There’s something about road trips. A carefree atmosphere mixed with a feeling of self-determination, and lots of snacks! The only downside is that in the middle of a deep, life-changing conversation, someone will always interrupt to ask to use the bathroom.
No more telling that annoying friend to hold it; say hello to a “Rent a Van Road Trip.”
Vans might not be a ride for style but they’re the perfect vessel to provide a road trip you’ll never forget. They’re spacious, have a ton of personality, and, with enough work, can look as stylish as a Lamborghini.
Plus, van life is cheaper than you think. Many in the van-life community can live on $2,000 or less a month — some can live on $1,000 or less after the initial van purchase.
On Craigslist, vans go for around the same price as used cars. And while transforming a van may take a lot of work — if you do the job right a van can be your office (with WiFi and electricity), your vessel to travel the world, and even your home.
Rent a Van Road Trip: The Rider Who Wants Practicality
Now, if you’re placing practicality above everything else then you might want to look at renting a Ford Transit or Volkswagen Transporter. Both vehicles offer a ton of space and you’ll find that you can fit plenty of friends and bags without trading comfort and legroom.
It’s almost like driving a mini U-Haul truck as the size of both vehicles is definitely the main attraction here. The bonus is that you’ll find both vehicles get some good gas mileage.
Rent a Van Road Trip: The Rider Who Wants Style
But if you’re looking for a van with some character then you want a Volkswagen Bus.
These are definitely the ride for your next trip if you’re looking to embrace your inner-hippy.
Getting your hands on one of these might prove a bit trickier than picking up a more modern-styled van, but you’ll find that both of these rides are road-trip-ready.
Image by Capri23auto from Pixabay
The Volkswagen bus is a lot like a Mystery Machine-styled vehicle out of a 70’s cartoon. But it’s a dream car for nostalgic road trippers.
Although it carries the “Bus” name, this vehicle is actually one of the smaller-sized vans here. The other main drawback of the Bus is the horsepower packed into it.
It’s going to take a while to really get this ride going, but once you do you’ll have a wind-piercer of a vehicle that can cruise at 65 MPH.
Rent a Van Road Trip: The Rider Who Wants Space
If you’re looking to save money on your next trip and refrain from stopping at hotels every night, then you’re going to want to invest in a camper-van like the Volkswagen Westfalia.
The Westfalia is a mini RV and can be your van, bed, and even your kitchen.
It depends on how many people you bring along, but this vehicle is the Swiss Army Knife of vans, offering features that most vehicles don’t provide.
Obviously, you can transform any of these vans into a camper-style van, but the Westfalia already does all that hard work for you. If you’re looking to go cross-country without letting your wallet get too thin, then the Westfalia might be your dream vehicle.
Make it Your Own
No matter what van you choose to be your partner this summer, make sure you make it your own. Your van is only as good as what you put into it.
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
But before you embark on your trip:
- Ensure that your van doesn’t need any immediate repairs (get a tune-up just in case)
- Don’t be afraid to make your van stand-out with some flair
- Remember! Pack only the best snacks (my vote’s for PB&J sandwiches and trail mix)
That van flair can come in the forms of complex additions like kitchens and beds, but it can also be something simple like adding a mini-fridge or your favorite video game console.
Even renters have some room to work with despite not actually owning the keys to your ride. If you want to add some style, there’s nothing wrong with decorating the interior of your van with some extra pillows and blankets. Just don’t do anything that gets you a fine (or at least don’t blame us).
Hopefully the van you end up choosing is the perfect ride to whisk you away on this year of open roads and unforgettable experiences.