should be accessible by your loved ones as well.

For a small fee you can send the signals and tracking to anywhere in the world. Or connect the tracker with an online application for your loved one to keep an eye on the locations that you are visiting throughout the world. 

Traveling the world in your campervan is really fun but you must be cautious and careful when you step outside. Protect yourself and your privacy when you step out either alone or with someone whom you trust the most

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One thought on “ how to travel the world in a campervan: beginner’s guide ”.

Thanks for sharing, these are great tips if your starting out travel using a campervan 🙂

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Live in a Van and Travel: Freedom, Vanlife, and the 21st Century Nomad

How to Live in a Van and Travel: Freedom, Vanlife, and the 21st Century Nomad

Excuse me, sir, ma’am, do you have a second to talk about freedom?

That’s why we travel, right? Sure, maybe it starts as an escape. Maybe your ex trashed you so you ran away from all those delicious problems (don’t feel bad; it’s a common story).

Maybe the looming threat of your tertiary education commitments was rearing its ugly head so you decided to delay.

Maybe you wanted to  ‘find yourself’ .

Whatever your reasons, the outcome was the same. You left… And then you caught the bug.

Now that I know how to be free, how can I choose to put myself back in the cage?

Excuse me, sir, ma’am do you have a second to talk about van life?

There’s something pure about van travel. You’ll have to peel back the layers first: the trashy Instagram hashtags. The ‘polyamorous’ douchebags competing for level-10 gipsy status to sleep with cute hippy chicks at psytrance festivals.

Peel that shit back first and what do you find? Freedom: a sincere desire to simply live freely. Travelling in a van, or any form of motorhome for that matter, is not a lifestyle: it’s an answer.

Less is more.

So let’s talk about that. Let’s talk about why you should live AND travel in a van.

Let’s talks about the ins and outs of travelling in a motorhome: a beginner’s tips and hacks guide for campervan travel. And let’s talk about travelling the world in a campervan: the best countries to go and how to acquire your new roots-less home.

We’re talking van life.

Vanlife: Let’s Paint a Picture of the Van Travel Lifestyle

How to live in a van and travel, the best countries for rv and campervan travel, vanlife tips 101: your beginner’s rv and campervan travel guide, freedom, vanlife and the 21st century nomad.

Right, so that was soppy – sorry, folks! Here’s the deal: it’s a house on wheels. Let me reiterate that for you.

It’s a house on wheels.

Yeah sure, it may not be a very big house. But, look, if your biggest concern is not being able to take much stuff, then, mate… the traveller lifestyle might not be for you.

Let’s call it nomadic van living (just to separate it from actual nomadic living in which if you didn’t move, then winter came and you died). Living out of a van means living out of a home with wheels. Think about that for a sec.

If you run out of milk, you don’t have to leave the house to buy milk. You take the house WITH YOU to buy milk.

That’s fucking sick.

There’s a new level of freedom that comes from travelling the country in an RV , campervan, or even one of the cars with the fold-out tents on the roof (they’re awesome; I’ve seen JUCY rentals in New Zealand and Australia do them). Do you know what a common thought for me is while staring out the window on a bus ride? “That’s a nice mountain; I wish I could go climb it.” 

Ta-dah! Traveller vans to the rescue.

And, to be a little bit real for a second, I do think it’s an answer. We’re in a time where we are – possibly, hopefully, maybe – starting to look at the traditional model of ‘How to Adult – 101’ and saying…

Maybe, there’s another way. Maybe we don’t need all the things we thought we did.

I’d say it’s an experiment. You travel in a van, living in a motorhome, and you have an adventure. One way or another, you come away with a new perspective. And, if you’re built for it, maybe you come away with a whole new model for life.

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Why Travel and Live in a Van or RV

Let’s talk specifics, not quasi-philosophical ramblings. What are the benefits of travelling in a van or RV?

I mean, there’s the ease of buying groceries, obviously, but there’s more to motorhome travel than just that:

• There’s the obvious financial benefit. Your mileage (hah) will vary depending on your style. A family of four living and travelling in a full-power RV and staying at powered holiday parks are going to have a very different cost-footprint than two dirtbags travelling in a van and staying in the driveway of someone called Possum Joe. But, you can’t say rolling your transport and accommodation costs into one while cooking for yourself doesn’t help!
• You can go anywhere! Unless the road ends in which case you get out and walk. Campervan travel changes the landscape of your adventure, but I’ll save that for when I talk about the best countries to campervan in further down.
• You can pick up hitchhikers! Ahh, thank you, much appreciated! My people thank you in advance.
• There is, of course, the art of minimalism. How low you go is up to you: packing for living in an RV vs. a van vs. a hatchback Prius all offer different lifestyles. But it’s a middle-point between having what fits in your house and having what fits on your back.
• It offers freedom of movement. That’s why I call it nomadic van living. It’s like the next evolution up from nomadic horse living on the tech-tree-of-life. Stay, go, settle, cross the country; it’s all your choice. The only difference is that motorhomes break down. But, then, horses die…
• And, of course, it allows you to shift to a more nomadic lifestyle . At a certain point, travelling in a van becomes synonymous with living in a van…

Living in a Van: From Part-Time to Full-Time

This is what I’m talking about: what starts as toes dipped in the water of motorhome travel turns into the full immersion of motorhome living. You start off travelling in an RV or campervan around Australia or New Zealand and suddenly you’re reexamining your whole model of life. Suddenly, living out of a van doesn’t seem like such an alien concept.

You start looking at your life. Maybe I don’t need so many possessions. Maybe I don’t need the weekly depression of rent day.

Suddenly, yes, van life is worth it.

Your career aspirations change; you’ve realised just how many jobs can be done while travelling and living in a campervan. How much freedom is open to you when your cost of living has drastically reduced and your office can be any old breathtaking view.

And, suddenly, you’ve become a digital nomad .

Now, a deep-dive into the digital nomad lifestyle is a whole other can of worms and it’s not really my point either. My point is simply that these things tend to go way further and way deeper than we can often imagine. And that many people have created a sustainable (and fulfilling) life model around living in a van or RV full-time and earning money as they travel.

But that’s long term! Don’t get ahead of yourself, buddy. The digital nomad path changes your travel game , so take your time! Patience is good!

First, you need to get out there and experiment with motorhome travel! You need to see if it’s your holy grail. You need to dip your toes in and that means choosing and acquiring your traveller van.

Ok, so I’ve convinced you, yeah? On the awesomeness of van life? Not pressured, mind you; you’re still in control here. I don’t want to talk you into doing anything you don’t want to do…

But, you’re ready: ready for the adventure of travelling the world in a campervan – the full-time RV lifestyle! You’re ready to start thinking about buying your first campervan.

Whoa, Nelly! Slow down there, sexy-legs! I know you’re excited but even buying the cheapest of campervans is a big and expensive commitment for a lifestyle you don’t know if you’re ready for yet. Jumping in feet-first is commendable but jumping in head-first into an unknown body of water is just bloody stupid!

Let’s start small with finding the right van to travel in so you can decide if van life is worth it for you. Then, if it’s everything you’ve dreamed of (psst, it will be) , you can make the shift to living in a campervan permanently.

So, step 1: finding the right type of motorhome for you. I stress the word motorhome because, as you may have noticed, you have a wide range of options and the different terms get thrown around somewhat interchangeably.

Types of Motorhomes

Think of choosing your motorhome like choosing a travel buddy . If you choose well, the vibe is good and you’ll have a long grand adventure together with lifelong cherished memories. But choose poorly and you’ll end up ditching them on the side of the road and hitchhiking in the opposite direction.

Choosing a Van for Travel: How to Find the Best Motorhome for You

Well, what are your needs? What are your likes and dislikes? How good are you at reversing?

These are the important questions you must ask yourself! (Especially that last one.) The number one tip for van living is that it’s gotta feel like home.

• Travel camper trailers, for a start, have no appeal to me. Lugging a trailer around everywhere in my journeys is unwieldy. But for someone who doesn’t want to make a full-time lifestyle commitment to RV or campervan travel, a camper trailer means you get to still have a car and a home and you can just park the thing in your yard when you’re not off adventuring.
• A converted travel van is the DIY option for the DIY mindset. Seriously, I’ve watched friends go to town on their DIY van conversion and it’s a marvel to behold – a power tool in one hand and WikiHow in the other. If full-time van life is something you ultimately commit to, I feel this the best option because you’re in control; who needs a loving committed relationship and a beautiful family to raise when you have a van! Backpackers in Australia and New Zealand often invest in buying a cheap van at the beginning of a year-long work visa, but for shorter trips, budget campervan hire tends to be a much smarter route.
• Class C Motorhomes (RVs) provide more luxury; let’s call it the family meal deal. RV travel offers more creature comforts at the cost of higher living expenses making it the top choice with families and grey nomads. But, if your travelling with a big group or just have a soft spot for the luxury road trip experience, an RV rental might just be right up your alley.
• Class B Motorhomes (campervans) are the bang-on choice for travellers fresh to the van travel game. Not too big; not too small: just right (just like a certain narcissistic little blonde girl’s porridge). For someone looking to dip their toes into van camping and see if this whole vanlife thing stacks up to the hype, this is the sweet spot!
• Class A Motorhome (monstrosities) are reserved for when you’re 70-years-old, greying, and have nothing but time, disposable income, and a loving life partner you want to bang all over the continent.

But, that leaves one last question: how do you acquire your new transient home?

Rent or Buy – Travel Van Rental: The Advantages of Campervan Hire

Ok, so let’s level with each other: buying a motorhome is expensive! The outright cost is enough to make any broke backpacker curl into the foetal position on the floor and that’s before you add in the insurance and registration costs plus the rising fuel prices in an ever-increasingly unstable global community. 

You’d be better of buying a station wagon and crashing at your mum’s house on laundry/shower day, though, I feel that sorta defeats the purpose of the fully independent, ‘fuck the man’ nomadic van-living lifestyle.

Here’s van living tip number two: don’t buy a motorhome until you know that it’s right for you. I’m talking about using campervan hire as your jumping-off point.

There are a lot of ways to travel a country, but I’d imagine we all have a soft spot for having our own vehicle. And, truthfully, a campervan is simply a better way to travel some countries (looking at you, New Zealand) .

Sometimes, public transport sucks; sometimes we want to go far out. And, sometimes, we don’t want to pay 50 bucks for what amounts to 12-hour bag storage and mattress rental (with complimentary white bread for breakfast).

The Great Australian Road Trip is a dream journey of many travellers I meet (I’m not sure why; I don’t think you realise how boring our roads are – long, straight, and filled with dead things). Plus, road trips are SICK! Talking shit with your mates, good tunes, smoking – ahem – “ciggies” at isolated lookouts (wink-wink): road trips are the best!

It doesn’t mean that one day you won’t have the holy grail converted traveller van, but the best way to start that big journey is with a little step. Hire a motorhome, have an adventure in any of the best countries to campervan in, and once you know how to actually live in a van and travel, you’ll know if the vanlife is right for you.

If you’re after my recommendation, for New Zealand and Australia road trips, JUCY rentals are the best. These iconic whips are the perfect home on the road to explore the roads of down under.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

You’re going to notice a common theme with most of the countries on this van travel bucket list: they’re costly to travel with plenty of ground to cover.  

That’s why by choosing to travel in a cheap van or RV rental, you’re going to please the tight-fisted pantheon deities of Backpakistan. Now, don’t misunderstand – you’re not going to cut your travel expenses in Europe down to the level of Southeast Asia. But taking all our usual tricks-of-the-trade backpacker secrets and applying them while living out of a van certainly helps.

The other recurring theme? They have wicked roads to drive on! Picturesque and long and fast (and sometimes windy too).

You’re still on an adventure. Spend some money, live a little! You know that 2000-year-old tree in the middle of buttfuck-nowhere… you have a house with wheels now! Go see it!

Again, you’re driving a campervan. You’re in control.

We are freedom.

Australia RV and Campervan Travel: Whole Lotta Nothin’

Ok, so there is actually a lot to see in Australia. From travelling Australia’s east coast – tropics, beaches, and seagulls – to the rugged solitude of the west, it’s fair to say that you’ll find something you vibe with amongst Australia’s massive scope.

And if you get down to Tassie, that shit will blow your mind right open. Seriously – backpacking in Tasmania is an experience simply built for van travel.

Only, Australia is big. And the roads are really long and really straight (and really empty). Notice how you never meet anyone who says they circumnavigated Australia twice?

Australia is so big, and there’s such a campervan culture Down Under with backpackers and locals, that vans are being bought, sold, and traded for weed all the time; buying a van outright is perfectly a viable option. Of course, the thing about buying a backpacker van is that one minute everything is hunky-dory, and then the next your broken down in the middle of the Nullarbor Plain with black smoke spewing from both ends (of the van… not you… if you are too, see a doctor).

Travelling around Australia in a motorhome is THE way to go. Travelling and living in a campervan is a good antidote to the high prices of… everything… and, given the country’s lacklustre public transport services, is also the best way to see everything . 

Of course, you can – and should for trips on a shorter itinerary – go for a budget campervan hire in Australia. Skip the bureaucracy, skip the queue, and, best of all, skip stamp duty <groans internally>. (Our insurance and rego costs are daylight robbery too – fair warning.) All this leaves a rental as the smoothest option for entry into Oz’s untold vastness.

So… what’s the best campervan hire in Australia? Easy, JUCY Campers .

JUCY Campers Australia have been around serving backpackers for a long-long time, so they know their clientele and they know them well . Even while growing up in Byron Bay almost twenty years ago, I remember seeing scores of JUCY campervans parked at the beach. Usually, with some happy-go-lucky, not-a-care-in-the-world bangin’ their lack-of-woes away in the backseat.

They do cheap campervan hire in Australia, and they’ve been around for more than two decades. They gotta be doing something right!

New Zealand RV and Campervan Travel: The Real Aotearoa

It’s fairly comparable to campervan travel in Australia but with less roadside drug testing. And you can cross the country in about eight fewer days. Oh, and petrol is more expensive!

Everything aside, road tripping in New Zealand – and road tripping on South Island in particular – is FUCKING MINDBLOWING. Like, ‘I’m having a transcendental moment just from watching a sunset’ mindblowing. There’s so much to explore in every tucked-away corner, and then you cross the ferry to South Island and New Zealand is all like:  Welcome to New Game Plus, Bi-yatch. 😉

Public transport is meh and hitchhiking is traditionally the gold standard for getting around, but to truly get lost in Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud), driving a campervan is the way to go. It’s kind of hard to put into words the true majesty of traversing New Zealand’s natural landscape. Can we just say that it did things to my soul and leave it at that?

So, what about cheap campervan hire in New Zealand? Well, you’ve got JUCY Campers New Zealand (yes, same guys obviously) who are also probably the best campervan hire in New Zealand. Seriously, I can’t stress JUCY Campers enough for budget campervans in New Zealand and Australia. RVs, mini-campers, minibuses too – they know they’re way around!

Be careful, though: if you start living in a campervan in New Zealand, you may just decide that it’s finally time to hang up your boots. New Zealand is where people stop travelling.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Japan RV and Campervan Travel: Ore No Daibouken!

Once upon a time, this may have been considered a weird entry on this list. Maybe, it still surprises you.

It’s not that your transport options for travelling around Japan aren’t excellent (because they are, albeit expensive), but a road trip in Japan by campervan is still an amazing way to see the country, and there’s loads to see! Once you’ve broken off the main roads into the mountains, forests, and villages, you’ll see why.

The downside to campervan travel in Japan is that petrol is pricey and the tolls on expressways (the country’s primary road infrastructure) are a nightmare. The upshot is living off home-cooked tofu stirfry is ridiculously cheap and the Japanese are some of the most patient and courteous drivers you will ever encounter.

So what about campervan hire in Japan? I mean, you could buy one outright but somehow I imagine that could get confusing…

Well, guess what? For campervan rental in Japan, you’ve got Japan Campers . Easy name, easy game!

If you’re thinking you’d like to partake in a road trip somewhere other than the standard destinations, I would highly suggest going for a Japanese campervan journey. Japan is still fairly unused to nomadic van living so you can get away with a few more sneaky overnight parks than you would elsewhere and if you want to travel off the beaten track – Shikoku or most definitely Hokkaido is the place to go for vanning – then you’ll be a fan of a van in Japan… man.

USA RV and Campervan Travel: The Good, the Bad, and the Not-So-Ugly

I mean, there are fifty states all up so road tripping the USA by campervan is a pretty damn good way of seeing them all! (Although Alaska and Hawaii may take some tricky planning to reach.)

Look, here’s a picture of the American wilderness:

Now does a campervan road trip in the USA make sense? The American landscape is so majestic that even just seeing an old Spaghetti Western gives me them wanderlust vibes – and that is a term that I loathe and do not use lightly!

So, let’s talk campervan hire in the USA! I mean… you could buy one off of Craigslist, but you might get shot.

For cheap campervan and RV rental in the USA, check out Outdoorsy . It’s another takeoff in the sharing economy; you’re renting motorhomes of actual humans with actual thoughts and feelings and lives.

I gotta be honest: that’s seriously dope. Think Airbnb for the vanlife.

For budget campervan rental in the USA, Outdoorsy is the go. Then you can go and have your own 21st-century Spaghetti Western!

Oh, plus there’s all that legendary rock climbing in the States. You want a van for that shit.

• Driving the West Coast (Road Trip Planner)
• RV Renter’s Guide: Las Vegas
• Driving the East Coast (Road Trip Planner)
• RV Renter’s Guide: California

Canada RV and Campervan Travel: A Little Drive Aboot

To the north of the States is another big-ass country filled with gorgeous nature and lovely people who get weirdly offended whenever I drop the C-bomb. Cultural differences aside, Canada makes the list of the essential ‘Great Roadtrip’ countries.

The RV and campervan game in Canada is strong . It might have something to do with the expansive wilderness simply built for vanlife. Well, it would be fairer to say that vanlife was built for the expansive Canadian wilderness.

Anyway, forget the split hairs! A backpacking adventure in Canadian is supreme and by way of campervan is the best way to truly get lost there. But you’re getting quite far north. By which I mean, it’s getting cold. You’ll want to get the best travel van you can (with some damn proper insulation).

Outdoorsy , once again, is the top pick for cheap campervan and RV rental in Canada. It’s all about that sharing economy! Cheap, good services, and you’re dealing with REAL people rather than a dealership with a salesperson with a 5-syllable last name that has way too many ‘K’s in it.

Find yourself a budget campervan to hire in Canada (ideally with good insulation) and go find a moose! Why a moose? I dunno, I’ve just always wanted to see a wild moose!

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan RV and Campervan Travel: Meet Stan

See, told you I’d give you some interesting choices! Have you heard of the Pamir Highway? Probably not… I hadn’t either until one of my fellow Broke Backpacker Adventure Experts told me it was the perfect place for a non-standard campervan road trip.

And he’s right! The Pamir Highway is gorgeous! Officially it’s called the M41 Highway (but nobody calls it that) and it runs from the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan down into and through Tajikistan . Hell, if you’re feeling super adventurous, you can keep driving it into Uzbekistan and Afghanistan !

In all honesty, the scope of Central Asia is breathtaking. Exploring Kyrgyzstan alone is something out of a dream, and that’s just one of the Stans! It’s huge, there is so much space, and it is still vastly untouched by the hand of western tourism. If you’re looking for a van life adventure that really is ‘off the beaten track’, it’s the way to go.

How do you acquire a campervan over that way? Well, you’re outside the scope of most of the standard budget campervan hire services but you still have options. One of the highly recommended options is Iron Horse Nomads in Kyrgyzstan. Owned and run by a couple of ex-pats, these guys can get you sorted for transport around the Stans.

Or you could just charge it: catch a flight over and hope for the best. Worst case scenario, you just buy a horse!

Europe RV and Campervan Travel: Home of the Autobahn

“Europe isn’t a country!”   Shut-up, dude; nobody cares. It still counts.

An RV or campervan in Europe goes a long way towards getting you around; there is a lot to see there. Backpacking around Europe is also expensive as all hell (on the west side), so travelling in a motorhome is also going to go a long way towards keeping your budget in check.

The cool thing about a campervan road trip in Europe is all the countries you’ll visit! By the time you’re done, you’re reasonably looking at 5 to 10 different countries (at least).

That’s a lot of unique cultures, languages, landscapes, and… food! All those accommodation cost savings? Yeah, just put them towards eating your way across Europe!

So, what are your options for cheap campervan and RV hire in Europe? Well, there’s CamperTravel Bookings . They have great coverage right across Europe (in case you forgot, there are a lot of different places in Europe) and they’re cheap with lots of different rental options.

Europe is a bit of a funny one for van travel. When it comes to the idealised road trip, it often gets left behind. But with such great options for budget campervan and RV rental in Europe, it’s becoming a more sought-after destination.

Plus, the roads, man! So big, so fast, so furious, and so damn pretty! Arrgghh, vanlife, YES!

Sort out your rental before you’re living the vanlife DREAM. To get the best price, rentalcars.com simplifies the process at a lower cost and can match you with the right vehicle for your adventure.

So, it’s as simple as finding the best van for your new van life and you’re away, right? With that sort of simplicity, you could be living and sleeping in a campervan within a week. Nay, good sir! Campervan life requires more finesse than that.

Do you remember how the first time you left on a backpacking adventure you packed like a dickhead? But then, you repeated the process and, every time, you got better. The question of what to take on a road trip and even how to live and travel in a van is the same.

It’s all about practice.

You’re starting out – be it your first budget RV rental or your first converted traveller van purchase – and that makes you a beginner. That’s fine though, that means you’re only going to get better: it’s all practice!

And besides, you’ve nabbed yourself a campervan and RV travel guide 101 filled with tips for beginners. Let’s talk finesse!

The RV Travel Lifestyle: What to Expect from Travelling in a Motorhome

Before I give you the bullet point list of deliciously digestible tips, let’s talk about the actual ins and outs of the campervan and RV lifestyle. Whether you’re going on your first great campervan road trip or experimenting with living in an RV full-time, it’s not all just about freedom and good shots for your socials.

First up, there’s adulting. There’s always adulting. Just because you’re living out of a van doesn’t mean you’re not an adult!

Chores are a big part of van life. You know how when you live in a really small flat even not washing the dishes kills those rocking feng-shui vibes? Well, it’s the same deal in a van only multiplied by fifty: it’s a small space.

Kitchen cleanup, sweeping out the dirt, changing the greywater, making your bed… don’t forget to brush your teeth too! Living in a campervan permanently still means being a good homemaker. And if it’s travelling and living in an RV, you’ve just doubled up on your chores and maintenance schedule.

That’s another important point to touch on – maintenance and breakdowns. If you’re not a gear-headed person, prepare to learn. Rolling into the mechanic’s every time you hear an odd noise is going to severely hurt your budget. I’ve watched mates brand new to the van living game teach themselves welding, change windows, and play with their vehicle’s electronics all with the assistance of our benevolent overseer Google: that shows a good mind for it.

It’s also worth mentioning cops. Mileage varies depending on how many laws you’re breaking (aim for less than five) but you will always be in closer proximity to the coppers. And – I think it goes without saying – losing your licence is a death sentence to the lifestyle of a vanner.

The idea of pulling over anywhere anytime is super appealing, but it’s also far from always being that easy, especially in urban environments. Overnight parking and sleeping in a campervan is something cracked-down on, especially in our good ol’ friend, the affluent West, though the ferocity of revenue-raising tactics varies by area. It’s sorta case by case and depends on where you are in the world, your type of van, and how smartly you’ve chosen your park-up.

Stealth van living is an acquired art form and something you will gradually get better at over time. Again, it’s about finesse: a bountiful boondock takes a deft approach.

RV and Campervan Hacks for Travelling

Everyone likes a good hack! Here are some practical tips for beginner RV and campervan travel. A few bits to keep you travelling smooth until you’re a vanlife pro!

• Bring tools – Have a solid supply of tools to work with stored somewhere inside your campervan – everything that’s good for an emergency. A well-stocked toolbox , duct tape (definitely), spare fuses – put some effort into your motorhome inventory checklist!
• Van and RV camping apps – There are actually tonnes of these and many that are region-specific. They’ll help you suss out good camping spots to set up your van at from the free park-ups to the ‘ Why am I paying $35 for cold shower and shit-pit usage?’ variety. There are also some wicked RV trip planner apps out there and even apps for budgeting on gas. App up! It helps.
• Utilise 24-hour stores and petrol stations – They can be a really good place for staying overnight in a campervan. Buy some supplies and then ask the attendant if they mind if you hang around until the sun is up. Or don’t ask and just look scary and unapproachable and they’ll probably leave you alone. Face tats help with that.
• And boondock beautifully – Like I said, sneaky parking takes a bit of practice. However, generally, if you’re rocking up somewhere after dark and not planning a lengthy loiter the following morning, she’ll be right. Worst case scenario, just play the “I was falling asleep at the wheel and really needed to pull over for the night,” card: it’s bulletproof
• For the ladies – Get yourself a GoGirl – it makes girls pee like boys! I won’t give you a how-to, but I reckon you can figure it out. Jokes aside, it’s honestly a really important safety tip. The reason animals are so cautious when and where they do their thang is because they’re vulnerable while they do, and it’s the same for people… unless you have face tats.
• Clear storage bins – And for any other containers you use for storage, clear plastic is the way to go. Not having to unpack everything to find what you’re looking for goes a long way when you’re van living.
• Anti-moisture packs – The desiccant ones (of the ‘DO NOT EAT’ variety) that come in just about any sorta packaging and fresh packets of burrito wraps. Use them for keeping away the damp in your campervan’s storage. But, yeah, don’t eat them.
• Grippy rubber mats – Yeah, look, I have no idea what these are called. These ones! Stick them under your plates, cups, condiments, and whatever else so they don’t slide around on the road.
• Always have a headtorch on hand – Hell, have two. Why stop there? Have six! Every traveller needs a headtorch.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

RV and Campervan Travel Tips for Staying Sane and Not Killing Each Other

Practical tips are good but what about mindset tips for van life? If you’re travelling with someone, there’s always the off-chance that you’ll get sick of them off and drive off the next time they’re using a petrol station toilet.

If you’re travelling alone, well, sometimes the hermit’s path can send us a bit loopy:

• Keep structure – The most important part about freedom is not having too much of it; constraints are good. Set an alarm, have a morning routine, write a to-do list; these things go a long way for keeping you focused.
• And don’t sweat the mistakes – You’ll make them, and you’ll make a lot of them. Getting lost, puncturing a tyre, nearly bogging yourself in an ancient forest deep in the primordial wilderness of Tasmania: these things happen.
• Exercise – Similarly, keeping a routine of steady exercise is equally important. Many people like to join a 24-hour gym chain which has the added bonus of shower usage (that’s a van life hack!). That said, if you’ve ever watched a Youtube video on callisthenics, you know that any old park or tree can be a gym!
• Keep a tight ship – A more-or-less no-brainer but take control of your space, keep it clean, and keep the feng shui on-point. I cannot stress JUST HOW MUCH keeping your space organised is necessary. And when you lose things in a van, just assume it’ll show up by itself in six hours times.
• Meet ‘n’ greet – Use the nights you stay at campsites, backpackers, or wherever else to make friends. Socialising is good! It can’t all be a stoic monk-living in a van.
• Take space – For travel buddies and partners, take some damn space from each other sometimes. It’s basic relationshipping 101. It’s totally ok to have days where everything they say and do makes you want to kick them in the shins, but the healthy response is to go for a long walk (up a mountain).
• Bang it out – For every great fight, there must be a great catharsis. For couples on the road , I’m not the best person to give advice. But if we’re talking a platonic travel buddy, maybe just roll a joint on it instead.
• Take the traveller mindset – Always remember to don your traveller hat. “What’s a ‘problem’ ? I only know of  ‘fun challenges’ . That person looks friendly, I’ll ask for help .”

Get Insured Before Embarking on Your Van Travelling Adventure

Oh, so you got some legally mandated vehicular insurance? Well, that’s a good start, but what about some optional insurance for your anatomical features? Your face, your spine, your favourite bits…

You’re going travelling in a van and that means getting travel insurance before you do because, like it or not, things go wrong. And when they do, someone has to pick up the tab. Personally, I’d prefer that someone be a faceless insurance corporation with the cash to spare rather than my mum.

Make sure to get your backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! I highly recommend World Nomads, as they’re one of the best travel insurance providers out there.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

History is a funny thing: it works in cycles. Once upon a time, our ancestors walked great distances shepherding their livestock and foraging for food. They followed the sun.

And then, we discovered how nice it is to have a home. You mean I can have a mattress, a flushing toilet, and a kitty-cat? Sign me up!

And now, reality is settling in. Faced with the reality of crushing debt, overwhelming mortgage payments, and storage spaces full of stuff we never use, we once again yearn for the romance of the nomadic life. But things are different now.

Our horses have been replaced with vans, our cooking fires with gas stoves, and our deep-seated fear of the night’s terrors with deep-cycle solar-powered batteries. It’s a new kind of romance, but it’s still an adventure.

To live the minimalist lifestyle and see the world with no roots save the one you’re driving. To do something kick-ass! That’s an adventure.

You know that feeling you get when you’re doing something awesome and ballsy and you’re going your own way? That’s van travel.

Give it a shot. Hire a campervan, or an RV, or a converted ice-cream truck… Hell, build one from scratch! But just give it a damn shot.

Take that first little dip in the water of van life. Then, see if you can go back in the cage.

Ziggy Samuels

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I had been traveling around America with my husband for over 10 years, but now it seems impossible, not just because of the pandemic but because we bought a horse farm in Irvine, CA, and have been spending most of our time here ever since. I literally can’t wait to start traveling again!

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Everything You Need to Know for Your First Campervan Trip

Thomas Barwick/Taxi/Getty Images

Thanks to the rise of campervans , camping has never been more accessible. These easy-to-drive cars make it easy to see the world on the roads and go almost anywhere in the United States and Canada.

But before you jump in and start your grand road tour , it’s important to remember the basics and understand the rules that come with campervan camping. Here are the quick basics everyone needs to remember when starting out in a campervan for the first time.

What Is a Campervan?

Known in other parts of the world as a “caravan,” " Class B ,” or simply a “camper,” campervans are self-contained recreational vehicles built on the frame of a truck or van. Campervans are traditionally smaller than traditional RV vans, which makes them accessible for nearly anyone to drive.

One of the benefits of a campervan is how easy they are to get around. Because they are built on the body of production-model vehicles, anyone who has driven a large truck or minivan can learn to get around in a campervan easily! Plus, campervans often come with a lower cost compared to a traditional RV, with many of the same features.

On the downside, campervans come with much less space than a traditional RV. While a larger motorhome or recreational vehicle can fit an entire family, campervans are best fitted for much smaller groups—two or three people, at the most.

Is a Campervan Different From a Conversion Van or Traditional RV?

Although they share much of the same terminology, there is a very distinct difference between a campervan and conversion vans or even a traditional RV . The most obvious between them is size: While traditional RVs can be the size of a schoolbus, campervans are usually much smaller in size. The smallest campervans are the size of a production car, while the largest are around the size of a large truck. This distinct size difference means you can jump in and start right away with a campervan, while a traditional RV may take a lot more time to learn and get adjusted to.

Campervans are also much more different than “conversion vans,” although the two terms may be used interchangeably. While campervans usually come with dedicated cooking and sleeping spaces, conversion vans are often full-size vans with more storage space and even nicer seats, but aren’t necessarily intended for camping.

In short: if you’re ready to start camping, but aren’t interested in staying at a hotel every night or the time and money to learn how to drive a full-size RV, then the “vanlife” may be perfect for you.

The Benefits of a Campervan

Arguably, the biggest benefit of a campervan is its mobility. Often at the same size as a full-size van or truck, campervans can go anywhere you can imagine . All you need is a roadmap and a campground to get started!

Campervans come with many of the most common features found in RVs as well. A well-built campervan will feature a small kitchen area to prepare hot meals and power outlets to plug-in medical devices and charge cell phones. In addition, campervans have insulated sleeping area, so you can rest in a bed every night without exposure to the elements.

Campgrounds are often very accommodating to campervans, as they don’t take up much room and don’t need as many hook-ups to get up and running. The best campervans include plugs for “shore power,” or an external power source at the campsite. This allows you to use the kitchenette and power outlets without running down dedicated batteries.

Do I Need a Special Driver’s License for a Campervan?

In most parts of the United States, you will not need a particular driver’s license to operate a campervan. Because campervans are roughly the same size as the cars you already drive today, operating one on the street will be very similar to driving your car to work. However, before you go on your first road trip, you will want to get acquainted with your campervan. Campervans may come with back-up cameras, but not the center rear-view mirror. Be sure to go on a few test drives to understand its visibility and how it handles on the road.

Although you may not need a special driver’s license to take your campervan on the road, what you take with you might require additional paperwork. Because some campervans include propane or butane gas to power the kitchenette, you may be required to display placards to inform first responders and other drivers of what you are carrying. Be sure to check the local regulations where you are going.

What Do I Need to Pack in a Campervan?

Now that you’re sold on joining the “Vanlife” and are ready to head out on the open road, the first step is to put together a packing list. As with all travel, your packing list will change based on where you are going and how long you plan on being gone. For the basics, your campervan packing list should always include:

• Food and beverages for the length of your trip
• Potable water for dishwashing and other cleaning
• Weather-appropriate clothes for the length of your trip
• Clean linens and pillows for the bed
• Kitchenette fuel (propane or butane, if necessary)
• Cleaning products (wipes, soaps, and anything you can use to conveniently
• Cash for tolls and any other unplanned expenses
• Connection cables for campsites

Once you have your packing list together, you will also need to set a budget for your entire trip. This may vary based on how far you are going and campground costs. Your budget should account for:

• Gasoline costs for your campervan
• Campervan campground costs per day
• Extra budget for food or entertainment while camping

While most charges can be paid for using a credit or debit card, it’s also important to carry a small amount of cash with you to ensure everything can get paid. If you don’t make a budget part of your campervan packing list, you might end up paying way more for your trip than you thought .

Where Can I Park My Campervan Overnight?

You’ve got the campervan, you have a destination in mind, and now you want to know where you can park your campervan overnight . Because these are registered vehicles operating on public roads, they are subject to all rules and regulations.

The easiest places to park your campervan overnight is at a campground . Many campgrounds have dedicated spaces for campervans and other recreational vehicles. If space is available, you can book just one night or your entire stay. Just be sure to check ahead if there is a space for you—otherwise, you might be caught on the road without a place to stay.

If your trip includes a visit to a national forest, then you are in luck. Because national forests are federal property, camping is usually free! If you can safely pull your car off the road, you can park your campervan for the night. Just be sure to follow local regulations: For example, some parks don’t allow open flames due to fire risks.

But as mentioned above, there are a lot of places where you may not be allowed to park your campervan overnight. You cannot park on streets where overnight parking is prohibited, or anywhere campervans or other live-in vehicles may be prohibited by local or state ordinances. This can include (but is not limited to) alongside significant highways, alongside coastlines or in dense parking lots.

If you are in a complete pinch for parking overnight , there are some emergency options available to you. Most Wal-Marts allow camping vehicles (including campervans) to park overnight, giving you a safe place to spend one night as you plan for the next leg of your adventure. Some amusement parks also have dedicated small RV and campervan space as well.

Tips and Tricks for Your Campervan Experience

If you’ve never taken a trip in a campervan before, you are in for a one-of-a-kind experience. But before you go, here’s some tips and tricks you can apply to your grand adventure.

• Less is more: Although campervans offer a fair amount of living space, it is also very limited after you pack all your items in. Packing light allows you to enjoy still the creature comforts allowed from the campervan, without worrying about where and how to store everything when it comes time to move to the next campground (or go home).
• Reservations save time and money: While it may be tempting to hit the open road to go wherever the wind takes you, it can also be a costly proposition if campground space is limited. By calling ahead and making reservations at campgrounds, you can ensure space is available – and at a rate in your budget. Some websites even allow you to book campground space online.
• Leave the land better than you found it: No matter your camping style, it’s essential to make sure you are a good steward of the land. This includes picking up all trash, securing trash and other items before you leave or turn in for the night, and avoid feeding wildlife (on purpose or inadvertently). Not only is this good behavior, but it’s also the law. If you litter or start an open fire on federal lands (or where it’s against local rules), you could be fined.

Overall, campervan camping is one of the easiest ways to see the country. With a better understanding of campervan travel , you will have no trouble getting on your way and making memories that last a lifetime.

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Top 10 Campervan Destinations Around the World: Where to Hit the Open Road

The allure of the open road beckons adventurers from every corner of the globe, and there’s no better way to answer the call than with a campervan.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, exploring the world on four wheels offers a unique blend of freedom and flexibility. In this guide, we’ll traverse the continents and uncover some top campervan destinations at  www.campstar.com/  that promise unforgettable journeys and breathtaking landscapes.

Top 10 Campervan Destinations

New zealand – the land of the long white cloud.

New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to snow-capped mountains, make it a campervan paradise. The freedom camping culture and well-maintained roads provide an ideal environment for exploring the North and South Islands.

Australia – The Great Ocean Road Adventure

Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road is a must for campervan enthusiasts. Wind along the rugged coastline, witness the Twelve Apostles and experience the unique blend of rainforests, beaches, and charming seaside towns.

United States – Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway offers an iconic trip along California’s stunning coastline. From the bustling city of Los Angeles to the breathtaking landscapes of Big Sur, this route provides a mix of urban and natural wonders.

Canada – Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies

The Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies is unparalleled for a journey through mountainous beauty. Glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wildlife sightings make this one of North America’s most picturesque campervan routes.

Norway – The Norwegian Fjords

Norway’s dramatic fjords and scenic landscapes are a dream for campervan travelers. The Northern Lights, charming villages, and winding coastal roads create an enchanting experience for those seeking a Nordic adventure.

Scotland – North Coast 500

Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a spectacular route through rugged coastlines, historic castles, and charming villages. The Highlands provide a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable campervan journey.

Namibia – The Namib Desert and Etosha National Park

Southern Africa offers unique campervan opportunities, with Namibia standing out for its otherworldly landscapes in the Namib Desert and diverse wildlife experiences in Etosha National Park.

Japan – Hokkaido’s Scenic Drives

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, offers picturesque landscapes, hot springs, and delicious cuisine. Explore the countryside, visit traditional villages, and witness the stunning beauty of this less-traveled region.

Iceland – The Ring Road Adventure

Iceland’s Ring Road circumnavigates the island, showcasing glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. With its compact size and diverse attractions, Iceland is a camper’s paradise.

Chile – Carretera Austral

The Carretera Austral in Chile is a winding road through Patagonian landscapes, providing access to remote wilderness, glaciers, and the stunning Torres del Paine National Park.

From the snow-capped peaks of New Zealand to the rugged coasts of Scotland, these top campervan destinations offer diverse experiences for those seeking the thrill of the open road.

Whichever corner of the world you choose to explore, the freedom and flexibility of campervan travel promise a journey filled with discovery, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime. So, pick your destination, rev up the engine, and hit the open road for the ultimate campervan adventure.

Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. On a mission to witness the planet's natural beauty and diversity, he shares his experiences on this website through articles, videos, and photography, including interactive virtual tours.

Fascinated by animals and plants since young, he is also fond of outdoor and so-called extreme sports, often discovered while traveling and practiced back at home where he focuses on improving his knowledge and skills - so he can explore further on the next trip!

More About Me

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A campervan sits parked on Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. These converted vehicles give travelers the freedom to explore otherwise difficult to reach destinations.

13 Tips for the Perfect Campervan Trip

Looking to live your best #vanlife? Take this advice.

The campervan craze is sweeping the globe. Scan through your social media accounts, and you’re bound to land on someone’s trip through the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand, or Iceland in one of these converted vehicles. Their popularity makes sense. In these vans, which often feature miniature kitchens and beds that transform into dinner tables, travelers can enjoy both the comfort of modern luxuries and the freedom of the wild outdoors.

If you haven’t taken a campervan trip for yourself yet, it’s destined to make its way onto your bucket list. Here are 13 tips to keep in mind when planning your own adventure.

Be Sure You Can Drive It

Your camper won’t do you much good if you can’t get it off the lot. A van can be more challenging to drive than a car if you aren’t used to the size and turning radius of a larger vehicle. Make sure you know how to drive the one you rent, and ask about manual versus automatic transmission before hitting checkout. If you haven’t driven a manual car in the past, this is not the time to learn.

Take Advantage of the Flexibility

Don’t forget about the van part of your campervan. Hopefully your new home is so comfortable, you forget you’re spending the night in an automobile. If you can’t quite get that fact out of your mind, remember the benefits of your choice. You’re transient, flexible, and free. If you want to visit someplace new in the morning, you can just pop into the driver’s seat and get a move on. You already have everything you need.

Keep an open mind while you’re driving and hiking. If you see something interesting, stop. If a campsite neighbor tells you about an amazing hike she took the day before, think about extending your stay and trying it out. Allow yourself to enjoy the freedom the van provides.

But Still Do Some Planning

While it may seem like you can just camp anywhere with your van—after all, your bedroom is on wheels—it’s best to consider your campsites beforehand. A bit of go-with-the-flow is necessary on a road trip, but you can eliminate plenty of stress by knowing where you’ll be parking at each leg.

If you can’t manage an exact plan, map out possible stopping points along your route. Once you have that information, you can take all the time you need on the road and choose the spot that’s most convenient at the time.

Bring Someone You Really Like

There’s no way around it, you’ll be in tight quarters. If you’re going on this trip with a partner, family members, or friends, be sure you like them—a lot. If you aren’t comfortable getting cozy together, you better hope you don’t run into a rainy day on the road.

Check the Gear Before You Go

Before you even show up for the van, take stock of what’s included in the rental, make a list of what you’ll need on the trip, and compare the two.

Once you pick up the camper, get a careful look at what’s there. Make sure everything you expected to be inside the van actually is. If something is missing, ask about it. After you get the keys, take out your list and reassess your needs, then head to the store. A little preparation goes a long way here, because realizing you don’t have any towels in the middle of the woods is not how you want to start your camping trip.

A campervan traveler lies in his fully outfitted van at the shore of Chilklot Lake in Alaska. When staying in such a small space, it's important to keep organized and think carefully about how each inch is used.

Don’t Forget the Essentials

Yes, you have a car. But no, you don’t want to spend your vacation time driving around to track down a can opener. In order to make sure you have everything you need, be thoughtful with those packing and shopping lists. Some suggestions: baby wipes, shampoo, a decent knife, a cutting board, sandwich bags or containers for leftovers, a little broom, bug spray, and sunscreen. Make the most of your trip by getting these things at the start, so you can focus on the fun.

Do Some Meal Planning

There's little joy in scrounging through an empty cooler at 8 p.m. after a long day on the trail. To prevent an empty belly or three straight dinners of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, do a little prep before you leave. Figure out how many meals you’ll need and decide what you’ll want to eat. Remember to consider the food storage you’ll have, likely either a minifridge or cooler, and choose dishes that will be easy to make over a fire, like chili, roasted veggie skewers, or loaded baked potatoes.

There’s no need to plan exactly what you’ll eat each day, but having everything waiting for you in the van will ensure you don’t go to bed hungry, and stocking a few staple breakfast ingredients will allow you to wake up focused on the adventures of the day.

Head to the grocery store at the start of your trip with your meal plan and ingredient list in hand. There may be shops along your journey, but if you’re exploring national parks or secluded beaches, you’ll want to be sure you aren’t missing any crucial ingredients before you begin your trip. Tacos just aren’t the same without the tortillas.

A family enjoys the wild outdoors while camping under a coconut tree in India.

Stock Extra Snacks

Being in a campervan allows you to venture to more remote destinations, and that means there likely won’t be many pit stops available. Take advantage when you can, because your body won’t care about the lack of nearby stores after you complete an epic trek through the forest. Before leaving civilization, buy some extra fuel, like sandwich fixings and trail mix, to take with you on your hiking, biking, or paddling excursions. And don’t forget treats for the inevitable late-night campfire sessions.

Don’t Overpack

You have limited space, and some if it is going to be taken up by you. Do you really need three swimsuits and four sweatshirts? No. You don’t. Consider what’s really going to make your trip enjoyable, then ditch everything else. You don’t want to be sifting through things you wish you’d left at home when you’re trying to get dressed in the morning.

Pick the Right Campsite

Though you have more flexibility with a van than you do with a tent, it’s still important to be thoughtful when choosing your campsite. First, only camp where you’re permitted to sleep overnight. This is primarily dependent upon local ordinances and park rules, so study up before you get on the road.

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Once you’re out and looking for your site, keep a few things in mind. You’ll want to find a level spot. It will save you from waking up smashed into one side of the van or having your blankets slide off the bed. Also try to stay away from any campground lights, which may keep you up at night and will certainly hinder your stargazing. If you can, try to pick a location that showcases the best the campground has to offer. If it’s at the beach, get that ocean view. If you’re in the mountains, look for the vista.

Campgrounds tend to have multiple lots of different shapes and sizes, so don’t be afraid to drive around a bit to find one that suits your van. Some national park websites even offer photographs and reviews of each site, so you can make an educated choice when booking in advance.

Stay Organized

Mess leads to stress. Find a place for everything at the start of your trip and put it all away when you’re done. Remember to account for the driving you’ll be doing, so place anything fragile in a secure spot.

Lights shine from a campervan parked next to a glowing boulder in California's Joshua Tree National Park.

Keep a Flashlight Nearby

Being in a van doesn’t change the fact that you’re still camping. Keep a flashlight close by for nighttime bathroom trips or detecting unwelcome wildlife.

Find a Spot for Your Shoes

This is not a metaphorical suggestion. You should actually plan where you’ll put your shoes when you’re in the van. You’ve probably been climbing a rocky cliff or walking through a sand dune, so they’re covered in dirt. You don’t want that in your bed. And do yourself a favor—keep them far away from your head.

You also might need them in the middle of the night or early hours, so stick to the place you’ve chosen. Your van will stay clean, and you’ll be happy you know exactly where they are in the morning.

Related Topics

• CAR CAMPING
• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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• Destinations

Wild Junket

13 Things We Love About Traveling in a Campervan

Last Updated on March 11, 2024

Traveling in a camper van is one of the best ways to see the world —   especially with what’s happening in the world now. Thanks to covid19 travel restrictions and social distancing measures, it has become more popular than ever to travel by campervan.

Like many others, we have jumped on the bandwagon and bought a camper van after dreaming for years! We’ve just returned from our first trip with the van: a month-long road trip around France and Spain. And we are completely smitten! Our home on wheels gave us the freedom to enjoy the wild outdoors, while having modern comforts.

Traveling by campervan is unlike any other types of travel we’ve done (and we’ve traveled around the world to more than 100 countries). There are so many things we LOVE about traveling in a camper van and today I’m here to share them with you.

Disclaimer: To be clear, we do not live in our van — and we do not intend to. So our perspectives of traveling in a campervan might be different from that of vanlifers (who actually live and work long-term on a van).

Table of Contents

An Incredible Sense of Freedom and Flexibility

We travel slower and deeper, we experience more for less, we consume and waste less, we get to camp in epic spots, we leave no trace, we are outdoors all the time, we watch the sunset everyday, it makes traveling with kids easier, everything we need is with us, we need very little to live comfortably, we learn to appreciate little things in life, it is a rollercoaster ride, what we love about campervan travel.

For the first time in years, we didn’t have a fixed plan or itinerary. We just knew we wanted to explore the South of France and end up in southern Spain to see family. So we hit the road without any idea where we were going!

We decided where to go as we went along and we just went with the flow. Our days were spent visiting small villages, hiking, swimming, discovering interesting sights and just spend time together as a family. Each night, we’d look for a scenic spot to park for the night, cook and drink wine.

For me, this was the thing I love most about traveling in a camper van: the sense of freedom and flexibility. It reminded me of our old backpacking days when all we had was time.

Traveling on a camper van gave us the opportunity to not just see our destination, but also everything in between. We explored so many interesting corners of France that we would have missed had we traveled by plane or train.

Because of the backroads we traversed, we made so many surprising discoveries. Like the natural swimming hole we stumbled upon in Limoux, the stunning trail that cross paths with marmots in the Pyrenees, and a gorgeous lake in the Gorges du Verdon…

As Ralph Waldo said “ It is not the destination, it’s the journey. ” Indeed, traveling in a camper van definitely allowed us to appreciate the journey and gave us a deeper travel experience.

Perhaps because we were traveling slower, we felt like we saw and experienced more on this road trip than on any trip we’ve done in Europe. Without a fixed agenda, we had time for everything.

And that the same time, this road trip was a lot of cheaper than what we usually spend. Traveling in a camper van is definitely much more budget-friendly than flying and staying at hotels.

Not only did we save on accommodation, we also cooked in the van everyday and saved on food. Because we spent more time nature, we saved on expenses we would have incurred in cities. On this trip, we probably saved around $600 on flights and $1400 on accommodation .

While traveling in our camper van, it immediately became very obvious how much water we were spending and how much waste we were producing.

Because we had to physically empty our wastewater, we could see the amount of water we used each time to wash our plates or brush our teeth. It made me a lot more conscious with our water consumption and also taught my daughter to conserve water.

It was the same thing with our waste: I was shocked to see how often we had to empty our trash bin. It made me think twice when buying anything. We also started to recycle more, reduce plastic use and opt for biodegradable stuff.

Boy did we find some incredibly scenic spots to park on this trip! In the Pyrenees, we camped on mountain peaks and spectacular ridges overlooking winding valleys. In Provence, we slept next to beautiful lavender fields and were lulled to sleep by the aroma. In Limoux, we parked in the midst of vineyards and sunflower fields.

On our previous campervan trip in the US , we had to camp a few times at Walmart carparks and gas stations. Finding picturesque camping spots in France and Spain was much easier than we expected.

Park4night is our go-to app for finding free camping spots. The app has a huge database created by other travelers, so the reviews are always honest and reliable. Another app we also used to find parking is Campercontact .

Mind you, we were not this lucky every night. Some days we would have to park next to the road or sleep in camping parks to refuel on electricity. These campsites have everything from pools to bathrooms, showers and restaurants. They cost around $10-20 per person (we spent $50/night of parking).

Because we camped out in nature every night, we were more aware of the importance of keeping our environment clean. We always made sure to keep the camping spot exactly how we found it, and also pick up litter if we found any.

Traveling in a camper van really made us think more about the impact we make on the environment. It was another teaching opportunity for us to educate Kaleya on how to protect our environment.

For me, sleeping in a camper van is akin to sleeping outside but in the comfort of my bed and with easy access to the toilet. Imagine all the perks of camping without sacrificing on comfort!

Because we were traveling in summer, we could sleep with our windows open and the temperature was perfect. That also meant we could wake up to see sunrise from our bed and enjoy the view through our windows.

When we were not sleeping, we spent all of our time outside — either exploring, hiking, swimming or having our meals on our camping table. It felt great to be outdoors all the time, especially since the weather was great!

How often do you watch the sunset at home? We hardly do.

But on this trip we saw the sunset almost every evening. And it was magical.

At the end of each day, we would cook and then hang out on our camping chairs   with a beer in hand and watch the whole sky turn into a shade of gold. It was such a privilege having the time and opportunity to stop and enjoy beautiful moments like these.

At night, we also got to see the stars if we’re lucky. It was amazing to sleep in the mountains and see a million stars above our heads.

I’m not going to lie, traveling with kids can be challenging at times. Especially when you have an active toddler or emotional baby. Logistics is something you need to plan and consider when traveling with the little ones.

Traveling with a camper van definitely makes traveling with kids easier, as you’re often in wide open spaces where kids have the freedom to roam and be free. Having a home on wheels also gives kids the security and stability they need. Kaleya definitely loved having our van as an anchor point; she called the van “our home”.

To keep Kaleya entertained, we packed a big box of toys, lego, books and coloring pens for her. Having a TV in our van also helped on long drives!

Just like how Kaleya likes having a “home”, we really like having everything we need with us on the camper van.

Our van has two comfortable king-sized beds with proper mattresses, sheets and blankets. We also have a fully functioning kitchen with a 2-burner gas stove and a small sink. We even have a cassette toilet that we can use in our own privacy! (Check out this post for a van tour.)

As we have a bike rack, we brought along our bikes for leisurely short rides. We also packed our laptops, photography gear, camping gear and engine tools. There is so much storage space on the van that we bought lots of cushions and throws to make the van feel like an actual home.

But once we started our campervan trip, it became clear to us how little we actually needed every day to live comfortably.

Even though our van had a lot of storage, we quickly realised many things we brought were not necessary at all. Instead of bringing so many pots and pans, we only needed just one of each. Rather than having all kinds of cutlery and plates, we only used one set per person. Not to mention the excessive amount of cables, electronics and toiletries we had.

Traveling in a camper van made us think about what was important and what wasn’t. It also gave us an opportunity to teach Kaleya that material things aren’t essential.

When you’re traveling on a camper van, you start to notice the small things in life that you’ve taken for granted, like running water. Little, everyday things suddenly become luxuries — like a shower or endless electricity.

As we didn’t have a built-in shower in our van, it was normal for us to go for days without a shower. In a bid to stay clean, we went to public pools or lakes almost everyday to cool off from the heat, and to shower.

Like many things in life, good things don’t come easy. Traveling by camper van can come with its challenges: some people encounter engine problems (thank god we never did!), others require huge adjustments or face lack of personal space etc.

Not everyone’s experience will be the same. Adjust your expectations, be mentally prepared for things to go wrong, and don’t compare your experiences with what you see on Instagram . There will be days when you feel absolutely on top of the world, and days that are more challenging.

Traveling in our camper van has been one of the best experiences we’ve had as a family, and we cannot wait to keep exploring and creating memories with our van! If you are interested in campervan life, I would definitely suggest  renting a campervan for a few days to test it out!

Are you thinking of buying or renting a camper van? Let us know if we can help in any way! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. Just leave a comment below!

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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Family on the Road: Taking the World by van!

Meet the Tucci Family from Italy! Family on the road taking the world by van since August 2021. They are traveling in a camper van full time, exploring the world and today they are sharing a beautiful story! These five amazing people- Mom, Dad, three children, and a furry four-legged friend- have taken to the open road in search of life’s most extraordinary adventures. Join them on their journey as the Tucci family shows us the fun and freedom of traveling in a full-time camper van.

Remember to follow their Instagram page for heartwarming stories from beyond the highways and byways. There’s so much to explore and discover with these lovely adventurers! Enjoy the interview with Deborah below!

Please tell me a bit about yourself and your family members.

I’m Deborah, an Italian woman and mother of 3 kids. I’ve always loved to travel and have tried to do it since I was a young girl. We have 3 kids who are homeschoolers. Edoardo- a 12-years-old boy. He’s an explorer, loves prehistory and dinosaurs, and wants to be a palaeontologist. Greta, a 7-years-old girl. She loves unicorns and going out with her rollerblades, and climbing trees. Jacopo is 4-years-old. He is a lego lover. He sleeps with a little lego man, and he loves climbing trees, as does his sister. Margot is our dog, she is 4 years old, and we adopted her when she was 1-year-old. She was a stray dog, and she was in a kennel. We love our family’s life in a camper van, and we love to travel and explore the world together.

I also love to take pictures and write, love nature, and try to do something for our planet daily with our habits and lifestyle. That’s why I try to raise awareness about the climate crisis on my Instagram page.

What sustainability tips can you give other families so that we all can make a positive impact?

-Reduce all you can, try to inform, and approach a minimalist lifestyle .

-Keep attention to every product you buy, ask yourself if it is essential, and make that your first choice will be second-hand [when possible].

-Analyze your trash, see the waste you produce the most, and try your best to reduce it.

-Eat more plants than animals.

-When you buy something, choose plastic free and reusable items .

Where did you live before deciding to travel the world in a camper van?

We were born in Turin, in the north of Italy, but before leaving Italy, we moved to a place by the sea, always in the north (Liguria). My parents also have a camper van, so I have previous experience traveling in a camper for a holiday. I already knew our kids, and we were adaptable because we had gone on various trips with little comforts, like sleeping in camp tents, biking, and going to a nautical camp in the middle of the Caribbean sea.

Read more: 6 Best Cities to Visit in Italy with Family

Who’s idea was to leave italy and travel in a camper van when did you start your journey.

We both always had the idea to travel the world. We were unhappy on our old jobs, we didn’t like our busy life, we didn’t have time to spend quality time with our sons, and we knew we needed a change. Between saying it and doing it, we took 7 years. Covid time gave us the final boost. We left Italy in August 2021.

Can you tell me about your camper van? What are the main advantages and challenges of traveling in a camper van with children?

Our camper van has 7 places, and the spaces and details are ideal for us and our needs. However, before buying it, we documented a lot to ensure our life in our new home would be comfortable. The main advantages are the possibility of discovering the world together and learning to adapt to any situation.

The main challenges of traveling in a camper van with children are the weather conditions. If there are too many rainy days, we are in trouble because it means spending more time inside the camper van together. This is the reason why we spend winter in the south of Europe. We need the best weather conditions to be free to spend as much time outside as possible.

What countries have you visited, and how long are you in each destination?

Since we started our family life in a camper van, we have visited parts of Europe: Austria, Germany, Holland, France, Spain, Portugal. At each destination, we stayed for a few months. Generally, we spend the summer in cold places and winter in hot areas. However, every place has something nice to be seen, so we decided that the best weather conditions guide us through the seasons.

What is the most memorable destination you’ve visited so far?

We loved many places, the Austrian lake region, Carinthia, the beauty of the German landscape, the wild nature of Brittany in France, and the nature and the strength of the ocean on Portuguese and Andalusian coasts.

Read more: European City- Breaks

What do your children like most about traveling in a camper van.

Our children like traveling in a camper van most that our home is everywhere with us. We can sleep, wake up in beautiful places, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Home is wherever we park.

How does world schooling work in practice? For example, do your children have classes online or attend world schooling schools along the way, etc.?

Last year was our first experience as world schoolers, so we tried to do our best alone. But working was tricky, so we decided to get some teachers’ help this year, which is better. Edoardo, the biggest, sees his teachers (online) 3 times a week and can organize his work. Greta meets her teachers online one time a month. Still, it is unschooling for her because she is in primary school. So we focus on her curiosities and leave her very free. Anyway Edo and Greta will have an exam in June at an Italian school (every year, they have it as homeschoolers- Italian rules). Of course, Jacopo is free now because he is the little one.

Do you have any tips for other parents considering a similar lifestyle of traveling in a camper van with kids?

I can tell other parents that the kids adapt very well, especially if they have traveled before since the beginning of their life (as our kids). I can tell them that this experience is not for all but for people who can adapt and are willing to give up some comfort. In this case, this experience will be the best to get out of their comfort zone and grow up as a human and family.

What kind of job do you do that allows you to fund full time traveling in a camper van?

My husband Fabrìs and I share many interests. We are both digital nomads freelance. We are photographers and content creators. We work on the road. I write for others as a ghostwriter and help freelancers create personal brands and share their projects on social networks. I’m a social media specialist. Fabrìs is a trader and web marketing specialist, so we now build a website together. We do a lot of things.

Where are you now, and which is your next destination?

Now we are on the coast opposite Morocco for the second winter in Andalusia. We will stay here till the end of May. Since we like this place, we will stay here long. It will be the best way to know what it would be like to live here. So we found a school for kids in the countryside with a Montessorian approach. We want to let them socialize with other international kids and learn Spanish well. We are sure it will be a good experience, and they will make many new friends.

Thank you, Deborah, so much for sharing your story of traveling in a camper van with family! Usually, during the global parenting series interviews, I know more or less the answers to my questions. Especially if we are talking about countries in Asia. In your case, it was so very new to me. Actually, I haven’t stepped foot in a camper van before. After speaking with you, I would love to try vacationing in a camper van! So, thank you for sharing and expiring others. We wish you and your family all the best, extraordinary adventures, no traffic jams, and safe travels!

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In this blog I write about great places to go to with kids as well as give advice on travelling with young children.

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Driving around the world: our epic adventure.

Nobody could have predicted the year we had in 2020.

Being stuck in one location for the best part of a year wasn't exactly easy for anyone.

But adapting to life in one place is something we, in particular, are NOT very good at.

So what did we do?

We decided to use the time to complete a dream we have both shared ever since we met back in university ...

A dream to convert our very own campervan ... which we did!

But what next?

Well ... never ones to shy away from a crazy adventure, we decided to drive around the world!

Travellerspoint

The route around the world

Let's get stuck straight in!

Here's an ( extremely rough ) look at the route we are planning to do ...

Starting from the UK, the plan is now to keep heading west until we eventually find ourselves back again.

Simple right?

Planning a route to drive around the world is always going to be tricky.

Border disputes, wars, visa issues, breakdowns.

The list of things that can ( and will ) go wrong on such a trip is almost endless.

Now throw Covid into the mix ....

That's why the map you see above is so rough. We have no doubts that we will struggle to get into certain countries due to the ongoing struggle with the virus.

We are both fully vaccinated and also don’t want to put anyone else at risk.

That's why we will be taking our time with the journey, only passing through countries when safe and fully legal to do so.

We've also given ourselves a super relaxed timeline for the trip.

Without Covid, I'd say a sensible timeline for what we intend is at least 2-3 years.

With Covid ... it's anyone's guess. But at least 4 years is what we've prepared ourselves for.

What if it takes longer?

Then we get to spend even longer discovering the world, meeting new people, seeing new sites and making new friends.

It really is a win-win!

Here’s the route we currently have in mind (I will update it as we go) ...

2021 - COMPLETE! (Making our way through Europe)

• UK - Starting point
• France - COMPLETE!
• Spain - COMPLETE!
• Portugal - COMPLETE!
• Gibraltar - COMPLETE!
• Andorra - COMPLETE!
• Monaco - COMPLETE!
• Italy - COMPLETE!
• Slovenia - COMPLETE!
• Croatia - COMPLETE!
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - COMPLETE!
• Montenegro - COMPLETE!
• Kosovo - COMPLETE!
• North Macedonia - COMPLETE!
• Albania - COMPLETE!
• Greece - COMPLETE!
• Bulgaria - COMPLETE!
• Serbia - COMPLETE! (+ we even rescued 5 puppies !)
• Romania - COMPLETE!

2022 Update - The ol' switcharoo

My prophecy above ended up coming true!

Jeeze, thanks past Brad!

The new route you see discussed above is actually the other way around to our original route!

Below is what our original route looked like.

Due to the still ongoing variants of Covid as of late 2021, we made the decision to switch things around and instead spend much of 2022 exploring North America, where we knew the countries were all open.

The plan being that, once we are done there, we can then venture further south into South America and then across to Asia with (hopefully) far fewer disruptions.

That was the plan at least!

Keep scrolling to see how we got on ...

End of 2022 update!*

Okay, if you've been following us on YouTube (if you haven't then you should be and can do so here ) then 2022 was an INCREDIBLE year!

Plenty of ups and downs (naturally). But possibly the most traveling we have ever done and the least time we have ever spent back in the UK.

We were on the road for 10 out of the 12 months, and here's what we got up to!

• Road tripped most of Nova Scotia
• Stayed on a maple farm
• Fell in love with Quebec City
• Explored Montreal
• Explored Toronto
• Visited Niagara Falls (and flew over them in a helicopter!)
• Drove across Ontario
• Visited Winnipeg
• Explored lots of Alberta
• Discovered Banff
• Drove through the Rocky Mountains (absolutely epic!!!)
• Explored Jasper
• Drove all of the Alaska Highway (best experience)
• Had to get towed off the Dempster Highway
• Road tripped all of Alaska
• Visited Vancouver

That is a very brief overview of 3 truly unforgettable months in Canada (and Alaska).

Really, that list doesn't even begin to do justice to what we saw here and how we fell in love with this country.

To discover more (and see some of Cazzy's incredible pics) check out these other posts we wrote:

• Best places to visit in Canada
• Best things to do in Alaska
• Best road trips in Canada
• Visited Seattle
• Explored Portland (by land and water)
• Stayed in Salt Lake City
• Road tripped Utah
• Was awestruck by Utah's National Parks (particularly Bryce Canyon)
• Went rafting in Moab
• Ate far too much in Denver
• Visited Fort Collins
• Explored Colorado Springs
• Road tripped Colorado (LOVED IT but had some van trouble)
• Was left astounded by the Grand Canyon
• Lost all our money in Las Vegas (but loved it anyway)
• Road tripped California
• Stayed in San Francisco
• Visited the celebs in Santa Barbara
• Same again in Los Angeles !

With only a few months in USA (due to visa restrictions) we stuck to the west coast of the USA, but honestly had the most amazing time.

It was crazy how blown away we were by sites that we thought might just be too hyped (i.e. the Grand Canyon and Vegas). But instead we had the most amazing time.

Once again, there are a few great posts here to check out to see more of what we got up to in the States:

• Our West Coast USA road trip itinerary
• Best things to do in Utah
• Best things to do in Colorado
• Best things to do in California
• Drive the whole of the beautiful Baja Peninsula
• Chilled in Cabo San Lucas
• Took a ferry over to Mazatlan
• Partied in Tequila!!! (Highlight of the trip)
• Skirted Guadalajara
• Explored the ruins of Tula
• Discovered the pyramids of Teotihuacan

Ultimately, we had to make our way relatively quickly through Mexico in order to reach the port city of Veracruz.

Here, we had to ready our van to be shipped to Colombia to join our South American leg of the trip.

Unfortunately, due to our vehicle being right-hand drive, we were unable to drive it any further south through Central America as Nicaragua and other countries don't allow this.

Luckily we have seen much of this region before, but definitely plan to return and see more in the future.

Ultimately, Mexico was a time to drink far too many margaritas, party with locals and just all-round have an amazing time.

Mexico is a beautiful place with wonderful people, and we didn't have a single bad experience (despite numerous unfounded warnings to the contrary from people who have never properly visited Mexico).

P.S. while waiting for our van to be shipped between Mexico and Colombia, we had a few weeks to spare, so ...

We decided to make ourselves busy in some fun ways, including:

• Treating ourselves to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun
• Taking Cazzy's first ever cruise onboard the Norwegian Jewel (we got to sail through the Panama Canal which was pretty special!

We ended 2022 by spending a week seeing the sites in Cartagena (Colombia) before collecting our van, leaving at the airport, and flying home to celebrate Christmas with our families!

Cheers to a heck of a year and see you below for a 2023 update ...

2023 - Heading further South

All going well, we should start 2023 in Colombia, and finish it somewhere in Patagonia (or maybe even Asia ...)

• Ecuador (+ a visit to the Galapagos Islands !)

2024 - Tackling Asia

From here, the aim is to have the van shipped across to South Korea, and then from there venture in some sort of route back until we reach Turkey ...

• South Korea
• Turkmenistan

For UK legal reasons, we will then be unable to drive our van any further into Europe.

Long story short, you need a legal MOT in order to drive a UK registered vehicle in Europe, otherwise your insurance is void.

As we spent all of 2021 exploring Europe, we have already completed (more than) the route from the UK through to Turkey.

So Turkey will therefore mark our end point of the trip and we can feel pretty confident saying we have completed our drive around the world :D

Of course, the plan is to find a way to ship Helen by boat back across to England, so all 3 of us shall be returning!

So, who the Heck are we?!

In case you're new to the blog, here's a quick recap ...

We are Cazzy and Bradley. We met while at uni back in 2014 and, after graduating two years later, set off on our first adventure.

An epic 4 month journey around South America , where we drank far too many caipirinhas and realised that life back in the UK just wasn’t something we wanted to face long term.

So we spent the next 4 years working online to earn money and fund our adventures around the world.

By 2019, this site was one of the world's largest travel blogs , funding our travels around more than two dozen incredible countries . Such as Indonesia, The Philippines, Vietnam, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and many ... many more.

Like all businesses in the travel industry, we really struggled through Covid, and the blog took a MAJOR hit.

But our hunger and desire to travel the world still isn’t over.

The travel itch is far from fully scratched.

We love experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. We also love road trips .

4 years spent backpacking from hostel to hostel is great fun, but it can also be exhausting.

We've found that having our own vehicle to experience a country is so much more enjoyable for the type of travel we love. So building our campervan (her name’s Helen by the way) was a logical next step in our journey.

We also have no plans to settle down any time soon.

Our drive around the world is set to be our wildest and most ambitious adventure yet, but it's by no means the end for us.

We're really not sure what the future holds ... I'll guess you'll just have to stay tuned to find out.

The mission

Why drive around the world?

Why set such an outrageous goal? 

Especially during a time when there is so much uncertainty?

The truth is, uncertainty and a lack of a clear path doesn’t bother us.

We thrive off the unknown and take each new challenge head on as it presents itself.

Together, we have overcome so much.

We know that, though it might take longer or be more expensive than we anticipate, we know we will make it through.

Our mission is to put everything we have learnt over the last 5 years into full use.

It's going to take all of our time, effort and luck to make it around the globe and can’t wait to see how things play out.

Also, we fully intend to vlog and blog our entire journey. In turn, we hope that we can inspire others to fulfill crazy dreams as well.

How can you get involved?

We love the idea of including as many people as possible in our journey. So be sure to ...

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel for new videos
• Join our weekly email list for behind the scenes updates
• Follow us on Instagram and leave us a comment saying hi

We are keen to meet and engage with as many people as possible on this adventure and would love for you to become a part of it.

If you have any tips or ideas on what to see and do in your home country, then reach out to us and let us know!

Are you a fellow vanlifer, keen to meet up on the road? Awesome! Drop us a message on Instagram , we would love to meet up!

Sponsors for the journey

As of publishing this, we are funding 100% of this journey ourselves.

Like we have been for the last 5 years, we work and travel at the same time and plan to do the same on this adventure.

That being said, we are open to the idea of partnering with like-minded brands and companies who may want to sponsor us on our journey.

If this sounds like something you're interested in then drop us an email, I'm sure we can work something out.

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Let us know what you think.

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How to Live and Travel Full-Time by RV

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of people giving up the daily grind to live and travel in vans, RVs, and other nontraditional abodes. While traveling in an RV has been something people have been doing for decades, new sharing economy websites , better resources online, more modern vans, and a growing community that can provide support have made it easier for anyone to travel full-time in an RV.

What used to be traditionally and predominantly an activity for older, retired, or family travelers is now something people of all ages are trying to do.

One just has to look up #vanlife on social media to see!

(An aside: I hate the #vanlife movement. The faux Instagram movement does nothing for me. Just a bunch of millennials searching out that perfect sponsored photo and talking about how woke they are (for the most part)).

But #vanlife aside, RV travel is a wonderful way to see the world.

“How do you travel in an RV?” is one of the questions I’m most asked.

So today, we’re going to the experts and talking full-time RV with nomads Marc and Julie from RV Love . This couple joined my blogging program a few years ago, hoping to find a way to spread the gospel of living and traveling in an RV to the wider world. (Spoiler: they did. And they just published a book with Simon & Schuster about it too! )

They’ve been driving around in their RV for nearly five years and, today, they share their wisdom about how to travel by RV:

Nomadic Matt: Tell us about yourselves! How did you get into this? Marc and Julie : We’re Marc and Julie Bennett, full-time RVers since 2014, living, working, and traveling in our motorhome as we explore North America and the world! We met on the dating website eHarmony while both living in Colorado in 2010, married in 2011, and hit the road three years later!

Why did you pick traveling in an RV as your way to get around? We knew we wanted to do a lot more extended travel while we were still working. We get such little vacation time here in the USA , and we didn’t want that to limit our lives. So we started exploring different ways to bring more travel and adventure into our everyday life without Marc having to give up his job as project manager of operations, which he was able to do from home.

We considered international travel, but there were two main reasons why wasn’t a fit: the challenge of time zones, and more specifically, we wanted to travel with our dog Coda. Plus, we love to drive, so RVing was really the ideal solution for us. We love that wherever we go, we’re always home, and we’re not living out of suitcases.

We’re both passionate about driving, so it makes sense that we would choose to live and travel by RV, although we usually prefer more sporty rides when it comes to entertainment, as we both have a love for sports cars and convertibles.

What’s life like living and traveling around in an RV? We just entered our fifth year on the road full-time as RVers, and we recently changed from a 2012 36’ gas Class A motorhome to a 1999 40’ diesel motorhome! We bucked the trend and went bigger (and older and cheaper, but much higher quality), and we’re actually doing a complete remodel of our RV this summer.

Traditionally, we spend about 80% of our time in campgrounds and about 20% dry camping, but we recently installed a big lithium battery bank and solar system on our RV, so we plan on spending a lot more time camping off the grid out in nature in the coming years. We try to spend 2-3 weeks in each location, but that varies on where we are, the weather, and what projects we have on our plates. We moved pretty fast in our first 3+ years, having visited all 50 states while still working full-time.

This year, we have so many big and exciting projects on our plates, we’re really feeling the need to slow down, catch our breath, and get caught up on our content! We tend to wing our plans a lot more than we used to, as we’re more comfortable and confident RVers now.

An average day depends on whether you have to work or not. We love that we no longer have a commute and that the views outside our windows change every week or so. Nature is a big part of our everyday life, so it can be easier to get in more walking, hiking, biking, or kayaking. We definitely get to see more sunsets — that’s a big thing for a lot of RVers.

RV life is still life. You need to go grocery shopping, make meals, do laundry, pay bills, and do housework. Then there’s RV maintenance and repairs! There’s almost always something to do on an RV — tighten screws, replace parts, troubleshoot issues, check your tire pressure, fix whatever’s broken.

Upon arrival at a destination, it usually takes less than 30 minutes to set up. It may sound like a hassle, but if you’re staying a week or more, it becomes a small percentage of your time. And RV life can be as social as you like. We tend to mostly stay in campgrounds, so it’s not too difficult to meet new people. And we also go to RV rallies to meet up with our RVing friends, who we stay in touch with online. It can take a little time to build your RV community, but if you put yourself out there, it can happen pretty quickly!

Do you need a lot of mechanical skills to do this? When you’re traveling around in an RV, if you aren’t already handy, you’ll learn to be! It’s definitely an advantage to become somewhat mechanical and familiar with simple tools. The RVing community is very helpful and supportive when it comes to finding answers for issues you may have — whether online (in social media groups) or in person. At RV parks and campgrounds, you will usually find someone reasonably experienced and mechanically oriented nearby. If you are not skilled or it’s a complex job, you can usually find a local or mobile repair person to perform needed maintenance or repairs.

We recommend sticking with a less complex RV when starting out. The more simple the RV, the more reliable and easy to fix they are likely to be, and you can tackle many repairs yourself. As full-time RVers driving a Class A motorhome, we only need to take our RV into repair facilities 2-3 times per year on average.

Many RV repairs are fairly simple, and that’s when YouTube and Google are your friends! One of our favorite YouTube channels is the RV Geeks , who make DIY how-to videos to help you make simple repairs and upgrades. It’s often more convenient (and definitely cheaper) to do many RV repairs yourself. And you may even want to consider an extended service contract to cover your RV for repairs outside of the manufacturer’s warranty period and help limit repair costs.

Are there any personality traits you think are necessary for living in an RV? Flexibility, adaptability, resourcefulness, and a sense of humor! Just like any other kind of travel, things don’t always go the way you want , RVs break (or break down), and travel plans go awry when you least expect it, so you need to be able to find a creative solution, often on the fly. It really helps to be handy or at least be willing to have a go at DIY fixes. RVers learn to become much more self-sufficient pretty quickly.

Anyone can RV if they really want to. It doesn’t matter about your age, life stage, relationship status, or financial situation. In our book, we share the inspiring story of 69-year-old Frieda who hit the road solo after her husband passed away and drove to Alaska to celebrate her 70th birthday. She’s been on the road for two years now and is still going strong.

Another great case study from the book is Nik and Allison (31 and 30). They share why they decided to RV and explore the country before they started a family. They follow the FIRE philosophy (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and save more than 50% of their income so Nik can be a stay-at-home dad. RVing for a year and a half while still working allowed them to do a lot of travel affordably while keeping them on track with their financial and life goals. 

There really is no “one way” to RV, just the right way for you. That’s why, when writing our book  Living the RV Life: Your Ultimate Guide to Life on the Road , we wanted to create a roadmap for people that would help them hit the road and thrive, keeping them on track with their personal goals while they’re doing it. That’s been a big part of our own success. We’re almost five years in now and still living and loving the RV Life. Now we’re showing others how they can do it too.

A lot of people are embracing RV/van life these days. Why do you think that is? We think it’s a perfect storm of several things colliding simultaneously:

• A lot of people are questioning the traditional American Dream as a path to success or happiness — the idea of postponing your life, travels, and experiences until retirement just doesn’t really make sense, and of course, the future is promised to no one. Why not travel while you have youth and health on your side?
• Technology is enabling us to live and work from pretty much anywhere, and more companies are allowing people to work remotely, and more people are starting their own businesses.
• Then there’s social media and FOMO! With the increased awareness that RV or van life is possible through watching people’s YouTube channels, Facebook pages, and Instagram feeds, other people are beginning to realize you can travel and see cool places, and live or work in forests or by lakes — and they want to do it too. America has long been famous for iconic road trips — and RVs and van life offer the ultimate freedom : exploring the country on wheels.

How much money will people need before they dive into RV life? It’s a good idea to pay off as much unsecured debt as possible before hitting the road. Less debt lightens your load and allows you to really enjoy the freedoms of RV life.

It all depends on how you want to RV, and your budget. Generally, we recommend people try to save up a few months of living expenses to get started, and as a backup for unforeseen challenges and expenses. Life happens, and you just never know when you may be hit with an unexpected expense or expensive RV repair.

As a guide, as long as you plan and budget carefully, and make a good RV purchasing decision, it’s possible to RV full-time for about $2,000–$3,000 per month. Some do it for less, and others do it for way more. But across the board, we find most RVers end up spending about the same in their RV life as they did in their regular life.

Just like in traditional life, you just have to plan to live and travel within your means. Plus, your ability to earn an income while you travel is a huge factor. If you can work from the road while you RV — as was the case for us — it can be a pretty simple trade.

For example, we sold our townhome and traded our mortgage payment, HOA, utility bills, and two car payments for:

• A used RV, which we financed
• A less-expensive car that we paid cash for
• Campground and fuel expenses

What we previously spent on home repairs and maintenance for our home is now redirected to our RV. Same goes for RV insurance and roadside assistance. We tend to spend a bit more on eating out and entertainment, as we’re always on the move and experiencing new places. But it’s easy to save money by making meals in your RV, and there’s no shortage of things you can do for free, like hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Many people (like us) are able to work remotely with just an internet connection. Some work seasonally, then take a few months off to travel and explore. Other careers, like nursing, hospitality, agriculture, and construction are highly transferable to new locations, especially for seasonal work. For some lines of work, it can actually be easier to find jobs by having the ability to follow the work around the country.

We have met people who live full-time in vans or RVs frugally, for less than $20,000 per year. And we have seen others who spend well over $60,000 per year. Like all other forms of travel (and life!), expenses are variable, depending on how you do it.

What tips do you have for people who aren’t sure what RV, van, or trailer they should get? Buying an RV can be expensive, and buying the wrong RV can be even more expensive! Like anything with wheels, RVs depreciate (hard), and so doing your research in advance pays off. Before you even set foot on an RV dealer’s lot or go check out the RV you found on Craigslist, ask yourself:

• Who is traveling with you? 
• How much do you plan to travel? (weekends, part-time, full-time)
• Where do you want to go? (campgrounds and RV parks or off-grid camping in national forests?)

Generally speaking, you’ll want to choose the smallest RV that you feel that you can comfortably live in. Smaller RVs offer more flexibility to access more places. Larger RVs are more comfortable for extended travel but will be more limiting in terms of where you can take them, especially if you want to stay in national parks and do off-grid camping.

Don’t overinvest in your first RV — it’s the one that will teach you what is most important to you and your travel style. Start out by buying used. You will avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve. Plus, you’ll have a much better idea of what’s important to you when it comes time to buy your second RV. It’s possible to nail it with your first RV purchase, but not without a lot of research and clarity around your priorities .

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when starting out? Full-time RVing is not a vacation, it’s a lifestyle. It’s exciting when you start. You want to go everywhere and see and do everything. Try to create a sustainable travel pace from the beginning. Stay longer in an area. It’s cheaper – in terms of fuel and campground fees – and you’ll really be able to immerse yourself, explore, and even feel like a local for a while.

Second, it’s easy for people to think they need a big RV to be comfortable, especially when coming from a bigger home. In the RV lifestyle, your environment and views are constantly changing, so your world feels a lot bigger, even if your living space isn’t. It’s easier to live in a smaller space than you might expect, especially with way less “stuff.” Remember our advice above when it comes to choosing the right RV, so you can avoid that expensive mistake.

And finally, it can be hard to resist buying gadgets and gear before you even buy your RV! Every RV has cupboards and storage of different sizes and shapes, and you won’t know what fits where until you have your RV. Save money by hitting the road with the essentials, then spend some time traveling before investing in too many upgrades or gear. You’ll want to make sure they are going to be a fit for your preferred travel style. You can always buy what you need as you go. Don’t take too much stuff! You need less than you think and can get what you need as you travel.

Do you have any recommended companies for vans/RVs? What about resources for finding where to camp/park? It’s a good idea to consider renting an RV or van first, to see if you even like the lifestyle. You can rent RVs from rental companies or from private individuals using a platform like RVshare , which gives you more variety in the types of RVs you can choose from.

This is really useful for helping you decide what kind of RV is right for you, before buying one. It may seem expensive, but making the wrong decision isn’t cheap either! Many large RV dealerships rent RVs, there are large rental chains like cruiseamerica.com or www.roadbearrv.com , but if you want to rent an RV from individuals for more variety, consider doing so via rvshare.com .

It is difficult to make specific recommendations about buying RVs, as there are hundreds of manufacturers, models, and types, and RVs are not like cars. The options, features, and price range of RVs vary widely. That said, we generally recommend buying a preowned RV, as they are usually more affordable, and, contrary to cars, you will generally experience fewer issues with a well-maintained preowned RV than with a brand-new unit. That’s because every RV — much like building a new house or condo — will have a “punch list” of items that need to be fixed for the first few months (or more) after you drive it off the dealer’s lot.

You can find RVs at RV dealers, on websites like RVTrader.com , as well as on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, and from friends and family. Local RV parks often have a community notice board of RVs for sale, too.

If you want to camp for free on public lands, there are websites like Campendium.com and Frugal Shunpiker’s Guides to find free camping areas. And there are thousands of RV parks and campgrounds around the country, which you can you find online, through apps, and in camping directories.

You can also look into camping memberships that offer discounts on your stays. For example, we spend a lot of time in a campground membership network that literally saves us thousands of dollars per year. Other websites and apps we recommend include CampgroundViews.com , Campendium, and AllStays. There are a ton out there, and you can find many more resources in our book and at our website, RV Love of course! 🙂

If you want more information, Marc and Julie Bennett are RVers who live, work, and travel from the road full-time, and since hitting the road in 2014, have visited all 50 USA states, plus Canada and Mexico. They are co-authors of  Living the RV Life: Your Ultimate Guide to Life on the Road , and you can follow along on their journey via their website RV Love as well as their social media channels!

If you’d like to dive deep and get hands-on help on starting your own RV life, they also run online courses at RVSuccessSchool.com . As a Nomadic Matt reader, you can get 10% off their course with the code NOMADICMATT. Just input the code when you sign up!  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

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10 Things You Need to Know Before Living in a Campervan

Written By: Katie Diederichs

Digital Nomads

Updated On: April 1, 2023

Imagine exploring a new place with open road ahead and your home at your back. If the thought of traveling in a campervan brings a surge of wanderlust and makes your hands itch to be at the steering wheel, living in a campervan may be your next perfect adventure!

My husband and I have spent the past 3 months living in a 6-by-13-foot camper van. It has been one of the greatest adventures of our marriage.

Table of Contents

All About Living in a Camper Van

We are huge advocates of campervan life but can tell you firsthand that it isn’t always s’mores around a campfire and skinny-dipping in hot springs.

We’ve traveled around the world to more than 40 countries, yet exploring in a campervan is different than any other type of travel we’ve experienced.  There are challenges and joys unique to this type of tiny living in a camper.

Before you go ahead and trade in your jet-setting ways for a home on wheels, know that you may need to make some drastic changes to your travel style.

Whether you’re traveling in an RV or a campervan, there are some very important things you should consider before you hit the road.

Packing gets more complicated in a Camper V an

When you’re packing for a trip and have just one suitcase or backpack in which to fit everything, it can be a hair-pulling, nail-biting puzzle with no right answer.

It might seem that all your problems would be solved when you upgrade from a 50-liter backpack to an 80-square-foot campervan. But that’s hardly the case. Sure, you have more space, but it gets a bit more complicated than that.

You’ll need to pack enough to make your campervan a fully-functioning home – kitchen, sleeping area, living space and all – with just a fraction of the room of your actual home. So yeah, you can pack more. But it also opens up a whole new slew of decisions.

The tradeoff for a more complicated packing list is that you’re able to travel with some of your favorite comforts, like a French press and a fluffy pillow.

Personal space is no longer personal

If you’re traveling with a companion – whether it’s a partner, children, pets, or all of the above – you’re going to have to get comfy with your newfound lack of space. Your personal bubble will be popped several times a day. (Scratch that. Several times each minute.)

When you’re living in a tiny space, you sacrifice privacy. You give up the ability to, say, pass gas without anyone knowing. You might have to get creative about finding time alone.

But the beautiful part of giving up your personal space is you will be rewarded with quality time with your favorite people or furry friends. Hopefully your companion is someone you actually enjoy spending time with!

Before you even consider moving into a campervan with your partner,  be sure to ask each other these 20 questions .

You’ll thank me when you realize how many arguments you’ve avoided by asking your travel buddy these important questions.

Your consumption will be visible

When you stay in hotels, it’s easy to take a 20-minute shower without noticing how much water goes down the drain because when it disappears down those tiny holes it is out of your mind. And when someone else is emptying the bins you throw your trash into, the amount of waste you produce may seem small.

But when you transition into traveling in a small space, your consumption is magnified.

You will suddenly see the exact amount of water it takes to do dishes because you have to physically empty your wastewater instead of letting it disappear into a drain underground.

When you live in a tiny space, your eyes will be seriously opened to how much you consume because it’s not something you can simply ignore.

Normal things become luxuries

There’s nothing like living in a campervan to make little, everyday things seem like luxuries. When you aren’t showering daily, it feels oh-so good when you do (especially when the pressure is high and the water is hot).

And don’t get me started on ice. Lukewarm water just doesn’t quite give you the same satisfaction as an icy glass of H2O on a hot day!

It’s quite humbling actually when you start noticing all those little things you typically take for granted. Many people around the world live their lives without these luxuries, and it’s good for the soul to take notice of our privilege every once in a while.

You’ll have more control over your budget

Traveling in an RV or campervan allows you to really control your budget. That’s not to say that it’s cheap, but you suddenly have the option of cooking your own dinner instead of eating out for every meal.

You can forgo Starbucks and brew your own cup o’ Joe instead. And forget about paying ridiculous rates for a hotel room. You’re in a traveling home, after all!

All that said, gas ain’t cheap when you’re towing a small home behind you, and sometimes you’ll want to splurge after roughing it for a bit. It all balances out, but RV travel puts the control in your hands.

You’ll grow as a person

Traveling in a campervan or RV means you’ll run into some bumps in the road, both literally and figuratively.

Sometimes when you’re traveling, other people take care of those bumps for you, like a guesthouse owner who moves you to a different room because the air-conditioning isn’t working quite right.

When you’re traveling in an RV however, you’ll need to take ownership of any hiccups, like fixing the AC yourself. You’ll feel empowered when you solve problems and forge your way all by yourself.

Even if you don’t intend to live in an RV long-term, you’ll grow as a person and learn the world around you. And that’s a pretty powerful thing.

You’ll travel slow and deep

Traveling with your home will make you realize you can’t hop around as fast as you would with just a suitcase. It’s exhausting!

When you’re the one behind the wheel instead of a bus driver, you’ll reconsider an itinerary that includes hopping around 8 cities in 8 days.

When you’re in the driver’s seat, you have the opportunity not just to see your destination cities, but also the “in-between”. You know, the small towns and hole-in-the-wall cafes that you’d never venture to had you been traveling by plane, train or taxi.

You’ll drive on small roads and get glimpses into people’s lives as you pass by, giving you a more complete, more authentic experience than if you skip the “in-between”. You’ll come to appreciate slow travel and the beauty of a day that doesn’t move too fast.

You have to seek out interactions with locals

When you stay at hotels and take public transportation, you are likely to interact with locals and other travelers on a regular basis.

One of the more challenging parts about traveling in a campervan is that you have to work a little harder to seek out interaction and get the lowdown on local hotspots.

You’ll definitely have people who are curious about your home along the way, so use this as an opportunity to ask about their favorite things in the area.

You’ll need to make sacrifices

If you’re used to business class flights, plush hotel rooms and fine dining, seeing the sights in an RV will mean you’ll have to make some adjustments to the way you travel.

Even if you’re an experienced backpacker and are no stranger to “roughing it,” there are some certain differences between sleeping in hostels and parking on the side of a road for the night.

You won’t always have Internet access while traveling in an RV, and you may not be able to shower as often as you’d like. You’ll need to get creative with meals, and the air-conditioning might not be the strongest you’ve ever had. But in exchange for all these sacrifices comes a beautiful reward.

You will feel the wind blowing through your hair on the open road with endless possibilities ahead.  Too corny?  Okay, let’s just say that you’ll get to experience an adventure that many only dream about.

You’ll realize that the best parts of travel don’t necessarily come with a butler or an eye-watering price tag. You will learn to appreciate little things and come to value simplicity over extravagance.

Freedom is a tangible thing

RV life means you have nearly endless freedom. Want to sleep in the mountains tonight and next to the ocean tomorrow? No problem.

You’ll start to seek out detours that you wouldn’t be able to take otherwise. The world seems more accessible when your home has wheels. And there’s something so strangely satisfying about having all your necessary belongings in 80 square feet of space.

It may sound cliché, but campervan life gives freedom an entirely new meaning.

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Katie Diederichs

In 2014, Katie and her husband, Ben, quit their full-time jobs and set off on a 3-month adventure in South America that never really ended. Along the way, they taught English in South Korea, worked on a remote farm in the Ecuadorian Andes , trekked to Everest Base Camp and traveled the US in a campervan named "Vinny" Follow the adventure at: TwoWanderingSoles / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

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18 thoughts on “10 Things You Need to Know Before Living in a Campervan”

I hope you’re doing great.

Thanks for sharing your valuable information regarding traveling with campervans. I recommend to every traveler please read this useful information which will come in handy in your journey

Thanks & Regards

Current situation makes me think more and more about living in a campervan. Maybe it´s the best time now. I just experienced renting a campervan to travel Norway last summer. Omg it was the biggest amount of freedom I ´ve experienced in life <3

Great Adventure Experience! May you have a great experience during travel in campervan. Great post thanks. We are just thinking to explore Norway with campervan. Thinking to cover all most places in a month. May our experience make this trip unforgettable

Some excellent tips here – it sounds like the sacrifices of space are worth it for the freedom and cheaper travel. One to think about for the future,

Nice article, and perfect timing! We are thinking about hiring a van to explore the Pacific Northwest this summer. We love the idea of slow and deep travel for sure! Meeting locals is always fun and one of the things we enjoy about travel. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Thank you for sharing this beautiful journey. I loved the pictures!

Wow what an incredible … I feel like having an experience of traveling through europe in a campervan with my girlfriend and also spending in australia which is an amazing place. I liked the post.

Just got a 1969 VW Bus that I’m traveling around the world in and I love the lifestyle change. I’ve been traveling full-time for the past 5 years and it is so much slower, cheaper and more fun.

Awesome destination must watch it. lovemytour.com

Australia is a great place to travel around in a campervan. My friends and I rented Wicked vans and drove from Brisbane to Cairns. It was a lot of fun!

I love the idea of a campervan for a vacation but I’m not sure I could do it as a lifestyle. Although it’s not trendy to say so, I do like my physical things. I <3 my shoes and bubble baths.

Having just come back from a month long camper trip from Australia, I found myself nodding vigorously to these points. Oh how I miss it!

Thanks for posting!

Lovely and very interesting post, Katie & Ben!

I always tend to go for hotels because I like the convenience, but this sounds so intriguing. Unfortunately, I will have to find someone to go with me if I choose to go for this… I can’t imagine driving a campervan for 8 hours straight by myself hahaha! Oh gosh, I want to get out my comfort zone because your pictures are amazing and I want to experience that too! I can imagine that driving through Canada with a campervan is fantastic.

Great great post and very helpful tips. Looking forward to more posts from you!

Great post! Your pictures are absolutely stunning and sounds like a wonderful trip. Thank you so much for sharing it.

I absolutely loved this post – I would have loved to travel around with a campervan – perhaps on my next trip to Australia. Nice photos.

Thanks so much for the kind words, Ephesus! Hope you come check out our website, Two Wandering Soles, to see more of our tips and photos 🙂

Katie, Two Wandering Soles

It seems wonderful to get around with a campervan. Truly inspiring blog post and inspiring photos for the travellers. It is very obvious from the photos that you had great time around.

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What are the advantages over just renting my van and using that money for traveling? How will this affect my insurance? How do I find someone who wants to exchange his/her campervan? Get answers to your questions clicking the icon.

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Fill in a simple form in 3 minutes and help the community grow. Planning a temporary van swap takes time, better register now and start receiving messages from worldwide travelers. Click the icon, it´s free!

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Use this website to get inspired, and discover van exchange possibilities all over the world. Browse a map full of motorhome swap opportunities. You can also search, and filter by country, continent, availability dates, campervan specifications, and more!

Imagine you live in Europe, you own a campervan, and you want to travel the US by van. You can either rent a Van in the US, ship your Van overseas by boat, or you can register at Swap My Van and save a lot of money!

The process: First, you register on the website and create a profile of you and your house on wheels. Then you search for travelers who also want to arrange a motorhome exchange. You can use the map to see where people are available for a van swap, or select the dates when you are available, or the countries where you want to travel by van to, by using the filters. Third, you chat with other users and arrange how to make the van swapping possible. Having doubts? Get more info here.

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If #vanlife has sparked your interest, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve experienced vanlife in multiple countries, and have built three of our own campervans (from scratch!).

We’ve spent multiple months living in various campervans around the world and have collected all sorts of tips and advice for anyone interested in living the van life!

Your Guide to Vanlife

If you know what you’re looking for, click the images below to jump to that topic, or just keep browsing!

This section is packed full of step-by-step tutorials & guides to help you build your own campervan conversion no matter your budget or experience level.

Tips & advice for life on the road, plus, honest insider info on what vanlife is really like (beyond Instagram!), so you can decide if it’s for you.

Advice and hacks for planning a perfect road trip. You’ll find everything from money-saving tips to how to find free campsites to ways you can be kinder to the environment.

Not sure where to begin?

That’s perfectly fine.

We’ve got the answers to all of your questions… and if we don’t we’re here to point you in the right direction (feel free to shoot us a message !). We’re here for you on your vanlife journey.

Let’s start with the basics…

What is vanlife?

Do you keep seeing the phrase “vanlife” all over social media? Maybe it’s accompanied by a hashtag and a perfectly curated photo. Or perhaps you have an acquaintance who is debating jumping into full time van life and you’re just not sure exactly what they mean.

Don’t worry – we’re gonna break it down…

Vanlife is the growing trend of people living or traveling in a converted van or vehicle.

Truth be told, vanlife looks different for everyone.

Here’s what I mean:

Basic vs. Luxe: Some have bougie camper van builds with all the creature comforts of a traditional home. Others have incredibly basic builds that essentially serve as a cheap place to sleep.

Full-time vs. Weekender: Some vanlifers live in their vehicles full-time and have no plans of quitting, while others use their campervan as an adventure-mobile for shorter trips.

Young vs. Old: Many vanlifers are young Millennials or Gen Z’s that crave adventures, and another big handful are retirees looking for an affordable and fun way to live out their golden years.

Budget vs. Freedom: Some people find vanlife because they want to save money, while others love the freedom this lifestyle brings.

Solo vs. Family: There are solo vanlifers on the road, couples, and even families with children. Those with furry friends, and others that are pet-less.

Digital Nomad vs. Gig Worker: Those that work online with full-time jobs, and others who bounce around from location to location looking for gigs.

Wildnerness vs. City: Some vanlifers spend the majority of their time in the wilderness, doing as many adventure activities as they can squeeze into a day while others base themselves around a city with the amenities they need, taking up “urban camping” at night.

We want to illustrate that there is no right or wrong way to “do van life”. Every person has their own priorities, and the beauty of this lifestyle is it can be a good fit for so many different personalities and desires.

Insider Tip: Sometimes it helps to find others who are on a similar path as you. We interviewed a bunch of very different types of vanlifers , and it could be a good idea to find someone you can relate to. Follow their journey, reach out and connect, ask advice… maybe you’ll even discover a new vanlife friend!

Living in a Van… Rebranded!

While the concept has been brought to the attention of the masses with the viral hashtag, #vanlife, in the last few years, this is not exactly a new idea. People have been living nomadically for centuries and the van life is just our modern iteration of a lifestyle free from societal conventions and geographical restraints.

You may remember the iconic Chris Farley skit on SNL that featured his character, Matt Foley. He was a motivational speaker who warned young people that if they didn’t follow a certain path, they’d wind up “living in a van down by the river”.

Farley’s comedic sketch portrayed living in a van as a threat. Something that would happen if you were unsuccessful. It’s a bit ironic because today, living van life is a dream for many people, young and old. The vanlife movement has helped make it more accepted and desirable to people from all walks of life.

If only Farley were alive today to do a reboot of this sketch!

“Why would anyone want to live in a van?” you ask…

We spelled out exactly why we love this lifestyle in our article about the best parts of campervan life , but here’s the short version…

• Simplicity: Living in a van allows people to lead a simpler lifestyle. There is not a lot of room, so you learn to make due with less and become self-reliant. This detachment from material things and the practice of minimalism can be incredibly freeing.
• Freedom & Adventure: This lifestyle gives you the freedom to travel —unrestrained by societal infrastructure. Sleep beneath a sea of stars in the middle of a pitch-black desert, wake up to the sun rising above the nearby mountain peak with the sounds of a babbling brook.

Whether you choose to live in a van full time or use your van as an adventure mobile to take you off the grid on the weekends, there is no limit to the range the van life can take you.

“Alright, I’m convinced, but where do I start?”

We understand just how overwhelming it can be to start this process so we poured all of our personal experience and advice into a resource just for you.

Enter your email below to immediately receive our Vanlife Jumpstart Toolkit , your FREE mega guide to jump-starting your #vanlife dreams!

Campervan Build

Doing your own campervan conversion can be incredibly rewarding… but it’s also incredibly overwhelming! We want you to know you’re not alone .

We’ve compiled all sorts of free resources for converting your campervan, from the very first step to the finishing touches. We’re here with you, every step of the way.

Step 1: Set a Budget

The very first thing you’ll want to do is to come up with a budget for your campervan conversion.

Before you write down any random number, it’s a good idea to do some research on the costs associated with building a camper van.

“How much does a campervan conversion cost?”

We value transparency and know how helpful it can be to see others’ experiences. We’ve broken down every single penny that went into our campervan build so you can get an idea of how much a real conversion costs. We’ve also included ways you can save money in each category as well as worthy upgrades if you have some wiggle room in your budget.

• How much does a campervan cost? : A comprehensive breakdown of all our expenses for our campervan build.

Our Advice: Track ALL of your expenses!

If you’re not paying attention to what you’re spending your money on, you will go over your budget. There are tons of decisions to make during your conversion, so you’ll want to know where you stand with your budget every step of the way.

We’re giving away the exact budget tracker we used when building our beloved “Pearl”. Keep track of all of your van conversion expenses using our trusted budget tracker. It’s our (totally free!) gift to you, because we know how big of a deal staying on budget can be.

“Is it possible to build a campervan on a shoestring budget?”

The short answer: ABSOLUTELY!

Not only is it possible, but we are also living proof that it can be done in less than one week!

Our first campervan cost less than $3,000 for the vehicle, all title & registration fees, AND the entire build. We had very little building experience, yet we completed this conversion in less than a week!

We have tons of resources based on our personal experience that’ll help you understand what to budget for and exactly how you can DIY your own campervan conversion on a tight budget.

Budget van build resources:

Our Complete DIY Budget Campervan Guide : This article is chock-full of practical tips and all the steps needed to make your own DIY campervan conversion on a small budget in just one week. 

DIY Campervan Bed Frame : A step-by-step tutorial that walks you through how to make your very own DIY bed frame for your campervan or RV.

DIY Campervan Kitchen : A step-by-step tutorial that walks you through everything you need to make your own DIY kitchen (for less than $50!) for your campervan, complete with a working sink, stove, storage and counter space for chopping all those fresh veggies!

DIY Campervan Curtains vs. Insulated Window Coverings : A comparison of different types of window covers for your van. Plus, we’ve included a detailed yet simple tutorial that will walk you through making your own DIY campervan curtains quickly and on a budget!

Step 2: Buy a Van

It may seem obvious, but the first major decision you’ll need to make on your vanlife journey will be purchasing a van to convert. Whether you are going full luxury or starting small and simple, finding the right van to fit your exact needs is important. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. 

Below is an article that’ll help you make the best decision for you: 

Best Vans for Camper Conversion : We go through all the major van models that work best for camper conversion (Sprinter van, Ford Transit and Ram Promaster + more!) along with their specs, the pros and cons, and some insider tips and things to consider when buying a van for a camper conversion.

Wanna give vanlife a try before you commit? 

It’s no secret we’re obsessed with #vanlife. However, if you don’t have the time (or interest!) in building your own van dwelling but you still want to give vanlife a test drive, we’ve got options for you…

• Best Campervan Rentals in the USA : We know how confusing renting a campervan can be so we’ve rounded up the best USA campervan rentals (for all budgets and regions!). Plus, we’re sharing insider tips, things to look for in a rental campervan, & exclusive discounts for 3 of our favorite companies!

One company we’d recommend looking into is  Escape Campervans . They have 12 different locations across North America and come fully loaded with all the gear you need for an epic road trip. Plus, their rates are fair and affordable.

BONUS:  We’ve partnered with them to give you a  10% off discount when you use our  link !

Step 3: Design Your Campervan Layout

Figuring out how you’re going to fit everything into your tiny home on wheels can be overwhelming. The articles below will help you get started with the planning process and understand what to take into consideration before you start building.

• Things to consider in your design:
• What type of bed will you have (fixed or convertible)?
• Will you have a toilet and shower?
• How much space do you want to dedicate to your kitchen?
• What do you plan to do for storage?

Let’s start the journey to designing your dream van conversion!

• How to Design Your Dream Van Build : The ultimate guide to campervan layouts, no matter your budget or the size of your vehicle. We’re walking you through essential questions to ask so that you are able to determine what’s most important and design the perfect van for your needs.
• Van Conversion Ideas & Inspiration : We’ve rounded up some unique and diverse van conversion ideas to inspire you, no matter your style or budget.

Not sure where to start?

Designing your layout is the first step of any van conversion. However, we know it can get overwhelming with all the different options. Be sure to nab our Van Build Planner to gather ideas and start thinking about what’s most important to you in your campervan conversion.

“What is a fixed bed vs. a convertible bed?”

You may hear the terms “fixed bed” and “convertible bed” being thrown around a lot when talking about campervan conversions. They are essentially the two categories that all campervan beds will fit into. Choosing between these two will make a huge (and I mean HUGE) impact on your overall campervan layout. Find out what the difference is and which bed type is best for your needs in the article below.

• Best Designs for Your Campervan Bed : All the different bed layouts that are possible in a van, plus considerations such as price, space, and comfort.

“I really love your van layout, is there some easy way I can replicate it?”

Yes! We’ve put together the exact measurements & blueprints to our van build so you can get started on yours ASAP. Using a template like this one will help you get on the road faster!

Step 4: Begin Your Van Build

Once you have your campervan layout finalized, you’ll probably be itching to start the fun stuff — building out the living spaces like the kitchen and bed areas. Unfortunately, there are a few steps you’ll need to take before you can get to that point.

Be sure you have plans for the following:

• Insulation & sound dampening
• Installing windows (optional)
• Adding a ceiling fan for ventilation (optional)
• Walls & Ceiling

Campervan insulation

Insulating your van will be one of the very first things you’ll want to tackle and we’re going to make it easy for you with our comprehensive guide.

• Campervan Insulation Guide : From natural wool insulation to 3M Thinsulate (and all the options in between), we’re sharing the best types of van insulation along with their price points and pros and cons to consider. Plus you can follow our exact process for insulating your van.

Check out our YouTube tutorials for step-by-step instructions!

“Is there an outline or a course I can follow to show me exactly how to build my campervan?”

It just so happens there is…

After building two campervans completely from scratch, we decided to create the resources we wish we would’ve had along the way. We spent the better part of a year creating Van Conversion Academy .

We spent countless hours sifting through Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, YouTube videos — the whole gamut. And after going cross-eyed from all our research, we were more confused than ever. Sound familiar? More than once, we purchased the wrong (non-returnable) item and had to start projects from scratch.

We created this course so you don’t have to waste your valuable time & money (like we did!). It’s exactly what we wished we’d had when we were building our campervans.

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

• Step-by-step instructions
• Blueprints you can copy
• Video Tutorials
• Tips & Recommended products
• Exclusive Facebook Group access
• Lifetime access to the course

No more headaches or hours of research… Click below to learn more about  Van Conversion Academy and get on the road faster!

Step 5: Build Your Living Spaces

And now the fun part! This is where you get to really dig in and start creating the space you will call your home on wheels. From kitchens to bed ideas to campervan toilets, we’ve covered it all and are here to help you get building!

• Campervan Kitchen Ideas : We’ve designed not one but two campervan kitchens and are here to share our best ideas and guide you through the big decisions you’ll have to make along the way.
• On the topic of toilets, here’s our honest review of our Nature’s Head Composting Toilet . We’re divulging insider tips and explain if this campervan toilet is worth the hype or not…
• Campervan Bed Designs : All the different bed layouts that are possible in a van, plus considerations such as price, space, and comfort.
• Campervan Storage Solutions : We’re sharing our own storage solutions as well as creative inspiration from other vanlifers so you can design the best campervan storage for your needs.

Still feeling stressed and overwhelmed?

Take the guesswork & stress out of your van build with our exclusive BLUEPRINTS…

If you’re sitting here thinking, “I think I’m ready to tackle this van build on my own, but I’m not sure where to start with the technical stuff,” don’t worry, you’re not alone!

We understand how complicated building a campervan solar electrical system or water system can be (after all we’ve done it twice!).

Taking the time to comb through hundreds of hours of YouTube tutorials and blog articles is one way to tackle this, but we have an easier solution to simplify your van conversion…

We put together the exact measurements and instructions for you to replicate some of the more complicated systems in our van build, from our exact campervan layout to the electrical, water and propane systems setups.

But wait… it gets even better!

Bundle all 4 of our BLUEPRINTS in one single purchase to get an exclusive discount!

Want to learn exactly how to build and install your solar-powered campervan electric system? 

Installing electricity in your campervan can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you have no prior experience working with batteries, wires and solar panels.

Save yourself the headaches and hours of research we went through with step-by-step instructions, video tutorials, tools & materials lists and blueprints you can actually copy so you can get electricity anywhere!

Click below to learn more about our Electrical System Workshop .

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Possibly the most exciting step in this van build process, adding the finishing touches to your van will help you turn your vehicle into a home. Use the resources below to help you put the final touches on your home on wheels!

• How to Get Internet in an RV or Camper : A guide that goes over all different campervan WiFi options (for all budgets and Internet needs).
• DIY Campervan Curtains vs. Insulated Window Covers : A comparison of different types of window covers for your van as well as a detailed yet simple tutorial that will walk you through making your own DIY campervan curtains quickly and on a budget!

“I want to save money and make insulated window covers myself!”

Great, you’re gonna LOVE them!

These insulated window covers are a game-changer for your van! Magnetic inserts help you regulate the temperature inside your van, blackout the sun, and most importantly give you 100% privacy. You can purchase these window covers online, but they’ll run you a pretty penny (like a whopping $500+ penny!).

With our tutorial you can easily make these insulated window coverings at home for a fraction of the cost.

“Where can I find the exact items you used in your campervan?”

We are constantly getting asked where to buy some of the products we used in our van so we decided to make it easy for you…

We put all of the tools, materials, products and pieces together in one place so you can easily shop our van .

Getting your DIY campervan build insured

There’s one important step you won’t want to forget after your camper van build is complete… insurance! 

We’ve met enough campervan owners to know that  disasters can happen while on the road . And after all the hard work you put into building your home on wheels, it’s a good idea to get insurance to back you up!

• Campervan Appraisal: How much is your DIY van worth? : A campervan appraisal is essential to getting your rig insured for the correct amount. We’re sharing exactly how to get a campervan appraisal quickly and affordably so you’re covered to hit the road.
• Campervan Insurance: How to Get Full Coverage for Van Life : Having proper campervan insurance is extremely important, but the process can be really confusing. We’re sharing everything you need to know about getting insurance for a self-build van conversion (+ some seldom talked about tips!) so that you can be sure you’re covered in case of an accident.

Don’t forget to watch our van tour!

Living in a Van

Here you will find all kinds of tips and advice about how to live in a van, plus behind the curtain knowledge about what it’s really like, and how to decide if #vanlife is for you.

Wondering how to live in a van?

You’d be surprised at how easy it is to settle into vanlife. The transition from a traditional home to a tiny house on wheels may sound daunting, but we promise you it’s possible for anyone – whether you’re a digital nomad, a small business owner or a family of five!

We spent a summer living in our first van, Vinny , while road tripping the western United States. While our second van, Pearl , got a few upgrades making it easier for us to go off-grid and stay for longer periods of time, the concept is still pretty much the same. The articles below will help answer some of your most burning questions about living in a van, from what a day-in-the-life looks like to how we keep ourselves clean.

• A Day in the Life: Living in a Campervan : Join us in this vlog-style video as we cook meals, explore Mount Baker Wilderness and just live a normal day in Vinny the van!
• Campervan Gear Essentials : Our favorite travel products and van life essentials from camping gear to kitchen supplies to creative storage that’ll make your tiny home life on the road easier.

“How do you get mail on the road?”

This is an excellent question, and definitely something you’ll need to think about before jumping into full-time vanlife. There are a handful of solutions, so read through and see which sounds like it would work best for you.

For general mail:

Use a trusted friend or family member’s address. This isn’t ideal for everyone, but if you have someone you trust to open those important letters or hold things on your behalf, this can be a good temporary option.

Rent a P.O. box. This is a good solution if you’re based in one region and can make it to your P.O. box every so often to physically be able to pick up your mail.

Sign up for a digital mailbox. If you will be roaming around and aren’t able to physically pick up mail at a P.O. box or a friend’s house, a digital mailbox is a good option. There are different packages you can choose from, but most companies will open and scan a certain number of letters per month. This is really useful for getting access to important documents even if you’re on the road. The company we use is called Earth Class Mail , which is pretty affordable and doesn’t require a contract!

For packages or individual pieces of mail:

Use Amazon lockers. This only works for orders on Amazon, of course. They are quite convenient because these lockers are pretty common in cities big and small.

Have items shipped to a USPS location. If you need to get a package on the road (that isn’t through Amazon), USPS stores can hold it for you. We once ordered two backpacks and had them shipped to the USPS location in Telluride because we knew we’d be in that area when the package arrives. This is known as “General Delivery” and mail will be held for up to 30 days. After that timeframe, it will be returned to the sender.

“How do you shower in a campervan?”

This is a question we get asked all. the. time.

The answer really depends on how you decide to design your campervan. Some vanlifers have a dedicated shower inside their van. Others have a spigot outside to rinse off. And others still have no shower at all.

Indoor shower: This allows you to shower anywhere — even while parked in the middle of a city. With an indoor shower, you’ll have complete privacy, but it does take up valuable space inside your van. You’ll also need to monitor your water usage because you will be responsible for filling and dumping your tanks.

Alternative: We’ve seen some builds with a collapsible shower that folds up when not in use, meaning it won’t take up as much space as a dedicated shower. That said, it will require you set it up and tear it down each time you want to shower.

Outdoor shower: Simple to install and doesn’t take up any space inside your van. You must be sure to shower at least 200 feet from any water source and you must use biodegradable products. Additionally, you will need to seek out spots that give you enough privacy to shower (aka you can’t just rinse off in a residential neighborhood!).

No shower: If you decide not to have a shower in your van, you can get clean at many places along the road:

campgrounds

public showers (sometimes at community centers, truck stops, ski resorts, etc.)

gyms: many vanlifers get a membership to a local chain that is plentiful in their area, like Planet Fitness

How to Shower in a Campervan : We’ll show you to get clean even if you don’t have a shower in your campervan.

Note: Covid has made this a bit more difficult with gyms and campgrounds operating with limited facilities. Hopefully, this won’t be a long-term problem.

“What are some easy meals I can make in my campervan?”

While there was a bit of a learning curve, we have come to love cooking in our campervan. We have gathered some of our favorite meals that are both healthy and simple to make. Let us know what your favorite is!

Camping Meals : We’re sharing our favorite (easy & healthy) camping meals to make life easier!

“How can I make money while living in a campervan?”

There are many ways to make money on the road:

a) find a job that can be done remotely (here’s a list of remote job ideas !)

b) create your own income stream by working side hustles or selling a product from your van

b) find gig work or seasonal jobs along the road

Things to think about:

Will your job require you to work specific hours (like a 9-5), or can you get your work done as it fits into your schedule?

How much of the time will you need access to the Internet? What happens if you can’t connect?

Psst! Here’s a guide that goes over how to get WiFi in a campervan !

Will you need to be in a specific area or region in order to work this job? Will the seasons affect your ability to work?

Will you need more than one job to support your lifestyle? If so, how many hours will you need to work per week?

Working on the road is totally possible. During our first vanlife summer, we taught English online (from inside our van!) and did freelance writing, graphic design and social media management. We worked from inside our van as well as coffee shops along the way.

Now, we’re full-time travel bloggers , which allows us to work wherever and whenever we want!

“Do you ever get lonely on the road?”

This is a very personal question and everybody deals with loneliness differently.

You know yourself better than anyone else, so if you think you might be prone to getting lonely on the road, here are some tips for creating your very own van life community:

Connect with other vanlifers on Instagram or Facebook Groups and make plans to meet up.

Plan to go to a vanlife gathering (or a few!) where you can connect with like-minded people and make new friends.

Consider adopting a furry friend to be your road companion.

Make it a priority to video chat with friends and family regularly.

Create a routine that you can follow in your campervan, which will help you feel more grounded. Choose things that make you happy: yoga or stretching, going for a morning run, journaling, meditation.

Stay in places long enough to get a little sense of community. Join local Facebook groups and attend meetups.

Join our vanlife community on Facebook!

“How much does van life cost?”

We all know money plays an important role in shaping our decisions. Before you jump headfirst into vanlife, it’s a good idea to really understand how much daily life will cost on the road. For that reason, we recorded every single expense (and I mean everything!) we incurred on the road.

Living in a van can be a very inexpensive lifestyle if you really watch your spending, but it can also be easy to spend much more than you’d like…

This article will give you a better understanding of what expenses come with day-to-day vanlife and will hopefully give you a baseline to start with.

Daily Costs of Vanlife : We kept track of everything we spent during our 3-month USA road trip, so you can see how much to budget for your own campervan or RV road trip.

“How do I know if vanlife is right for me?”

I’ll be honest, living or traveling in a campervan is not for everyone.

While there are all types of vans — from very basic to straight-up bougie — not everyone is going to love being in a tiny space. There are definitely some things that are much harder on the road than they are in a traditional home.

Before jumping into this trend blindly, be sure to do some research and reflecting to be sure this lifestyle is a good fit for you.

Luckily, we’ve got lots of resources for you to start with…

Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Moving into a Campervan : Discussing these questions with your partner is a must before you even consider moving into a van together. You’ll thank us later!

Vanlife Q&A : Find out answers to all your questions about life in a campervan… even the embarrassing ones!

Best Parts of Vanlife : Wondering why anyone would want to live in a campervan? We’re sharing all the best parts of this lifestyle. 

Worst Parts of Vanlife : We break down the worst parts of vanlife – the stuff that doesn’t make it on Instagram – and if you’re thinking of converting a campervan, this is a must-read before you take the plunge!

Honest Advice & Tips from Vanlifers : If van life is even remotely interesting to you, you’ll certainly want to read these 14 inspiring and unique stories of people that are making life on the road a reality.

Have a campervan enthusiast in your life?

Searching for the perfect gift for your favorite vanlifer might seem like a challenging task, but we’re making it easy on you. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite campervan essentials that make super fun and practical gifts for life and travels on the road.

Fun & Practical Campervan Gifts : This guide is full of campervan gift ideas for all budgets and needs!

Can you do vanlife with a baby?

Heck yes! We’ve been traveling around the USA with our daughter in our van ever since she was 7 months old. We even drove from the west coast to the east coast and back all before she was 14 months old. 

We have a tried and true packing list for babes in a van that we use every time we pack up our campervan. Download our Vanlife With a Baby Packing List and make your life way easier as new parents living in a van. 

Road Trip Planning

Taking a road trip is one of the best ways to see a new place. You have absolute freedom to explore on your own schedule and get off the beaten path. Plan the ultimate  vanlife road trip with our extensive resources that cover everything from the best road trips in the US, to money-saving advice and helpful tips to travel more eco-friendly while on the road. 

How to Plan an Epic USA Road Trip : In this article, we’ll help you get your route plotted out, plus we’ll share our top tips, and the biggest road trip mistakes to avoid.

America the Beautiful Park Pass: Is it Worthwhile? : The America the Beautiful Park Pass grants you free access to over 2,000 Federal recreation areas in the United States, including all 62 National Parks. Here is everything you need to know to get your pass. 

19 Eco-Friendly Road Trip Tips : Here are all the small things we can do to make our road trips more sustainable and eco-friendly.

“Where do you park your van while on the road?”

When traveling in our van we usually prefer camping as it’s the most affordable and best way for us to really enjoy the tiny home we’ve created for ourselves. Plus there is something so magical about waking up in the wilderness! The incredible views you couldn’t get from anywhere else, waking up with the sun, starting your morning off submerged in nature. There is not a lot that tops those feelings!

Depending on where in the world you are, finding an actual place to park your van and camp for the night can be pretty easy, or it can be an ordeal.

If you’re living van life in the United States, there are tons of ways to find free camping . From camping on public land to spending the night in a parking lot, or wild camping in remote areas of a national park, you have options—you just need to know where to look…

• How to find Free Camping in the USA (+Tips & Apps) :  Ever wonder how people find free campsites? We’ve rounded up our top tips and advice as well as the best free camping apps out there. Plus, we’re sharing the no-BS truth about what free campsites are  really  like…
• BLM Camping: How to Camp for Free on Public Land : BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping is a great way to get off the beaten path and enjoy free camping in solitude. This guide covers how to do it responsibly and where to find the best BLM camping sites. 
• Dispersed Camping: What is It & How to Find Dispersed Campsites : For camping purists, people who enjoy getting off-grid just as much as incredible views, it doesn’t get much better than dispersed camping. This guide covers all the ins and outs, from defining exactly what is dispersed camping to where to find it and what to pack. 

“What should I pack for a road trip?”

I don’t know about you, but I really hate that feeling when you first get on the road and have to wonder if you’re forgetting anything important. The worst is when you’re in the middle of nowhere and realize you’re without the essentials and there is no town for miles. This has happened to us on more than one occasion, so we decided to do something about it…

We spent hours creating this packing list so we never forget the essentials. We’re sharing it with you (for FREE!) so you can be sure that you’ve got all you need when you head out on the road.

Know exactly what to bring (and what to leave at home!) for your next road trip by following our ultimate road trip packing list .

“How much should I budget for a USA road trip?”

If you’re planning a road trip across the USA and are trying to stay on a budget, you have come to the right place! We’ve spent a lot of time living in our van while road tripping through the US and we’ve become experts at saving money along the way. 

Money-Saving Tips for a Cheap Road Trip : We put together the best, most practical and most creative money-saving tips and hacks so you can road trip for cheap!

Easy & Healthy Camping Meals : Camping is the best way to save money while living in a van, but you’ll have to come prepared with a plan for your meals. We’re sharing our favorite camping meals to make your meal planning easier!

“Where should I go on my next road trip?”

Deciding where to go on your next road trip is half the fun of planning it!

We are here to give you plenty of inspiration and advice for some of the best road trip destinations in the USA. 

We’d recommend you start here:

31 Best USA Road Trips : This MASSIVE list is packed with routes recommended by travel bloggers all around the US sharing tips about their favorite American road trip.

Here are some of our favorite road trips we’ve ever taken…

Oregon Coast Road Trip : A detailed guide filled with things to do, where to eat, and driving times so you can plan the perfect Oregon Coast road trip itinerary. Plus, we created a free map for you to follow!

Oregon Road Trip : There’s more to this state than just the coast… From National Parks like Crater Lake to spectacular views of Mount Hood to adorable seaside towns like Cannon Beach, there are so many places to visit in Oregon, and we’ve covered them all. 

Washington State Road Trip : With epic peaks and wild beaches, Washington is our favorite state in the US, and we think it’s one of the very best places in the world to take a road trip. Check out this article and see why!

Utah Road Trip : We’re here to share with you all of the best places to visit on a Utah road trip, from the famed “Mighty 5” national parks to the lesser-known draws such as a hike to ancient ruins and a cafe built into a cliffside.

Idaho Road Trip : As one of the most underrated states in the US (our personal opinion!), we’ve created a sample itinerary that brings you through some of the best the state has to offer. With just a week, you certainly can’t see it all, but this is a good start!

Want more ideas of places to visit?

Check out all of our articles on destinations around the USA!

Vanlife Around the World

While we’ve built all 3 of our campervans in the United States, there are many countries around the world that we dream of exploring by campervan.

Here’s our campervan bucket list:

• USA (mainly the Southwest, PNW, and East Coast for fall foliage !)
• New Zealand

I’m sure this list will continue to grow, but these are the top countries we’d love to explore in a campervan!

We’ve had the privilege of already experiencing a couple of these places in a van, and we couldn’t recommend it more highly!

Check out our YouTube channel for more Vanlife inspiration!

All Vanlife Resources

Best Campervan Rentals in Salt Lake City (+expert tips!)

Known as “the Crossroads of the West”, Salt Lake City is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable road trip. We’ve rounded up the best campervan rentals Salt Lake City has to offer, along with tips to help you plan the perfect adventure.

28 Best USA Campervan Rentals (+ exclusive discounts!)

Planning a campervan trip in the USA and wondering where the heck to rent a campervan from? We know how confusing this can be, so we’ve rounded up the best USA campervan rentals (for all budgets and regions!). Plus, we’re sharing insider tips, things to look for in a rental...

Best Campervan Rentals in the UK (+expert tips!)

Traveling the UK in a campervan is the perfect way to explore the country’s stunning mountain vistas, storybook villages, ancient castles, and jaw-dropping coastal scenery. This guide lays out the best campervan rentals in the UK to help you plan your dream trip.

Creative Campervan Kitchen Ideas

Designing your dream vanlife kitchen can be overwhelming because there are tons of choices to make. Don’t worry — we’ve been there (twice!) and are here to share our top campervan kitchen ideas and guide you through the big decisions like: What’s the best campervan sink? Propane vs. electric cooktop?...

Campervan Essentials: The Ultimate Van Life Packing List

Make your tiny home life easier with this campervan gear packing list. We'll show you our favorite travel products for the road from camping gear to kitchen supplies to creative storage. Are you ready for the van life?! This packing list will get you there.

The Dyrt App: Honest Review & Exclusive Offer

Finding campsites is a piece of cake when you have a great camping app! We’re sharing our honest thoughts on one of the most popular camping apps out there — The Dyrt. We are going over our insider tips, features we love, and updates we’d like to see improved. We...

How to find Free Camping in the USA (+Tips & Apps)

Ever wonder how people find free camping? We’ve rounded up our top tips and advice as well as the best free camping apps out there. Plus, we’re sharing the no-BS truth about what free campsites are really like.

Best Campervan Toilets (for all budgets!)

Choosing a campervan toilet can be an overwhelming decision. Let us take the guesswork out as we share the best campervan toilet options for all budgets — from nearly free to pretty dang fancy — we’ll walk you through pros and cons of each toilet as well as all the...

Campervan Bed Ideas: Best Designs for your Van Bed

Are you designing your campervan bed and need some inspiration? Well, come and rest your head here. We’re sharing all the bed layouts possible in a van and considerations such as price, space, and comfort. Get your campervan bed ideas here!

DIY Campervan Curtains vs. Insulated Window Covers

If you have a campervan or RV, you will need to make curtains or window covers to block out the light (and give your tiny home added privacy, of course!). We’re comparing different types of window covers as well as providing a detailed yet simple tutorial that will walk you...

Vanlife with a Dog or Cat: Insider Tips & Advice

If you’re thinking about joining the vanlife movement but unsure whether or not it’s doable with your furry friend by your side, you’ll want to read this article! We’ve asked fellow vanlifers who travel with their dogs and cats to give us insider tips and advice about life on the...

Campervan Layouts: How to Design your Dream Van Build

This is the ultimate guide to campervan layouts, no matter your budget or the size of your vehicle. We’re walking you through essential questions to ask so that you are able to determine what’s most important and design the perfect van for your needs! Let’s start the journey to designing...

Campervan Storage Ideas: Creative Solutions for Your Van Build

Figuring out how you’re going to fit everything into your tiny home on wheels can be overwhelming, but lucky for you, we’ve got tons of campervan storage ideas just for you! We’re sharing our own storage solutions as well as creative inspiration from other vanlifers so you can come up...

Planning a Campervan Trip in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide

This comprehensive guide has literally everything you need to know about planning a campervan trip to New Zealand; from how much it costs, to how to shower while living in a campervan, to the magic trick you need to know to find campsites. Any questions you have about renting a...

Van Conversion Ideas: Design Inspiration for Your Campervan Build

When planning your campervan design, you’ll want to do some research to see what’s out there. We’ve rounded up tons of inspiration and van conversion ideas for all styles and budgets.

Worst Parts of Vanlife (the stuff nobody talks about!)

Instagram makes #VanLife look like a dream. And it is… 90% of the time. But what about the 10% that nobody talks about? We’re about to break down the worst parts of vanlife. The stuff that doesn’t make it onto Instagram. If you’re considering converting a campervan, this is a...

Campervan Insurance: How to Get Full Coverage for Van Life

Having proper campervan insurance is extremely important, but the process can be really confusing. We’re sharing everything you need to know about getting insurance for a self-build van conversion (+ some seldom talked about tips!) so that you can be sure you’re covered in case of an accident.

Van Insulation: DIY Guide to Insulating Your Campervan

While it may not be the sexiest subject, choosing your campervan insulation is one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make early on in your van build. From natural wool insulation to 3M Thinsulate (and all the options in between), we’re sharing the best types of van insulation along...

10 Best Vans for Camper Conversion [2024 Update]

Choosing the best van for a camper conversion can be a difficult decision. But fear not; we’re here to help! We’re sharing the best vans to convert into a campervan along with their specs, the pros and cons, as well as some insider tips and things to consider when buying...

9 Easy Camping Meals (that are healthy & delicious!)

Cooking healthy and delicious meals while traveling in a campervan is easier than you think! We’ve rounded up our favorite healthy camping meals and are sharing the step-by-step recipes so you can see just how easy they are, even if you have a tiny kitchen to work with. Bonus: All...

Best New Zealand Campsites: Ultimate Guide + Free Map

With so much jaw-dropping country to explore, a lot goes into planning a New Zealand camping trip. With the help of fellow travel bloggers, we rounded up the best New Zealand campsites, plus everything you need to know to plan an epic trip.

Best Campervan Rental in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide

There are so many campervan rentals in New Zealand, choosing one can feel overwhelming. We’re breaking down all the important things you need to look for to find the best campervan hire for your New Zealand road trip. We’re even sharing exactly which companies we recommend.

Best Campervan Hire in Scotland: Ultimate Guide

Searching for the best campervan to hire for your Scotland trip? We’ve rounded up the best rental options along with pros, cons and insider tips so you can plan the perfect campervan trip!

Best Campervan Rentals in Iceland: Ultimate Guide (+ Discount!)

If you're looking for an Iceland campervan rental, you've come to the right place. In this article we break down all of the FAQs about traveling Iceland in a campervan, plus tell you about the best Iceland campervan rental company which we just so happen to have an exclusive discount...

Best Campervan Rentals in Portland (+expert tips!)

If road tripping in Oregon isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. In this guide, we’re detailing the best Portland campervan rentals, along with tons of insider tips for a mind-blowing adventure in this beautiful state.

Best Campervan Rentals in Seattle (+expert tips!)

There’s no better way to explore the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest than by campervan. We’ve rounded up the best Seattle campervan rentals to help you plan an unforgettable road trip around Washington state.

Best Campervan Rentals in Ireland (+expert tips!)

Few things rival a campervan trip around the rolling green hills and rugged sea cliffs of Ireland. If you’re struggling to narrow down which rental company to choose, don’t worry – we got you! We’ve rounded up the best campervan rentals in Ireland to help you plan an unforgettable road...

Is Harvest Hosts Worthwhile? Honest (no BS!) Review + Tips

If you've been wondering whether a Harvest Hosts membership is worthwhile for you, you've come to the right place. In this Harvest Hosts review, we share our honest opinions on the program, including pros, cons, and tons of helpful insider tips.

DIY Campervan Conversion on a Tiny Budget in Less Than 1 Week

If you want to make your own DIY campervan conversion but don’t have a lot of time or money, we’ve got you covered! This article is chock-full of practical tips and all the steps needed to make your own DIY campervan conversion on a small budget in just one week....

Campervan Appraisal: How much is your DIY van worth?

We're sharing exactly how to get a campervan appraisal quickly and affordably so you're covered to hit the road.

Bunk Campers: Honest Review of Scotland’s Best Campervan Rental

Planning an epic Scotland road trip and looking for the best campervan rental in Scotland? We’re sharing why we chose Bunk Campers and our honest opinions about the campervan hire process. Plus, we’ll bring you on a tour of our rental motorhome!

USA National Park Annual Pass: Is it Worthwhile? + How to Buy

At just $80 per year, the America the Beautiful National Park Annual Pass grants you free access to over 2,000 Federal recreation areas in the United States, including all 62+ National Parks. Here is everything you need to know about the pass.

How to Plan a Road Trip (in 5 simple steps!)

Road trips are arguably one of the best ways to really see a place while having the freedom and flexibility that comes with having your own vehicle. This article will walk you through exactly how to plan a road trip, including our favorite tips and hacks as well as what...

Driving the Great Ocean Road Australia: Road Trip Itinerary + Map

One of our all time bucket list trips is driving the Great Ocean Road in Australia. We called upon a guest blogger to share his itinerary and tips for exploring the lesser-known gems of Australia’s southern coast on this epic Australian road trip.

31 USA Road Trip Ideas + Tips

Heading out on a USA road trip this summer? This MASSIVE list is packed with routes recommended by travel bloggers all around the US sharing tips about their favorite American road trips. From the West Coast to Key West, this article has the best routes for your next open road...

Campervan for Sale (+WHY we’re selling)

We are selling our fully-built campervan! This low-mileage beauty is road ready and looking for some adventure.

48 Money-Saving Tips for a Cheap Road Trip

If you're planning a road trip and are trying to stay on a budget, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve gathered our best, most practical money-saving tips and hacks so you can plan a cheap road trip without sacrificing any fun!

Nature’s Head Composting Toilet Review

If you’re trying to choose a toilet for your campervan build and are curious about the Nature’s Head Composting Toilet, this is the place to be. We’ll share our (honest!) opinion, divulge insider tips, and explain if this campervan composting toilet is worth the hype or not.

Campervan WiFi: How to Get Internet in an RV or Camper

If you're wondering how to get Internet inside your campervan, you're in the right place! We’ve created a guide that goes over all different campervan WiFi options (for all budgets and Internet needs).

25 Campervan Gifts that are Practical & Fun

Searching for the perfect gift for your favorite vanlifer?! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite campervan essentials that would make super fun and practical gifts for vanlife. This guide is full of campervan gift ideas for all budgets and needs!

Van Conversion Cost: Complete Price Breakdown

“How much did your campervan cost?” is usually the first question we are asked about van life. We’re breaking down all our expenses for our campervan build. We also highlight cheaper ways to convert a van if you have a tight budget and showing off some bougie upgrades that are...

Living in a Van: Best Parts of Campervan Life

Why the heck would someone want to live in a van?! Oh, we’ll tell you! We have built two campervans and are sharing all the best parts of van life (and some of the not-so-pretty parts too!).

19 Eco Friendly Road Trip Tips

Taking a road trip can be a great way to travel, but it can also take a toll on the environment. Luckily, there are many small things we can do to make our road trips more sustainable and eco-friendly. Let's all do our best to minimize our footprint and keep...

Van Living: Honest Advice & Tips from Vanlifers

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Road Trip Budget & Daily Costs of Vanlife

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DIY Campervan Kitchen for less than $50

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DIY Campervan Bed Frame with Built-in Storage

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A Day in the Life: Living in a Campervan

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Book your 14-day trip to Spain

Has a trip through northern Spain been on your bucket list for a while? With Orson Rent, book your motorhome for a 14-day trip through northern Spain for spring or autumn 2024 with a 10% discount now.

Go on an adventure to Chile now!

Have you ever thought about renting a camper in Chile? If so, grab your chance now! For trips from May to August, the rental company Holiday Rent offers a whopping 15% discount on their camper prices.

Book an RV for Canada in 2024

Canada is a great country to explore per campervan. An abundance of campgrounds and sights. Be on time to book your RV as there is limited availability.

Travel Safe & Secure by RV

Worldwide Campers offers RV and campervan rental worldwide. You can choose from more than thirty countries in six different continents! Of course, we offer RV rental in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. But have you ever thought about traveling Europe, South Africa and South America by RV? Worldwide Campers has collaborations with forty RV and campervan suppliers all over the world. Whether you are looking for a large RV for the whole family or a compact campervan for just the two of you. At Worldwide Campers you will always find a suitable vehicle that fits your vacation. 

Safer travel with an RV vacation

Looking for a safe mode of travel during COVID-19? Booking an RV is a great way to explore securely while enjoying the ultimate in flexibility and convenience in travel.  Drive the open road and explore the great outdoors from the comfort of your own home on wheels – including personal bedroom(s), bathroom, and kitchen.  An RV vacation offers the ultimate in freedom, too.  With rental locations in over 30 US cities, choose your pick-up location and explore at your own pace – go where you want, when you want. Read more about the COVID-19 policies and guidelines of our US suppliers. For more information please contact our customer service team.

Request a FREE, no-obligation RV rental quote

Requesting a quotation is simple with our automated quotation system.  Every quotation is provided free of charge and we do not charge booking or administrative fees.  Worldwide Campers has partnerships with more than ten suppliers in the United States to offer you nearly one hundred different RV and camper models. Based on your travel preferences and the options you choose, we will prepare a free rental quote for you.  Your quote will detail vehicle types and options, and we will even include any special deals available. For more information on available vehicles, options and deals browse our  list of suppliers  or start your free, no-obligation request for quotation now!

Enjoy ultimate freedom traveling by RV

An RV trip gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace to wherever you want to go. Whether you always wanted to visit the national parks, go camping with the whole family, or just want some peace and quiet. With RV rental you can make your dream RV road trip possible. Are you still searching for some itinerary inspiration? Check out our blogs for the best RV road trips, planning an RV road trip in your own country and abroad. In addition, our experts have many first time RV rental tips. Do not hesitate to contact our customer service team for more information.

Endless travel possibilities

RV rental in Europe? Make a culinary road trip through Italy or enjoy the beauty of Spain. Or would you rather make a trip in the South of France or the famous Algarve in Portugal? Choose your favourite sunny destination in Europe and drive to all these famous places!

All destinations    Check our RV's in Europe

RV rental in the United States? The country of countless possibilities! Visit all the famous national parks in the west, go for a tropical RV vacation in Florida or choose adventure in the Rocky Mountains.

All destinations Check our RV's in the United States

RV rental in South Africa? This huge country is a road trip paradise! Rent a familysize RV and cruise along the coast or go for a 4WD and travel the majestic safari parks. Did you know that you can also cross the border to beautiful countries like Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe?

All destinations Check our RV's in South Africa

RV rental in New Zealand? Enjoy the freedom your rental RV or campervan gives you and go camping in the middle of New Zealands beautiful nature. You have to see the unique wildlife and landscapes with your own eyes in order to believe it!

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RV rental in Canada? Visit the famous national parks Banff and Jasper and go camping in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The soaring mountain peaks, majestic wildlife and the most hospitable locals. Canada has it all!

All destinations Check our RV's in Canada

RV rental in Australia? Enjoy an adventure in the Outback, cruise the Great Ocean Road in the south or take a road trip along the beautiful east coast.

All destinations Check our RV's in Australia

Brake For It

The Best Travel Vans Make Life On The Road Fun And Easy

Posted: July 4, 2023 | Last updated: July 4, 2023

Embarking on a road trip in a travel van is a magical experience. Since those who choose to go on such a journey will spend hours in their travel van, it's crucial to pick the right vehicle tailored to their needs.

Travel vans come in all shapes and sizes. These are some of the best picks, ranging from timeless classics made by some of the world's most legendary automakers to high-tech motorhomes built by niche companies you may have never heard of before.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter

There's a great reason why nomads flock to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter when picking a van to convert into a camper. This van is both versatile and more luxurious than any of its competitors, also allowing plenty of room for customization.

The possible configurations of the Sprinter are virtually endless, with spacious interiors to accommodate a kitchenette, bathroom, sleeping quarters, and ample storage for all passengers. Its advanced suspension and responsive steering ensure a smooth ride, even for the longest journeys.

Fiat Ducato

Many petrolheads in the US may not be aware of the Fiat Ducato. This European commercial van is known for its reliability and durability, with a robust build quality that withstands the demands of travel. It also offers a range of safety features, such as stability control, traction control, and advanced braking systems to ensure a safe driving experience.

Driving the Fiat Ducato is comfortable and easy, with a well-designed cabin that provides good visibility and ergonomic controls. It offers a smooth and stable ride, making it suitable for various road conditions. Plenty of space makes the Ducato perfect for travel van conversions.

Ford 4x4 Earth Roamer

This may just be the ultimate travel van for anyone who wants to explore the world beyond paved roads. Built on the platform of a Ford F-550 truck, the Earth Roamer combines luxury with exceptional off-roading capabilities.

The EarthRoamer features a spacious interior with sleeping quarters, a fully-equipped kitchen, a bathroom, and ample storage for gear and supplies. Solar power and freshwater tanks makes living off the grid an absolute breeze. The travel van's 4x4 drivetrain, a lifted suspension, and massive tires ensure that the Earth Roamer is able to go anywhere.

Volkswagen Transporter T4

The Volkswagen Transporter series is truly legendary among van and camping enthusiasts alike, and the T4 is no exception. Built throughout the 1990s and the early 2000s, the T4 quickly became known for its durability and versatility.

This generation of the Transporter is also a favorite among self-campervan conversions. A spacious interior allows for endless customization, while the compact size ensures maximum maneuverability. If planned out well, travelers can easily fit a well-equipped kitchenette into this van.

GMC Savana Explorer

The Explorer is one of the most popular camper van conversions on the market today. Built on the chassis of a regular GMC Savana, this upscale travel van features a wide array of features and amenities to provide the most comfortable experience for all occupants.

The interior is designed with comfort in mind, thanks to plush seating, the use of high-quality materials, and ample space for passengers. It often includes captain's chairs, power-reclining seats, and customizable seating configurations. Some of the onboard amenities include a kitchenette area with a refrigerator, microwave, and sink, as well as a bathroom compartment with a toilet and sink.

Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi

The VW Type 2 is another classic automotive icon. This van became an instant hit ever since its debut back in the 1950s. Today, it can serve as a retro alternative that's much more unique than most modern campervans.

The Type 2 Kombi is an excellent pick for a camper van conversion. Similar to the previously mentioned T4, the Kombi provides a perfect mix of a spacious interior and a compact size. What's more, the Type 2 Kombi is powered by a classic air-cooled motor, the same one found in old Beetles and even Porsche 911s.

Toyota ProAce

When it comes to reliability, you simply cannot go wrong with a Toyota. The automaker's renowned quality and durability are some of the main reasons why buyers choose this small van as their base for a self-made travel van conversion.

Inside the Proace, you'll find a spacious interior that can easily be turned into a comfy living space, maximizing comfort and functionality. The Proace offers smart storage solutions, ensuring plenty of space for personal belongings. Driving it is an absolute joy, thanks to its responsive handling and smooth ride.

EarthCruiser EXP

The EarthCruiser EXP is a popular overland RV built on the Isuzu NPS truck chassis. It offers impressive off-road capabilities and a comfortable living space for extended adventures.

One of the standout features of the EarthCruiser EXP is its off-grid capabilities. Equipped with solar panels, ample battery storage, and freshwater tanks, it allows for self-sufficient living in remote locations. It also offers additional features like a diesel-powered heater, air conditioning, and various optional upgrades to tailor the vehicle to individual needs. It really is the ideal pick for buyers looking for an overland travel van that can go anywhere.

Ford Transit Nugget Westfalia

The Transit Nugget Westfalia was developed as a joint venture between Ford and Westfalia, a renowned camper van manufacturer. This compact travel van is built on a Ford Transit, one of the most reliable and practical utility vans in the world.

Some of the key features of the Transit Nugget Westfalia include a pop-top roof for added headroom, a kitchenette, and a dining area that can quickly be converted into a sleeping space.

Volkswagen Crafter

The Volkswagen Crafter is yet another commercial vehicle that is perfect for travel van conversions. It offers a selection of efficient diesel engines to choose from, providing a balance of power and fuel economy.

The Crafter also comes equipped with many modern safety features, including stability control, traction control, and a range of driver assistance systems. The driving experience is comfortable and enjoyable, with a well-designed cabin and ergonomic controls. It offers a smooth ride and good handling, making it suitable for long journeys and various road conditions.

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes Benz is famous for its luxurious, high-quality products. The same goes even for the automaker's commercial vans, making the Vito a solid pick for travelers looking for an upscale travel van.

The Vito's stylish design and sophisticated features make it stand out against most competitors. After all, who wouldn't want a refined travel experience? This van is also equipped with advanced safety features and innovative technologies to make every journey safe and enjoyable.

Nissan NV300

The Nissan NV300 is a versatile commercial van that offers a solid foundation for customization, particularly for travel van conversions. The NV300 provides a spacious interior that can be transformed into a comfortable living space with endless personalized layouts.

The NV300 is equipped with efficient diesel engines, providing reliable performance and good fuel economy for longer trips. The model is the perfect choice for buyers looking for a smaller van that can easily be maneuvered around busy cities.

Opel Movano

The Opel Movano is a popular commercial van that offers versatility and practicality ideal for campervan conversions. The Movano, also sold as the Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano in different markets, provides a spacious and customizable platform for creating a comfortable living space on the road.

As a campervan conversion, the Opel Movano can feature a range of amenities depending on the customization. This can include a sleeping area, a kitchenette with cooking facilities, storage cabinets, and a seating/dining area. The Movano's generous cargo space allows for flexibility in interior layout design tailored to individual needs.

Chevrolet G30

The Chevrolet G30 is another old-school American van that doubles as a fantastic platform for campervan conversions. Its spacious interior, robust build, engine options, customization potential, availability of parts, and affordability all make the G30 a solid pick for a travel van.

The van easily handles the conversion components' weight with ease, thanks to one of the optional V8 motors under the hood. The G30's flexibility allows for a personalized interior design tailored to specific needs. The wide availability of parts and service centers simplifies maintenance. Furthermore, its affordability makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a cost-effective campervan.

Piaggio Ape Micro Campervan

This may not be the ideal pick for travelers looking for the most spacious travel van on the market. If having plenty of space is not your main concern, this cute Piaggio may be the perfect choice.

The Ape Micro Campervan is a stylish retro travel van built on a little three-wheeler. Its compact size makes it ideal for roaming around cities and narrow roads. However, it's important to note that its limited interior space is certainly not for everyone.

Volkswagen T1

Here is a real blast from the past. The Volkswagen T1 exudes timeless charm, unmatched nostalgia, and a sense of adventure. This iconic van is a symbol of freedom on the open road. Buyers in the market for a classic travel van should look no further.

With its spacious interior, the T1 offers endless possibilities for creative campervan layouts, providing cozy sleeping areas, compact kitchens, and clever storage solutions. Famous for its robust engineering, the T1 delivers reliable performance and enduring reliability, making it an ideal travel companion for epic journeys. Whether embarking on a weekend getaway or a globe-trotting expedition, the Volkswagen T1 captures the hearts of campervan fans, offering a vintage-inspired platform to create unforgettable memories on the road.

Renault Traffic Spacenomad

Even the name of this travel van is cool. The Renault Traffic Spacenomad is a sought-after camper built on the Renault Traffic line, a reliable, compact commercial van. Its modern style, ingenious design, and practicality cause travelers to flock to this model.

This Spacenomad travel van conversion boasts a cleverly utilized interior, making the most of its compact size. The camper offers comfortable sleeping areas, well-equipped kitchenettes, and plenty of spacious storage compartments. The Renault Traffic Spacenomad combines functionality with contemporary aesthetics, showcasing sleek lines and sleek finishes. Thanks to its small size, the Traffic is ideal for navigating busy cities.

Volkswagen Transporter California 6.1

The Volkswagen Transporter California 6.1 offers a harmonious blend of functionality, comfort, and iconic style. With its thoughtfully designed interior, the California 6.1 presents endless possibilities for creative campervan layouts.

This travel van comes with a cozy sleeping area, a well-equipped kitchenette, and smart storage solutions throughout the vehicle. Volkswagen is renowned for its build quality, and this camper van is no exception. The California 6.1 delivers reliable performance and exceptional durability on the road.

Mercedes-Benz Bimobil

This intimidating travel van is ideal for travelers who want to explore the world beyond paved roads. Although it's built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter commercial van, the Bimobil is anything but your ordinary city van.

The Bimobil combines Mercedes' elegance, versatility, impressive off-roading capabilities, and meticulous craftsmanship. Step inside its thoughtfully designed interior, where comfort and practicality come together seamlessly. High clearance and off-road tires make the Bimobil the perfect pick for road trips off the beaten path.

Winnebago Travato

The Winnebago Travato is the perfect choice for travelers who don't want to spend time carefully designing the layout of their travel van. This exceptional travel van combines compact size with impressive functionality.

Inside the Travato, you'll find a thoughtfully designed interior that maximizes space and comfort. It features clever storage solutions, allowing you to stow all your belongings. The Travato is equipped with modern amenities, including a functional kitchenette, a compact bathroom, and advanced entertainment systems to enhance your journey. Built on a reliable Ram ProMaster chassis, the Travato provides a smooth and responsive driving experience.

Iveco Daily

The Iveco Daily is an exceptional choice when it comes to travel vans, offering a myriad of features that make it a great companion for any adventure. First and foremost, its spacious and well-designed interior provides ample room for both passengers and cargo, allowing you to travel comfortably while still having enough space to store your belongings.

Whether you're embarking on a road trip or a long-term journey, the Daily offers versatility and practicality with its flexible seating configurations and numerous storage compartments. One of the standout features of the Iveco Daily is its powerful and efficient engine options, which provide a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Whether you're traversing challenging terrains or cruising along the open highway, the Daily's reliable engine ensures reliable performance, allowing you to confidently tackle any journey.

Volkswagen ID Buzz

This futuristic travel van is the polar opposite of the previously mentioned T1. The ID Buzz is a highly anticipated electric vehicle that draws inspiration from the iconic Volkswagen Type 2. It's essentially an homage to the classic VW van in the 21st century!

The ID Buzz represents Volkswagen's vision for the future of mobility. It combines the classic design elements of the Type 2 with modern technologies and sustainable electric power. The ID Buzz promises an emission-free driving experience with a spacious interior, versatile seating arrangements, and advanced connectivity features. With its retro-modern aesthetic and eco-friendly approach, the Volkswagen ID Buzz is easily one of the coolest campervans on the market.

Chevrolet Express

The Chevrolet Express is a versatile and reliable full-size commercial van that is often used as a base for campervan conversions. Its compact size makes it easier to maneuver than full-size RVs without sacrificing comfort.

The Express prioritizes safety, with features such as stability control, traction control, and available rearview cameras. It also offers optional advanced safety technologies to enhance driver awareness and security.

Peugeot Partner

The Partner is a compact van that has been sold by the French automaker ever since the mid-1990s. The tiny size of this van makes it ideal for navigating around busy cities and has enough space for a comfortable travel van conversion.

The latest third generation of the Partner is offered with a selection of petrol and diesel motors. Buyers can also choose between a 6-speed automatic and a 5-speed stick shift for that classic driving experience.

Ford Transit Mark 1

Originally introduced in 1965, the MK1 Ford Transit became a popular choice for campervan conversions due to its solid build quality, practicality, and relatively spacious interior. Its boxy shape and large cargo area provide plenty of room for creative customization.

Travelers are able to include well-equipped kitchenettes in their travel van conversions, as well as plenty of storage compartments. The Mark 1 Ford Transit's reliability and ease of maintenance made it a favorite among DIY campervan builders.

Volkswagen Devon

The Volkswagen Devon holds a special place in the world of campervan enthusiasts, all because of its iconic design. The Devon conversion is typically based on the Volkswagen T2 or T25 models.

The compact size of the Devon makes it easy to maneuver and park, ideal for both urban and countryside explorations. With Volkswagen's reputation for quality and craftsmanship, the Devon conversion ensures a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. It captures the spirit of adventure and freedom, allowing travelers to embark on memorable journeys in a unique German style.

Opel Vivaro

Built on the same platform as the Renault Trafic and Nissan NV300, the Opel Vivaro provides a solid foundation for campervan conversions. Its spacious interior offers plenty of room for comfortable sleeping areas, kitchenettes, and loads of creative storage solutions.

The Opel Vivaro boasts reliable performance thanks to its range of efficient diesel engines. It is suitable for both urban and long-distance adventures thanks to its compact size. The Vivaro's sturdy construction and advanced safety features ensure a secure and enjoyable travel experience.

Citroen Jumpy

The Citroën Jumpy is a compelling option for those seeking a travel van that excels in practicality and efficiency. With its compact size and nimble handling, the Jumpy offers exceptional maneuverability, making it well-suited for urban explorations and narrow roads. Its fuel-efficient engine options help to minimize costs and extend your adventures on a single tank.

The Jumpy's interior boasts clever storage solutions, allowing you to efficiently organize your gear and essentials for the journey. Its comfortable seating arrangements and ergonomic design contribute to a pleasant travel experience, whether you're embarking on short trips or long-haul expeditions. Plenty of modern safety features make driving the Jumpy a breeze, especially on longer trips.

Renault Kangoo e-Tech

This little van is ideal for travelers looking to build an electric-powered camper van. The Kangoo e-Tech is an electric variant of the French utility vehicle, which is offered either in a commercial or passenger configuration right out of the factory.

Some of the unique features of this electric van include a regenerative braking system that helps to maximize energy efficiency and extend the driving range. Although the van is quite small, there is certainly enough room for a clever campervan conversion that can cozily accommodate two travelers.

Peugeot Expert

The Peugeot Expert is another compact commercial van that is the ideal base for travel van conversions. With its stylish and contemporary design, the Expert stands out on the road while providing excellent maneuverability and easy handling.

Inside the Expert, you'll find a spacious and well-thought-out interior that can be tailored to your needs. The versatile seating configurations allow for easy conversion between seating and cargo space. The Expert comes powered by a fuel-efficient diesel motor, ensuring the highest fuel economy to help cut down the costs of each trip.

Ford Tourneo

The Ford Tourneo is a compact van that makes a great base for campervan conversions for travelers who don't require loads of space. The cozy interior can be customized to comfortably accommodate two people, as well as plenty of cargo space.

One of the engine options available for the Tourneo is the EcoBlue diesel engine. This advanced engine combines high efficiency with impressive torque delivery, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The EcoBlue engine is extremely fuel-efficient, too.

Winnebago Outlook

This list certainly could not be complete without at least one proper class C motorhome. The Winnebago Outlook is a giant RV that's big enough for a lengthy road trip with the entire family. Inside, you'll find a spacious interior with a living area that offers comfortable seating. The fully equipped kitchen allows for convenient meal preparation, and the sleeping arrangements cater to various needs, ensuring a restful night's sleep for everyone.

The Outlook is built on a reliable Ford E-Series chassis, providing a smooth and stable ride. With powerful engine options and advanced safety features, you can embark on your journeys with confidence and peace of mind.

Fiat Talento

The Fiat Talento is a reliable option for travel van enthusiasts. Sharing a platform with the Renault Trafic and the previously mentioned Opel Vivaro, the Talento provides a strong foundation for campervan conversions. Its compact interior is big enough to design creative layouts, including sleeping areas and kitchenettes.

Equipped with efficient diesel engines, the Talento delivers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Fiat's commitment to quality ensures that the Talento provides a dependable and enjoyable campervan experience.

Citroen e-Berlingo

The e-Berlingo is a compact utility vehicle that can easily be turned into a cozy camper van. This little van is offered either in a commercial or passenger configuration; travelers who wish to convert one into a travel van should opt for the commercial variant.

The e-Berlingo is equipped with an electric motor and a large battery, providing a solid driving range. With convenient charging options, you can recharge the battery at home or at public charging stations.

Renault Master

The Renault Master is a practical commercial van that combines functionality with comfort. With its generous cargo space and clever storage solutions, the Master offers plenty of room for equipment and supplies. Many buyers in Europe choose the Master for a self-made camper van conversion as the van is practical, spacious, and relatively affordable.

Driving the Renault Master is as comfortable as a van can get. The vehicle features a range of efficient engines to pick from, as well as advanced safety features.

Mercedes Benz Marco Polo

If you don't want to go through the hassle of buying a Mercedes Benz Sprinter and having to convert it into a travel van yourself, the German automaker has another solution. The Marco Polo is a travel van that comes in a travel van configuration right out of the factory. It's based on a Mercedes-Benz Vito.

The Marco Polo offers a premium camping experience. Its elegant exterior and high-quality interior materials create a refined and upscale atmosphere. Inside, you'll find a well-designed living area with a fully equipped kitchenette, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and smart storage solutions. Key features include a pop-up roof and a modern entertainment system.

Mercedes Benz Viano

The Mercedes-Benz Viano is a luxurious passenger van that can easily be converted into a motorhome. Like the rest of the Mercedes Benz lineup, this vehicle offers a refined experience complete with maximum comfort and advanced features.

With its elegant design and high-quality craftsmanship, the Viano provides a sophisticated travel experience for those seeking both style and functionality on the road. There's also enough room for endless interior layouts, suited ideally to the buyers' individual needs.

Volkswagen Caddy

The Volkswagen Caddy is a compact van that offers versatility and functionality in a compact package, making it the perfect choice for a travel van conversion. With its stylish design and smart features, the Caddy is a great pick for urban explorations and everyday adventures.

Its spacious interior provides ample room for passengers and cargo, while the configurable seating options allow for easy customization. The Caddy offers a comfortable and smooth ride thanks to its efficient engines and responsive handling. Whether you're running errands or embarking on a road trip, the Volkswagen Caddy is a reliable and compact travel companion that combines practicality and style.

Ford Transit Connect

Much like the previously mentioned Renault Kangoo or the Citroen e-Berlingo, the Ford Transit Connect is ideal for buyers in the market for a small van to convert into a camper. This little utility truck is perfect to drive around busy cities while also being practical enough for longer journeys.

Once the original interior is stripped and ready for the self-made conversion, you'll realize how spacious the Transit Connect really is. There's enough space for two people to sleep and dine in relatively comfortably.

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BRANDED CONTENT

From glowworm caves to hobbiton: discover new zealand on a campervan for your next family adventure, navigate north island’s diverse landscapes and rich food culture with this handy travel guide, complete with tips for safe driving.

From Auckland’s vibrant streets to the dramatic mountains of the Waikato region  –  home to the mythical world of Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings –   New Zealand is an adventure playground waiting to be explored.

There is no better way to experience this majestic country and its multifaceted states than behind the wheel of a campervan . Ideal for families, campervans give you the freedom to discover the country at your own pace and easy accessibility to attractions. Imagine stopping to hike through lush rainforests, marvel at cascading waterfalls, or channel your inner Hobbit.

As you roll down the open road, you will do more than simply travel, you will collect unforgettable memories and create a family vacation that will be treasured for years to come. Here are some must-see destinations to add to your road trip.

Things to do in Auckland: Visit an interactive aquarium and indulge in waterfront dining

Fly into New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, to start your holiday. A treasure trove of family-friendly delights are waiting to be discovered here. Stroll along the picturesque Viaduct Harbour, a thriving waterfront community teeming with an array of restaurants where everyone can indulge in some leisurely seafront dining.

Next, dive into the wonders of the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium , where your little ones can explore an underwater world brimming with marine animals. As you walk through the Shark Tunnel, look around to spot the Sand Tiger, Broadnose Sevengill and 2m-long School shark. Then pat starfish at the Rockpool, peep at the seahorses and visit adorable penguins.

For a deeper dive into Auckland's culinary scene, join a food tour with The Big Foody where you will be introduced to some of the city's best purveyors of fresh, seasonal ingredients, visit coffee roasters and farmers markets and indulge in plenty of tastings.

For a more hearty meal, head to the Akarana Eatery to taste gourmet offerings such as fresh oysters and chicken liver parfait waffles while the kids frolic on the front lawn overlooking Okahu Bay waterfront and feast on tempura fish and chips, margherita pizza, and mini-Nutella donuts.

Where to stay in Auckland:

Check into  Hotel Britomart ,  JW Marriott Auckland  or  Four Points by Sheraton

Things to do in Hamilton-Waikato: Spend the day as a Hobbit and cosy up with glowworms

Next, hop aboard the Northern Explorer train which will whisk you away to the charming city of Hamilton, located in the heart of the Waikato region. Here, you can pick up your campervan rental from one of the operators in the area, such as Maui , Britz , Thrifty or Avis .

With your home-on-wheels ready to go, kick off your Waikato adventure at the renowned Hamilton Gardens . This award-winning attraction has been recognised by TripAdvisor, ranking in its top 1 per cent of must-see global destinations.

The most notable attraction here is the Story of Gardens, a series of themed gardens, each representing a specific civilisation or historical period. This includes the Fantasy Garden known for its Tudor-inspired designs and the Paradise Garden which includes the Indian Char Bagh Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden and Chinese Scholars’ Garden.

Next, visit the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set , where families step inside the Hobbit Holes of Bagshot Row, meticulously recreated by the creative teams behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Experience the daily life of Hobbits in the Shire as you navigate the snug, Hobbit-sized interiors, and cap off your adventure with a delightful Hobbit-style lunch feast.

Transition from the fantasy world to the natural wonders of New Zealand with a boat ride through Waitomo Caves for an intimate encounter with luminescent glowworms. This unique experience highlights the natural beauty hidden beneath the surface of Waitomo.

Animal-loving families should also visit Cornerstone Alpacas . If you are visiting in Spring ( September to November) , you might even get to meet baby alpacas.

If you are missing home by now, head to Madam Woo , known for its vibrant Asian-inspired cuisine. Stars on the menu include tomato and coconut fish curry, five-spiced fried chicken, squid tossed in honey and soy and grilled satay.

Where to stay in Hamilton-Waikato:

Park and stay in your campervan at any of these holiday parks , or check into the Distinction Hamilton Hotel .

Things to do in Rotorua: Race down the world’s longest luge track and tuck into hearty Kiwi fare

As you depart the Waikato region and set your sights on Rotorua, get ready for a scenic drive that promises to delight the entire family. The 105-kilometre journey will take you through some of New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes, so be sure to keep a keen eye out for stunning vistas and pull over whenever a photo opportunity strikes.

Upon arriving in Rotorua, your first stop should be at Te Puia , New Zealand's geothermal wonderland. Get ready to be mesmerised by the dramatic geysers and bubbling mud pools. Drop by the Kiwi Conservation Centre to catch a glimpse of the active nocturnal Kiwi birds in their natural-like habitat. Observe as they forage and explore, delve into their intriguing history, and gain insights into the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding their future.

Next, gear up for an adrenaline-fuelled time at the Rotorua Skyline complex. Race down the world’s longest luge track, “fly” through the Redwood Forest treetops on the Zoom Zipline –  and if you dare – take an exhilarating leap through the air on the Skyswing ride.

When you have worked up an appetite, treat yourselves to a delectable buffet dinner at the complex’s Stratosfare Restaurant with stunning views to boot. Or make a beeline for Patrick's Boutique Bakery , where you can indulge in the quintessential Kiwi delicacy: A perfectly flaky mince-and-cheese or steak-and-cheese pie.

For a final taste of Rotorua's vibrant culinary scene, head to Fat Dog Cafe & Bar for some hearty fare which includes spicy Turkish eggs and corned beef with shredded potato hash, plus child-friendly picks such as french toast and waffles. It is the perfect way to refuel before continuing your unforgettable New Zealand campervan odyssey.

Where to stay in Rotorua:

Park and stay in your campervan at any of these holiday parks , or check into the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Rotorua Marama .

Things to do in Wellington: Take a retro cable car ride and meet a prehistoric reptile

Conclude your New Zealand vacation in Wellington , located approximately 452.3km from Rotorua, a journey of around six hours.

Once there, unwind in the heart of the city at Hannah’s Laneway, celebrated as the world's tastiest laneway. This culinary haven is perfect for families looking to try local delights and pick up unique gifts. With famous spots like Leeds St Bakery and the Wellington Chocolate Factory , it is a gourmet paradise waiting to be explored.

Hop on the iconic bright red Wellington Cable Car for a quintessential city experience. Starting from the bustling Lambton Quay shopping district, the cable car ride ends at the lookout point where stunning panoramic views of Wellington make for a memorable family snap.

For a deep dive into the country’s culture and natural wonders, spend your day at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa . Engage with interactive displays that celebrate the country’s Māori heritage and fascinating history.

At Zealandia nature reserve discover New Zealand's unique wildlife, including the prehistoric three-eyed tuatara reptile and the elusive kiwi bird, all amidst the backdrop of a picturesque reservoir.

Wrap up your stay with a visit to the Harbourside Market on Sunday, where local growers from Manawatu – a farming town –  showcase a variety of fresh produce. Visit the food trucks lined up along the waterfront and indulge in everything from homemade Indian chai to Chinese pancakes, making every bite a discovery of Wellington’s eclectic food scene.

Where to stay in Wellington:

Park and stay in your campervan at any of these holiday parks , or check into the Novotel Wellington .

Campervan driving 101

Follow these tips for a smooth and safe road trip experience in new zealand.

• Begin with the Tiaki Promise : Educate yourself on how to travel responsibly in New Zealand, preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
• Choose designated campsites: For a worry-free night's sleep, stay only at official holiday parks as mentioned in this article. 
• Use handy apps: Download the CamperMate or Rankers app to find camping necessities like dump stations, petrol stations and supermarkets.
• Plan ahead: Keep your fuel tank full and stock up on essentials to avoid hiccups during your travels. Design your itinerary to ensure you arrive at your destination well before it becomes dark.
• Pack smart: Remember, space is a premium. Pack efficiently to avoid clutter and make your trip more comfortable.
• Safety is key: Familiarise yourself with New Zealand’s driving laws, adhere to speed limits and stay vigilant of weather changes. Adjust your driving speed to suit weather conditions, particularly in winter. Due to your campervan’s larger size, allow extra space when making turns on the road.
• Take regular breaks: Given the length of some journeys and the winding nature of New Zealand roads, it is crucial to schedule regular stops. This keeps the drive enjoyable and safe, especially in less populated areas where amenities are sparse.

Ready for your campervan road trip? Start planning your New Zealand itinerary today. And get more tips on how to drive safely in New Zealand .

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