Traveling by Campervan for Your Winter Break Vacation
National Parks, Trip Ideas & Guides, Winter Road Trips
By Carly Eisley
Winter break in the United States is a very popular time of the year to travel – 1 in 3 Americans (over 112 million people!) will hit the road during the winter holiday season. Most schools and many workplaces have time off built into their schedules, making it easy to get away for a campervan winter break vacation. A hidden secret for many has been traveling by campervan for winter break vacations.
Whether you are traveling to visit family, looking for a non-traditional holiday celebration, seeking out winter adventure, or warming up on the beach – an Escape campervan is the perfect vehicle to get you over the river and through the woods… and out of Grandma’s house if you need a quiet minute to relax.
Here are some reasons to make Escape Camper Vans part of your winter break vacation whether you’re visiting far-away family or going on a smaller adventure:
Rent a Campervan and Avoid Wear and Tear on Your Own Vehicle
With 13 campervan locations across the United States and Western Canada, Escape Camper Vans is a convenient, cost-effective, and unique way to travel to family holiday festivities, ski vacations, national parks, and anywhere else you can dream up along the way.
Travel With Your Own Bed
Visiting family? Why not make this year’s travel a little unconventional (and a WHOLE lot better):
Forget expensive hotel rooms, your childhood bedroom, or an air mattress in the living room – traveling in an Escape campervan gives you a comfortable place to sleep no matter where you are headed. Save yourself some cash (and sanity) by hitting the sack in your very own mobile apartment.
Visiting an urban area? Book a nearby campsite to retire to. Headed to the country? Pick a spot in the yard (or driveway) to set up camp. Your campervan will be the talk of the neighborhood, and you may even inspire others to follow suit and plan their own road trip.
Skip the Airport
Does the thought of flying during the busy Winter break give you sweaty palms and gritted teeth? Skip the airport lines and throngs of harried travelers and road trip to your family destination. Take a little extra time to get there and enjoy some sights along the way. You’ll be driving your bedroom and kitchen, so spontaneous stops are a breeze.
Need to get home a little quicker? You can always take a one-way camper van rental and fly back home. The possibilities are endless.
Give the Gift of Adventure and Memories That Will Last a Lifetime
Rather than wrapping up yet another sweater, give your travel partners (and yourself) the gift of an unforgettable vacation for the holidays. From a weekend in the woods to a bucket-list-worthy road trip, an Escape Campervan is guaranteed to take your winter break vacation from ho-hum to HOORAY!
Ideas For Winter Break Campervan Travel
Not sure where to go? Here are a few winter break campervan trip ideas to get you started… Check out the Escape Camper Vans blog for more details and inspiration!
New York City
The holiday season in New York is truly one of a kind, and everyone should experience it at least once. Make your home base at one of several year-round campgrounds and RV parks just outside the city and take public transportation in to avoid the hassle of driving and parking. Stroll the streets and take in the festivities – don’t miss the ice skating, Christmas tree, and light display at Rockefeller Center or the holiday window displays at Macy’s. Take in a Broadway show, visit Central Park, or check out a museum. Once you’ve had your fill of the world-famous holiday displays, return to your quiet retreat and get cozy for the night. For the REALLY adventurous (crowd-loving, non-claustrophobic) traveler- New Year’s Eve in New York is THE place to be. Watch the ball drop live in Times Square – without the exorbitant hotel costs to go with it.
Southwestern US
The southwest is a bit of a mecca for road trip destinations, and with relatively mild weather it is a great place to spend a Winter break. Start at an Escape depot in Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Salt Lake City and head out to epic National Parks like Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Grand Canyon, or Saguaro (just to name a few). Don’t forget Sedona, Grand Staircase Escalante, Monument Valley, or Moab either. If you’re looking for variety and unforgettable adventures you’ve hit the jackpot here!
Hit the Slopes
Ski trips are a very traditional winter break vacation, and for good reason – it IS winter, after all. Add in a dose of adventure and spontaneity and avoid being trapped in one place if the snow conditions aren’t great by heading to the mountains in an Escape campervan. The mountains are a quick drive from depots in Denver, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, Calgary, New York, and Salt Lake City – SO much to choose from! If your forecast shifts and the snow is falling a few hours away, hop behind the wheel and chase the powder – don’t miss out if your first mountain choice turned out to be a bust. Staying warm in the van is easy with these tips and some extra rental accessories.
Have a Beach Day (or week)
Need an escape from the cold? Head to the Escape depots in Los Angeles or Miami for some sunshine and waves. With year-round warmth you’ll be sure to find a place to settle down with your toes in the sand. Take your mobile abode on the hunt for the best surf, fishing, palm trees, or pina coladas – whatever your heart desires!
Have Your Holiday Dinner With a View
No, you can’t cook a full turkey in your van… but you CAN enjoy your meal overlooking a canyon, gazing out over mountaintops, or basking in the sun while watching the surf roll in. Downsize the bird (or ham, or tofurkey, or whatever it is you need to make your holiday meal complete) and savor a whole new kind of holiday dining experience.
Change things up with a sunrise brunch (let’s face it – camp coffee and breakfast is the best) or toast the New Year with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on a mountain summit. You just might find a new tradition to carry on for years to come!
Holiday travel doesn’t have to be a stress-inducing nightmare. As a matter of fact, it can be downright fun! Pump some adventure into your winter break vacation this year by booking your Escape Campervan.