A campervan vacation is a great way to enjoy the best of New Zealand, from scenic lookouts to al fresco dining. However, it can also be a costly endeavor if you’re not careful.
Luckily, there are many ways to maximize your camper rental budget. Here are some tips: book early, choose the right RV, inquire about additional fees, and plan your route.
Plan Ahead
When renting an RV, there are often extra fees that you need to budget for. This can include extra nights at the campground, mileage overages, generator use, and more. Knowing these additional costs can help avoid sticker shock when paying the bill.
The best way to save on camper rental costs is to plan. This means booking your trip well and picking a time of year when rates are low. Also, consider any activities you want to do while on your journey. For example, if you plan hiking, biking, or skiing, you might need to rent equipment such as bikes and skis.
It’s also good to map out your route and account for mileage limits. Many RV rentals only allow you to travel a certain number of miles daily, and straying too far can result in overage charges. You can use tools like Google Sheets or RV Leaguers to create a road trip itinerary that accounts for your daily mileage limits so you won’t get hit with unexpected charges.
Look For Discounts
RV rental prices are typically higher in the summer when many people plan their vacations, so if you can travel during the off-season, you can save on daily rental costs and camping fees. Some companies even offer relocation specials, such as the one from Jucy, that lets you rent a camper for $1 per day with 500 free miles and personal and kitchen kits included.
Another great way to save money is to book with a peer-to-peer website that allows you to rent a towable camper from private owners. Websites like Outdoorsy and RV Share will enable you to search for RVs in your area, find availability, and chat directly with the owner. Some of these websites also allow you to filter the results by price, amenities, and vehicle type, so you can easily find a cheap RV that will meet your needs. Additionally, many RVs come with mini-kitchens that make it easy to save money by preparing meals at home rather than eating out each night. The savings on meals alone could offset the cost of your rental and gas for your trip!
Look For Deals
Whether you are a couple on a romantic getaway or a group of friends planning a cross-country road trip, renting a camper can be a cost-effective way to enjoy your vacation. But remember a few things before browsing for RV rentals, like the camper rental in Iceland.
The first step to saving on an RV rental is to book early. RV rental companies are busier than ever, and popular destination campgrounds can require reservations up to nine months in advance. This means you’ll have a much better chance of finding the exact RV you want and getting a great deal.
Another way to save is by camping during the off-season. Many campgrounds and attractions offer discounts to those visiting during the off-season, which can significantly lower costs. Finally, be sure to search multiple RV rental websites. Three leading peer-to-peer RV rental websites exist: Outdoorsy, RV Share, and RVezy. By exploring all 3, you can be sure to find the best possible deal on your RV rental. You can also look for deals on campsite fees and gas discount programs, like Groupon.
Plan Your Route
Whether you are an RV enthusiast who wants to buy your own or a family looking for a fun vacation, renting is a great option. It’s cheaper than buying a camper; you can use it as often as you want without the commitment.
To make the most of your camper rental budget, you should have a plan and stick to it. This will help you avoid paying extra fees for the RV and any other costs associated with your trip. This includes additional vehicle fees, campground and park fees, gas for the journey, spontaneous excursions, and food and activities at your destinations.
To help you plan your route:
- Try using an app like Gas Buddy or Google Maps to find the cheapest fuel prices along your travel route.
- Remember that most RV rentals have a mileage limit, and you will be charged for any miles driven over this amount.
- Try to stay within the mileage limit to save money.
- Remember that RVs are larger vehicles than cars and move slower, so be prepared for longer drives.
Bring Your Food
A few days at the campground can quickly add up when you eat out for every meal. But when you bring your food, it can help make for a more budget-friendly vacation.
To avoid overspending on food, determine how many people will travel with you (head count for campers). Then, plan out what meals you’ll eat and how long you’ll be camping. This will determine how much food you’ll need and if you need to bring anything extra, like camping chairs or sleeping bags.
Be sure to pack foods that won’t spoil quickly. Also, consider how you’ll cook (campfire, propane stove, or electric) so you can prepare your meals accordingly. Also, be sure to bring nonperishables like instant coffee packets and powdered juice that you can mix into water. This helps reduce trash and is easy to store in a small bag or reusable bottle. And remember snacks like beef jerky, peanuts, or dried fruit. They’re great for reducing hunger and will keep you happy until you get to a restaurant.