Planning a trip away should feel exciting, whether that is an overseas road trip, a family staycation, or a weekend escape closer to home. One style of travel that continues to grow in popularity is motorhome, campervan and RV travel, especially for travellers who value flexibility, slower journeys, and the freedom to change plans along the way.
A motorhome rental combines transport and accommodation in one. Instead of packing and unpacking between hotels, you take your space with you, travelling at your own pace and stopping wherever feels right. For some travellers, that freedom becomes the highlight of the trip. For others, the driving and planning can feel like more effort than a traditional holiday.
This style of travel is not just for long-haul trips. In places such as Cornwall, campervan surfing trips and coastal road journeys have long been popular, while many people now use motorhomes for UK staycations without booking flights at all.
Further afield, destinations like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the US, and Iceland are especially known for motorhome travel, where the journey is part of the experience.
So, is renting a motorhome right for your trip? That depends on your travel style, who you are travelling with, and how much you enjoy life on the road. Feet Do Travel help unpick this to help you decide.
A motorhome rental combines transport and accommodation in one. Instead of packing and unpacking between hotels, you take your space with you, travelling at your own pace and stopping wherever feels right. For some travellers, that freedom becomes the highlight of the trip. For others, the driving and planning can feel like more effort than a traditional holiday.
This style of travel is not just for long-haul trips. In places such as Cornwall, campervan surfing trips and coastal road journeys have long been popular, while many people now use motorhomes for UK staycations without booking flights at all.
Further afield, destinations like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the US, and Iceland are especially known for motorhome travel, where the journey is part of the experience.
So, is renting a motorhome right for your trip? That depends on your travel style, who you are travelling with, and how much you enjoy life on the road. Feet Do Travel help unpick this to help you decide.
This post is part of our Slow Travel series, where we focus on authentic experiences over rushed itineraries.
What Does a Motorhome Rental Actually Offer?
A motorhome gives you the freedom to take your accommodation with you. Instead of checking into hotels every night, you take your bed, luggage, kitchen, and living space wherever you go.
That simple difference changes the rhythm of a holiday completely.
You are not tied to rigid schedules or fixed routes. If you discover a beach town you love, you can stay longer. If the weather changes or a destination disappoints, you can move on without losing hotel bookings or rearranging plans.
For travellers who enjoy scenic drives, outdoor experiences, and slower-paced adventures, that flexibility is often the biggest advantage.
A motorhome gives you the freedom to take your accommodation with you. Instead of checking into hotels every night, you take your bed, luggage, kitchen, and living space wherever you go.
That simple difference changes the rhythm of a holiday completely.
You are not tied to rigid schedules or fixed routes. If you discover a beach town you love, you can stay longer. If the weather changes or a destination disappoints, you can move on without losing hotel bookings or rearranging plans.
For travellers who enjoy scenic drives, outdoor experiences, and slower-paced adventures, that flexibility is often the biggest advantage.
The Main Benefits of Motorhome Travel
One of the reasons motorhome holidays appeal to so many people is the balance between comfort and independence. You still have many of the conveniences of home, but with the ability to wake up somewhere completely different each morning.
For families, couples and friend groups, that convenience can make the trip smoother, and travelling feels simpler. Your belongings stay in one place, there is less time spent checking in and out of accommodation, and you can prepare your own meals whenever it suits you.
Motorhome travel often works especially well in destinations where the journey is just as important as the sights themselves. Coastal drives, mountain regions, lakeside routes, and national parks are all ideal for this style of trip.
If you are planning a New Zealand road trip, for example, hiring a campervan can make it much easier to explore remote areas and scenic stops without rushing between hotel bookings.
One of the reasons motorhome holidays appeal to so many people is the balance between comfort and independence. You still have many of the conveniences of home, but with the ability to wake up somewhere completely different each morning.
For families, couples and friend groups, that convenience can make the trip smoother, and travelling feels simpler. Your belongings stay in one place, there is less time spent checking in and out of accommodation, and you can prepare your own meals whenever it suits you.
Motorhome travel often works especially well in destinations where the journey is just as important as the sights themselves. Coastal drives, mountain regions, lakeside routes, and national parks are all ideal for this style of trip.
If you are planning a New Zealand road trip, for example, hiring a campervan can make it much easier to explore remote areas and scenic stops without rushing between hotel bookings.
When a Motorhome or Campervan Rental Makes the Most Sense
A motorhome is worth considering when the journey itself is a major part of the trip, especially if you prefer movement and exploration rather than staying in one base.
It tends to work well for:
It also suits people who value independence. You are not tied to hotel check-in times, restaurant opening hours, or public transport schedules, which can make a real difference for families, groups of friends, or anyone who prefers a slower, more flexible pace.
That is one reason campervan and motorhome travel remains so popular in destinations such as New Zealand, Canada, Iceland, where many travellers choose the freedom of the road over fixed hotel itineraries. If you are planning a New Zealand road trip and want the flexibility to explore at your own rhythm, campervan hire can give you a practical and comfortable way to do it.
A motorhome is worth considering when the journey itself is a major part of the trip, especially if you prefer movement and exploration rather than staying in one base.
It tends to work well for:
- Multi-stop road trips
- National park routes
- Coastal or countryside drives
- Remote destinations where accommodation is limited
- Travellers who enjoy spontaneous plans
- Trips where you want fewer hotel changes
- Family or group travel
- Journeys where comfort and independence matter more than luxury hotels
It also suits people who value independence. You are not tied to hotel check-in times, restaurant opening hours, or public transport schedules, which can make a real difference for families, groups of friends, or anyone who prefers a slower, more flexible pace.
That is one reason campervan and motorhome travel remains so popular in destinations such as New Zealand, Canada, Iceland, where many travellers choose the freedom of the road over fixed hotel itineraries. If you are planning a New Zealand road trip and want the flexibility to explore at your own rhythm, campervan hire can give you a practical and comfortable way to do it.
When a Motorhome, Campervan or RV Might Not Be the Best Choice
As appealing as motorhome travel sounds, it is not ideal for every type of trip.
If your holiday is mainly focused on one city, a motorhome can quickly become more inconvenient than useful. Parking larger vehicles in busy urban areas is often difficult, and you may end up paying for campsites or parking without really making use of the vehicle day to day.
There is also a more practical side to motorhome travel that not everyone enjoys. You need to think about fuel stops, campsite availability, water supplies, waste disposal, and driving routes. Some travellers enjoy that hands-on approach, while others simply want a hotel key and a more effortless break.
It is often not the best fit if:
In these situations, the added responsibility of managing a motorhome can feel more tiring than freeing, and a traditional hotel-based trip is usually the better option.
As appealing as motorhome travel sounds, it is not ideal for every type of trip.
If your holiday is mainly focused on one city, a motorhome can quickly become more inconvenient than useful. Parking larger vehicles in busy urban areas is often difficult, and you may end up paying for campsites or parking without really making use of the vehicle day to day.
There is also a more practical side to motorhome travel that not everyone enjoys. You need to think about fuel stops, campsite availability, water supplies, waste disposal, and driving routes. Some travellers enjoy that hands-on approach, while others simply want a hotel key and a more effortless break.
It is often not the best fit if:
- You are staying mostly in one city
- Driving larger vehicles isn't enjoyable
- You prefer hotels with full facilities and services
- Eating out for most meals is important to you
- You are travelling for a short break
- A low-maintenance, easy holiday is what you want
In these situations, the added responsibility of managing a motorhome can feel more tiring than freeing, and a traditional hotel-based trip is usually the better option.
Understanding the Real Costs
One mistake many travellers make is comparing only the rental price with the cost of a hotel.
The price of a motorhome rental is more than the daily hire rate. Other expenses need to be added, such as:
At first glance, the total cost of a motorhome trip may seem high. However, for groups or families who would otherwise be booking multiple hotel rooms, it often balances out well when you compare the full picture, including accommodation, rental cars, meals, and transport between destinations.
Once you factor everything in, motorhome travel can offer excellent overall value, especially on longer routes or multi-stop trips.
Cooking your own meals instead of eating out for every meal also helps keep costs down and can make a noticeable difference to the overall budget.
One mistake many travellers make is comparing only the rental price with the cost of a hotel.
The price of a motorhome rental is more than the daily hire rate. Other expenses need to be added, such as:
- Fuel
- Campsite or parking fees
- Insurance
- Optional extras like bedding or kitchen kits
- Ferry fees in some destinations
At first glance, the total cost of a motorhome trip may seem high. However, for groups or families who would otherwise be booking multiple hotel rooms, it often balances out well when you compare the full picture, including accommodation, rental cars, meals, and transport between destinations.
Once you factor everything in, motorhome travel can offer excellent overall value, especially on longer routes or multi-stop trips.
Cooking your own meals instead of eating out for every meal also helps keep costs down and can make a noticeable difference to the overall budget.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before deciding whether a motorhome is right for your trip, it helps to ask yourself a few practical questions:
Being honest about these answers usually makes the decision much easier.
Before deciding whether a motorhome is right for your trip, it helps to ask yourself a few practical questions:
- How many nights will I actually spend on the road?
- Am I comfortable driving a larger vehicle?
- Will we cook meals ourselves or eat out frequently?
- How many people are sharing the costs?
- Are we travelling mainly for the journey or the destination?
- Do we enjoy flexible, slower-paced travel?
Being honest about these answers usually makes the decision much easier.
Comfort, Space and Who You’re Travelling With
One of the main advantages of a motorhome is having your own private space wherever you go. You have your own bed, storage, and usually a small kitchen and dining area, which makes travelling feel more familiar and comfortable than constantly moving between hotels.
Comfort can also vary depending on the season and setup, especially in colder destinations like Iceland, where staying warm becomes part of the experience. There are some useful practical tips on how to stay warm in a campervan in winter that highlight what to expect when travelling in colder months.
That said, space is still limited. What feels cosy for a couple can feel tight for a larger group, particularly on longer journeys or during bad weather. Choosing the right vehicle size is often more important than first-time travellers expect.
It also helps to think about who you are travelling with and what everyone wants from the trip. Motorhome travel works best when expectations are similar, as different travel styles can create friction.
Even larger motorhomes involve shared living space, so a bit of patience and flexibility goes a long way. For families, couples, or groups of friends, though, it can create some genuinely memorable travel experiences.
One of the main advantages of a motorhome is having your own private space wherever you go. You have your own bed, storage, and usually a small kitchen and dining area, which makes travelling feel more familiar and comfortable than constantly moving between hotels.
Comfort can also vary depending on the season and setup, especially in colder destinations like Iceland, where staying warm becomes part of the experience. There are some useful practical tips on how to stay warm in a campervan in winter that highlight what to expect when travelling in colder months.
That said, space is still limited. What feels cosy for a couple can feel tight for a larger group, particularly on longer journeys or during bad weather. Choosing the right vehicle size is often more important than first-time travellers expect.
It also helps to think about who you are travelling with and what everyone wants from the trip. Motorhome travel works best when expectations are similar, as different travel styles can create friction.
Even larger motorhomes involve shared living space, so a bit of patience and flexibility goes a long way. For families, couples, or groups of friends, though, it can create some genuinely memorable travel experiences.
Driving Confidence Matters
Driving a motorhome is different from driving a standard car, especially on narrow roads, mountain routes, or in busy towns.
Some people adapt immediately and enjoy the experience. Others find parking, reversing, and manoeuvring stressful at first.
If you are new to driving larger vehicles, it is often better to start with a shorter route and simpler roads rather than planning an ambitious cross-country itinerary straight away. It’s also worth speaking to other people in your group to see if you can share the driving.
The more confident and relaxed you feel behind the wheel, the more enjoyable the holiday will be overall.
Driving a motorhome is different from driving a standard car, especially on narrow roads, mountain routes, or in busy towns.
Some people adapt immediately and enjoy the experience. Others find parking, reversing, and manoeuvring stressful at first.
If you are new to driving larger vehicles, it is often better to start with a shorter route and simpler roads rather than planning an ambitious cross-country itinerary straight away. It’s also worth speaking to other people in your group to see if you can share the driving.
The more confident and relaxed you feel behind the wheel, the more enjoyable the holiday will be overall.
So, Is a Motorhome, Campervan or RV Rental Right for Your Trip?
The answer really comes down to the kind of travel experience you enjoy most.
If you love flexibility, scenic drives, and the freedom to change plans as you go, a motorhome rental can be an excellent way to travel. It gives you space to slow down, spend more time outdoors, and enjoy the journey as much as the destinations themselves.
If your ideal trip is more about staying in one place, avoiding driving, and having everything organised for you, then traditional accommodation will likely suit you better.
A useful way to decide is to picture your perfect travel day. If it involves waking up somewhere new, making coffee with a mountain or sea view outside, and deciding your next stop as you go, motorhome travel is probably a strong match.
For many travellers, the freedom of the open road, flexible schedules, and a sense of independence become the highlight of the trip. For others, the extra planning and responsibility simply outweigh the benefits.
Ultimately, the best choice is not the most popular one, but the one that makes your trip feel easier, more enjoyable, and more memorable.
The answer really comes down to the kind of travel experience you enjoy most.
If you love flexibility, scenic drives, and the freedom to change plans as you go, a motorhome rental can be an excellent way to travel. It gives you space to slow down, spend more time outdoors, and enjoy the journey as much as the destinations themselves.
If your ideal trip is more about staying in one place, avoiding driving, and having everything organised for you, then traditional accommodation will likely suit you better.
A useful way to decide is to picture your perfect travel day. If it involves waking up somewhere new, making coffee with a mountain or sea view outside, and deciding your next stop as you go, motorhome travel is probably a strong match.
For many travellers, the freedom of the open road, flexible schedules, and a sense of independence become the highlight of the trip. For others, the extra planning and responsibility simply outweigh the benefits.
Ultimately, the best choice is not the most popular one, but the one that makes your trip feel easier, more enjoyable, and more memorable.
FAQs: Motorhome, Campervan & RV Rental
Is it cheaper to rent a motorhome or stay in hotels?
It depends on your travel style. For couples or solo travellers on short stays, hotels are often cheaper. For families or groups on multi-stop trips, a motorhome or campervan can offer better value as it combines accommodation and transport, and allows you to cook your own meals, reducing overall costs.
Do you need a special licence to drive a motorhome or campervan?
In most countries, including the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and much of Europe, a standard driving licence is enough for most motorhomes and campervans, as long as they are within the weight limits. In the US and Canada, larger RVs may have different requirements depending on the vehicle size, so it’s always best to check locally before booking.
Is it hard to drive a motorhome, campervan or RV for the first time?
It can feel unfamiliar at first due to size, height, and parking. However, most travellers adjust quickly after a short time on the road. Many first-time travellers choose a smaller campervan or motorhome to build confidence before moving to larger vehicles.
Where can you sleep in a motorhome or campervan?
You’ll usually sleep in campsites, holiday parks, or designated motorhome and RV stopovers. Some countries allow limited freedom camping in specific areas, but rules vary widely and must always be checked locally before staying overnight.
What are the disadvantages of renting a motorhome or campervan?
The main downsides include driving a larger vehicle, limited living space, campsite planning, and added responsibilities such as water, waste disposal, and route logistics. They are not always ideal for short city breaks or trips where you only stay in one location.
Is motorhome or campervan travel worth it for first-time travellers?
Yes, if you enjoy road trips, flexibility, and being outdoors. It’s especially rewarding in destinations where the journey is part of the experience, such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada or Iceland. It may not suit travellers who prefer hotels, city breaks, or fully structured itineraries.
Is it cheaper to rent a motorhome or stay in hotels?
It depends on your travel style. For couples or solo travellers on short stays, hotels are often cheaper. For families or groups on multi-stop trips, a motorhome or campervan can offer better value as it combines accommodation and transport, and allows you to cook your own meals, reducing overall costs.
Do you need a special licence to drive a motorhome or campervan?
In most countries, including the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and much of Europe, a standard driving licence is enough for most motorhomes and campervans, as long as they are within the weight limits. In the US and Canada, larger RVs may have different requirements depending on the vehicle size, so it’s always best to check locally before booking.
Is it hard to drive a motorhome, campervan or RV for the first time?
It can feel unfamiliar at first due to size, height, and parking. However, most travellers adjust quickly after a short time on the road. Many first-time travellers choose a smaller campervan or motorhome to build confidence before moving to larger vehicles.
Where can you sleep in a motorhome or campervan?
You’ll usually sleep in campsites, holiday parks, or designated motorhome and RV stopovers. Some countries allow limited freedom camping in specific areas, but rules vary widely and must always be checked locally before staying overnight.
What are the disadvantages of renting a motorhome or campervan?
The main downsides include driving a larger vehicle, limited living space, campsite planning, and added responsibilities such as water, waste disposal, and route logistics. They are not always ideal for short city breaks or trips where you only stay in one location.
Is motorhome or campervan travel worth it for first-time travellers?
Yes, if you enjoy road trips, flexibility, and being outdoors. It’s especially rewarding in destinations where the journey is part of the experience, such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada or Iceland. It may not suit travellers who prefer hotels, city breaks, or fully structured itineraries.
