With people wanting to enjoy more independent, flexible holidays, the trend for hiring motorhomes and hitting the road is on the rise. Not only do campervans and caravans offer you the ultimate in freedom, they’re also comfortable and have plenty of space for adventurous families who want to go off the beaten track. If you’ve never had this kind of holiday before then it’s important to do a little research before you head off, and here are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration.

Choosing a vehicle

There are a huge range of different kinds of campers in many sizes, from small vans that can host a cosy couple, to giant models for large families and groups. It can be tempting to hire the largest one on the lot, but this will obviously cost you more in fuel and can limit some of the roads you go down. Depending on your needs you could choose:

• Micro motorhomes – These are often the size of a people carrier and are perfectly built for two. You’ll usually find a kitchenette, lifting roof with a sleeping area, and sometimes a small chemical toilet.
• Campervans – The iconic Volkswagen campervans are some of the most popular around, and these are generally the size of a large commercial van. They can usually fit two adults and two children, but models vary, and the dining seats fold down to create a comfortable double bed.
• Motorhomes – These larger models have a lot more headroom, and sometimes have an over the cab sleeper bed which can be more comfortable than a fold out. They usually have a tiny bathroom too with a shower cubicle and toilet which can be hooked up at a campsite.
• Recreational Vehicle (RV) – Most commonly seen in America, these huge campers have all the home comforts you’d expect, but can be difficult to drive and park due to their size.

If you’re in doubt about the kind of vehicle that will suit you, simply talk to your hire team and ask plenty of questions; they will have dealt with parties of all sizes before. If you’re looking for campervan hire in NZ then you will be able to get advice from people who are enthusiastic campers themselves and will know exactly what will suit your needs.

Planning the route

Part of the fun of a motorhome is having the freedom to explore, but a little bit of planning can always help. For example, if you know you’re going to be at an attraction until late, then finding a nearby campsite will ensure you can get a proper night of sleep before your next day on the road.

Sharing the drive

Ideally, if you’re going to be exploring then it’s only fair to share the driving, so make sure your partner or friend is on the insurance to take over, even if it’s just for a couple of hours a day. This helps you to avoid driver fatigue, and means you can enjoy the odd alcoholic beverage and enjoy the sites without having to worry about being behind the wheel all the time.

Try it out first

The best way to become a seasoned campervan enthusiast is by taking plenty of trips. However, if you’re planning an epic cross country journey in the future, it can help to have some practice first. Booking a weekend away and just exploring locally is a great way to practice driving a larger vehicle, allows you to try out the different features, and most importantly ensures that you actually enjoy this kind of trip.