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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 may we journey by RV? Turns on the market are fairly a number of nations the place RVing and tenting are WAY extra well-liked 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 a number of lists of “all” the nations on this planet the place you possibly can RV, however most of them checklist not more than 10 nations! I knew they had been lacking fairly a number of spots. So I sat down and did a LOT of analysis to take advantage of complete checklist of the place you possibly can journey the world in an RV.
This checklist contains practically 60 nations the place you possibly can RV all over the world! Under I’ll share what I learn about RVing in these nations, plus sources for studying extra.
What RVing Across the World Is Known as
“RVing” encompasses journey by a number of totally different autos that go by totally different names on every continent. I discuss with car tenting as RVing, however the time period RV is just used right here in North America!
Listed below are a number of 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 to 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 personal RV throughout the borders). Because of the infrastructure in South America, you extra incessantly hear of individuals overlanding throughout the continent.
- In Antarctica, simply kidding. There are not any type of RVs there primarily based on my analysis. You may go to by cruise although or keep in a tent on the ice, when you’re actually into tenting!
Of the six continents the place you possibly can RV, I’ve RVed on 4 on the time of scripting this put up. My purpose 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 checklist, in no explicit order.
Iceland
Primarily based on Instagram alone, Iceland is without doubt one of the extra well-liked locations for RV leases. I’m continually seeing photographs of their glaciers, lagoons, and waterfalls!
Iceland has been close to the highest of my bucket checklist for some time and the truth that tenting is large there’s a main plus! Many leases are 4×4 autos too, so you possibly can actually get off the crushed path and discover. Though from my analysis, wild tenting is just permitted for tents, not motorhomes.
And sure, in Iceland you possibly can truly lease a camper year-round! Would you wish 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, at the least that’s 3 levels Celsius! And when you go to within the winter, there’s a great opportunity you’ll see the Northern Lights, that are imagined to peak in 2024!
Or you possibly can go to in July and August when the nation’s mountain climbing is at its greatest. That is peak vacationer season so count on crowds and seek for camper leases early.
Japan
A couple 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 occupied with RV life. WHAT?! There are some elements of the world the place you count on tenting to be well-liked, 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 straightforward to navigate. There aren’t many sources for planning an RV highway journey in Japan, which made planning this journey troublesome. We shared our expertise in a video sequence 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 geared up with bogs. In my expertise, bogs are in all places 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 sequence 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 (scorching 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, nevertheless it’s booming amongst center and upper-class households. RV leases and campgrounds have gotten extra widespread.
China has lately grow to be extra accessible for American vacationers, however not a lot info has been revealed about tips on how to plan an RV journey across the nation as of but.
Mexico
Mexico will get a nasty rap, with many vacationers contemplating it too troublesome to journey anyplace outdoors of resorts. However over the previous few years, there’s been an insurgence of RVers crossing the border into Mexico—particularly into Baja.
The Baja Peninsula boasts a ton of shoreline and superior seashores. Baja gives boondocking spots and campgrounds (though good electrical energy is tougher to search out and lots of campers choose to depend on photo voltaic as a substitute). However the greatest consideration can be water. Consuming the water in Mexico virtually ensures you’ll get sick, so that you’ll want to search 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. Frightened about security? Right here’s an incredible weblog put up by Loopy Household Journey sharing their experiences touring in Mexico.
Norway
Once we discuss to anybody about RVing overseas, Norway inevitably comes up as an RVers paradise! Most lately we watched our mates, the Holcombes, exploring throughout Norway and the surroundings seems unbelievable!
From what I’ve realized, Norway gives a ton of boondocking choices on account of 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 a great purpose why this nation retains popping up on our radar for RVing. Of all of the nations the place I’ve RVed, this one is a prime 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 had been surprised by the great thing about each nook in France! That is one place that lives as much as its repute for beautiful surroundings and phenomenonal meals.
Study extra about motorhoming in France: What It’s Like RVing in France
Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, England, Eire, The Netherlands, Principally all of Europe
I’ve singled out a number of European nations like Norway, Iceland, and France as a result of these are the highest three nations 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 nations: 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 in addition for the protection purpose[s].”
So practically in all places in Europe.
In case you’re questioning what number of choices you may need for tenting in these nations, 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 well-liked 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 everywhere in the nation. Tenting is much more well-liked in Europe than it’s within the States, so there’s no scarcity of RV leases and campsites throughout the continent.
That’s 38 nations in Europe that Wherever Campers mentions. Nonetheless, I consider they’re incorrect in mentioning Monaco. The second smallest nation on this planet truly prohibits motorhomes and caravans, however after visiting, I did see a motorhome driving down the highway. So you possibly can maybe go by means of 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 well-liked space for RVing, however it’s. And never simply based on my Google analysis! I had a pair attain out a number of weeks in the past to inform me that they’ve been RVing in South Africa for years! RVing won’t be the suitable phrase although, as most motorhomes in Africa are extra like American overlanding autos.
Whereas I believe the concept of RVing in southern Africa sounds wonderful, it’s undoubtedly an journey reserved for extra campers than glampers. In case you’re snug offroading and being surrounded by animals, you may love this journey.
Worldwide Campers additionally simply began providing leases at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, making visiting the Seven Wonders of the World somewhat 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 line with the critiques, motorhome leases are well-liked with households with younger youngsters.
Belize, Costa Rica, & Panama
In case you cross the border into Mexico and wish to hold heading south, you’ll discover beachfront tenting choices all through Central America. Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama have all been singled out as nations with the infrastructure to assist campers (though when you’re heading from nation to nation, you’ll additionally drive by means of different Central American nations).
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 nations don’t have one of the best relationship which may make crossing the borders somewhat bushy.
Cuba
Cuba seems like an island too small for RVing and some years in the past, this nation wouldn’t make the checklist! RVing is turning into an increasing number of well-liked as a novel solution 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—nevertheless it’s exhausting to search 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 simply gained’t have full hookups. Assume overlanding!
This can be a random picture I discovered on Instagram of somebody who took a highway journey in Chile for his or her honeymoon. It seems unbelievable!
World Extensive Campers gives 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 Extensive Campers additionally gives leases in Colombia and Argentina, although these aren’t the one South American nations with tenting and glamping choices.
Largely, yow will discover 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 totally self-contained with a notice that claims “count on no hook-up amenities” on the continent. You also needs to journey with model new tires and a potable water air purifier.
A couple of ideas different vacationers shared for RVing in South America that is perhaps useful in these nations are:
- Don’t drive at evening. (That is explicitly acknowledged in lots of locations. Partially as a result of highway situations, partly for security.)
- Carry an additional gasoline can and refill each time you see a gasoline station. Stations are few and much between and also you don’t wish to get stranded.
- Train warning at border crossings. Have all crucial 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 repute 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—often called freedom tenting—and lots of nationwide parks. New Zealand is without doubt one of the most stunning nations on this planet, with beautiful seashores, staggering mountain peaks, and a TON of mountain climbing.
We have now RVed in New Zealand twice and it by no means disappoints. It’s a stunningly stunning 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 try all 30 episodes right here.
Australia
In case you’re a fan of seashores or deserts, Australia is a good RVing vacation spot! The nation is camper-friendly with many caravan parks or vacation parks (AKA their two names for RV parks).
It’s vital to notice that Australia is the sixth-largest nation on this planet and that it’s largely inhabited alongside the coast. Enterprise inland and companies are few and much between.
However when you keep on the coast…
Look how cute! This picture screams Australia.
One main distinction in RVing down underneath? Campgrounds in Australia (and New Zealand) probably gained’t supply full hook ups as most vans gained’t have a rest room or motorhomes could have a cassette bathroom. Campers outdoors 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 to date 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 at all times 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 somewhat extra distant than in America, lots of the RVing customs and tradition are the identical. It’s undoubtedly the best nation for Individuals to go to in RV!
USA
And final however not least, our nation. Once we began RVing in 2014, there have been approach fewer sources obtainable to RVers. Now there are apps, blogs and books all about tips on 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 repute for being very RV-unfriendly (although it’s nonetheless our favourite state by way of magnificence!). You may even lease a van in Hawaii and examine off all fifty states by way of RV!
RVing Across the World FAQs
Are you able to journey the world in an RV?
When you can’t go to each nation on this planet in an RV, you possibly can go to a great 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 nations have RVs?
Generally referred to as by different names, the entire above-listed nations have RVs of some sort. They’re typically 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 exhausting 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 gives RV companies at gasoline stations throughout the nation and it’s very straightforward to navigate.
New Zealand is well-liked 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.
In case you’re trying to spend a month or longer RVing overseas, delivery your van or motorhome could be value it.
Our mates Kathy and Peter lately shipped their Winnebago Revel to Europe for a six-month highway journey. The full value for delivery (together with delivery, import and export charges, and insurance coverage) was round $3,000. That’s lower than a one-month RV rental would value, making delivery a beautiful possibility.
Nonetheless, you will have to think about what changes will should be made to your North American RV to be suitable with European campsites. For instance, you’ll want adapters to your electrical plugs and a composting or cassette bathroom. Crossing the oceans to totally different continents means not being supplied the identical RV companies. Campgrounds overseas typically do not need 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 specifically straightforward to ship abroad.
Needless to say campsites and roads are considerably smaller overseas than within the US and Canada. I wouldn’t suggest delivery an RV longer than 28 ft 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 delivery an RV to Europe, you possibly can learn this detailed put up on tips on how to ship an RV to Europe right here.
Is an RV the most cost effective solution to journey?
Journey is at all times as costly as you make it. You may lease an affordable van or an costly one. You may go to glamping resorts or camp in parking heaps! Foreign money and the worldwide financial system play a big issue, with RV life being costlier or reasonably priced primarily based on the nation.
Associated: How A lot Does It Value to Campervan in New Zealand?
All of the International locations The place You Can RV
These are all of the nations the place RVing is a factor. I didn’t checklist nations the place you possibly can drive your RV throughout the border (like Nicaragua), however solely nations the place I may discover info on tenting, RV parks, or RV leases. Technically you possibly can cross many, many borders in an RV. However not all nations supply the infrastructure to assist that sort of journey.
All collectively that involves roughly 58 nations the place you possibly can RV all over the world. That’s 1 / 4 of the globe! Thus far we’ve solely RVed in 12…time to plan our subsequent journey!
In case you’ve personally traveled by RV out of the country (or know of a beneficial useful resource by somebody who has), be at liberty to drop hyperlinks under so I can replace this text with extra info on worldwide RV life.
Extra Sources for Worldwide RVing
