This submit might include affiliate hyperlinks. See our affiliate disclaimer right here.
After Heath and I RVed to all 50 states, I set my sights on the remainder of the world. The place else on the planet may we journey by RV? Turns on the market are fairly a number of international locations the place RVing and tenting are WAY extra fashionable than it’s right here within the States!
However I’ve had a tough time discovering extra details about the place all on the planet we will RV. I’ve seen a number of lists of “all” the international locations on the planet the place you may RV, however most of them checklist not more than 10 international locations! 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 may journey the world in an RV.
This checklist consists of almost 60 international locations the place you may RV all over the world! Beneath I’ll share what I find out 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 totally different autos that go by totally different names on every continent. I discuss with automobile tenting as RVing, however the time period RV is barely used right here in North America!
Listed here are a number of of the phrases you need to know:
- In North America, RVing means touring by motorhome, camper, or trailer.
- In Australia and New Zealand, you rent a motorhome in 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 be used. You might go motorhoming in your campervan.
- In Asia, you lease tenting vehicles, which might vary from a custom-made minivan to a small motorhome.
- In South America, you’ll lease a camper (or presumably drive your individual RV throughout the borders). Because of the infrastructure in South America, you extra ceaselessly hear of individuals overlanding throughout the continent.
- In Antarctica, simply kidding. There aren’t any type of RVs there primarily based on my analysis. You’ll be able to go to by cruise although or keep in a tent on the ice, for those who’re actually into tenting!
Of the six continents the place you may RV, I’ve RVed on 4 on the time of scripting this submit. 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
Based mostly on Instagram alone, Iceland is among the extra fashionable locations for RV leases. I’m consistently seeing images 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 may actually get off the crushed path and discover. Though from my analysis, wild tenting is barely permitted for tents, not motorhomes.
And sure, in Iceland you may 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, no less than that’s 3 levels Celsius! And for those who go to within the winter, there’s a good chance you’ll see the Northern Lights, that are presupposed to peak in 2024!
Or you may go to in July and August when the nation’s mountaineering is at its finest. 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 live in Japan and interested by RV life. WHAT?! There are some components of the world the place you count on tenting to be fashionable, and Japan was undoubtedly not one among them! Seems that just like the US, many retirees take to the open roads to RV across the islands.
We not too long ago took two weeks to tour Japan and located the nation surprisingly straightforward to navigate. There aren’t many assets for planning an RV street 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 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 collection of islands, however you may 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 (the very best for browsing) and Hokkaido (the northernmost island the place you may’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 not too long ago turn into extra accessible for American vacationers, however not a lot info has been printed about methods 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 outdoors 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 provides boondocking spots and campgrounds (though good electrical energy is tougher to search out and lots of campers decide to depend on photo voltaic as a substitute). However the largest consideration will probably be water. Ingesting 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. Apprehensive about security? Right here’s an amazing 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 not too long ago we watched our buddies, the Holcombes, exploring throughout Norway and the surroundings appears unbelievable!
From what I’ve realized, Norway provides a ton of boondocking choices as a consequence of allemannsretten. Translating roughly to “freedom to roam” this Norwegian legislation stems from a Nordic custom giving each man entry to public lands.
France
Maybe the preferred nation in Western Europe for RVing is France. Between the shoreline and the Alps, there’s a very good motive 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 essentially the most camper-friendly nation on the planet.
France is essentially the most visited nation on the planet and most vacationers flock to the cities. We had 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.
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 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 may RV throughout Europe.
Right here’s what Wherever Campers—who we’ve used twice in Europe—say about the place you may journey in Europe:
“You’ll be able to 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 motive[s].”
So almost in all places in Europe.
If you happen to’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 may see they undoubtedly have choices! That is the app we utilized in Italy and will simply discover parking tons, boondocking, and campgrounds all around the nation. Tenting is much more fashionable 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. Nevertheless, I consider they’re incorrect in mentioning Monaco. The second smallest nation on the planet truly prohibits motorhomes and caravans, however after visiting, I did see a motorhome driving down the street. So you may maybe cross 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 preferred space for RVing, however it’s. And never simply in accordance with 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 precise 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. If you happen to’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 doable!
Morocco
Most of Africa and the Center East aren’t RV-friendly, however simply throughout the ocean from Europe, you will note campers! You’ll be able to ferry over or lease an RV in Morocco.
Of all of the locations the place you may go by motorhome, I used to be most shocked by Morocco. Who would’ve thought? I do know you may camp in tents within the Sahara, however motorhomes I didn’t count on. In line with the evaluations, motorhome leases are fashionable with households with younger children.
Belize, Costa Rica, & Panama
If you happen to cross the border into Mexico and wish to preserve heading south, one can find beachfront tenting choices all through Central America. Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama have all been singled out as international locations with the infrastructure to help campers (though for those who’re heading from nation to nation, you’ll additionally drive by means of 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 may 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 the very best relationship which might 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 fashionable as a novel method to discover a rustic.
You’ll be able to lease campers from one firm out of Havana. You will need to reserve any parking spots forward of time as restrictions for in a single day parking are enforced.
Chile
That is the very best nation in South America for a street journey! Chile is thought for its abundance of nationwide parks and has loads of tenting choices—nevertheless it’s laborious to search out RV tenting choices. Most campgrounds are for tents or cabins. However that doesn’t imply you may’t RV there, simply that you simply gained’t have full hookups. Assume overlanding!
This can be a random photograph I discovered on Instagram of somebody who took a street journey in Chile for his or her honeymoon. It appears unbelievable!
World Extensive Campers provides 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 provides leases in Colombia and Argentina, although these aren’t the one South American international locations with tenting and glamping choices.
Principally, you will discover tour corporations that may take you on guided journeys throughout South America. The tour firm I researched recommends a 4×4 automobile underneath 35 ft lengthy that’s totally self-contained with a observe that claims “count on no hook-up services” on the continent. You also needs to journey with model new tires and a potable water air purifier.
A number of suggestions 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 acknowledged in lots of locations. Partially because of the street circumstances, 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 vital paperwork (automobile 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 essentially the most campervan-friendly nation for good motive. The grocery shops even have campervan parking!
There are many boondocking choices throughout the nation—often known as freedom tenting—and lots of nationwide parks. New Zealand is among the most lovely international locations on the planet, with beautiful seashores, staggering mountain peaks, and a TON of mountaineering.
We now 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 knowledge on what it’s like campervanning in New Zealand on our Youtube channel. You’ll be able to take a look at all 30 episodes right here.
Australia
If you happen to’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 essential to notice that Australia is the sixth-largest nation on the planet and that it’s largely inhabited alongside the coast. Enterprise inland and companies are few and much between.
However for those who keep on the coast…
Look how cute! This photograph 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 bathroom or motorhomes can 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 this point and it’s one among our favourite locations. The Canadian Rockies are beautiful in the summertime, fall, and lined 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 components of Canada are somewhat extra distant than in America, lots of the RVing customs and tradition are the identical. It’s undoubtedly the simplest nation for Individuals to go to in RV!
USA
And final however not least, our nation. After we began RVing in 2014, there have been manner fewer assets out there to RVers. Now there are apps, blogs and books all about methods 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 can 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 by way of magnificence!). You’ll be able to even lease a van in Hawaii and examine 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 the planet in an RV, you may go to a very good chunk of the world by RV if that’s your dream. I personally have discovered it to be one of the simplest ways to jaunt throughout Europe with our household, however continents like Africa or Asia could be harder.
Do different international locations have RVs?
Generally referred to as by different names, the entire above-listed international locations have RVs of some type. They’re typically referred to as campers, motorhomes, vans, tenting vehicles, auto caravans, caravans, or campervans.
Which nation is finest for a campervan?
After visiting each, it’s laborious to decide on between France and New Zealand for essentially the most camper-friendly nation. New Zealand has to win for its ample boondocking or “freedom tenting.” However France provides RV companies at gasoline stations throughout the nation and it’s very straightforward to navigate.
New Zealand is fashionable with adults and {couples}, however we not too long ago revisited the nation with our younger children and found a complete new facet to the islands.
Can you’re taking an RV abroad?
Sure! You’ll be able to ship your RV overseas.
If you happen to’re seeking to spend a month or longer RVing overseas, delivery your van or motorhome could be value it.
Our buddies Kathy and Peter not too long ago shipped their Winnebago Revel to Europe for a six-month street journey. The whole price 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 price, making delivery a pretty choice.
Nevertheless, you will want to think about what changes will must be made in your North American RV to be suitable with European campsites. For instance, you’ll want adapters in your electrical plugs and a composting or cassette bathroom. Crossing the oceans to totally different continents means not being provided 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 world conveniences could also be troublesome. The Winnebago Revel is manufactured with a cassette bathroom, making this rig particularly 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 may go to.
For firsthand info and extra particulars on delivery an RV to Europe, you may learn this detailed submit on methods to ship an RV to Europe right here.
Is an RV the most cost effective method to journey?
Journey is at all times as costly as you make it. You’ll be able to lease an affordable van or an costly one. You’ll be able to go to glamping resorts or camp in parking tons! Foreign money and the worldwide economic system play a big issue, with RV life being dearer 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 international locations the place RVing is a factor. I didn’t checklist international locations the place you may drive your RV throughout the border (like Nicaragua), however solely international locations the place I may discover info on tenting, RV parks, or RV leases. Technically you may cross many, many borders in an RV. However not all international locations supply the infrastructure to help that kind of journey.
All collectively that involves roughly 58 international locations the place you may RV all over the world. That’s 1 / 4 of the globe! Up to now we’ve solely RVed in 12…time to plan our subsequent journey!
If you happen to’ve personally traveled by RV out of the country (or know of a useful 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 Assets for Worldwide RVing