Organize a road trip to the USA in a motorhome
Who hasn’t dreamed of leaving everything behind to go on a road trip in the USA ? Today, what was once seen as a utopian dream is more and more easily achievable, thanks to the many agencies that can help you design your road trip to the USA. In the end, there’s only one thing you need to discover the vastness of the USA by motorhome: organization!
In this article, we’ll look at the main questions to consider when planning a road trip USA by motorhome successful.
Step 1: Planning your road trip to the USA
It’s true that setting off overnight to discover America with only a sleeping bag and a few blankets can be exciting. However, without planning, the euphoria of your freedom will only last a short while. A road trip is a journey that takes time and energy to plan.
To avoid wasting too much time on the road looking for a place to sleep, we advise you to determine how much time you have available, so as to match it to the distance you wish to cover. Likewise, plan your motorhome pitches close to each other, to avoid a day dedicated solely to driving (and high fuel costs).
To choose your locations, you’ll need to decide where you’re going to stay beforehand, and then check whether there are facilities in each place you choose. The interesting thing about traveling in the USA is that all 52 states are different from one another. So you can design your own road trip USA in a motorhome according to your tourist tastes. To give you a few examples, there are :
- the American West, with Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. You can also plan your road trip around the Rockies, a mountain range that passes through Utah, northern Arizona and New Mexico;
- Florida with Miami, Key West, St. Augustine, Orlando, Hollywood, etc. (and the Walt Disney theme park and Universal Studios);
- then theAmerican East with New York, Boston, Washington, Manhattan, etc.
To help you plan your route according to the availability of RV rental sites, there are sites that provide you with a map of the U.S. state with its camping sites, such as uscampgrounds.
For meteorological reasons, it is also preferable to know when is the best time to start your trip. RV trip to the USA :
- for the West: the high season is between July and August, when school is in session and the weather is very hot. We advise you to travel between May and October;
- for Florida, nicknamed the “sunshine state” by Americans: unlike the Western USA, winter is high season in Florida. It’s best to visit from November to May;
- for the East: in winter, temperatures are low, so we advise you to visit the eastern part of the United States from July to October.
Step 2: travel to the USA in VR
How and when to book a motorhome
When it comes to motorhome rentals in the USA, there are several American companies to choose from. To give you just a few examples: Cruise America, El Monte RV, Moturis, Road Bear RV…
Know that it is important to prepare your trip to the USA in advance, as prices and spaces vary according to the season you choose. In fact, if you want to rent a vehicle during the high season, book at least 6 to 9 months in advance: the less availability there is, the higher the rates.
We also advise you to book your motorhome before buying your plane tickets.
Choosing the right motorhome size
The choice will depend on the number of people present on motorhome trips. There are 4 types of rental vehicle:
- class A or integral motorhomes in France: these are the largest motorhomes, designed for groups of 6 to 8 people (measuring 29 to 45 feet). This class is ideal for family or group travel;
- class B: these are the smallest motorhomes and can accommodate a maximum of 4 people (measuring 18 to 24 feet);
- class B+: identical to class B, but with greater comfort (especially for sleeping arrangements);
- class C: motorhome equipped with a cabucine for up to 8 people (30 to 33 feet long);
Booking motorhome pitches
There are several online sites where you can get guided tours and book pitches by location, including Authentik USA, Hipcamp, recreation.gov or reserveamerica.org. These sites allow you to map out an itinerary easily between all the campsites, as well as to compare prices between them. road trip USA in a motorhome.
Americans love camping, which is why there are so many sites in National Parks, State Parks and National Forests. For the most famous parks, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone or Sequoia National Park, reservations are open 6 months in advance. For public parks, you’ll be offered several types of site:
- tent only: reserved for campers;
- walk-in: reserved for campers (but the car is located at a certain distance from the aunts);
- RV NonElectric: reserved for motorhomes, without mains power;
- NonElectric standard: for campers or motorhomes without mains power.
For some sites, it’s not possible to book in advance, so you’ll have to find a place on a “first come, first served” basis.
Reservation prices can vary from $0 to $18 for campsites in national parks, and from $30 to $50 for private campsites, the latter being closer to towns and offering greater comfort (electricity, sanitary facilities, etc.).
Please note that wilderness camping is forbidden in the United States. You must stop at a legal public or private campsite.
Mandatory documents
To travel by motorhome in the U.S., be sure to provide these documents: a B license, an international license, a valid biometric or electronic passport and a credit card bearing the driver’s name.
Step 3: the cost of a road trip USA in a motorhome
ESTA
ESTA authorization is an essential visa for travel on American soil for less than 90 consecutive days. Unlike the traditional visa, the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) costs $14 per person.
Airline tickets
Although prices to the USA are still very high, it’s becoming easier and easier to get to the USA from Europe. You can find direct flights to Denver, Boston, Dallas, etc. Return tickets cost between €300 and €1,200 (prices vary according to time of year and destination).
RV and gasoline
Contrary to popular belief, a road trip USA in a motorhome is not all that accessible. Expect to pay between €110 and €150 per day (prices vary according to motorhome type and rental period).
Gas prices vary from state to state. California and the parks have high gas prices. Expect to pay between 35 and 90 cents a liter.
Campsites
Cost between $0 and $50 per site.
Food (and tips!)
One of the biggest expenses on a road trip is food and drink. Expect to pay €20 to €25 per person for a full meal, including tip, and €10 for fast food.
Tipping is part of American culture. Count on 15-20% of the bill if you’re satisfied, 10% if you’re moderately satisfied and 0% if you didn’t like it at all.
Activities, insurance, telephones…
Other costs need to be taken into account, such as tourist activities, travel insurance for medical expenses, telephone packages and so on.
With this information, a GPS and a road map, you’re all set for adventure… Bon voyage!