All hail the person who decided that we needed a Pot Noodle cooker (kettle) and a beer fridge in the back of our rides! It’s time to give some serious kudos to the campervan.
Whether you want to travel around Europe, North America, or Oceania, there are so many advantages to buying or renting a camper van.
Here are some of the best reasons why travelling by campervan really is one of the best ways to travel.
1. You Can Sleep Wherever You Want, Whenever You Want, Within Reason
There’s nothing better than getting off the beaten track, and campervans allow you to do just that! Although booking a small group tour can be really fun, you are really constrained by a fixed itinerary. By going it yourself, you really can wake up one day and go wherever you want!
There is so much choice too, Down Under, the heroes at the Department of Conservation (DOC) manage over 200 camping grounds perfect if you are going to campervan around New Zealand, and some are free – plus they’re located in some of the wildest and most stunning locations.
2. Absolutely No Awkward Getting In And Out Of Your Top Bunk
How annoying is it when you want to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, but feel like you’re competing in the crystal maze, trying to get out of your bunk? We could be exaggerating, but we HATE top bunks.
3. You Have Your Own Space
No fighting with other dorm mates for backpack space/fridge space/head space. Plus, no public ridicule on backpacker buses when your iPod randomly shuffles to We Built This City by Starship (and knowing that that’s the least embarrassing track on there).
4. FREEDOM!
There’s no hanging about for scheduled trains/planes/buses when you want to get somewhere. You want to travel in Australia and head out to Alice Springs from Melbourne? Just drive! Not entirely sure when you’ll need some wheels? That’s where a hire company come in, they will made it easier to be flighty and non-committal. If you buy a specific pass, you can pick up a camper whenever you fancy – and save up money too!
5. Cute, Scenic Dinner Times/Morning Views
Having the freedom to be able to stop at places with incredible views will why we bought a campervan. I mean, you wouldn’t get this in a hostel kitchen.
6. It Works Out Much Cheaper In The Long Run
You’re saving money on hostels, trains, food probably (as there’s always a hostel food thief). Plus nine times out of 10, you’re on a road trip with at least one other person, so you’re sharing the cost of gas too. And if you’re a couple, there’s no forking out on private dorm rooms – all hail the double bed in the back!
7. There are So Many Epic Road trip Routes Around the World
Most travellers get excited about the prospect of a road trip, and for good reason. There are some things you just don’t get to see unless you hop in a campervan and drive out there. Cool, abandoned ghost towns along Route 50 in the USA, authentic and delicious street food along National Highway 17 in India, remote villages on Bali’s coastal route, travelling the south of France, or even doing an epic road trip New York to Miami – you’re going to struggle to experience those while travelling by train/plane.
