10 - Campervan solution

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For travellers who have always dreamed of touring a part of the world, but have never got round to planning it because it was just too expensive, then consider renting a campervan. And we don't just mean a battered old Volkswagen van - although they can be very cool too.

The campervans for rent today can be extremely sophisticated with inbuilt showers, toilets, cookers and even microwaves and all sorts of other luxuries like flat screen televisions. They come in various sizes and rental companies are widely available in most countries.

Before signing on the dotted line, get an idea of prices for staying at camp sites - even if you don't necessarily want to park up at a specific location, most countries won't allow campervans to park just anywhere for the night. It is also safer to stay in a dedicated area with services like warm showers to save on your onboard water supply. Also, make sure that you find out the rough costs of petrol, parking and road charges that might apply (in France for example, motorways are not free to use). Also, note that bed linen and kitchen utensils are extra, so bring your own. Last but definitely not least, always ask for a copy of the contact to read before making a decision - check what the rental company's rescue service includes, which comes in very handy in case of an accident or emergency while on the road. Be careful with the small print, as most insurance policies won't cover most events and a rescue service is just a formality. For a case study of a campervan experience gone wrong, read one of our issues of the week, Cruise America: where your safety is (not) our priority.

Car sharing

Contents

• 1

  WWOOFING

  
• 2

  Rainbow meetings

  
• 3

  Independent volunteering

  
• 4

  Join a cult

  
• 5

  Rent a flat and go self-catering

  
• 6

  Couchsurfing

  
• 7

  Monastery stays

  
• 8

  Megabus ventures further

  
• 9

  Car sharing