Hit the Open Road: Why Camper Van Rental is the Ultimate Adventure Experience
Advantages of camper van rental for your next road trip and three companies to rent from!
If you are contemplating testing the waters of van life, let Team LaVigne lead the way. Remember my golden rule of travel? Be adventurous.
Get ready to embark on the ultimate adventure with a camper van rental. Offering the perfect blend of freedom and flexibility, hitting the open road in a camper van is an unforgettable journey waiting to happen. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or we have a first-timer here, a camper van rental provides you with new adventurous opportunities. Explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in nature. With a camper van, you choose your own path. From remote camping spots to picturesque National Parks, the possibilities are endless. Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves on a secluded beach or gazing at a sky full of stars in the middle of an open desert. With a camper van rental, these experiences become a reality.
If you’re anything like Scott when I first presented this idea to him six years ago, you might be asking:
How does this adventure work?
Why would I rent a road trip van?
Where do I even rent a camper van?
Camper van rental vs. other forms of accommodation
Planning a vacation can become stressful, especially a road trip. Planning an entire week of travel, checking in and out of a hotel, setting schedules, renting a car, packing, and unpacking. Unlike traditional forms of accommodation, a camper van allows you to change your plans on a whim and visit lesser-known destinations. You can wake up in the morning and drive to a hidden waterfall or hike through a dense forest, all without the constraints of pre-booked hotels or fixed itineraries. Additionally, camper vans offer privacy that other forms of accommodation do not provide. You have your own space and can enjoy the tranquility of nature without the noise and crowds often found in hotels and campgrounds. This privacy is my idea of a good time. Calling all introverts!
Similar to hotel accommodation, staying in a traditional campground or tent can be limiting. While camping provides a closer connection to nature, it often requires more preparation and equipment. So, packing light isn’t an option. And if you’re past the ripe age of 25, sleeping on the ground and waking up with a sore back is a huge buzz kill. Especially when you have an adventure-packed day planned. With a camper van, you have the best of both worlds - the convenience of a comfortable bed and a kitchen combined with the ability to camp in remote and beautiful locations. You’ll wake up with enough pep in your step to check off a bucket list hike.
Additionally, for my budget-conscious adventurers, a camper van rental offers a cost-effective way to travel. With your accommodation and transportation combined into one, you save money on hotel rooms and rental cars. Additionally, having a kitchen in your camper van allows you to cook your meals. If you want to save money during vacation, this is kind of a big deal.
Must-have amenities and features in a camper van
Not only do you have the freedom to go wherever your heart desires, but camper vans also provide all the amenities you need for a comfortable and convenient trip. From cozy beds to fully equipped kitchens, you'll have everything you need to make your adventure enjoyable and hassle-free. From our experience, here are some must-have amenities to look for:
Power supply: Ensure the camper van has a reliable power supply for charging your devices and running appliances. Check for solar panels, lithium batteries, or a connection to external power sources. Most rentals will have more than one power source. The most popular ones are solar panels and lithium batteries, so the more you drive, the more charge you get. We have never run out of power or even come close.
Bathroom: The number one question we get. People are so concerned with how we do our business. Some camper vans have built-in bathrooms, which include a shower and a portable toilet (yes, you will need to empty the toilet), and some do not. Choose the option that suits your preferences and needs. If you opt for a rental without one, our solutions are public restrooms, campground bathrooms, body wipes, dry shampoo, and go for a swim! These have all worked just fine for us. After a few days of hiking and camping, nothing is more refreshing than plunging into a glacier-fed lake. If that’s not on your bucket list, 10/10 recommend it.
Kitchen:Â A fully equipped kitchen is essential for preparing meals on the road. Look for a camper van with a stove, refrigerator, and sink. An induction cooktop, propane camping stove, or microwave will keep you well-fed and help save money. Check your camper van rental company for add-ons, like cooking utensils. Kinda need those too.
Other amenities you might want are comfortable beds and storage space, but these are our top three most crucial to a seamless adventure.
Rental camper vans usually have a foldaway in-van table and benches or a Lagun table with a pilot seat and swivel seats for living space. In addition, all our rentals have included stoves, refrigerators, water tanks, sinks, kitchenettes, comfortable beds, privacy curtains, dual battery systems, and storage space.
Essential tips and safety considerations for a successful camper van rental journey
To ensure you have the best travel experience, our advice is
Plan your route. Although a daily rental rate will include miles, you should still consider the extra mileage. Consider the driving distance between destinations and pit stops along the way. If you are budget-conscious, research fuel prices along your route to estimate expenses.
Pack efficiently. One of my favorite parts about a camper van road trip is packing light. You will need to sacrifice some outfits for practicality.
Connect with fellow travelers. Campgrounds and RV parks are great places to meet fellow adventurers. Take the opportunity to meet your neighbors. You can exchange travel tips and make long-lasting connections.
Emergency Supplies. Always pack emergency supplies such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, headlamp, and extra batteries. We have used them all.
Personal safety. This feels like common sense, but I have to say it. Always lock the van when you are away from it and when you are in for the night. Keep valuables out of sight. Be aware of your surroundings. Trust your gut.
Additional tips if you opt for no bathroom facilities in your rental:
(You would be surprised how many people worry more about their hygiene than safety!)
Hygiene: For the ladies, channel your inner college girl. Because you will squat for that morning pee. It feels liberating to start your day being one with nature. Also, you will have flashbacks to dormitory-style showers. Pack or buy cheap rubber flip-flops for showering at campgrounds or RV parks. But seriously, try the body wipes. A good wipe-down plus some perfume. That’ll do. Ultimately, you might feel dirty and tired, but you will feel serene and fulfilled.
Choosing the right camper van rental company
I have shared my love for good deals on here before. During my mindless Groupon scrolling, I found Escape Campervans. Their van options range in size, but each van is custom hand-painted by local California artists. This makes them super fun and unique! Each rental offers add-ons such as a kitchen kit, a bedding kit, camping chairs, etc. Bonus: Escape always has deals going on! I don’t think we have ever paid full price. Remember my other travel rule. Be flexible. Now, the amenities they do NOT have are toilets or showers. This has been people’s number one concern when they ask about our road trip adventures by van. But hey, we’ve made it work countless times! (Ok, four times) Escape has 11 rental locations in the U.S. and 2 in Canada. We have rented from Phoenix, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, and Seattle, WA. These are all perfect hubs for endless adventures!
Four camper van road trips later, we needed more amenities in a vehicle for a bucket list hike. This is where Indie Campers came into our lives! These camper vans are built on a Winnebago Solis. A luxury travel accommodation compared to our previous rental. SO MUCH ROOM FOR ACTIVITIES! No, seriously. You can stand up straight, and walk around (well, like, back and forth), the storage situation is more than we needed for a week, and there is a shower and a toilet, yay! Confession: We still never used the shower!
And last but not least, Outdoorsy! Think Airbnb but for camper vans and RVs. Use a filter tool to find an array of vans to rent. If you rent a camper van in Pennsylvania or New York City, I highly recommend renting from Vanture Customs. This company is based out of Philly and rents out their custom-built vans. This will be your aesthetic camper van with all the bells and whistles. Confession: We STILL never used the shower!
We have had seamless travel experiences with all three campervan rental companies. Here's a short list of pros and cons from Team LaVigne for each camper van rental:
Escape
Pros: most budget-friendly, conversation starter, easy to drive
Cons: no toilet, no shower, bed set-up/breakdown
Indie
Pros: shower, toilet, ease of waste removal
Cons: only available in select cities
Outdoorsy
Pros: comfort, Instagram-worthy photos, more amenities, personalized touch
Cons: expensive, third-party, insurance not optional
Conclusion
If connecting with nature is your jam, rent a van. There’s nothing like cooking dinner in the open desert or waking up next to a tranquil lake. Or the contentment of having your morning coffee while strolling on a beach, footsteps away. We have discovered so many new places because of our camper van adventures. The limit does not exist.
The ease of having all of your belongings and food with you is luxury travel at its finest. Every must-have travel accessory is at arm’s length when you need it. And if you have a fur baby like we do, it is a dog-friendly travel option. Bringing your dog will help you base your vacation on more outdoor activities and pet-friendly restaurants. If you like camping but are weary of weather conditions, a van rental extends your camping season. Depending on where you go, many campgrounds close for the season. A camper van will keep you cozy and warm, and you can camp in dispersed areas!
If you still need some convincing, camper vans are easy to maneuver, you have constant, easy access to your belongings, you save money, and travel to more places!
What are you waiting for? Freedom awaits!
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