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After Heath and I RVed to all 50 states, I set my sights on the remainder of the world. The place else on this planet might we journey by RV? Turns on the market are fairly just a few international locations the place RVing and tenting are WAY extra widespread than it’s right here within the States!
However I’ve had a tough time discovering extra details about the place all on this planet we are able to RV. I’ve seen just a few lists of “all” the international locations on this planet the place you possibly can RV, however most of them record not more than 10 international locations! I knew they have been lacking fairly just a few spots. So I sat down and did a LOT of analysis to take advantage of complete record of the place you possibly can journey the world in an RV.
This record consists of almost 60 international locations the place you possibly can RV world wide! Under I’ll share what I learn about RVing in these international locations, plus assets for studying extra.
What RVing Across the World Is Referred to as
“RVing” encompasses journey by a number of completely different autos that go by completely different names on every continent. I consult with car tenting as RVing, however the time period RV is just used right here in North America!
Listed below are just a few of the phrases it is best to know:
- In North America, RVing means touring by motorhome, camper, or trailer.
- In Australia and New Zealand, you rent a motorhome on your campervan vacation to go caravanning. (Say that 5 instances quick.)
- In Africa, the phrase motorhome and camper are interchangeable. (Didn’t know RVing was a factor in Africa, did ya?)
- In Europe, you journey by motorhome (equal to American Class C’s or B’s) or by caravan (equal to a journey trailer). The time period campervan can also be used. It’s possible you’ll go motorhoming in your campervan.
- In Asia, you lease tenting automobiles, which may vary from a personalized minivan to a small motorhome.
- In South America, you’ll lease a camper (or probably drive your individual RV throughout the borders). As a result of infrastructure in South America, you extra often hear of individuals overlanding throughout the continent.
- In Antarctica, simply kidding. There aren’t any type of RVs there based mostly on my analysis. You may go to by cruise although or keep in a tent on the ice, if you happen to’re actually into tenting!
Of the six continents the place you possibly can RV, I’ve RVed on 4 on the time of penning this submit. My aim is to in the end camp on each continent, however convincing my husband to camp in a rooftop tent surrounded by lions is proving troublesome. 🦁
Let’s get into the record, in no explicit order.
Iceland
Primarily based on Instagram alone, Iceland is among the extra widespread locations for RV leases. I’m continuously seeing photographs of their glaciers, lagoons, and waterfalls!
Iceland has been close to the highest of my bucket record for some time and the truth that tenting is big there’s a main plus! Many leases are 4×4 autos too, so you possibly can actually get off the overwhelmed path and discover. Though from my analysis, wild tenting is just permitted for tents, not motorhomes.
And sure, in Iceland you possibly can really lease a camper year-round! Would you need to camp in Iceland in January when the solar rises after 11 AM and units earlier than 4 PM with a excessive of 3º? In all probability not. However hey, a minimum of that’s 3 levels Celsius! And if you happen to go to within the winter, there’s a superb opportunity you’ll see the Northern Lights, that are alleged to peak in 2024!
Or you possibly can go to in July and August when the nation’s mountaineering is at its greatest. That is peak vacationer season so count on crowds and seek for camper leases early.
Japan
A number of years in the past, somebody who listens to our podcast despatched us a Fb message and instructed us that he and his spouse reside in Japan and desirous about RV life. WHAT?! There are some elements of the world the place you count on tenting to be widespread, and Japan was undoubtedly not considered one of them! Seems that just like the US, many retirees take to the open roads to RV across the islands.
We lately took two weeks to tour Japan and located the nation surprisingly simple to navigate. There aren’t many assets for planning an RV highway journey in Japan, which made planning this journey troublesome. We shared our expertise in a video collection on Youtube:
Japan appears to have the smallest motorhomes—and motorhome is a stretch. It’s all #vanlife! (Even in a 16-foot van, my husband nonetheless managed to get us caught!) Motorhome leases additionally don’t come outfitted with bathrooms. In my expertise, bathrooms are in every single place so this was much less of an issue than I imagined!
Learn Extra About Japan: Ought to You Lease an RV in Japan? What to Know Earlier than You Go
Japan is a collection of islands, however you possibly can ferry your van to the 4 main islands: Honshu (the place you’ll discover Tokyo and a lot of the different Japanese cites you’ve heard of. I like to recommend beginning your journey right here.), Kyushu (sizzling springs!!!), Shikoku (one of the best for browsing) and Hokkaido (the northernmost island the place you possibly can’t RV within the winter).
China
I’ve heard the RV market in China in comparison with the US within the 80s. It’s nonetheless very new, however it’s booming amongst center and upper-class households. RV leases and campgrounds have gotten extra frequent.
China has lately grow to be extra accessible for American vacationers, however not a lot info has been revealed about find out how to plan an RV journey across the nation as of but.
Mexico
Mexico will get a foul rap, with many vacationers contemplating it too troublesome to journey wherever exterior of resorts. However over the previous few years, there’s been an insurgence of RVers crossing the border into Mexico—specifically into Baja.
The Baja Peninsula boasts a ton of shoreline and superior seashores. Baja affords boondocking spots and campgrounds (though good electrical energy is more durable to seek out and plenty of campers decide to depend on photo voltaic as an alternative). However the largest consideration can be water. Ingesting the water in Mexico nearly ensures you’ll get sick, so that you’ll want to seek out purified or bottled water for consumption.
The professional of RVing in Mexico is that it’s proper there so that you can drive throughout the border, so no want to fret about renting an RV. Fearful about security? Right here’s an awesome weblog submit by Loopy Household Journey sharing their experiences touring in Mexico.
Norway
After we speak to anybody about RVing overseas, Norway inevitably comes up as an RVers paradise! Most lately we watched our pals, the Holcombes, exploring throughout Norway and the surroundings seems unbelievable!
From what I’ve discovered, Norway affords a ton of boondocking choices resulting from allemannsretten. Translating roughly to “freedom to roam” this Norwegian regulation stems from a Nordic custom giving each man entry to public lands.
France
Maybe the most well-liked nation in Western Europe for RVing is France. Between the shoreline and the Alps, there’s an excellent purpose why this nation retains popping up on our radar for RVing. Of all of the international locations the place I’ve RVed, this one is a high contender for probably the most camper-friendly nation on this planet.
France is probably the most visited nation on this planet and most vacationers flock to the cities. We have been shocked by the great thing about each nook in France! That is one place that lives as much as its status for beautiful surroundings and phenomenonal meals.
Be taught extra about motorhoming in France: What It’s Like RVing in France
Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, England, Eire, The Netherlands, Mainly all of Europe
I’ve singled out just a few European international locations like Norway, Iceland, and France as a result of these are the highest three international locations I hear folks speaking about when contemplating an RV journey. However you possibly can RV throughout Europe.
Right here’s what Wherever Campers—who we have now used twice in Europe—say about the place you possibly can journey in Europe:
“You may transfer freely between these international locations: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Nice Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Eire, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Sadly we don’t permit our campers to be pushed to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Turkey as they’re excluded from our insurance coverage plan and likewise for the security purpose[s].”
So almost in every single place in Europe.
When you’re questioning what number of choices you may need for tenting in these international locations, right here’s a snapshot of all of the websites listed on Park4Night for Albania: 
I by no means would’ve considered Alabania as a preferred tenting vacation spot, however you possibly can see they undoubtedly have choices! That is the app we utilized in Italy and will simply discover parking heaps, boondocking, and campgrounds all around the nation. Tenting is much more widespread in Europe than it’s within the States, so there’s no scarcity of RV leases and campsites throughout the continent.
That’s 38 international locations in Europe that Wherever Campers mentions. Nonetheless, I consider they’re incorrect in mentioning Monaco. The second smallest nation on this planet really prohibits motorhomes and caravans, however after visiting, I did see a motorhome driving down the highway. So you possibly can maybe move via this small nation, however don’t count on to remain in a single day. We share how we legally visited Monaco in our RV on this video:
South Africa, Namibia and Botswana
YES. I by no means would’ve considered southern Africa as being a preferred space for RVing, however it’s. And never simply based on my Google analysis! I had a pair attain out just a few weeks in the past to inform me that they’ve been RVing in South Africa for years! RVing may not be the best phrase although, as most motorhomes in Africa are extra like American overlanding autos.
Whereas I feel the thought of RVing in southern Africa sounds wonderful, it’s undoubtedly an journey reserved for extra campers than glampers. When you’re snug offroading and being surrounded by animals, you would possibly love this journey.
Worldwide Campers additionally simply began providing leases at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, making visiting the Seven Wonders of the World just a little extra potential!
Morocco
Most of Africa and the Center East aren’t RV-friendly, however simply throughout the ocean from Europe, you will notice campers! You may ferry over or lease an RV in Morocco.
Of all of the locations the place you possibly can go by motorhome, I used to be most shocked by Morocco. Who would’ve thought? I do know you possibly can camp in tents within the Sahara, however motorhomes I didn’t count on. In response to the opinions, motorhome leases are widespread with households with younger youngsters.
Belize, Costa Rica, & Panama
When you cross the border into Mexico and need to hold heading south, you will see beachfront tenting choices all through Central America. Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama have all been singled out as international locations with the infrastructure to assist campers (though if you happen to’re heading from nation to nation, you’ll additionally drive via different Central American international locations).
I discovered choices for campervan leases in Belize and Costa Rica, however I couldn’t discover as many in Panama.
As you possibly can see within the video above, campervan is an apt time period. A lot of the leases on this space are smaller vans or SUVs which have kitchenettes and rooftop tent beds.
The most important concern I’ve seen with RVing throughout Central America is border crossings. Some bordering international locations don’t have one of the best relationship which may make crossing the borders just a little furry.
Cuba
Cuba looks like an island too small for RVing and some years in the past, this nation wouldn’t make the record! RVing is changing into an increasing number of widespread as a singular strategy to discover a rustic.
You may lease campers from one firm out of Havana. You should reserve any parking spots forward of time as restrictions for in a single day parking are enforced.
Chile
That is one of the best nation in South America for a highway journey! Chile is thought for its abundance of nationwide parks and has loads of tenting choices—however it’s laborious to seek out RV tenting choices. Most campgrounds are for tents or cabins. However that doesn’t imply you possibly can’t RV there, simply that you just received’t have full hookups. Assume overlanding!
This can be a random photograph I discovered on Instagram of somebody who took a highway journey in Chile for his or her honeymoon. It seems unbelievable!
World Large Campers affords leases in Chile, that are all 4×4 autos that may deal with the nation’s terrain. The time period camper right here means both an SUV with a rooftop tent or a truck camper.
Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Peru, Argentina
World Large Campers additionally affords leases in Colombia and Argentina, although these aren’t the one South American international locations with tenting and glamping choices.
Principally, you could find tour corporations that may take you on guided journeys throughout South America. The tour firm I researched recommends a 4×4 car underneath 35 ft lengthy that’s absolutely self-contained with a observe that claims “count on no hook-up amenities” on the continent. You must also journey with model new tires and a potable water air purifier.
A number of ideas different vacationers shared for RVing in South America that is likely to be useful in these international locations are:
- Don’t drive at evening. (That is explicitly said in lots of locations. Partially as a result of highway situations, partly for security.)
- Carry an additional fuel can and replenish each time you see a fuel station. Stations are few and much between and also you don’t need to get stranded.
- Train warning at border crossings. Have all obligatory paperwork (car registration, proof of insurance coverage, rental settlement if relevant, and so forth.), a world driver’s allow, and your passports prepared.
New Zealand
New Zealand has a status for being probably the most campervan-friendly nation for good purpose. The grocery shops even have campervan parking!
There are many boondocking choices throughout the nation—referred to as freedom tenting—and plenty of nationwide parks. New Zealand is among the most lovely international locations on this planet, with beautiful seashores, staggering mountain peaks, and a TON of mountaineering.
Now we have RVed in New Zealand twice and it by no means disappoints. It’s a stunningly lovely nation constructed for tenting. We’ve shared a ton of data on what it’s like campervanning in New Zealand on our Youtube channel. You may take a look at all 30 episodes right here.
Australia
When you’re a fan of seashores or deserts, Australia is a superb RVing vacation spot! The nation is camper-friendly with many caravan parks or vacation parks (AKA their two names for RV parks).
It’s necessary to notice that Australia is the sixth-largest nation on this planet and that it’s largely inhabited alongside the coast. Enterprise inland and providers are few and much between.
However if you happen to keep on the coast…
Look how cute! This photograph screams Australia.
One main distinction in RVing down underneath? Campgrounds in Australia (and New Zealand) possible received’t supply full hook ups as most vans received’t have a rest room or motorhomes could have a cassette bathroom. Campers exterior of North America usually don’t have a “metropolis water fill” hook up both. You fill your tank with water an then use the onboard water pump.
Canada
Our neighbors to the north, we’ve RVed solely in western Canada thus far and it’s considered one of our favourite locations. The Canadian Rockies are attractive in the summertime, fall, and coated in snow. I can’t suggest it sufficient!
Lake Louise blanketed in snow ❄
We’ve all the time pushed our personal RV throughout the border into Canada, however there are many RV rental corporations throughout the nation too. Whereas elements of Canada are just a little extra distant than in America, most of the RVing customs and tradition are the identical. It’s undoubtedly the best nation for People to go to in RV!
USA
And final however not least, our nation. After we began RVing in 2014, there have been method fewer assets obtainable to RVers. Now there are apps, blogs and books all about find out how to RV right here within the States.
Touring by RV within the US, you’ll discover that some states are extra RV-friendly than others. States like Arizona and Florida could have an abundance of RV parks and states like California have a status for being very RV-unfriendly (although it’s nonetheless our favourite state when it comes to magnificence!). You may even lease a van in Hawaii and test off all fifty states through RV!
RVing Across the World FAQs
Are you able to journey the world in an RV?
Whilst you can’t go to each nation on this planet in an RV, you possibly can go to an excellent chunk of the world by RV if that’s your dream. I personally have discovered it to be one of the best ways to jaunt throughout Europe with our household, however continents like Africa or Asia can be harder.
Do different international locations have RVs?
Generally referred to as by different names, all the above-listed international locations have RVs of some variety. They’re usually referred to as campers, motorhomes, vans, tenting automobiles, auto caravans, caravans, or campervans.
Which nation is greatest for a campervan?
After visiting each, it’s laborious to decide on between France and New Zealand for probably the most camper-friendly nation. New Zealand has to win for its ample boondocking or “freedom tenting.” However France affords RV providers at fuel stations throughout the nation and it’s very simple to navigate.
New Zealand is widespread with adults and {couples}, however we lately revisited the nation with our younger youngsters and found a complete new aspect to the islands.
Can you are taking an RV abroad?
Sure! You may ship your RV overseas.
When you’re seeking to spend a month or longer RVing overseas, transport your van or motorhome will be price it.
Our pals Kathy and Peter lately shipped their Winnebago Revel to Europe for a six-month highway journey. The entire price for transport (together with transport, import and export charges, and insurance coverage) was round $3,000. That’s lower than a one-month RV rental would price, making transport a horny possibility.
Nonetheless, you will have to think about what changes will must be made on your North American RV to be appropriate with European campsites. For instance, you’ll want adapters on your electrical plugs and a composting or cassette bathroom. Crossing the oceans to completely different continents means not being supplied the identical RV providers. Campgrounds overseas usually should not have dump stations for black waste such as you see within the US and Canada, so adapting your RV for international conveniences could also be troublesome. The Winnebago Revel is manufactured with a cassette bathroom, making this rig particularly simple to ship abroad.
Take into account that campsites and roads are considerably smaller overseas than within the US and Canada. I wouldn’t suggest transport an RV longer than 28 toes or 8.5 meters at an absolute most. The smaller the RV, the extra locations you possibly can go to.
For firsthand info and extra particulars on transport an RV to Europe, you possibly can learn this detailed submit on find out how to ship an RV to Europe right here.
Is an RV the most affordable strategy to journey?
Journey is all the time as costly as you make it. You may lease an inexpensive van or an costly one. You may go to glamping resorts or camp in parking heaps! Forex and the worldwide financial system play a big issue, with RV life being dearer or reasonably priced based mostly on the nation.
Associated: How A lot Does It Value to Campervan in New Zealand?
All of the Nations The place You Can RV
These are all of the international locations the place RVing is a factor. I didn’t record international locations the place you possibly can drive your RV throughout the border (like Nicaragua), however solely international locations the place I might discover info on tenting, RV parks, or RV leases. Technically you possibly can cross many, many borders in an RV. However not all international locations supply the infrastructure to assist that sort of journey.
All collectively that involves roughly 58 international locations the place you possibly can RV world wide. That’s 1 / 4 of the globe! Thus far we’ve solely RVed in 12…time to plan our subsequent journey!
When you’ve personally traveled by RV out of the country (or know of a beneficial useful resource by somebody who has), be happy to drop hyperlinks under so I can replace this text with extra info on worldwide RV life.
Extra Sources for Worldwide RVing