Camper Vans: The Best Vehicles for Road Trips

It's holiday travel time. You want to save money, but still be able to take that really cool vacation. How about taking a road trip in a camper van or small RV? A camper is the best vehicle to use for road trips, because of the freedom, fun, and convenience of RV traveling. While you will spend more on gas compared to a car or small truck, the food and lodging expenses for your trip will be much lower. In the long run the trip will cost less, allowing more of your budget to be used for fun activities and sightseeing.

RVs and campers are like small apartments on wheels. They are equipped with kitchens, refrigerators, usually a toilet and washroom, even possibly a shower or microwave. They have adequate dining, lounging, and sleeping space. Well-designed campers also have very little wasted space, and utilize every bit of extra room for storage areas. They typically come with heating and air conditioning units, and can be fitted with solar panels, satellite dishes, and all sorts of extras to make life on the road as comfortable and convenient as desired.

For an occasional road trip, or to try your hand at traveling by RV, a rental RV may be a good bet. Companies like RV Rentals of America and Cruise America offer nationwide rentals, and small local companies can be found in many cities as well. For a lifestyle that involves more time on the road, purchasing a new or used camper van or RV would be worth your while. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you could try your hand at building your own van camper from a basic cargo or conversion van.

If you are a single or a couple, a Class B van camper may be your best bet. Most van campers will sleep two comfortably and many will sleep four, especially if the kids are small. Van campers are compact and can easily fit into a parking space or a small campsite. They are also easy to drive around town once you get to your destination. There are many types of van campers, from homemade models and classic VW vans to more expensive and elegant ones like Roadtrek or Pleasureway. Another option is to design your own through Sportsmobile, a company that builds custom camper vans.

For traveling with a family, a slightly larger Class C motor home is a great choice. A Class C RV is a larger version of a van camper. They are wider, longer, and taller, and typically have more amenities than a camper van. A 22" foot long model can sleep up to eight people in relative comfort. Some models are simple, and others can be very luxurious, some may even have "slide-outs" which offer additional space when parked. Though they are larger than a camper van, they still are rather easy to drive and park, even in cities.

Once you have your RV or van, load it up. Take a few days to pack to be sure you take everything you need to live for the duration of your trip. Stock your kitchen with utensils, dishes, food and cooking supplies. Pack your toiletries, towels, and linens, clothes, and gear. Plan well, but don't be overly concerned about forgetting something. Once you are on the road, if you discover you have forgotten an item, simply drive your home on wheels to the store and buy what you need.

The next step is simple. Get out on the road and experience the joy of traveling from a whole new perspective. When you are hungry, stop and enjoy a meal at a pretty spot in the comfort of your own "home on wheels". Pick a campground or state park along your route to stop for the night and enjoy some beautiful scenery at the same time. There is no need to unpack, simply park and relax. For an RV traveler, half the fun of taking a trip is what you get to experience along the way.

So, this holiday season, plan a stress-free road trip. Load up your gear, the kids, or the dog. Get in your camper van or RV and hit the road in style. Happy traveling!