Motorhome Travel Blogs

Early Payment Discount

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:52:00 -0700

We have spectacular saving for NZ. We can offer a saving of up to10% for travel from 1 September until 30 November.

Compass campers have fantastic vehicles at great prices with an addition of 10% saving for these periods.

Please call us for further infortmation or visit www.compasscampers.co.nz

Free Phone - AU 1800655628
NZ 0800556606
US 1800655628

Ring Road of Iceland

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:26:00 -0700

Reykjavik By glennharper - FlickrIceland is a land in the making (literally), and a rising tourist destination. The landscapes are rugged black lava fields, icebergs and untouched volcanic islands, complimented by pristine Glacial Lakes and clean green cities.Circle the country on it's 1,339 kilometer Route 1 and see the intriguing country's volcanic features, gushing geysers, turquoise pools, cascades and incredible ice caps. You'll be in awe and astonishment at the nature of Iceland.JokulsarlonBy tigric - FlickrTake the route in a Campervan and take your accommodation with you, stopping and staying in scenic spots or pulling over for a coffee in...

Melbourne- Adelaide and the Great Ocean Road

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:50:00 -0700

Australia's southeast has some beautiful stretches of coast and vibrant cities. Experience them with this 3-day road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide.Day 1: The Great Ocean Road- Melbourne to WarrnamboolMelbourne is the stately and laid-back counterpart to the hype of Brisbane and Sydney. With a New England feel and a more temperate climate, it is an exceedingly pleasant place to shop, wander and visit! Before departing on your trip, if you have a few days in Melbourne spend some time exploring and taking in the unique and multicultural atmosphere. Hot spots to visit include Chinatown, the retail precinct of Docklands...

Perth-Esperance Road Trip

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:42:00 -0700

Western Australia is an isolated part of the country, a huge area with one major city and a lot of wilderness! Fly into Perth and get on the road with this roadtrip from Perth to Esperance. From there you can continue East or head back to Perth to see the Great Australian Bight and the southwest corner of the country in more depth.View Larger Map Day 1: Perth- AugustaPerth is a city apart. Not just in the sense of a unique atmosphere and setting, but also literally- it is geographically one of the most remote cities on earth, with...

Brisbane to Rockhampton Road Trip

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:48:00 -0700

Whilst most people think that the action happens to the south of Brisbane on the Gold Coast, the coast to the north of the city is equally well endowed with beautiful beaches, so if you can forgo the amusement parks and the crowds, why not try a roadie from Brisbane to Rockhampton??View Larger MapDay 1: Brisbane-BundabergBrisbane straddles the Brisbane River, and is Australia's third most populous city. The climate anddiversity make it a very pleasant city to inhabit or visit..Brisbane by Broderick Flickr Creative CommonsTo head north, leave Brisbane on M1 then National Highway 1. Although this passes behind rather...

Sydney to Canberra Loop

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:08:00 -0700

If you're looking for a road trip departing from Sydney, why not try a loop through Canberra? It will take you through some great inland landscapes and also along the coast from Bateman's Bay to Sydney. Sydneyby Jimmy Harris Flickr Creative Commons Day 1: Sydney to Canberra Leave Sydney and get into the southern highlands on National Highway 31, the area to the southwest of Sydney. In this genteel and picturesque area, you will drive through several small towns, and the natural attractions are somewhat off the main road- the Wombeyan Caves are accessed via the Old Hume Highway and Wombeyan Caves...

Winter mini Roadtrip in North Island of New Zealand

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:19:00 -0700

By Ianz - Flickr The Winter Holidays are the perfect time to take the kids on a mini Campervan tour of the North Island in New Zealand. Bubbling mud pools, Thermal Hot Springs and snowy mountains are on the cards in this exploration of the beautiful New Zealand scenery.Begin the holiday in Auckland, but leave the big city behind as you head for Tauranga and the mount. Spend some time at the cafes and shops down at Main Beach, Mount Maunganui and be sure to take a walk around the Mount or up to the summit to get some beautiful...

Burning Man Luxury packages

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:19:00 -0700

Missed Burning Man Tickets - We are currently offering Burning Man Packages, which includes your tickets and rental of a Luxury Class A vehicle. Please call us to get more information on the package and prices on these numbers below.

Free Phone - US 18664250307

UK - 08082348955

Australia - 1800655628

Netherlands - 08000227358

Denmark - 80885225

A Lovely Long weekend in a Campervan.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:13:00 -0700

Papamoa Beach By Abaconda - Flickr Our beautiful Easter weekend began on thursday afternoon in Auckland. After an in depth run-through of our 4 berth Campervan by the campervan lady, being shown the nooks and cranies, where everything was and the general functionalities of the dinky space, we were underway. However, not without a DVD explaining anything we may have forgotten ready to play on our Campervan's very modern flat screen t.v. - easily maneuvered to fit up against the wall or in good view from the back couches.Our dinky kitchen, cupboards, table and back window.We hit the road with...

What Makes a Drive a Road Trip?

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:17:00 -0700

by Tiberiu Ana Flickr Creative CommonsBe it by car, motorbike or motorhome, a true road trip is an experience, not just getting from A to B. Here are some guidelines for an amazing road trip:- Take someone with you. Someone you love, someone you like, someone you just met but find interesting- reminiscing afterwards will be half the fun of the trip.- Take new routes. The highway is the fastest way, but not the most interesting. A road trip is about the journey, not the destination, so can't be rushed. In New Zealand it's called a tiki tour- go down...

Boston Top Sights

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:53:00 -0700

Boston is a city of history, of sports and of academia. The site of the original Tea Party, when the occupants threw tea in the harbour rather than pay taxes on it, it is now a wealthy and thriving city and a hub of culture. Here are some of the top spots to see according to Pittsburgh Live:Freedom Trail This trail links the historic sites of downtown Boston, making it simple to see them all by foot. Highlights of the route include the Boston Common, America's oldest public park, the King's Chapel, the site of the Boston Massacre between Redcoats...

Big Sur Road Trip

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:34:00 -0700

If you are picking up your motorhome in Los Angeles, a Big Sur Roadtrip is an excellent and highly scenic choice. A region of the Californian coast north of Los Angeles, the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean there, making for amazing vistas. Here is a suggested easy itinerary that will allow you to take it easy and travel a few hours a day, whilst taking in all that the coast has to offer.View Larger MapDay 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara.Santa Barbara is less than 2 hours from Los Angeles, but after the fuss of picking...

On Route 66 With Billy Connolly

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:46:00 -0700

From Chicago to Santa Monica is 2488 miles, the route of the original Route 66. It is a legend in the US, and has spawned many namesakes- a song, a television show, a brand of jeans and more. It was removed from the US Highway System in 1985, but has remained a well-known icon, and some parts of it are preserved as the 'Historic Route 66.'Billy Connolly took to this legendary road on a trike in a 4-part series for ITV. Connolly is known for his brash humour, and the series doesn't disappoint, although it's not all about the funnies....

10 of the best in Cornwall

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:49:00 -0700

The Guardian lists the ten best campsites in the popular british holiday destination of Cornwall. Although judging the best is subjective to say the least, these campsites are certainly worth a look if you are planning a roadtrip in the area:Lovelane CaravansThis is a camp full of boutique caravans- sadly not much use for an RV rental as the caravans are already set up on site and you cannot bring your own. However, it sounds like an enchanting place to stay!Highertown Farm CampsiteThis is a small campsite, but well-maintained by the National Trust. With room for only a few motorhomes...

Workamping

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:32:00 -0700

For the semi-retired or naturally nomadic, workamping is the latest lifestyle option- live (and work) out of an RV!If your work is internet-based, the transition is easy- just take to the road and find a way to keep up a connection- buy a dongle for internet on the go, or use wireless which many parks provide. However, it's still possible to combine work with your chosen lifestyle if you can't work on the web- many workampers do short term work in camping grounds, hotels, amusement parks or anywhere where their interests and skills may lie. Workampers have dedicated websites with...

Easter in Washington DC

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:01:00 -0700

Easter isn't usually a holiday with many public events, unlike Christmas and New Year's Eve. However in Washington, this holiday is celebrated in style.

The White House Easter Egg Roll is a family event that is held annually in front of the iconic White House. The tradition is a longstanding one, beginning in 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes welcomed children onto the White House lawn to roll eggs on easter monday. Subsequent presidents carried on the tradition and it remains to this day. The South Lawn is opened to children 12 and under and their families, and a variety of activities are available.These include the famous White House Easter Egg Roll, storytelling, a visit with the Easter Bunny, sports, cooking classes and live music. It is a treat for the kids, a chance for the public to see a friendly side of the imposing White House, and an american cultural tradition. It is now held on Easter Sunday and is, of course, at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Understandably, security is tight and everything will be screened- no food or beverages can be taken in.

Restaurants are busy over easter weekend in DC, with many putting on a special Easter Brunch. Keep a look out for specials- many places will put on an all-you-can-eat type special in honour of the holiday. The Washington Zoo gets into the spirit of things to, with an African-american themed celebration. Easter games and live African music are put on to be enjoyed by visitors, as well as special talks and feedings for the animals.

The christian heritage of Easter need not be ignored or forgotten- Washington is an historical city and has several beautiful churches. For a real easter experience, attend a service in one of these amazing buildings. Try the Washington National Cathedral on Wisconsin Ave NW, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in the Catholic University complex on Michigan Ave, St Matthew's Cathedral near the city centre on Rhode Island Ave NW or St. John's Church on H Street NE.

Washington National Cathedral

by Shubert Ciencia Flickr Creative Commons

Get great deals on USA RV rental here!

Miami Spring Break

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:33:00 -0700

Miami is one of the hotspots for Spring Break, when college students flock to and invade the warmer states, notably Florida.It isn't everyone's piece of cake- if you are looking for a quiet and relaxed roadtrip with your motorhome hire, stay away! But if you're up for a little partying (or a LOT), why not join in? Who says you have to be a scantily-clad student to experience Spring Break!

Miami is more spread out than somewhere like New York, so there are RV Parks right in town in some places.This makes it easy to get in amongst your action whilst living in your motorhome! If you want to stay somewhere a little more peaceful and scenic, there are places such as the Miami Everglades Resort which have the best of both worlds.

When and where does the fun take place? Probably after 2pm, when the students make it out of bed and on to the beach.For the quintessential spring break beach, try Miami's South Beach for people-watching and strutting your stuff. There's a 'clothing optional' beach at Haulover Beach, for the naturalists among us. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the bottom of Key Biscayne has a beautiful beach and also a historical lighthouse which you can tour. Virginia Key Beach is also popular, located right off the I-95 across the Rickenbacker Causeway. There is of course also the main beach that runs in front of the Miami Beach city centre, from Bal Harbour down to South Point.

Bill Baggs State Park

by Gopal Venkatesan Flickr Creative Commons

Miami Beach during Spring Break

by mojumbo22 Flickr Creative Commons

Next on the agenda is food- Miami's food is known for ethnic diversity so you can try whatever takes your fancy. Perricone's Marketplace is a favourite for Italian. and The Palm is a classic steakhouse. Miami is home to a number of Orthodox jews so you can easily go kosher. Iron sushi in South Beach is popular for a quick bite, and Cafe Charlotte is great for Argentine food at a good price. Just walk around when hunger strikes and you are sure to come across whatever cuisine you feel you want.

Nightlife is the reason that many visit Miami, especially during Spring Break season! Tobacco Road is an old favourite, no fills-style place with greasy hamburgers and live jazz. In South Beach, the Clevelander is iconic and hosts wild parties any night of the week. Just down the road, Mango's Tropical Cafe brings the latin beats. Mansion, an old movie theatre, is for the hardcore- it opens at 11pm and closes at 5am. Miami even has a club called BED that is full of actual beds, so you can lie down whilst sipping cocktails.

Clevelander, South Beach

by yosemitewu65 Flickr Creative Commons

For the more typical tourist activities, or in between, bed, beach and nightclub, Miami has several things to offer. Zoo Miami is one, a cageless zoo with an exceptionally wide variety of critters from different continents.There is also a seaquarium, and of course the Everglades to get your nature fill- you can walk, canoe or take an airboat to get around this unique natural phenomena.

Miami's Seaquarium

by smart destinations Flickr Creative Commons

So, if you want your US roadtrip to include a party, time it to include Miami in early May when most schools let out for Spring Break. It's certainly a memorable experience!

Have a look here for some great USA RV rental deals!

Isle of Wight in a Campervan!

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:19:00 -0700

By amandabhslater - FlickrThe Isle of Wight is England's hidden gem. Pretty beaches, quaint towns, flourishing groves and many an interesting attraction with a 1950's feel will leave you wishing you could spend longer on the wee 384km squared isle. 6ish kilometres off the southern coast of Hampshire, jump on the ferry with your Campervan at Southampton and head on over to this popular holiday destination. Slightly warmer than the rest of the UK, and occasionally compared to the Caribbean, it is the prefect spot for a short roadtrip with the family. Beach huts between Sandown and Shanklin By ronsaunders47 - Flickr Spend...

Parc Omega Wildlife Experience

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:10:00 -0700

Parc Omega is a sight to see for anyone visiting Quebec. Located between Ottawa and Montreal, just north of Montebello, it is a Canadian Safari- a wildlife park.The main attraction is a ten-kilometre nature route during which deer, buffaloes, bears, and many other animals can often be seen. Visitors to the park can drive the route and see these wild animals close at hand. there are also opportunities to get up close and personal with some of them. Obviously bears and wolves are off-limits, but you can feed and touch reindeer, an amazing experience. During the summer months, there is...

France's Southwest Coast. Sun, Sand, Surf and Laidback Locals

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:47:00 -0700

Thinking of a motorhome roadtrip in France? If it's summertime, the coast is the place to go. France's most famous coastlines are those of the French Riviera and the peninsula of Brittany (Bretagne). Both of these are beautiful parts of the country, and if you are looking for glamour, the Riviera is where it's at! However, they are extremely popular as holiday destinations, and there is the degree of commercialism and crowds that come with that. If you are looking for a hidden gem, try the southwest coast. This is the coastline of the Aquitaine region that extends from La...