A Beginner's Guide to Planning a Motorhome Holiday

So you've seen those happy pictures of families and friends camping out at a national park, looking like they're having the time of their lives and decided, “Hey, why don't I try doing a motorhome holiday? It sure looks easy enough.” Then you think, “But how, or WHERE do I start?” With MyDriveHoliday, of course. Here are some things you need to know before renting an RV in the USA. 

You Don't Need A Special License

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All motorhomes found in MyDriveHoliday USA can be rented by anyone with a regular driver's license. No special licenses required. Just keep in mind that if your license is not in English format, you will need to get an official translation of your license. There are some online translation services that can help you out. Also, always bring your actual license when renting a car or motorhome.

Go For Full Insurance Cover

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It's costly, but remember, in case of accidents, you will be paying for less. Learn more about insurance coverage and why it IS worth it in Insurance Jargon In Simple English.

Check For Seat Belts

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If you are traveling with a large party, it would make sense to rent a bigger vehicle. However, the size of the motorhome doesn't necessarily mean more seat belts. Some 34 ft RVs would only have 6 seat belts, while some 31 ft RVs would have seat belts for up to 8 passengers. Remember that everyone, and this includes infants and children, must have a seat belt on so look for a vehicle with the correct number of restraints. When you use the Quote Calculator to search for an RV, make sure to indicate the correct number of people in your party. Traveling with children? Check out Child-Friendly 8 Berths In The USA.

Don't Be Afraid

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A Recreational Vehicle is generally larger, taller and heavier than your regular car, and this fact usually deters would-be renters. The good news is, all RVs available on MyDriveHoliday USA have automatic transmission and most have cruise control, power steering and power brakes, making them just as easy to maneuver as your own car. Most first-timers have happily reported that turning corners and backing up were all a breeze.

Don't Drive On Your First Day

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But only if you're coming in from an international flight. RV rental operators will not allow you to take the vehicle on the same day as arrival, for safety reasons. Stay in a hotel on your first night and start your motorhome rental on the next day. 

Map Out Your Route

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If you already have an idea of where you want to go, planning an itinerary is a great idea. This way, you can look for RV parks you can stay in along the way. It is always best to pre-book your stay, especially during peak season in the popular destinations. Luckily, some campgrounds accept reservations during these periods. Check out our extensive listing of RV Parks.

Be Realistic

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A 7 day trip from New York to Los Angeles is possible, but this would mean more than 6 hours of driving per day (It is recommended to take a 30 minute rest every 3 to 4 hours when driving an RV). It's not only exhausting; you will also be spending less time enjoying the sights. Consider the amount of time you can stay on the road as well as the destinations before booking your flights and motorhome rental. Know the Travel Distances between cities to get an idea of the miles you'll need to cover from Point A to Point B.

Know Your Timetable

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Motorhome rental companies are generally open between 9AM to 4PM Monday to Fridays, although some offices would be open on Saturdays and Sundays as well. The RVs can only be collected and returned during office hours, so make sure your flights and schedule work with the given timetable. If you've already booked a late flight, reserve the vehicle for collection on the following day. 

Pack Sensibly

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RVs have storage compartments, which are usually on the outside of the vehicle. To save space, soft or collapsible luggage would be the best way to go. Read more about A Guide To Packing For Your US Self-Drive Holiday.

Have Fun!

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You are on vacation, right? Doing a self-drive holiday gives you the freedom to explore on your own terms (and budget), which makes it one of the most enjoyable ways to travel. Meet new friends, see amazing sights and build a stronger bond with your travel mates. Keep all our tips in mind and enjoy the road trip of a lifetime.