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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 the planet may we journey by RV? Turns on the market are fairly a number of nations the place RVing and tenting are WAY extra common 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 nations on the planet the place you possibly can RV, however most of them record not more than 10 nations! I knew they have been lacking fairly a number of 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 contains practically 60 nations the place you possibly can RV all over the world! Under I’ll share what I find out about RVing in these nations, plus sources for studying extra.
What RVing Across the World Is Referred to as
“RVing” encompasses journey by a number of totally different automobiles that go by totally different names on every continent. I confer with car tenting as RVing, however the time period RV is just used right here in North America!
Listed here are a number of of the phrases it’s 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 occasions 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. You might go motorhoming in your campervan.
- In Asia, you lease tenting vehicles, which may vary from a personalized 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 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 possibly can go to by cruise although or keep in a tent on the ice, in the event you’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 publish. My aim is to finally camp on each continent, however convincing my husband to camp in a rooftop tent surrounded by lions is proving tough. 🦁
Let’s get into the record, in no specific order.
Iceland
Primarily based on Instagram alone, Iceland is likely one of the extra common locations for RV leases. I’m consistently 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 large there’s a main plus! Many leases are 4×4 automobiles 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 truly 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? Most likely not. However hey, no less than that’s 3 levels Celsius! And in the event you go to within the winter, there’s a great 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 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 advised us that he and his spouse live in Japan and enthusiastic about RV life. WHAT?! There are some elements of the world the place you count on tenting to be common, and Japan was undoubtedly not one in every of them! Seems that much 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 sources for planning an RV street journey in Japan, which made planning this journey tough. 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 bogs. In my expertise, bogs are all over the place so this was much less of an issue than I imagined!
Learn Extra About Japan: Ought to You Hire 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 (scorching springs!!!), Shikoku (the most effective 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, but it surely’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 revealed about the right way to plan an RV journey across the nation as of but.
Mexico
Mexico will get a nasty rap, with many vacationers contemplating it too tough 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 search out and plenty of campers decide to depend on photo voltaic as a substitute). However the largest consideration will likely be water. Ingesting the water in Mexico nearly 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. Fearful about security? Right here’s an incredible weblog publish by Loopy Household Journey sharing their experiences touring in Mexico.
Norway
After we discuss 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 seems unimaginable!
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 a superb motive 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 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 have been surprised by the fantastic 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, 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 Anyplace Campers—who we now have used twice in Europe—say about the place you possibly can journey in Europe:
“You possibly can 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 likewise for the protection motive[s].”
So practically all over the place in Europe.
Should you’re questioning what number of choices you might 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 tons, boondocking, and campgrounds everywhere in the nation. Tenting is much more common 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 Anyplace Campers mentions. Nonetheless, I imagine 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 possibly can maybe cross by way 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 in response to 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 may not be the appropriate phrase although, as most motorhomes in Africa are extra like American overlanding automobiles.
Whereas I believe the concept of RVing in southern Africa sounds superb, it’s undoubtedly an journey reserved for extra campers than glampers. Should 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 a little bit extra attainable!
Morocco
Most of Africa and the Center East aren’t RV-friendly, however simply throughout the ocean from Europe, you will note campers! You possibly can 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 keeping with the opinions, motorhome leases are common with households with younger youngsters.
Belize, Costa Rica, & Panama
Should you cross the border into Mexico and need to preserve heading south, you can see 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 in the event you’re heading from nation to nation, you’ll additionally drive by way 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. Many of the leases on this space are smaller vans or SUVs which have kitchenettes and rooftop tent beds.
The largest concern I’ve seen with RVing throughout Central America is border crossings. Some bordering nations don’t have the most effective relationship which may make crossing the borders a little bit bushy.
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 common as a singular strategy to discover a rustic.
You possibly can 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 the most effective nation in South America for a street journey! Chile is thought for its abundance of nationwide parks and has loads of tenting choices—but it surely’s onerous 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 photograph I discovered on Instagram of somebody who took a street journey in Chile for his or her honeymoon. It seems unimaginable!
World Huge Campers affords leases in Chile, that are all 4×4 automobiles 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 Huge Campers additionally affords leases in Colombia and Argentina, although these aren’t the one South American nations with tenting and glamping choices.
Largely, you could find tour corporations that can take you on guided journeys throughout South America. The tour firm I researched recommends a 4×4 car beneath 35 ft lengthy that’s totally self-contained with a word 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 number of suggestions different vacationers shared for RVing in South America that may be useful in these nations are:
- Don’t drive at night time. (That is explicitly acknowledged in lots of locations. Partially as a result of 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 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 on.), 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 plenty of nationwide parks. New Zealand is likely one of the most lovely nations on the 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 knowledge on what it’s like campervanning in New Zealand on our Youtube channel. You possibly can try all 30 episodes right here.
Australia
Should 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 vital 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 in the event you keep on the coast…
Look how cute! This photograph screams Australia.
One main distinction in RVing down beneath? 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 rest room. Campers exterior of North America sometimes 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 in every 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 a little bit 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 means fewer sources obtainable to RVers. Now there are apps, blogs and books all about the right way 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 by way of magnificence!). You possibly can 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 the planet in an RV, you possibly can go to a superb 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 known as by different names, the entire above-listed nations have RVs of some form. They’re typically known as campers, motorhomes, vans, tenting vehicles, auto caravans, caravans, or campervans.
Which nation is finest for a campervan?
After visiting each, it’s onerous 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 affords RV companies at gasoline stations throughout the nation and it’s very straightforward to navigate.
New Zealand is common with adults and {couples}, however we not too long ago revisited the nation with our younger youngsters and found an entire new aspect to the islands.
Can you are taking an RV abroad?
Sure! You possibly can ship your RV overseas.
Should you’re trying to spend a month or longer RVing overseas, delivery your van or motorhome might 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 entire 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 gorgeous choice.
Nonetheless, you’ll need to contemplate 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 rest room. Crossing the oceans to totally different continents means not being supplied the identical RV companies. Campgrounds overseas typically shouldn’t 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 tough. The Winnebago Revel is manufactured with a cassette rest room, making this rig specifically straightforward to ship abroad.
Understand that 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 publish on the right way to ship an RV to Europe right here.
Is an RV the most cost effective strategy to journey?
Journey is all the time as costly as you make it. You possibly can lease an affordable van or an costly one. You possibly can go to glamping resorts or camp in parking tons! Forex 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 Price to Campervan in New Zealand?
All of the Nations The place You Can RV
These are all of the nations the place RVing is a factor. I didn’t record 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 kind 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!
Should you’ve personally traveled by RV out of the country (or know of a useful useful resource by somebody who has), be happy to drop hyperlinks beneath so I can replace this text with extra info on worldwide RV life.
Extra Sources for Worldwide RVing