RV Buyer's Advice and

RV Buyer's Advice and Beginner's Guides You are here: About > Travel > Camping > RV Resources > RV Advice and Guides Travel Camping Essentials Find A Campground Campground Reviews Camping Recipes Camping On A Budget Camping Lessons Topics Advice for Beginners Campground Directories Campground Reviews Campground Cooking Camping Tips Camping Gear Planning Your Trip Outdoor Destinations Outdoor Events Outdoor Work Photo Galleries RV Resources Summer Camps National Parks Outdoor News Buyer's Guide Before You Buy, Compare Campground Directories 2006 Editions Gift Ideas for Campers Camping Gear Reviews Essential Camping Items Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Camping newsletter! See Online Courses Search Camping > RV Resources > RV Advice and Guides RV Buyer's Advice and Beginner's Guides If you're thinking about joining the RV family or you're in the market for buying an RV, here are resources to first educate beginners about RVing and then to help you decide on the right make and model for your family. Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent RV Enthusiast Magazines Publications for those who are interested in RV travel and camping. RV Real Estate All about privately owned RV lots. Winterizing and Storing Your RV This DVD is a tutorial about winterizing and storing your RV. Folding Camper Consumer Guide Fleetwood offers helpful suggestions to define your camping needs and compare trailer features. WiFi Tips Various WiFi technical tutorials. RV Types and Classes Descriptions of each type of recreational vehicle. Brand Names of RVs Brand names of RVs and their manufacturer, from the Canadian RV Association. RV Basics From Poulsbo RV, answers to questions asked by those new to RVing. RV Education 101 Training videos and DVDs on how to use and maintain your RV. Folding Trailer (Pop-up) FAQ And other information, compiled by Wes Fujii. RV Technical FAQ Technical stuff, accessories, and tips compiled by Ralph Lindberg and Jerry Segers. Get Up and Go in Your Own RV Interview with some snowbirds , by Kirsten A. Conover, staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor. Meet the RV Family Descriptions of each type to help you select the right RV. Renting an RV As an alternative to buying, try one out first. RV Buyers Guide Advice to help make your next RV purchase easier. Camp in style in a recreational vehicle Sound advice for new RV owners, by Chuck Woodbury. Why Own an RV? Some of the travel benefits of owning an RV. The Dummy's Guide to Buying a Pre-Loved RV Les Doll guides you to selecting a trouble free used RV. Download the introductory version of his e-book free. Are you new to RVing? Then check out this step by step guide that introduces everything you may need to know to get started. Convert your bus into a motorhome Ben Rosander not only advises you on how to select and convert a bus into a motorhome, but also how to do it cheaply. A'Weigh We Go Educational safety seminars for RV buyers and owners. Beginner's Guide to RVing The ABCs of RVing, plus news and information for those considering the RV lifestyle. Buying an RV A checklist to use when comparison shopping for a used RV. Choosing the Right RV Bob Lacey shares his 25+ years of RV experience. First RV A resource for first time RV buyers. How to convert a school bus into an RV Bob Sokol presents the handyman with information and photos for building your own RV out of an old school bus. Life on Wheels A variety of educational services for RVers. RV Consumer Group The Consumer Reports of RVs, this non-profit organization provides resources to make knowledgable RV purchases. RVing Mexico Useful insights and guidance from David Eidell, veteran Mexico traveler. Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Cardinal Sins of Campers Illinois Camping Destinations Camping Basics Lesson 11 Dad's Best Chicken Fingers Lakewood Camping Resort Headlines RV Parks Ready For Mardi Gras Attention RVers and campers. New Orleans is preparing for Mardis... Camping Recipe of the Week The next time you fire up the skillet to make... Top 10 Cardinal Sins of Campers Camping is supposed to be a relaxing outdoor experience. However... Staying Warm Sunnycamper posted in the Camping Forum that she had recently...

RV Parks, Resort, Campground

RVUSA - The Original Online RV Guide HOME FIND YOUR RV Sell Your RV RV Manufacturers New RV Dealers Used RV Dealers RV Parts/Accessories RV Service RV Storage RV Road Service RV Rentals RV Financing RV Insurance RV Extended Warranties Product Manufacturers Product Suppliers RV Magazines RV Parks, Resort, Campground Tourism Travel Links Weather & Roads FREE Classifieds!! RV Forums RV Tips Camping Recipes Newcomer's Guide RV Clubs RV Shows & Events RV Links Testimonials RVUSA Wallpaper Become An Affiliate Become A Member Nationwide Internet Access Resources Inventory Feed Edit My RV Dealer Log In Leads Log In Affiliate Log In About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Site Map 1111 SW 17th Street Suite 100 Ocala, FL 34474 TOLL FREE (866) 643-4625 (800) 709-3240 FAX (352) 401-0353 Any questions or comments about this website, email us at: webmaster@ rvusa.com PROUD MEMBERS OF Click here for national dealers Find a campground/resort within miles of my zip code . Campground Membership Outlet 1011 Hwy 27 Clermont, FL 34711 campresale@aol.com //-- campresale@aol.com Toll-Free: 800-272-0401 Fax: 352-242-0548 Website: www.membershipresale.com Amenities: AOR - Adventure Outdoor Resorts, Coast to Coast Member, RPI - Resort Parks International, Thousand Trails/NACO, Western Horizons Passport America 18315A Landon Road Gulfport, MS 39503 comments@passportamerica.com //-- comments@passportamerica.com Toll-Free: 800-681-6810 Website: www.passportamerica.com Amenities: The "Original" 50% Discount Camping Club. Over 1,000 plus RV Parks / Campgrounds to choose from at Great Savings!! Click here for campgrounds/resorts in Canada. Click here for campgrounds/resorts outside of the US. © 1995 - 2005 RVUSA.com. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Statement .

Vacation Vehicle

Worry-Free Vacations - Plan My Vacation Rental Car Information home | e-mail sign-up Vacation Planner Alamo Rent A Car Worry-Free Vacations is proud to offer Alamo car rentals. Economy Chevrolet Aveo or similar • 4-Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission •Air Bags • Air Conditioning • AM/FM Stereo Compact Chevrolet Cavalier or similar • 4-Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission •Air Bags • Air Conditioning• Power-Assist Steering • AM/FM Stereo with CD Midsize Oldsmobile Alero or similar • 4 or 6-Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission• Air Bags • Air Conditioning • Power-AssistSteering • Tilt Steering Wheel • AM/FM Stereowith CD • Tinted Windows • Power Door Locks • Dual Mirrors Fullsize Chevrolet Impala or similar • 6-Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission •Air Bags • Air Conditioning • Power-AssistSteering • Tilt Steering Wheel • AM/FM Stereowith CD • Cruise Control • Tinted Windows • Power Windows/Door Locks • Dual Mirrors •Delay Wipers Premium Pontiac Bonneville or similar • 6-Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission •Air Bags • Air Conditioning • Power-AssistSteering • Tilt Steering Wheel • AM/FM Stereowith CD • Cruise Control • Tinted Windows • Power Windows/Door Locks • Dual Mirrors •Delay Wipers Minivan Chevrolet Venture 7-pax or similar • 6-Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission •Air Bags • Air Conditioning • Power-AssistSteering • Tilt Steering Wheel • AM/FM Stereo with CD • Tinted Windows •Power Windows/Door Locks • Dual Mirrors • DelayWipers Convertible Chrysler Sebring or similar • 4 or 6-Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission• Air Bags • Air Conditioning • Power-AssistSteering • Tilt Steering Wheel • AM/FM Stereowith CD • Tinted Windows • Power Door Locks • Dual Mirrors • Power Top • Delay Wipers Sport Utility* Chevrolet Blazer or similar • 6-Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission •Air Bags • Air Conditioning • Power-AssistSteering • Tilt Steering Wheel • AM/FM Stereowith CD • Cruise Control • Tinted Windows • Power Windows/Door Locks • Dual Mirrors •Delay Wipers *Sport Utility Vehicles are not available in all destinations. Luxury Buick Park Avenue or similar • 6 or 8-Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission• Air Bags • Air Conditioning with Dual Control• Power-Assist Steering • Tilt Steering Wheel• AM/FM Stereo with Cassette/CD • Cruise Control • Tinted Windows • PowerWindows/Door Locks • Adjustable/Electric Driver’s Seat • LeatherInterior • Dual Mirrors • Delay Wipers Certain car categories are not available in all locations. Rental Car Tips Use the icons in the car categories section above to help you select thebest size car for your travel needs, considering your passengers, luggage,and the amount of time you'll be on the road. Check with your auto insurance agent before your trip to determine ifyour insurance policy provides coverage for your rental car — many autoinsurance policies do. Remember to fill up the gas tank of your rental car before returning it,or sign up for the prepurchase of gas option at the rental counter —you'll save money either way, and won't be charged the premium price ofhaving the rental car company fill the tank. In the News | About Us | Contact Us | Employment | Privacy | Usage Agreement | For Travel Agents | Travel Agent Locator | -- Help/FAQs | RSS © 2006 MLT Vacations

RV Motor Home

C28 - RV Motorhome Hire Holidays in USA America 28ft Motor Home (C28) The C28 motorhome is a terrific motorhome that sleeps three adults and three children. Early Booking Offer! £100 per adult discount !! Applicable to all departures from April 01st 2006 Applicable to all bookings made by January 31st 2006 . Subject to limited special offer availability and not applicable to child prices. Book early to avoid disappointment ! Call us at 0115 9504 555 for more details. The Class C motorhome is typically smaller than the Class A. El Monte RV carries a full line of Class C motorhomes, ranging in size from 22 to 31 feet. The biggest advantage of Class C motorhomes is sleeping space. Class C motorhomes have cabover beds which provide extra sleeping quarters. Click here for an interactive layout explanation (in Flash) Click here for a larger image view (non-Flash) 360° tour You may view a 360° tour of the interior of a similar class of Motorhome using the link below. An 'IPIX plug-in' is software is required to give your web browser the capability to view IPIX 360° images. If not already installed on your cmputer, it will be automatically installed. Click here for more instructions. Once the pop-up movie loads, you can right-click for movie menu options. Click here to View the 360° Tour Click here to view a Gallery of RV Motorhome images SPECIFICATIONS ITEM SIZE Feet : 27' - 29' (Meters) : 8.1 - 8.7 SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS Number of People AUTOMOTIVE Chassis Ford/Chevy Gasoline Engine Fuel-Injection (liters) 7.5 4spd Overdrive Transmission YES Automatic Transmission YES Factory Cruise Control YES Power Steering & Brakes YES Factory Cab Air YES Factory Roof Air-Ducted YES ELECTRICAL Generator YES Auxiliary Battery YES AM/FM Radio with Cassette YES 12V Interior Lighting YES INTERIOR in. cm. Height 83 207 Width 90 225 KITCHEN AND BATHROOM FEATURES Wash Basin YES Shower YES Toilet YES Water Heater YES Heater & Thermostat YES Kitchen Sink YES Range (Stove) YES Microwave YES Refrigerator YES TANK CAPACITIES gal. ltr. Water Heater 6 23 Fresh Water 35 133 Sewage Tanks 55 209 Propane Tank 14 53 Gasoline Tanks 36 137 BED SIZES CAB-OVER BED in. cm. Length 76 190 Width 58 145 Clearance 27 67 DINETTE in. cm. Length 74 185 Width 40 100 PERMANENT DOUBLE in. cm. Length 74 185 Width 53 132 Prices Prices quoted are per person. Orlando & Miami Dates 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults Child 2-11 Extra days 01 November - 13 December 2005 1479 969 809 719 349 72 14 December - 31 December 2005 1969 1389 1199 1099 569 84 01 January - 30 March 2006 1619 1039 849 749 349 84 01 April - 16 April 2006 1789 1209 1019 929 459 83 17 April - 30 April 2006 1589 1009 819 729 339 83 01 May - 21 June 2006 1709 1129 949 849 339 83 22 June - 30 June 2006 1809 1219 989 889 339 96 01 July - 10 July 2006 1989 1319 1099 989 439 96 11 July - 21 August 2006 2069 1399 1179 1069 539 96 22 August - 31 August 2006 1819 1229 1049 949 439 83 01 September - 31 October 2006 1709 1129 949 849 339 83 01 November - 13 December 2006 1589 1009 819 729 339 83 14 December - 31 December 2006 1989 1319 1099 989 439 96 01 January - 28 March 2007 1749 1099 879 759 339 96 Special note - No complimentary transfers offered in Miami Price includes Roundtrip scheduled flights & airport tax 1 night hotel accommodation on arrival - 1 room 13 days fully inclusive RV rental as per our ' C.N.A. Inclusive Package Page ' Denver Dates 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults Child 2-11 Extra days 01 November - 16 December 2005 1509 999 819 739 329 72 17 December - 30 December 2005 1849 1339 1159 1079 529 72 31 December 2005 - 30 March 2006 1589 1079 899 819 379 72 01 April - 11 April 2006 1819 1229 1049 949 459 83 12 April - 30 April 2006 1739 1159 979 879 419 83 01 May - 17 May 2006 1819 1229 1049 949 459 83 18 May - 21 June 2006 1989 1379 1099 989 459 96 22 June - 30 June 2006 2269 1549 1189 1059 459 118 01 July - 10 July 2006 2469 1709 1389 1259 579 118 11 July - 21 August 2006 2499 1749 1419 1289 599 118 22 August - 31 August 2006 2289 1609 1329 1219 579 104 01 September - 30 September 2006 2099 1419 1139 1019 459 104 01 October - 31 October 2006 1819 1229 1049 949 459 83 01 November - 16 December 2006 1659 1109 899 799 369 83 17 December - 24 December 2006 2009 1459 1239 1149 579 83 31 December 2006 - 28 March 2007 1739 1189 979 879 419 83 Special note - No complimentary transfers offered in Denver Price includes Roundtrip scheduled flights & airport tax 1 night hotel accommodation on arrival - 1 room 13 days fully inclusive RV rental as per our ' C.N.A. Inclusive Package Page ' Dallas Dates 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults Child 2-11 Extra days 01 November - 16 December 2005 1499 989 809 729 319 72 17 December - 30 December 2005 1839 1329 1149 1069 519 72 31 December 2005 - 30 March 2006 1499 989 809 729 319 72 01 April - 11 April 2006 1809 1229 1049 949 459 83 12 April - 30 April 2006 1649 1069 889 789 359 83 01 May - 17 May 2006 1809 1229 1049 949 459 83 18 May - 21 June 2006 1989 1329 1099 999 459 96 22 June - 30 June 2006 2099 1379 1149 1029 459 104 01 July - 10 July 2006 2279 1559 1329 1219 569 104 11 July - 21 August 2006 2329 1609 1379 1279 609 104 22 August - 31 August 2006 2279 1559 1329 1219 569 104 01 September - 30 September 2006 2099 1379 1149 1029 459 104 01 October - 31 October 2006 1809 1229 1049 949 459 83 01 November - 16 December 2006 1649 1069 889 789 359 83 17 December - 24 December 2006 1999 1419 1229 1129 569 83 25 December 2006 - 28 March 2007 1649 1069 889 789 359 83 Price includes Roundtrip scheduled flights & airport tax 1 night hotel accommodation on arrival - 1 room Transfers to the rental depot and back to the airport after your rental finishes 13 days fully inclusive RV rental as per our ' C.N.A. Inclusive Package Page ' New York Dates 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults Child 2-11 Extra days 01 November - 16 December 2005 1519 969 789 699 289 72 17 December - 30 December 2005 1809 1249 1079 979 459 72 31 December 2005 - 30 March 2006 1519 969 789 699 289 72 01 April - 11 April 2006 1739 1159 979 879 419 83 12 April - 30 April 2006 1589 1009 819 729 329 83 01 May - 17 May 2006 1739 1159 979 879 419 83 18 May - 21 June 2006 1919 1239 1019 919 419 96 22 June - 30 June 2006 2199 1389 1119 989 419 118 01 July - 10 July 2006 2339 1539 1269 1139 499 118 11 July - 21 August 2006 2359 1559 1289 1159 519 118 21 August - 31 August 2006 2189 1449 1219 1099 499 104 01 September - 30 September 2006 2039 1299 1079 949 419 104 01 October - 31 October 2006 1739 1159 979 879 419 83 01 November - 16 December 2006 1589 999 819 729 329 83 17 December - 24 December 2006 1889 1009 1129 1029 499 83 25 December 2006 - 28 March 2007 1589 999 819 729 329 83 Price includes Roundtrip scheduled flights & airport tax 1 night hotel accommodation on arrival - 1 room Transfers to the rental depot and back to the airport after your rental finishes 13 days fully inclusive RV rental as per our ' C.N.A. Inclusive Package Page ' Vancouver Dates 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults Child 2-11 Extra days 01 November - 16 December 2005 1669 1139 969 879 429 72 17 December - 30 December 2005 2009 1469 1299 1219 659 72 31 December 2005 - 30 March 2006 1669 1139 969 879 429 72 01 April - 11 April 2006 1869 1279 1099 999 519 83 12 April - 30 April 2006 1749 1169 989 889 439 83 01 May - 17 May 2006 1869 1279 1099 999 519 83 18 May - 21 June 2006 2039 1379 1149 1039 519 96 22 June - 30 June 2006 2319 1509 1249 1119 519 118 01 July - 20 August 2006 2549 1739 1469 1339 669 118 21 August - 31 August 2006 2369 1649 1419 1299 669 104 01 September - 30 September 2006 2139 1439 1199 1079 519 104 01 October - 31 October 2006 1869 1279 1099 999 519 83 01 November - 16 December 2006 1749 1169 989 889 439 83 17 December - 24 December 2006 2089 1509 1329 1229 669 83 25 December 2006 - 28 March 2007 1749 1169 989 889 439 83 Special note - No complimentary transfers offered in Vancouver Price includes Roundtrip scheduled flights & airport tax 1 night hotel accommodation on arrival - 1 room 13 days fully inclusive RV rental as per our ' C.N.A. Inclusive Package Page ' Las Vegas, Albuquerque & Salt Lake City Dates 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults Child 2-11 Extra days 01 November - 16 December 2005 1599 1059 879 789 349 72 17 December - 24 December 2005 1909 1369 1229 1099 529 72 25 December 2005 - 31 March 2006 1599 1059 879 789 349 72 01 April - 11 April 2006 2039 1369 1139 1039 489 96 12 April - 30 April 2006 1869 1199 969 869 389 96 01 May - 22 May 2006 2039 1369 1139 1039 489 96 23 May - 19 June 2006 2139 1419 1189 1079 489 104 20 June - 30 June 2006 2319 1509 1239 1099 489 118 01 July - 10 July 2006 2479 1669 1399 1269 589 118 11 July - 21 August 2006 2509 1699 1429 1299 609 118 22 August - 31 August 2006 2479 1669 1399 1249 589 118 01 September - 12 September 2006 2319 1499 1239 1109 489 118 13 September - 30 September 2006 2139 1419 1189 1079 489 104 01 October - 31 October 2006 1859 1279 1099 1009 489 83 01 November - 16 December 2006 1689 1109 929 829 389 83 17 December - 24 December 2006 2019 1439 1259 1159 589 83 25 December 2006 - 28 March 2007 1689 1109 929 829 389 83 Special note - No complimentary transfers offered in Albuquerque or Salt Lake City Price includes Roundtrip scheduled flights & airport tax 1 night hotel accommodation on arrival - 1 room Transfers to the rental depot and back to the airport after your rental finishes 13 days fully inclusive RV rental as per our ' C.N.A. Inclusive Package Page ' Los Angeles & San Francisco Dates 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults Child 2-11 Extra days 01 November - 16 December 2005 1569 1029 849 759 329 72 17 December - 24 December 2005 1889 1349 1179 1079 519 72 25 December 2005 - 31 March 2006 1569 1029 849 759 329 72 01 April - 11 April 2006 1989 1319 1099 989 459 96 12 April - 30 April 2006 1839 1169 959 839 369 96 01 May - 22 May 2006 1989 1319 1099 989 459 96 23 May - 19 June 2006 2089 1369 1149 1029 459 104 20 June - 30 June 2006 2269 1459 1199 1069 459 118 01 July - 10 July 2006 2449 1629 1369 1239 569 118 11 July - 21 August 2006 2509 1699 1439 1299 609 118 22 August - 31 August 2006 2449 1629 1369 1239 569 118 01 September - 12 September 2006 2269 1459 1199 1029 459 118 13 September - 30 September 2006 2089 1369 1149 1029 459 104 01 October - 31 October 2006 1809 1229 1049 959 459 83 01 November - 16 December 2006 1659 1079 899 809 369 83 17 December - 24 December 2006 1989 1409 1229 1139 569 83 25 December 2006 - 28 March 2007 1659 1079 899 809 369 83 Price includes Roundtrip scheduled flights & airport tax 1 night hotel accommodation on arrival - 1 room Transfers to the rental depot and back to the airport after your rental finishes 13 days fully inclusive RV rental as per our ' C.N.A. Inclusive Package Page ' Note: Floorplans may vary. Not all vehicles in all locations. The drawing and floorplan are examples only. Sleeping capacities do not mean like number of adults or full sized teenagers can be accommodated comfortably. The features, bed sizes, and amenities listed are representative and may be changed, added, or deleted without notice. The numerical vehicle lengths are approximate. Specific floorplans or models will vary and cannot be reserved or guaranteed. Pictures and illustrations are examples only and may not be the exact model offered. Make an Enquiry » One-Way Rentals One way rentals between the stations listed above are permitted. Please refer to the One-Way Rentals section on the General R.V. Rental Information page for additional one-way rental charges. Click here to view these now . General R.V. Rental Information For general information on renting a RV, please go here . FAQs To view the list of Frequent Asked Questions about hiring a renting a RV, go here . « Back to main RV Motorhomes page For more information, call 0115 950 4555 Complete North America, 4 Hollowstone, Nottingham, England, NG1 1JH. © Complete North America 2005 - Site by redrhino Site Map - Fly Drives - USA Motorhome Holidays

RV Rental > Camper

Camper Van Rental - California You are here: About > Travel > California for Visitors > CALIFORNIA > Where to Stay in California > California Camping > RV Rental > Camper Van Rental - California Travel Go California Essentials The Best California Destination for You Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Photo Gallery California Driving Distances Vacation Planning Map Topics Picture Gallery Maps Hotels Beaches California Coast CALIFORNIA - Disneyland - Los Angeles - San Diego - San Francisco - Big Sur - Lake Tahoe - Yosemite National Park - Wine Country - More California Places Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the California for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search California for Visitors Westafalia Camper Van © Betsy Malloy 2002 Stay up to date! Westafalia Camper Van © Betsy Malloy 2002 Email to a friend Print this page Related Resources Camper Van Rentals California Camping: Best Books Rental Resources California Campers Destination USA Happy Travel Campers More Rental Resources Vintage Safari Wagons Most Popular California Map - Driving Distances - California Map Discount Tickets Disneyland Tickets California Road Map - Highways - California Road Map Nudist Beach Etiquette What's Hot Phoenix Zoo Seattle Space Needle Walking Tours Ponderosa Ranch More Mesa Beach Related Topics Air Travel Budget Travel Travel with Kids Adventure Travel Cruises Camper Van Rental From Betsy Malloy , Your Guide to California for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Westfalia Camper Van is an Alternative to Hotels and Big RVs I've always liked the idea of having a house on wheels while on vacation. I like the idea of stopping wherever I want, cooking my own meals and not having to unpack in a half dozen hotels on a week long trip. However, I didn't want to drive and park something the size of school bus. I recently discovered the perfect solution: renting a Volkswagen Westfalia camper van. The Westfalia camper van is about the size of a standard mini-van, easy to park and drive. It is also a camper, with stove, sink and refrigerator, and, thanks to its easy-to-pop-up top, it has two double beds. We enjoyed the convenience of the camper van, especially when we parked at a scenic spot, lifted the top, and enjoyed a meal with a view at our own private table. At night, we cooked dinner on our gas stove, ate at an insect-free table for two, and slept soundly on a comfortable bed. In the morning, we made coffee without stepping outside. When it was time to park, the camper van slid into a standard parking place with no fuss. For two people camping in Yosemite, the Westfalia camper van's rental cost was comparable to lower-priced hotels in the park, and it was available with much less advance notice (and almost half of Yosemite's camping sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis). In other locations, an inexpensive hotel or motel may be less expensive than the camper van, but consider the cost of meals as well as convenience before making a decision. If you decide to rent a camper van, here are few tips to help make your experience more comfortable: Be sure you know exactly what will be provided in the camper van. Ask about what's in the kitchen kit, and rent sheets and towels if you need them. The Westfalia camper van does not have electrical connections, but they do have interior lights that operate from the auxiliary battery. When you check the camper van out, it looks simple when someone else shows it to you, but it becomes complex when you have to do it yourself. Make notes, and do everything yourself. Otherwise, you'll spend the first three days of your trip wondering exactly how you were supposed to start the refrigerator, or how to turn off the heater. If you want to cook meals in the camper van, plan them in advance, and make a grocery list. You may want to bring a few staples from home, such as salt, sugar and cooking oil. Unless you are planning on traveling a very short distance, opt for unlimited miles. The small difference in daily rate pays for your peace of mind. The step in and out of the camper van is a little high, and you have to get over the wheel well. If anyone in your party has mobility problems, discuss them before you rent. I rented the Westfalia camper van from California Campers in Redwood City (south of the San Francisco Airport). They also have an office in Los Angeles. Rentals are also available from other companies listed in the sidebar, including one that rents in San Diego. Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Phoenix Zoo Seattle Space Needle Walking Tours Ponderosa Ranch More Mesa Beach