Motorhome Travel Blogs

Summer Savings on RV's in USA

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 07:09:00 +0000

Summer Savings

Act fast and save on your Summer RV rental by booking today. Save $50 when you book selected vehicles for 10 days or longer this summer, but hurry this offer is only available for 5 days. Savings apply to selected vehicles and must be booked on this website by 31 March 2013 to qualify. Discount applies to travel throughout summer (01 June - 30 September) however it is subject to availability.

PROMO CODE: 50OFFSUMMER
Valid from 25-Mar-2013 to 31-Mar-2013

Coupon Terms and Conditions

1. Applies to new bookings only;
2. Bookings must be made by 31 March 2013;
3. Travel must be commenced and completed between 01 June and 30 September 2013;
4. Minimum hire of 10 days applies;
5. This offer is available on selected vehicles as outlined on the booking screen;
6. Subject to vehicle availability at all times. Normal terms and conditions apply. Click here to search for RV Rentals in USA remember travel is 01 June - 30 September 2013, must be 10 days or longer . Please update this in the search bar to generate relevant results.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:24:00 +0000

The Natchez Trace Parkway runs for 444 miles from Natchez in Mississippi to Nashville in Tennessee. The drive not only has great scenery which is a prerequisite for an excellent motorhome road trip route, it also holds a lot of Native American history and is a designated All-American Road.

The Parkway follows the route of the old Natchez Trace, a path used for centuries by the original inhabitants of the land. Later it was used by early European explorers. Parts of the Trace are still in existence and many are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Trace mostly follows a geologic ridgeline, and before even the Native Americans used it, animals were taking advantage of the dry, high ground to move from Tennessee to the grazing lands south of the Mississippi.

Old Natchez Trace Remnants

by Chris M Norris Flickr Creative Commons

Nashville is a great spot to pick up a campervan rental, and also to listen to some country music- it is the country capital of the United States, and where Taylor Swift went to get a record deal. If you like country and western, stick around for a while and see what's on! To get to the Natchez Trace Parkway, head out of town on West End Ave/Highway 100 until the exit onto the Parkway appears. History buffs could also take a detour through Franklin, a southern suburb which was the site of a civil war battle in 1864.

Nashville at Night

by Kenton Forshee Flickr Creative Commons

Heading south towards the state border, the road passes through both wooded areas and the open spaces of Tenessee's horse and farm country. One of the only structures remaining from the original Trace lies along this stretch of the road- Gordon House, the house of John Gordon who was a ferry operator on the Duck River, helping people across to continue with their journey.

There is a short trek across Alabama before crossing into Mississippi. A quick detour off the Parkway here will take you to Florence, a port on the Tennessee River which is dammed near the city to form Pickwick Lake and Wilson Lake. There is a wide river crossing where the Parkway traverses, and on the southern bank you will find the Colbert Ferry Park, where George Colbert once offered a ferry service and inn to travellers.

The Parkway crosses the Tennessee River

by Jamie Flickr Creative Commons

The road crosses into Mississippi not long before coming to Bay Springs Lake. This is a reservoir surrounded by various Recreation Areas, a great place to stop and enjoy. There is also a campground there, Piney Grove, which is an option for an overnight stop should you want one!

The Pharr mounds are another interesting historic point along this road. These 8 burial mounds date back to 1-200AD. These range in size and four of them were excavated by the National Park Service to reveal internal features including clay platforms and fire pits.

Pharr Mounds

by Jamie Flickr Creative Commons

The Trace passes through the fields of Mississippi where soybeans and cottons grow (sounding like a country song), and passes through Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis. This is another great option for an overnight stay, especially for those who love the King.

Near the end of the route is Jackson, state capital of Mississippi. There is a great live music scene here, focused on soul music like gospel, soul and RnB. After crossing the cultivated floodplain, passing Natchez State Park and traversing a forested ridge, the Parkway terminates at Natchez.

Mississippi State Capitol

by Ken Lund Flickr Creative Commons

The most convenient place to hire an RV for this trip is Nashville! Have a look here for great deals on USA RV rental.

Author: Phil Wright+

The Vermont 100

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:23:00 +0000

For a scenic road trip in Vermont, eschew the big I-91 and try Vermont's state route 100 to take you from Newport in the north to Wilmington in the south. This trip will give a glimpse into quintessential New England villages and countryside.

Newport is on Lake Memphremagog, not far from Canada's Montreal. There is a boardwalk on the waterfront and plenty of shops and cafes with beautiful scenery surrounding the city. Head out of town on VT105 to get to the beginning of VT 100 and head south!

Lake Memphremagog

by John Jewell Flickr Creative Commons

Wide open spaces abound between Newport and the small town of Lowell, after which the mountains come into view. More small towns are strung out along the road, as well as several small lakes and rivers. Just outside of Morrisville are the pretty Cadys Falls waterfall and swimming hole, and not long after that you will find Stowe, a particularly quaint village and four-season resort town. The white church and spire are the centerpiece of Stowe.

Stowe Town Hall

by Peter Broster Flickr Creative Commons

Continuing south, cross the Winooski River at Waterbury and after passing through Waitsfield the road runs along next to the Green Mountains. With a backdrop of peaks, the road runs through pasture and cornfields in a river valley. Pretty towns with british- sounding names are dotted along the route- Hancock, Rochester, Stockbridge, Pittsfield and Killington to name a few.

Green Mountains

by dvs Flickr Creative Commons

The Green Mountain forests are a great place to stop for the night if you want to break up your trip. They are home to a number of campsites such as Chittendon Brook near Rochester, where you can get a bit closer to nature and enjoy the trails in the mountains. For something more civilised, try one of the townships.

Further down the New England feel continues as the road passes through West Bridgewater and Plymouth Notch and also skirts the Coolidge State Forest (named for Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the USA), which has plenty of hiking trails, campsites and mountain views. Further south are a number of tranquil lakes- Amherst Lake, Echo Lake and Lake Rescue, of which the latter is the largest and used extensively for watersports and recreation.

Birthplace of Calvin Coolidge, in Plymouth Notch

by Shannon Flickr Creative Commons

The rest of the drive is through green hills between Ludlow and Weston. Weston is a classic Vermont village with a great historical society and playhouse, as well as a bandstand on the green and the mandatory church steeple!

Winter in Weston

by redjar Flickr Creative Commons

Londonderry and South Londonderry straddle the West River further south, and then the road enters dense greenery once again in the southern part of the Green Mountan National Forest, and passes the imposing Haystack Mountain.

View from Haystack Mountain

by Chris Oakley Flickr Creative Commons

The route ends in Wilmington, a town not far above the border with Massachussets.

Great big-city pick up points at either end of this route are Boston and Montreal, both excellent starting points for road tripping in Vermont and the surrounding states!

Have a look here for great deals on RV Rental USA, and here for RV Rental Canada.

Whitefish Bay- The beauty of Lake Superior.

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:21:00 +0000

Whitefish Bay is 5 hours north of Detroit, and is an excellent spot to visit if you are road tripping in the Great Lakes region. On the shores of Lake Superior, you will find lots of greenery and cute lakeside towns in the very north of the United States.

If you are heading north on the I-95 towards Canad, get off at MI28 and head towards Brimley. This town is located where the Waiska River flows into Whitefish Bay. It is home to a museum, a casino at the Bay Mills Indian reservation and a lighthouse, as well as a pretty waterfront.

from Brimley, head west on West Lakeshore Drive through birch, maple and oak forests. The Point Iriquois Light Station is not far from the town, and is a beautiful bit of architecture which is attached to a house serving as a museum. Also along this part of the coast is the beautiful Monocle Lake, great for fishing and all kinds of recreation. There is a campground at the lake which would make a lovely place to stop overnight.

Point Iroquois Light Station

by Andrew Horne Flickr Creative Commons

The road continues along the shoreline, passing Pendills Bay and Tahquamenon Bay. Lakeshore Drive becomes Lake Superior Shoreline Road, and then ends at White Fish Road. Turn right here to continue along the lake's shore and cross the Tahquamenon river. The Tahquamenon Falls State Park in this area is Michigan's second largest State Park. The centerpeice of the park is are the beautiful Falls and rapids, of which the waters are stained reddish brown with tannins. The best access to the Park is on MI123 from the small town of Paradise. This tourist town is the gateway to both the State Park and Whitefish Point.

Tahquamenon Falls

by Dawn Endico Flickr Creative Commons

Lake Superior

by Jean-Pierre Cauchon Flickr Creative Commons

Whitefish Point protrudes into the lake above Paradise, and there you will find another lighthouse for vessels navigating Lake Superior, and also a bird observatory amongst woods and lakes.

Chicago is a great pick up location for a road trip in this area, central to the lakes and to many different states. See here for great deals on RV Rental USA.

Author: Phil Wright+

Doubleback by Volkswagen- Room to Move!

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:17:00 +0000

In the world of motorhomes, VW is most famous for its Kombi vans, but they are no one-hit wonder. The video above reviews their new Doubleback van, a great addition to the world of small campervans which combines storage, living space and simple features into one amazing ride.

The original!

by indy_slug Flickr Creative Commons

The Doubleback has a pod at the back which slides out to double the size of the back of the van and therefore the living space! The extendable pod is sturdy and can hold up to 600 kilograms when the support is down. It includes a bed, and there is another that drops down in the main part of the cabin, where you will also find seating, a table and baic kitchen facilities. The front seats swivel to provide extra seating.

The only obvious drawback to the van is that it can only seat two belted in, or 3 if you request the double passenger seat, however it can sleep four. An extra seat with belt would not go astray! However, the Doubleback would be perfect for a couple who like some room to stretch out- just like their campervan.

San Juan Skyway

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:17:00 +0000

Colorado is a state of scenery, mountains and outdoors fun, which is a draw for many motorhome road trippers. If you are there and looking for a scenic drive to complete, don't look past the San Juan Skyway, a loop which includes the towns of Ridgway, Durango and Cortez. Also just off the main route is the famous Telluride, a gorgeous mountain resort.

To complete the loop in one day would take 5 hours, but many choose to spread it over 2 and take the time to enjoy the sights. Heading south on US550 for the first leg of the route, you will pass through Quray, a historic city established during the rush for gold and silver found in the mountains. This stretch of road, continuing right down to Durango, is a stunner. Passing waterfalls in the Uncompahgre Gorge and an array of mountains, it is a long but enjoyable drive, called the Million Dollar Highway.

Uncompahgre Gorge

by Ken Lund Flickr Creative Commons

The Red mountains are particularly noteworthy, with slopes streaked with red and orange gravel. After passing the small town of Silverton, the route passes through valleys in San Jaun National Forest, an expanse of wilderness covering nearly 2 million acres. The road eventually follows the Animas River valley to the city of Durango.

Durango is a great place to stop for the night if you are breaking up the trip. Famous for the spectacular narrow guage railway connecting it with Silverton, it was built as a railroad town. The Historic area of downtown Durango is a great place to spend some time, and you can take part in outdoor pursuits such as ziplining, rock climbing and rafting in and around the city.

Durango

by Bob Uhl Flickr Creative Commons

From Durango, the Skyway continues on US160 towards Cortez, but turns onto CO145 north to Dolores just before reaching the city. Along US160 you will pass Mesa Verde National Park, where the ruins of ancient Puebloan villages can be found. This park is a highlight of the route, with spectacular views from the Mesa. Cortez is another option for a nighttime stopover!

Ruins at the Mesa Verde National Park

by Doug Kerr Flickr Creative Commons

After Cortez, the route passes Dolores and follows the Dolores River back into the San Juan mountains. There are great vistas from the San Juan crest at over 3km above sea level. Trout Lake is a popular stop along this leg of the journey, and can be found close to CO154 before the turn-off to Telluride. The lake is not only beautiful with a backdrop of Colorado mountains, it is a great fishing spot.

Trout Lake

by Frank Kovalchek Flickr Creative Commons

After the lake is the turn-off to Telluride. This lovely mountain town sits in a canyon with Bridal Veil Falls at the head of it, and it is connected by gondola to Mountain Village at the base of the winter ski area. Telluride's victorian Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is quite spectacular to see, especially in such an amazing setting.

Telluride

by Christopher Bown Flickr Creative Commons

Bridal Veil Falls

by Paul Schultz Flickr Creative Commons

Back on the main road, the route follows the San Miguel River through a sandstone-cliff canyon to Placerville, and then back to Ridgway after a right turn onto CO62.

The major pick-up location for the San Juan Skyway and in fact all of Colorado is Denver, the state capital. Start booking your San Juan Skyway motorhome rental at Motorhome Road Trip.

Author: Phil Wright+

Blue Ridge Parkway: An American Favourite

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 02:34:00 +0000

The Blue Ridge Parkway is all about the scenery. In Autumn/Fall, this journey along the forested spine of the Blue Ridge in the southern Appalachians is particularly spectacular, thanks to the colourful leaves which line the drive.

by InAweofGod'sCreation Flickr Creative Commons

The Parkway begins in Rockfish Gap, Virginia and runs to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. To drive the entire thing, It would likely take longer than 12 hours, so the best way tot ackle this beautiful road trip is to stop in one or two towns along the way for the night. You will pass through Roanoke near the beginning of the route, and Asheville near the end. Both of these are great places to stay if you like a bigger city feel, and if you are looking for a small-town spot to stay the night, try Blowing Rock, Boone or Black Mountain.

Blue Ridge Parkway

by jay8085 Flickr Creative Commons

The road passes through a lot of foliage, beginning right as you leave Rockfish Gap. Passing Rocky Mountain and the Shenandoah Valley, the Parkway crosses the James River and then climbs up to Virginia's highest point, Apple Orchard Mountain. All this before Roanoke! After you have traversed the city, The Rocky Knob Recreational Area is a great spot for hiking trails, and there is a campground where you can spend the night should you so wish.

After crossing the border, you will drive through Stone Mountain State Park and Doughton Recreation Area as you continue along the ridge to Boone. Home of Appalachian State University, Boone is a playground for mountain activities in all 4 seasons. Further south, Asheville is a city rich in culture, great architecture and things to see and do. A favourite is Biltmore Estate, a stunning mansion which was once the home of the Vanderbilt family. After Asheville, the road maintains the scenic standard as it wonds along the Black Mountains and Great Craggy Mountains, passes the Glassmine Falls and reaches its highest point at Richland Balsam.

Biltmore Estate

by Smart destinations Flickr Creative Commons

The end of the road comes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a huge park which straddles North Carolina and Tennessee. It is the USA's most visited National Park, and consists of ridge after ridge of spectacular forested mountains. The park has oportunitites for walking, driving, fishing, horseback riding and picnicking, and sightseeing, so plan to stay a while!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

by pfly Flickr Creative Commons

Although there is no major depot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, popular pick up locations for major motorhome rental suppliers are in Atlanta and Washington DC - depending on which end of the Parkway you wish to start. Start booking your Blue Ridge Parkway Motorhome Rental at Motorhome Roadtrip.

Two Roads Meet - CampervanRental.org is moving to MotorhomeRoadtrip.com!

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:03:00 +0000

Campervanrental.org is embarking on a new adventure- a merge with motorhomeroadtrip.com. Motorhome Road Trip is a site full of itineraries, destination information and tips to plan a great motorhome holiday anywhere in the world. With all Campervan Rental posts to be archived on the site, it will be your one-stop shop for motorhome information!

The sites will merge by the 1st of March 2013, after which you can head to motorhomeroadtrip.com for all 5 years worth of news, reviews and trip ideas which have been blogged here. It's been a hard job, blogging about the latest amazing vehicles, and dreaming of road trips to far away lands, but someone has had to do it- and long may it continue on the new site!

Here are a few of the posts which have appealed most to all of the nomads coming to campervanrental.org over the years:

Best of Retro Travel Trailers, a look at some amazing old but lovingly refurbished caravan-style trailers.
New Motorhome Design Concepts, about the up-and-coming techniques that will be used to optimise space and luxury.
Groovy Motorhome Paint Jobs, exactly as it sounds.
Innovative Design, a history of the beautiful Geographic travel trailer in the 1960s.
Cool Campers and RVs, a rundown of the most different, amazing and interesting motorhomes on the road.

Head on over to Motorhome Road Trip and keep travelling!

Tunes to Roadtrip To.. And to Avoid

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 23:48:00 +0000

Driving and music go together like ham and cheese on a sandwich, but according to a recent study by confused.com, motorists need to be careful about which songs they listen to whilst on the road.

The study involved participants driving 250 miles without music and 250 miles with it, as the company's MotorMate app recorded acceleration, braking, speed etc to determine how safely they were driving.

The results showed that music did indeed affect driving behaviour- with loud and upbeat music increasing erratic habits, speed and acceleration. Any music which increases heartbeat and arouses excitement is not a good choice, with heavy metal, hip hop and fast rock being some of the worst culprits.

So what should you listen to whilst in control of a motor vehicle? Songs which mimic the tempo of a human heartbeat are the best, with around 60-80 beats per minute. Easy listening style music, essentially.

Here is the top ten most dangerous songs list that confused.com came up with:

1. Hey Mama – The Black Eyed Peas
2. Dead on Arrival – Fall Out Boy
3. Paper Planes – M.I.A
4. Walkie Talkie Man – Steriogram
5. Paradise City - Guns N’ Roses
6. How You Remind Me – Nickelback
7. Hit the Road, Jack – Ray Charles
8. Get Rhythm – Johnny Cash
9. Heartless – Kanye West
10. Young, Wild and Free – Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa (feat. Bruno Mars)

So as it turns out, 'Hit The Road, Jack' is not the best for hitting the road. For your next road trip, think about how your playlist might affect your safe driving behaviour!

So when booking an RV Rental, think twice about your playlist!

Author: Phil Wright+

Drive Sydney to Melbourne

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 22:46:00 +0000

The best route between Sydney and Melbourne is along the coast and through many small beach towns and national parks. At just over 1,000 kilometres, this trip could take you 1 day or a week depending on how much you want to see! Here is a 3-day itinerary.

Day 1: Sydney to Batemans Bay

Sydney is Australia's biggest city, a cosmopolitin world city which needs no introduction. The Harbour bridge and Opera House are landmarks known the world over, and Sydney offers many things to see and do, so have a good look around before leaving on your road trip along Highway One!

Just after leaving Sydney, you will come across the Royal National Park which has the title of second oldest purposed national park in the world, after the United States' Yellowstone. There are plenty of activities in the park, with cycling and walking trails and picnic areas throughout the park, a tram for the kids to ride, and lots of wildlife to see. There are surf beaches on the coast, and Audley is a popular spot to visit- a picnic area with dance hall, cafe and restrooms where you can hire boats and canoes.

Royal National Park

by Kyle Taylor Flickr Creative Commons

Around Lake Illawara further south, there is a built up area which includes Wollongong, Port Kembla and several other neighbourhoods. The are has 17 surf beaches, so if you are there in summer, the choices are endless! There is also a science centre and planetarium which makes a fascinating visit, and plenty of beachside shops, cafes and restaurants. Just south of here you will find Kiama and the Kiama blowhole.

Kiama Blowhole

by steve gibson Flickr Creative Commons

Further north are Bomaderry and Nowra on the Shoalhaven river- in Nowra is the Australian Museum of Flight. Continuing south you will hit many small towns and return to the coast at Ulladulla. Meaning 'safe harbour' in the native language, it is home to a lovely harbour and some popular largely undeveloped beaches.

The rest of the way to Bateman's Bay is through a lot of state forests. The town is small, with some lovely beaches to swim at during summer, and lots of craft shops and markets in the nearby villages. There are several holiday parks to park up for the night.

Batemans Bay

by eGuide Travel Flickr Creative Commons

Day 2: Bateman's Bay to Cape Conran

This day's travel at 381 kilometres will take you across the border into the state of Victoria. One of the first towns is Moruya, a lovely and friendly town on a river with great saturday morning markets and a museum with exhibits about the pioneer settlers in the area.

Next along the route is Tuross Lake and just off the highway, the township of Tuross Head. Surrounded by the ocean and two lakes, this is the spot for any type of water sport! The lakes provide great quiet waters for those travelling with kids, and there is a magnificent surf beach on the ocean coast. As you continue south, you can stay on H1 or take the coastal route along Wallaga Lake Road/Tathra Bermagui Road/Sapphire Coast Drive. The coastal option will take you past the many lakes in the area and rejoins with the Highway at Pambula, just after Merimbula. Merimbula has many things to do, including a theme park, wildlife sanctuary and a boardwalk around the lake so plan to stop there if you come this way!

Lake Merimbula

by Percita Flickr Creative Commons

Ben Boyd National Park south of Pambula is home to a heritage lighthouse and aboriginal middens, as well as some stunning scenery both on the coast and inland. The rest of the drive to Cape Conran Coastal Park is through more state forests and across the border.

Cape Conran is just off Highway One along Sydenham Inlet Road. This Coastal Park is 11,700 hectares of coastal wilderness, and there are camping sites available so you can spend the night and enjoy the many activities and sights.

Cape Conran

by Phillip Capper Flickr Creative Commons

Day 3: Cape Conran to Melbourne

Head west out of Cape Conran on Highway One towards Melbourne.The drive will take you past the pretty Lake Tyers State Park and into Bairnsdale, a town in an area full of coastal lakes called Gippsland- Lake King, Lake Victoria, Lake Wellington and more.

Gippsland Lakes

by Phil Whitehouse Flickr Creative Commons

Further along the highway is the city of Sale, also near the Lakes area. As Melbourne approaches, the towns and commuter suburbs come thick and fast. Morwell, Moe, Warragul and then the city.

Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital, with lots to see, do and experience. To get a feel for the city, walk the riverbank in the central city and visit the iconic Flinders Street railway station. Park your campervan in a holiday park for a night or a few nights to have time to explore the laid-back and interesting city that is Melbourne!

Have a look here for great deals on campervan hire in Sydney!

Author: Doug Brown+

Darwin to Broome: Road Trip the Tropics!

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 22:43:00 +0000

This 4-day trip will take you through some of Australia's stunning outback scenery and past several amazing National Parks. The Northern territory and Western Australia states are not as popular with visitors as Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, but are perfect for those who want to see Australia's more untouched and wild areas.

Day 1: Darwin to Katherine

Darwin is a relaxed and multicultural city, with great markets and historical sites from the World Wars. Have a look around and enjoy the easygoing way of life before setting off, and be sure to visit the markets which boast handicrafts and cuisine from around the world!

Darwin Markets

by Stephen Michael Barret Flickr Creative Commons

This is not a long leg of the trip, but you will want the extra time to explore the impressive Kakadu National Park which covers 19,804 kilometres squared. Turn off Highway One onto State Route 21 for the Park, which showcases both the country's natural and social history. It has varied landscapes including estuaries, floodplains, lowlands, stone country and more, as well as much wildlife. For a great window into Australia's wetlands, walk the boardwalk over the Yellow Water Billabong, and for those interested in teeth, try a Jumping Crocodile cruise on board the Adelaide River Queen. The land is the ancestral and current home of aboriginal clans, and there are thousands of sites of rock art which presents an amazing historical record of the land and its occupation.

Rock art site in Kakadu

by andrea castelli Flickr Creative Commons

After leaving Darwin and before the turn off to Kakadu, the Manton Dam Recreation Area is the perfect spot to stop for a break, especially for the water sports enthusiasts. There is a designated swimming area and access for boats, jetskis and windsurfers, as well as nice picnic areas. Also along the route is the township of Adelaide River, and the beautiful 3-tiered Robin Falls is a short drive from there.

Katherine is a town situated on the Katherine River, the third largest settlement in the Northern Territory. The town is known for adventure, due to its proximity to the magnificent Nitmiluk National Park, where you can boat, hike, canoe, get in a helicopter and visit the stunning Katherine Gorge. The town itself, despite being one of the state's largest, is small with a single main street. There is an art gallery and a museum, and several holiday parks where you can park your motorhome for the night.

Katherine Gorge

by thinboyfatter Flickr Creative Commons

Day 2: Katherine to Kununurra

Leave Katherine on Highway One heading towards Western Australia. Be prepared for long hours on the road, as this is not a populous part of Australia and you won't come across towns every 50 kilometres! The Victoria Highway, as this part of Highway One is called, passes many of the legendary cattle stations which will give a glimpse into a unique and isolated way of life. It also crosses the great Victoria River, and you can stop near the crossing at the Victoria River Roadhouse for a drink.

Cattle muster by helicopter on a station

by Kate Dixon Flickr Creative Commons

On the border between the Northern Territory and Western Australia is Keep River National Park, a small park with big scenery! There are some amazing rock formations and hikes in the park.

Kununurra is not far over the border. A small town, it is close to several lakes and dams but does not boast much in the way of entertainment! For camping, try Lake Kununurra Holiday Park.

Day 3: Kununurra- Fitzroy Crossing

The drive between these two towns will again hold a lot of scenery and not much civilisation, so stock up your vehicle so you can pull into one of the many rest stops to refuel and rehydrate!

The only town of any size you will come across between the two is Halls Creek, a small town which is a hub for indigenous populations and cattle stations in the area. Nearby is Old Halls Creek, the site of Western Australia's first gold rush. Nowadays people still fossick in the area, trying to find nuggets! The ruins of the old post office and cemetery can still be seen.

Road to Old Hall's Creek

by Harclade Flickr Creative Commons

Just outside of Fitzroy Crossing is the Geikie Gorge National Park, home to a spectacular gorge carved through limestone. Visitors can take cruises through the gorge, or explore on foot.

Geikie Gorge

by Tony Bowden Flickr Creative Commons

Fitzroy Crossing is a town of around 1,500, created by early settlers as a place to ford the mighty Fitzroy River. There is a campground with motorhome sites at the Fitzroy River Lodge, and the Tarunda Caravan Park.

Day 4: Fitzroy Crossing to Broome

Continue out of Fitzroy Crossing on Highway One, heading toward the coast.

A nice detour is along the Derby Highway to Derby on the King Sound. This town experiences the highest tidal range in the country, with a record high of 11.8 metres! Along with Broome and Kununurra, it is one of only 3 towns in the Kimberley region to have a population of over 2,000. One of the most interesting features of the town is the nearby "Boab Prison Tree," an odd-looking tree whose trunk was actually once used as a prison cell! It is also a very multicultural town where you can learn a lot about the indigenous culture.

Boab Prison Tree

by Claire Taylor Flickr Creative Commons

Broome is just off Highway One along the Broome Road. Two of the major industries are pearling and tourism, so keep a look out for good deals on pearls. A visit to Cable Beach is a great option, a beautiful white sand beach 7km out of town that is washed clean each day by the crazy tides. Check out Broome Caravan Park for a place to stay!

Cable Beach

by Eulinky Flickr Creative Commons

Have a look here for great deals on Darwin Campervan Hire!

Kakadu National Park

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 22:40:00 +0000

One of the biggest attractions of northern Australia, especially for lovers of nature and natural history, is the huge Kakadu National Park. It is around 2 hours' drive from Darwin, depending on which part of the park you visit, and it covers 19,804 square kilometres.

Kakadu is a place to hear and see the story of Australia. Naturally, it is very diverse, with many different landscapes from tidal flats and wetlands to hills, woodlands and stone country. These habitats support a wide range of fauna, including birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.There are 33 threatened species for which Kakadu is an important conservation area.

The park has always been and still is home for aboriginal tribes. They are happy to share the wonderful Park and their unique way of life with visitors, but please respect sacred sites, people's homes etc. Some guidelines for interaction can be found here.

The park is open to visitors every day of the year, and there is a park use fee for out-of-state visitors which helps to maintain the park and improve visitor services. The main visitor centre is Bowali Visitor Centre, in the heart of the park along the Kakadu Highway. On land owned by the Mirrar clan, here you can see an audio-visual display about the area and visit the library and habitat display, or refresh yourself at the cafe. Another centre is the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, on the Murrumber clan lands. Shaped for its namesake, the Warradjan (pig-nosed turtle), the centre holds detailed information about the aboriginal tribes who live and have lived in Kakadu, and their connection with the land.

A lasting legacy from the generations of aboriginal peoples inhabiting the land are the many rock art sites in Kakadu. There are around 5,000 examples of this art throughout the park which tell the story of the people and their lands.

Rock Art

by andrea castelli Flickr Creative Commons

You can get out on the water in Kakadu and boat and fish in the rivers and estuaries, but beware of crocodiles! The use of non-motorised craft is prohibited for this reason. There are many boat and walking tours you can take, day or overnight, and many of these are led by the traditional inhabitants of the land so will give you a great insight into the natural and cultural history. Bushwalks abound also, of varying lengths and degree of difficulty. There is plenty to do and see in Kakadu, so if you can, stay a few days, or even a week.

For the motorhome tripper, there are plenty of options for accommodation at Kakadu. There is the Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park in the town of Jabiru which is right in the middle of the park, and also the Mary River Wilderness Retreat, both of which are good options if you want a little more comfort in your lodgings. For the wild at heart, there are numerous simple campgrounds. The managed campsites have flushing toilets and hot showers, whilst the bush campsites have more primitive facilities. Both attract a small fee, but this is an economic way to travel. Some bus campsites have 4wd access only, and a very few require a camping permit. A guide to camping in the Park can be found here.

Have a look here for your wheels and accommodation to explore Kakadu National Park with Australia campervan hire!

Author: Doug Brown+

Save on Maui Campervan Hire in Australia with 25% off!

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 23:39:00 +0000

Maui campervans are well-known and well-liked, and often seen on the roads Down Under taking holidaymakers from mountain to beach to city to outback! In the spirit of Christmas, Maui has offered a discount on all Australia rentals booked from now until the 6th of January 2103, for travel between the 13th of January and the 24th of March 2013.

To take advantage of this excellent offer, just make your booking within those dates and check the first Maui options that are shown- when you start booking, the title of the booking should include "25% Off Christmas." Make your booking and enjoy the savings and the amazing sights of Australia! This discount is available only to Australia or New Zealand licensed drivers.

What could you do with a discounted hire in the Australian summer? See and be seen at Bondi in Sydney, stroll the riverbank in cultured Melbourne, dive the great barrier reef in Queensland, road trip right across to Perth to cool off in the Indian Ocean, or experience the full magnificence of the outback in summer- just make sure the vehicle you hire has air conditioning!

Bondi Beach

by Kim Flickr Creative Commons

Yarra River, Melbourne

by edwin.11 Flickr Creative Commons

Great Barrier Reef

by Paul Toogood Flickr Creative Commons

Cottesloe Beach, Perth

by Michael Spencer Flickr Creative Commons

Outback Trails

by Ron Bennetts Flickr Creative Commons

Book here to find this and other great deals on Australia campervan hire!

Author: Doug Brown+

Sydney Campervan Hire for Top Gear Festival

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 01:28:00 +0000

Top Gear is coming to Sydney! In March next year, the inaugural Sydney Top Gear festival will take place, bringing the car lovers and motorsport fans out of the woodwork. The event will take place over the weekend of the 9-10th of March at the Sydney Motorsport Park.

The festival has been moved to Australia for the first time after 2 years in South Africa. It is a line-up of all things car-related- races, stunts, challenges and spectacles, all hosted by the beloved Top Gear Team. They will be joined by driver Mark Webber and his Formula One car to add some Aussie talent to the mix. His circuit will be one of the highlights of the event, along with the Stig’s Supercar Garage with some incredible machines, the stunts and jumps zone for those adrenaline-seekers and the well-loved Top Gear-style presenter challenges.

The festival is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to New South Wales, so book travel and accommodation fast! General Admission tickets will allow you into the festival for a whole day, costing $79 for an adult, $29 for a child and $180 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. $10 more per person will also get you a grandstand seat for a comfortable way to get close to all the action.

A great way to to travel around Sydney in a campervan. Check out Sydney Campervan Hire Deals here: http://cheapsydney-campervanhire.com.au/

Just don't give the the camper keys to any of the boys at Top Gear:

Author: Doug Brown+

Monopod 660 Revealed

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 02:34:00 +0000

Another van from the future: This time, a caravan. Looking like a helicopter when face-on, the inside has a little more personality, lacking the white and stainless steel that many modern spaces are made of. Made by IH Leisure in the UK, it is designed to sleep 4, with a range of different layouts to choose from.

The Monopod is a one-piece shell, that can be custom-painted to order- why not match it to your car? The UK's famous Caravan Club may become more colourful if the Monopod starts a trend! This caravan is top of the line, heated throughout and will cause quite a stir at any holiday park.

Screenshot from caravantimes.co.uk

For UK campervan hire, click here!

Author: Doug Brown+

EleMMent RV: Height of Luxury

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 02:34:00 +0000

Austria's Marchi Mobile have brought out the big guns in the RV world with the EleMMent RV, an interesting and expensive-looking RV that pulls out all the stops: Master bedroom with ensuite, seating that turns into a bar, a fireplace(!!), a Sky Lounge on the upper deck and more creature comforts than you can shake a stick at. And I wouldn't go shaking any sticks around the paint job of this RV, because it looks like it will come at a hefty price.

The vehicle is designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic, reducing fuel consumption by it's 500 horsepower engine.

If you have the spare cash lying around for one of these, be prepared to turn heads- and to wait for it to be custom-built for you.

Screenshot from gadgetking.com

If you don't why not check out Austria in something less luxurious but much more affordable- you can go the same places as the EleMMent can! Click here for Austria motorhome hire.

Author: Doug Brown+

Trollstigen- The Troll's Path

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 02:33:00 +0000

Norway is full of amazing vistas- but if you really want an eyeful, try driving the Trollstigen- if you dare! This winding, scenic and mountainous route translates to "Troll's Path." With 11 hairpin bends that take it on a zigzag up a mountainside and an average gradient of 9%, it is a bit of a challenge- but worth it!

There are two amazing waterfalls to be seen on the way up, and views over the valley and mountain. There is a parking area, visitor's centre and viewing platform near the top of the road, for those who need a rest after the hair-raising journey!

Although narrow, the road is definitely safe for motorhomes! Check out motorhome rental and roadtrip ideas for Norway to make your own trek up the Trollstigen!

by Phillipe Teuwen Flickr Creative Commons

by awiemuc Flickr Creative Commons

Author: Doug Brown+

Motorhome of the Year

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 02:33:00 +0000

For the first time, a winner has been crowned in the UK- a winner amongst mobile homes. A collaboration between two magazines, Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly and Which Motorhome, the inaugural Motorhome of the Year awards awards were held in Bedfordshire recently.

There were several categories, but the main winner, named Motorhome of the year, was the Knaus Sky Ti 650 MF. It is a 4-berth German model, fixed bed and coach built. One highlight of the design is haveing a fixed bed without significantly reducing the living space, a difficult feat in motorhome design. It also has stylish and practical washroom and kitchen, and is overall a great motorhome for anyone wanting to get on the road.

There were several other Coachbuilt categories, with the Tribute T-725 Sport taking out the Family Coachbuilt award, and the Adria Coral 670 SU winning Non-Fixed Bed Coachbuilt of the Year.

For motorhome hire in the UK, have a look here!

Author: Doug Brown+

Spain Motorhome Rental Pick-Up Locations

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 02:33:00 +0000

Spain, surrounded by the sea, is a country full of art, music and colour. A motorhome trip helps you get in amongst it- but where to start? Here are some ideas:

Barcelona
Barcelona is in the northeast corner of Spain, and truly has it's own culture-even it's own language. Although Spanish is understood and spoken by all when needed, the local language is Catalan. The city is absolutely worth a visit- it is filled with the weird and wacky architecture of Anton Gaudi, and has restaurants, bars and shopping to keep anyone entertained for weeks. Campsites are available on the outskirts of the city. From Barcelona, you can easily make your way down the Mediterranean coast.

Gaudi Architecture at Park Guell
by Ale3andro Flickr Creative Commons

Madrid
Madrid is Spain's capital city, with a great cultural and artistic heritage. It has a very royal history as the centre of the Spanish Empire- the Royal Palace is located there. Check out Museo del Prado which has one of the world's finest art collections. Madrid is very central- from here, you can head towards the Med, the Atlantic or into Portugal or France.

Malaga
Malaga, on Spain's southern Mediterranean coast, is more laid-back than it's northern counterparts- start here for a relaxing beginning to your journey! If sun and sand is what you're looking for, a good trip would be to start here and work your way up the coast to Barcelona.

Malaga
by Jose Bolorino Flickr Creative Commons

San Sebastian
San Sebastian is situated on the Atlantic coast, close to the border with France- so is a good starting point for a trip in both countries. It's most attractive feature is an amazing beach right in the central city- combining natural delights with cultural ones.

Bilbao
Bilbao is very close to San Sebastian, but inland. It is home to the one of the famous Guggenheim museums, and is a great starting point for surfers- very close to the Atlantic coast and Spain's famous Mundaka surf break.

For great deals on Spain motorhome hire, please click here.

Author: Doug Brown+

Campervan during the London Olympics!

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 02:33:00 +0000

With 198 days to go, The London Olympics will be an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to go! The Olympics go from the 27th July to the 12th August 2012!! Not far away at all! With a little over three weeks solid entertainment you'll want to stay in London the whole time and get the most out of it! Millions of people will flock into London which will make the city a very bustling and thriving place. From watching the runners sprinting to weightlifters lifting , The gymnasts twirling to the tennis players smashing, you'll enter a world of excitement.

Be sure you don't miss out on being a part of this momentous occasion. Get in quick to book accommodation! A campervan is the perfect way to spend three weeks. Having downtime relaxing in campsites around the city, being able to shut out the busy world and the possibility of being able to head off on a roadtrip after the games is the way to go! Many campsites around the city have easy access to get you back to the games arenas after you've had a restful sleep and cooked a delicious meal! Don't spend an exorbitant amount on accommodation, hire a campervan from one of the many suppliers around the city or out of the city if you're coming in from elsewhere.

Take a look around one of the following sites to find the best deal out there on Motor homes and the perfect campervan to suit your needs and wants. Motorhome Republic.com and Campervan hire sale finder.co.uk bring you the best prices for Campervan Suppliers in the UK and all around the world. With so many people flocking to London, accommodation options will dwindle down so get in quick!

London has more Camping grounds than you'd think, and many within a short distance of Central London.

Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park is a peaceful site and for a small camping fee you'll be less than 50 minutes from Trafalgar Square. Play your own Olympics on their Tennis or Golf Courses.

Lee Valley Campsite is a convenient reach to the games locations while still being in outstanding countryside and the Epping Forest.

Abbey Wood Caravan Club Site is another perfect location for your stay. Feeling positively rural with mature trees it is still only a 35 minute rail into central London.

Find some more Campervan Sites around London...

Book the ultimate Campervan and Olympic experience!

Author: Doug Brown+