If you caught one of the recent posts on the blog, I spoke all about road trip prep and the things you can do to get yourself ready for your time on the road. But one thing I didn’t go into much detail about was the actual vehicle, so this post will cover the best options to consider for your journey.

Your own car

The great thing about going on a trip in your own car is that you know it well. You have plenty of experience in driving it, you know what’s normal (and therefore what’s not, so you can identify any issues quickly and call for roadside assistance if needed). Chances are you like your own car and enjoy driving it, it’s something you probably spent a long time saving for and a road trip gives you the opportunity to really utilise it. If it’s a newer vehicle it will have all of the luxury mod cons you’d need on a long trip, from built in navigation to AC to great safety features. Unlike a larger vehicle, a car will be more fuel efficient and therefore cheaper if you’re on a tighter budget. The main downside to road tripping in a car is the size. If you’re carrying a couple of passengers it could feel like a bit of a squeeze and so is something to consider, depending on who is coming with you and how long the journey will be.

Ute/ pickup truck

If you’re going on more of a rugged journey, down bumpier or less well traveled roads then it could make sense to choose a vehicle suited to these conditions. Not only are they more spacious in the cab, but you have plenty of storage space in the back for things like tents and supplies- so ideal if you’ll be on the road for longer periods. If you’re driving a flatbed truck, you could even add blankets and pillows and sleep in the back on some nights with no need to set up a tent or pay for a motel, it all depends on the climate and place you’re driving in. Having a four wheel drive will be crucial if your trip will involve some more difficult roads, so check out 4×4 or ute hire in your area.

Rv or campervan

The great thing about road tripping in an RV or campervan is that you have transport and accomodation in one. You always have somewhere to sleep, as long as the location you park in is safe and legal. It could be on the road or on campsites, campsites are useful as they can hook you up to electricity, water and even wifi. Campsites usually have showers and other facilities too so you can clean up. Get a big cool box and fill it with food and snacks from the grocery store and you can eat cheaply too.

What vehicle would you be most likely to pick to go on a road trip in?