Vanlife is a door to adventure. Wherever the road leads, you can follow, and the world, as they say, is your oyster. Dream big, drive far, experience as much of life as you can.
Here are 10 grand road trips, perfectly suited for campervans, all across the globe. Feeling inspired? Try one out for yourself and start living your dreams.
Nearby Campervans for Rent
South Africa: The Garden Route
This drive is tiny by the standards of this list, a mere 124 miles. What makes it famous is the wide range of spectacular scenery along the way. Mountains, rainforests, beaches, and caverns can all be found along the road—not to mention an endless supply of resorts.
If this isn’t enough adventure for you, South Africa has many other great driving experiences—such as Route 62 which takes you deep into wine country. Pretty much everywhere you go, you’ll find beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife.
America: The Grand Circle
The desert southwest of the United States is one of the most stunning and unique landscapes on earth. Every American should have the chance to stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon and get lost in the utter beauty of the world we live in. The website Travel With Bender has put together one of the best driving tours of this region. Starting in Phoenix, Arizona, this 14-day, 500-mile road trip is a breathless tour of the great plateau and many of the most awe-inspiring sights the U.S. has to offer. People travel from all over the world to experience this place, and for many Americans it’s only a few days travel to get there.
Iceland: Ring Road
The natural beauty of Iceland is legendary. Every mile of this enchanted land feels like it’s a high adventure. Iceland has the magical combination of a landscape shaped by both fire and ice. Its 30 active volcanoes account for one-third of the world’s lava output. In the short summers, the foliage explodes with verdant life.
The Ring Road circles the entire island, 830 miles, all of it gorgeous. What’s more, the people of Iceland are well known for their hospitality and warmth. Few cultures have blended modernity and a love of nature so completely as the people of Iceland.
China: National Highway 109
Driving in China is not exactly easy. You need to get a Chinese driver’s license, for one, and you won’t be able to use Google maps (because it’s banned in China). But for those who are up for the challenge, you can explore one of the oldest and most geographically diverse nations on earth.
National Highway 109 will take you 2,500 miles from the massive metropolis of Beijing all the way into the heart of Tibet in Lhasa. Once in the interior, you can switch over to the Qinghai-Tibet Highway which parallels route 109 but offers somewhat different vistas along the way. Either way, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Canada: Calgary to Fairbanks
The Alcan highway was built during WWII to create an overland route from the continental U.S. to Alaska. It winds its way through some of the most remote and beautiful terrains in North America. Calgary makes a great starting point for the journey.
By taking Highway 93 through Banff National Park you can go all the way to Fairbanks without encountering another major city along the way. There are plenty of small towns, but this is a road trip that will let you see a very wild North America. The amount of wildlife you’ll encounter on this 3,000-mile journey will astound you.
Your final destination is Denali National Park, home to the tallest peak in North America.
Argentina: Route 40
Route 40 is Argentina’s answer to Route 66 in the U.S. This highway travels more than 3,000 miles from the northern tip of Argentina to its southmost extremes. In between, you’ll encounter all the country’s stark and rugged beauty: soaring snow-capped mountains, vast trackless deserts, alpine lakes, and its famous grasslands.
In total, the journey is a little more than 3,000 miles. While most of the route is paved, you’ll encounter at least one gravel section. Many portions of the road are remote, so you should definitely be prepared with automotive basics and enough food and water to sustain you overnight should you have mechanical problems.
European Union: Lisbon to Istanbul
Sunshine, blue water, and the heart of western civilization await you. This 3,500-mile tour of the Mediterranean coast is packed with both natural beauty and rich cultural history. This is not a trip where you will be roughing it or traveling in remote wilderness areas.
Despite traveling through six countries, the open borders within the EU makes travel simple and easy. You will have to spring for a ferry ride from Italy to Greece, but what would a Mediterranean voyage be without taking to the sea at least once? Either direction you travel on this route, your endpoint can be the beginning of a whole new European van-life adventure.
United States: Journey of Lewis and Clark
The journey of Lewis and Clark is perhaps the greatest story of American exploration and adventure. It took the Corps of Discovery more than two years to make their epic journey. Thanks to the great American highway, you can condense the journey to around three weeks and still have lots of time to stop and smell the roses along the way.
The adventure starts in the historic city of Philadelphia and winds its way through the heart of the nation to the Oregon coast. Along the way, you’ll see the vast array of America’s wild places and vibrant communities. LewisAndClarkTrail.com has a suggested motor route and we strongly suggest visiting the great national parks you’ll encounter along this 5,000-mile adventure.
Australia: Highway 1
Highway 1 circles all around the Australian continent. This network of coastal highways is the world’s longest at nearly 9,000 miles. It passes through every major city in the nation and traverses a huge range of spectacular scenery. A stretch on the southern tip—known as the Great Ocean Road—is renowned as one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in the world.
With so many noteworthy destinations, you could spend a full year exploring Highway 1, but one month of travel can easily get you around the whole continent with enough time to thoroughly enjoy the highlights of the journey.
The Mongol Rally
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’d like to drive one-third of the way across the earth—10,000 miles in a camper van.”
The Mongol Rally is a truly epic road trip from the heart of England to the outer reaches of Mongolia. It’s an organized event held each summer by a group called “The Adventurists.” They have three rules for this epic adventure: Have a 1 liter or less engine in your vehicle, raise £1,000 for charity, and they will not help you.
One of their mottos is “If nothing goes wrong, everything has gone wrong.”
If you want to go with a more robust vehicle, they won’t stop you but they will mock you. This is a road trip that will test you in ways you never imagined.
Choosing the Right Campervan
Choosing the right campervan involves assessing your needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some key factors to consider:
Purpose and Travel Style
- Short Trips vs. Full-Time Living: Determine if you’ll use the campervan for weekend getaways, extended trips, or full-time living.
- Travel Locations: Consider if you’ll mostly be in campgrounds, off-grid locations, or a mix of both.
Size and Layout
- Passenger Needs: How many people will be traveling? Choose a van with sufficient sleeping and seating capacity.
- Interior Layout: Look for a functional floor plan with features like a kitchen, bathroom, and storage.
- Maneuverability: Smaller vans are easier to drive and park, while larger ones offer more space but may be less agile.
Budget and Financing
- Purchase Cost: New vans can range from $50,000 to $150,000+, while used ones may be more affordable.
- Operating Costs: Factor in fuel efficiency, maintenance, insurance, and storage fees.
- DIY or Prebuilt: Converting a van yourself can save money but requires time and skills.
Features and Amenities
- Power Options: Solar panels, generators, or hookups for electricity.
- Water Systems: Tanks for fresh, gray, and black water, plus a shower and toilet if needed.
- Insulation and Climate Control: Essential for all-season use. Look for vans with proper insulation and heating/cooling systems.
- Kitchen Setup: Options range from a simple camp stove to a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, sink, and oven.
Van Models and Brands
Popular Chassis:
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Known for reliability and luxury.
- Ford Transit: Offers AWD options and is versatile for conversions.
- Ram ProMaster: Wider interior for more living space.
- Volkswagen California (if available): Compact with high-quality features.
- Custom Conversions: Companies like Winnebago, Storyteller Overland, and Airstream offer prebuilt campervans with high-quality designs.
Off-Grid vs. Campground Use
- Off-Grid: Focus on solar panels, larger water tanks, and rugged build quality.
- Campground: Features like plug-in power and smaller tanks might suffice.
Campervan Travel FAQ
What is the difference between a campervan and an RV?
- A campervan is a smaller, more agile vehicle, often built on a van chassis, with basic living amenities like a bed, kitchen, and sometimes a bathroom.
- RVs (Recreational Vehicles) are larger, with more space and luxury features, but are less maneuverable and fuel-efficient.
Do I need a special license to drive a campervan?
In most countries, you can drive a campervan with a standard driver’s license. Larger motorhomes or RVs may require a commercial license depending on the weight.
How do I find places to park or camp?
- Campgrounds: Use apps like The Dyrt, Campendium, or KOA to find locations.
- Free/Boondocking Sites: Look for public lands (BLM, national forests) or apps like iOverlander for off-grid spots.
- Urban Parking: Overnight parking at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, or truck stops may be allowed. Always check local regulations.
How do campervans handle water and waste?
- Fresh Water: Stored in a tank; refill at campsites or water stations.
- Gray Water: Wastewater from sinks/showers; requires proper disposal at dump stations.
- Black Water: Waste from toilets; use a cassette or a portable toilet, and empty at designated stations. Composting toilets are also an option.
What should I pack for campervan travel?
- Essentials: Bedding, cookware, first aid kit, and toiletries.
- Tools: Jumper cables, basic toolkit, and a tire repair kit.
- Comfort: Folding chairs, outdoor mats, and lighting.
How do I power my campervan?
- Batteries: Chargeable via the engine, solar panels, or hookups.
- Solar Power: Great for off-grid trips but requires sunny conditions.
- Generator: Reliable but noisy and requires fuel.
- Hookups: Plug into shore power at campgrounds.
What’s the best way to stay connected on the road?
- Wi-Fi: Use campground Wi-Fi or hotspots.
- Cellular Data: Consider a mobile hotspot with a robust data plan.
- Starlink RV: Satellite internet for remote areas (more costly).
How do I maintain a campervan?
- Regularly check tires, fluids, and brakes.
- Winterize your van if storing in cold climates.
- Clean and sanitize water systems regularly.
Is campervan travel budget-friendly?
It can be! Save on accommodation and dining by cooking and sleeping in your van. However, initial costs and fuel expenses can add up.
There you have it: everything you need to know to take an epic campervan trip. Don’t have a van of your own? Rent one! Outdoorsy may not rent RVs in all the places mentioned,
Outdoorsy may not rent RVs in all these places, but we do have RVs for rent all over the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
