Tips for Planning a Camper Van Trip for International Travellers

How-To's & Resources, Tips for International Travellers

Febbraio 24, 2025

From the crashing shores and towering Redwoods of the Pacific Coast to the sandy deserts and high peaks of the Rockies, the United States showcases dramatic scenery all across the country. A camper van road trip across the US is certainly one for any adventurer’s bucket list!

Whether you’re traveling abroad for the first time or you’re a veteran traveler, this guide will help you navigate planning an Escape Camper Vans road trip. From choosing your destination and at-home prep to what to pack and hitting the road, these are all some of the most important international travel tips to help your trip run smoothly!

Step 1: Choose your Destination

The US is big!! There are a lot of beautiful places to visit and explore. Escape Camper Vans has 10 locations across the United States offering the opportunity to road trip all across the mainland. If you’re looking into a long road trip you can return your van to a different drop-off location! ($150 location change fee applies).

The first part of planning your international camper van road trip involves choosing your destination! When choosing this there are a few important things to consider.

Weather

The weather plays a big role in where and when to visit. With climates varying drastically across the country, it’s important to do a little research before starting your trip. Most people enjoy visiting high mountainous areas in the summer through fall after snow has melted. Of course, if you’re coming for a ski trip, winter is a great time to hit the Rockies or West Coast mountains!

Avoiding the heat of the desert during the summer is best. Utah and Arizona’s National Parks are often best enjoyed in the late fall and early spring. California’s deserts offer a great opportunity to explore throughout winter.

The Southeast of the US is great from fall through spring to avoid the summer heat. The Northeast is nice to visit in spring through fall with the warmest temperatures in the summer.

Crowds

Many people travel from all over the world throughout the summer. While this sometimes means the best weather it can also mean larger crowds. For summer travel expect longer wait times and do a little research about whether entrance reservations are needed into parks.

Yosemite, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Arches, Zion, Shenandoah, and Mount Rainier National Parks all require reservations – some for general park entrance, some for specific road and trail access.

Step 2: Get Your Documents Together

Of course, you’ll need a passport but foreigners also need a visa to enter the US and a bit more paperwork to show US border patrol.

Passport

First things first, you need a passport. To enter the US you must have a valid passport that does not expire within the next 6 months. It’s best to have at least 2 blank pages remaining in your passport.

Visa

To enter the United States, you need a visa in addition to your passport. An Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa is valid for nationals of many European countries, as well as Australia, Brunei, Chile, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Nationals of other countries must apply for their tourism B-2 visa in advance. Conditions and requirements vary by country but most often must be obtained beforehand.

Proof of Onward Travel

When entering the US, you should hold a return or onward ticket to present at US immigration.

Accommodation/Itinerary

It’s best to have your accommodation booked for your first night of stay in the US. Some immigration officers will ask to see this, others will ask for a detailed itinerary of your whole trip, and some will ask nothing. Be prepared to answer questions and have an idea of your itinerary and if addresses of who you plan to visit.

Copies of Documents

Carry paper copies of important documents like your passport and driver’s license just in case anything happens to them. Also, have photos of your passport on your phone. Just in case you lose your phone, keep a photo stored in your email so you can still access it.

Sharing copies of your passport with your travel mates is also a great idea. And for safety purposes, send a digital copy of your passport to an emergency contact.

Step 3: Pre Departure Preparation

Before you leave your home country it’s important to make sure you have a plan for money, your phone, and some other travel basics.

Money – Credit Cards, Cash, & Bank Notifications

As the world advances the need to notify your bank about your international travels is becoming less prevalent but it’s worth checking if you haven’t traveled internationally or in a while. Some credit card companies block your card if they are not warned about foreign travel.

Large bank companies usually let you input travel plans via an app. Smaller banks might require an email or phone call. Other banks might not care!

Cash

Most of the US accepts electronic payments, however, sometimes in remote areas little restaurants or shops only accept cash. It’s always good to carry a little bit of cash. Avoid exchanging at the airport. You’re more likely to get a better conversion rate by withdrawing money right from an ATM.

Also, for general safety, having cash is helpful if you get in a sticky situation and want to give someone a few bucks who helps you out.

Tipping culture is also very important in the US. Unless you’re tipping on a card at a restaurant, to ensure your tip makes it to the guide or person providing a service to you a cash tip is the best option.

Purchase Travel Insurance

While travel insurance is not required to enter the United States like some other countries it is HIGHLY recommended. The US does not have universal health care and even a simple visit to a doctor to find out all you need is cough medicine can run up the bill. So imagine what that amounts to for a broken ankle or infection that leaves you hospitalized overnight.

While everyone loves to think they’ll stay healthy on vacation, and hopefully they do, the US is not a place to skip out on travel insurance with medical coverage. You could potentially be paying off bills for the rest of your life while the same treatment might be covered for free in your home county.

Travel insurance also usually helps you out if your bags are delayed, if your trip is rearranged due to inclement weather, and other unforeseen circumstances so having it can help you out in a variety of situations.

Purchase an eSIM

As phones have evolved, so have international plans. You usually don’t get the best bang for your buck with an international plan extension, especially in the US where cell phone plans are especially high.

Purchase an eSIM for your trip! Airalo has great plan options for varying trip lengths. With an eSIM you connect to the strongest carrier nearby which is convenient because you’ll actually have better cell coverage than a standard SIM card from one carrier!

* To save time download the eSIM in advance. You won’t be able to activate it until you arrive and can connect to local carriers.

Download Offline Maps

Knowing that cell coverage across the US has many dead zones and how much we rely on our phones for directions it’s important to download offline maps before your trip! Both Google Maps and Apple Maps offer this feature.

It doesn’t hurt to pick up local paper maps when you arrive too!

Carry a Physical Drivers License

Electronic driver’s licenses are becoming more popular around the world. Some places in the US accept them but it’s best to carry your physical driver’s license with you, especially when renting an Escape Camper Van.

Don’t Forget a US Power Adaptor

While driving in an Escape Camper Van you can charge your devices with a USB cable. If you stop anywhere with standard outlets it helps to have a power adaptor compatible with US plugs ahead of time.

Pack Your Meds

Every country has different rules about what medicines are available over the counter. Assure you have enough of your daily medication before visiting the US.

Luckily, pharmacies are readily stocked with a variety of over-the-counter drugs but antibiotics require a doctor’s prescription.

Step 4: The Planning Process

After you have chosen your destination, booked your flights, and prepared for your essentials, you’ll want to come up with an idea of your itinerary. It’s fun to plan but leave some flexibility to see what unexpected fun can arise!

If you don’t know where to begin, consider adding Roadtrippers with AI Trip Planning to your reservation. By adding it to your reservation, you save 23% over regular pricing, and your subscription is valid for one year.

Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary

It happens. You look online and see that there are SO many beautiful places to visit and you want to see them all! That seems very tempering but it’s important to remember – things are far apart in the US. Many visitors don’t realize that until they hop in a car on day 1 that they have a 5-hour drive until they reach the national park they hope to camp at.

Of course, mapping out your route will help with this but you also don’t want to spend your whole trip driving! Instead, get out and enjoy the places! Go hiking, take a dip in a river, and find a camp spot where you can enjoy the Milky Way.

Stay Flexible

Don’t plan too many destinations and activities. You don’t want to rush around to the point where you can’t enjoy the places you’re visiting. If you’re daring enough just go with the flow a bit! Get to a place and check out what local events are happening. Often this leads to some of the most enjoyable experiences!

Also, you never know what may arise. Storms affect parks, road closures happen, and flights get delayed. Be willing to adapt in case your first plan doesn’t work out.

Acquire Park Reservations (Where Required)

Certain national parks now require reservations or permits to either enter the park or access specific trails to cut down on crowdedness and trail overuse. The National Park Service website for each park provides information about which parks require reservations in advance.

Some notable parks that require entrance reservations are: Arches, Rocky Mountain, and Yosemite. Try to reserve these well in advance as they book up quickly.

Certain trails and roads require reservations in Glacier, Acadia, Shenandoah, and Mount Rainier National Park.

Share Your Travel Plans

Safety is very important anytime you travel. Before you head to the airport, send a loved one your travel plans! Even if you don’t have exact plans, let them have an idea of where you’re going, what you plan to do, and when you plan to check in.

As you reach more remote parts of the US there are long stretches with limited to no cell service. Make sure friends and family members are aware of this.

Carrying a satellite communication device, like a Garmin inReach can be a great way to stay in touch with folks back home if you’re out of cell reception.

Step 5: Choosing a Camp Spot

There are a variety of different types of campgrounds to choose from on your road trip. Some are reserved online, others are found on camping apps. Here are some tips about how to find the best spot!

Download Camping Apps

Camping apps like Campspot, iOverlander, Campendium, and The Dyrt list campsites all across the US. They range from well-established private campgrounds to wild camping with no amenities.

These apps are really helpful in finding a variety of campsites as well as services such as public showers, laundry facilities, and more.

Understand the Different Types of Camping

There are a few different types of campsites in the US that all offer great options for Escape Camper Vans. Depending on what you’re looking for in your trip, these different campsites offer unique experiences too.

Established Park/Forest Campgrounds: Many national park service campgrounds in national and state parks, in national forests, and on other public land have toilets, picnic tables, fire grates, and running water. Some have showers, small general stores, and other amenities. Many of these campgrounds require reservations in advance. Campgrounds on national public lands are reserved on recreation.gov. State park campgrounds are available on individual websites.

Established Private Campgrounds: Privately owned campgrounds are well-established, often with many amenities. Most have standard amenities including toilets, hot showers, and grills plus additional services like pools, spas, restaurants, shops, laundry, wifi, and more.

Semi-Established Campgrounds: A semi-established campground is fairly basic. Sites may have a picnic table, water source, toilet, and flat area. Or they might have none of that. These sites are often established by the National Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Some semi-established campgrounds have small fees and are often available first-come, first-served.

Dispersed/Primitive/Wild Camping: Dispersed, primitive, or wild camping is camping in an area with no amenities or services. There’s no toilet, trash can, or filtered water source. Think of pulling off a highway and driving along a dirt road. These are often remote spots, great to escape the crowds. Some offer stunning views, others might be alongside a railroad track. It’s important to follow the Leave No Trace Principles and leave everything as it was found and pack everything out, including human waste.

Aim to Get to Camp Before It’s Dark

Getting to camp before it’s dark makes life a lot easier, especially when primitive camping. Sometimes finding a good spot takes longer than you think! It’s much easier to find a good spot and some spots fill up quickly so claiming a spot is essential in some areas.

It’s also safer to arrive before dark so you can scope out the area. And if you’re driving a bumpy road to get into a camp spot, it’s much easier to do so in the daylight!

As you become more comfortable road-tripping you might not see the need to arrive in daylight but it’s nice when you’re starting on the road.

Step 6: Guidelines On the Road

It’s time to get excited and start exploring! From food preparation to travel safety, follow these basic guidelines to help your trip run smoothly.

Stock Up Before Heading Out

After picking up your Escape Camper Van head to the grocery store! Do a big shop to start your trip if you’re traveling to rural areas. Small towns may only have a little gas station convenience store so it’s nice to have some essentials.

It’s also good to carry a few gallons of water with you. Along your route, you can refill them at parks and gas stations.

Keep Your Van Fueled Up

With many remote stretches in the US, particularly in the west and southwest, there’s an occasional stretch where there are no gas stations or services for as far as 100 miles!

Check Weather and Road Conditions Regularly

Both weather and road conditions change at the drop of a hat. Check your itinerary before your trip starts and while you’re on the road. Park websites usually post banners across their websites with up-to-date information.

Google and Apple Maps usually do a good job rerouting around road closures.

Carry Snow Chains (if visiting snowy areas in the winter)

If you’re visiting an area that frequently receives snow you’ll need snow chains for your Escape Camper Van. Luckily enough, they are available as an extra accessory you can add to your purchase.

Many mountain passes and some national parks require all vehicles to carry tire chains from November through April, even if it’s not snowing. It’s better to be prepared than to get turned around by highway patrol.

Use Hiking Trail Apps

If you plan to hike on your road trip then a hiking trail app is a great way to learn about nearby trails, their difficulty, distance, and approximate time. AllTrails is one of the most popular and user-friendly hiking apps whether you’re just getting into hiking or an experienced trekker.

Choose City Parking Areas Wisely

Escape Camper Vans are great when spending the night in parks and nature. When it comes to cities you have to be a little more careful. Some cities have a high prevalence of break-ins. Unfortunately, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, and Denver are known for this.

If you can avoid parking in cities, especially overnight, that is best.

People see camper vans and know they are usually filled with travelers’ highly valuable items so it’s best to lay low in these areas!

Understand Tipping Culture

In the US it’s customary to tip when at restaurants or after receiving a service such as a guided tour. In restaurants where you sit down and a server comes to your table a 20% tip on top of the bill is the culturally appropriate tip.

If you join a guided tour or activity tipping 10-20% of the activity cost is appropriate.

If dining at a counter service restaurant or getting a drink from a bar or coffee shop it’s common to tip a dollar or few depending on the cost of your bill.

Research the Rules of the Road

Driving in the US is orderly and laws are strictly enforced. In addition to cops policing the roads, speed cameras and traffic light cameras are becoming more popular. Obey the laws to avoid hefty fines!

Drive on the right side of the road.
Obey the speed limit (posted in miles per hour).
Maximum speed limits vary by state.
Drunk driving is strictly prohibited in all states.
Right of way is followed at stops but proceed cautiously.
Yield to emergency vehicles.
Always stop for school buses when bus lights are flashing and the stop sign folds out.
Right turns on red lights are allowed and expected (unless posted otherwise).
Keep right on multi-lane highways and pass on the left.

Step 7: Get Packing!

There are a few things you don’t want to forget for your international Escape Camper Vans road trip! Most camping accessories like a kitchen set, betting kit, car seats, camp chairs, and snow chains can be reserved through Escape Camper Van’s extras. Make sure you pack these other items!

- Clothing layers – always pack a fleece, rain jacket, and puffy jacket if you’re heading to higher elevations or traveling from fall through spring. In summer you can get away with fewer layers if you’re visiting a very warm area.
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes – you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet. Make sure your shoes are already broken in!
- Water filter – some nights you might camp away from filtered water sources.
- Collapsible daypack – for short day hikes and exploring.
- Headlamp – this is very helpful when setting up camp at night.
- Quick drying travel towel – the best option for a compact travel towel when on the road.
- Reusable water bottle – save on plastic and money by carrying a water bottle you can refill.

Sleeping bag – You can reserve a bedding kit with Escape Camper Vans extra accessories but a personal sleeping bag is extra warm if traveling at a cooler time of year.

- Satellite communication device – if you want to stay in touch with loved ones when out of service satellite communication devices, like the Garmin inReach, are a great option. You can text from your phone on these devices! They also have an emergency SOS feature if something serious arises.
- Rechargeable battery pack – you can only charge your phone and electronics while the Escape Camper Van is running so a rechargeable battery pack is nice to have at night and when out wandering.

US power adaptors – in case you need to charge your devices outside of the Escape Camper Van USB port plugs.

First aid kit – carry some commonly used first aid kit items like bandaids, over-the-counter meds, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic, etc.
Hiking poles – these are nice for extra support and power while hiking. Just note that many airlines don’t allow hiking poles in carry-on luggage.
Important documents – and lastly don’t forget your passport, physical driver’s license, visa, credit cards, cash, proof of onward travel, and travel insurance!

Why Reserve an Escape Camper Van for Your International Road Trip?

Road trip around the US in comfort and ease in an Escape Camper Van! The award-winning camper van company has 10 locations across the US mainland, and one in Canada making it easy to start your trip from a variety of locations!

With all the extra accessories Escape Camper Vans provides and with many suggested road trip itineraries, everything is set up so you can hit the road and enjoy your trip with easy planning for smooth travels!