Top choices for road trip vehicles
Thursday, 21 June 2012 3:02 PM
If you're planning to go on a long road trip or you like the idea of heading off for the weekend several times a year, you'll need a vehicle that will be equipped with everything you require so you are comfortable and relaxed during your getaway.
Here are a few of the best road trip vehicles around.
American motorhomes
These are ideal for those going away for a long time as they will be a home away from home. This is because American motorhomes are generally large and spacious, with some measuring more than 30 ft in length.
As a result of this extra room, they feature large storage facilities – so whether you are travelling for months on end or you are with a large group of people, you will have plenty of cupboards to house all your belongings. Therefore, you don't have to worry about how much you pack to take with you, although it is worth making sure you have all your important documents in the vehicle, including your motorhome insurance policy.
This type of automobile typically has all the furniture and appliances you need to be able to live comfortably for a while. Expect to find sofas, beds, dining chairs and a table, a cooker, fridge and freezer as standard. You can also choose ones with a DVD player, TV, radio, en suite and air conditioning should you want to.
For those looking for a luxurious motorhome, you can find models with ice crushers, patio lights, an inbuilt bar and back-up cameras, which may come in handy if you're not used to manoeuvring such a large vehicle!
Another great thing about American motorhomes is that, as there is plenty of room, you can go travelling around the UK with a large group of friends or family. Many sleep up to eight people, so not only will this mean you can have company during your holiday, but you will also have a choice of people who can share the drive with you.
Touring caravans
If you fancy the idea of having a bed, cooking facilities and living room furniture with you as you travel around the country for a short trip away, but also want to be able to drive off in your car when you reach specific destinations, touring caravans could be just the thing for you.
These enable you to hook your caravan on to the back of your automobile and take it with you. However, you then have the freedom of pitching it at a campsite and being able to explore the local area in something far smaller.
Many people like the option of having the best of both worlds with this type of caravan. However, if you are planning long journeys, it is worth noting that the driver won't be able to enjoy the comfort of a more spacious vehicle – or even have much company – as they take to the road.
European campervans
While American motorhomes offer caravan enthusiasts luxury and space, their European equivalent might be preferred due to their convenience. For a start, they are more likely to fit in your garage when you get home, and they are also easier to drive around many busy areas in the country. If you want to visit a town or city, for instance, they can be driven through congested streets, although the same may not be possible with American models, especially ones that are nearly 40 ft in length!
You can also easily park European motorhomes up, as they fit in most public car parks, enabling you to visit popular tourist attractions during your getaway. Pitching up at caravan sites will also be more straightforward, as they take up less room and enable more vehicles to be parked in the same amount of space.