When the open road beckons, there’s only one thing to do – get behind the wheel and go. Whether it’s the freedom of the drive, the allure of the horizon, or the desire to explore new territories, when the idea of an adventure hits it’s hard to ignore.
Satisfy your inner voyager by planning a memorable road trip. Near or far, the most important element of a road journey is the vehicle you choose to drive. Avoid the cramped and uncomfortable experience that often comes with a too-small small vehicle.
A leisure van rental ensures a smooth ride and happy passengers. You’ll enjoy plenty of space, plush seats, and modern features so you can focus on the views instead of the vehicle.
Why rent a full-size van for your next road trip?
Road tripping in a full-size van has a lot of advantages. Here are a few reasons to ditch the sedan this trip.
Unmatched comfort and space
The clearest advantage a van has over any other vehicle is space. This translates to roomy seating and ample legroom, as well as generous cargo capacity. You won’t feel limited when packing, as most vans can be configured to accommodate large amounts of the luggage, gear, and supplies you need for the road.
Versatility for any adventure
Full-size vans are adaptable for all kinds of travel. If you’re a family on the hunt for the country’s best camping sites, a group of friends looking for a city break, or couples searching for a beach getaway, a van is the perfect accessory.
Bring your boogie boards to the shore or arrange your blankets into a cozy sleeping nook. There’s a lot more you can do with a van than a smaller car, so let your imagination run free.
Convenience and efficiency
Avoid the hassle of multiple vehicles – including parking, paying for tolls, coordinating gas and rest stops – by moving as a group in a full-size van. Park once, pay once, fill up the tank once, all while making memories together during the ride.
Planning your full-size van road trip
Now, onto the fun part! Some say that the dopamine that comes with planning a trip is as satisfying as the getaway itself, and there’s no time like the present to start strategizing.
Choosing the right van
When looking for the ideal rental van for you, first consider its passenger and cargo capacity based on the size of your group. Answer these questions to narrow down the options:
- How many seats do you need? Remember that a 15-seater includes the driver’s seat.
- How much luggage are you bringing?
- Are you bringing gear or supplies like tents, ski equipment, beach essentials?
- Are your pets coming with you?
- Do you need to accommodate sleeping areas?
With the logistics in order, think about which features are crucial to your trip. Are you looking for something straightforward with ample cargo space and modern safety features? Or are you interested in a van with a kitchenette, TV screens, or video game consoles?
Packing tips for a smooth journey
We live in an age where there is a solution for every inconvenience. Capitalize on it by incorporating the products and assistance designed to make your journey easier.
- Maximize space: Use packing cubes and seat back organizers to fit as much as you need in the vehicle.
- Stay safe: Remember to pack a first-aid kit and a paper map to help you through unforeseen emergencies.
- Avoid “hangry” passengers: Bring a cooler of snacks and beverages to fend off any irritable moods caused by an empty stomach.
- Keep entertained: Keep everyone excited and engaged with road trip games and podcasts relevant to your trip.
Check out our list of 30 road trip essentials for a guaranteed good time on the road.
Entertainment on-the-go
Concerned that long stretches on the road might lead to boredom? Worry not. As long as your full-size van has a good entertainment system, your riders will be happy. Add to that a stash of van-friendly games and comfy seats, you might enjoy the journey more than the destination.
Here are some ideas:
- Download an audiobook that relates to your surroundings.
- Buy a stack of crossword or sudoku puzzle books.
- Design a music playlist for road karaoke.
- Stock up on magnetic board games.
- Bring a tablet holder to sling over the seats so passengers can watch movies.
Photo by Diego Jimenez on Unsplash.
10 incredible road trip itineraries
It’s time to decide where you want to go and plan the optimal route to arrive. Apps like Waze and Google Maps identify the best ways to reach your destination considering construction and traffic patterns.
These apps also allow you to pin roadside attractions and rest stops, even highlighting upcoming gas stations. If you’re using specific brands for loyalty points or credit card rewards when filling up the tank, this is especially useful. For those who plan to tackle a lot of miles each day, consider the freedom that comes with an unlimited mileage package.
Not sure where you want to go? Read on for a little road trip inspiration. Here are 10 ideas for an incredible group getaway in the U.S.A.
Discover D.C. and beyond
With more museums than any other U.S. city and an endless list of gems within driving distance, Washington D.C. is the perfect base if you’d like to ease your way into road tripping.
From Capitol Hill to the charming coast
Couple the excitement of the city with downtime on the beach, pack your swimsuit and hit up any of these popular beaches near D.C. for the best of both worlds.
Food, fun, and football
Craving a good cheesesteak with a side of football? The drive from Philadelphia to Ohio is chock-full of quirky museums, beautiful state parks, hearty food, and of course, all things sports.
A picturesque postcard
For a true taste of Americana, pack your bags and make your way around New England, where rocky coasts, lovely lighthouses, lobster rolls and charming seaside towns are sure to captivate your whole crew.
Explore the magnificent mountains of Maine
If undertaking all of New England feels like an overwhelming start, take it one state at a time. Maine is breathtaking any time of year, drawing visitors in search of outdoor adventures like skiing, hiking, camping, and majorly relaxing in top-rated spas.
Beat the winter blues in Miami
Turn up the heat with a coastal road trip to Miami, known for sizzling beaches and even more sizzling nightlife. The ride south is brimming with nature and history, action and relaxation, and makes for an unforgettable winter escape.
Conquer the canyon
A Grand Circle road trip in the western U.S. is a dream come true for adventurers. Among the dramatic rock formations you’ll find remnants of ancient civilizations, unparalleled climbing and hiking, and jaw-dropping drives along the canyons.
Keep it cool, classic, and iconic
Some of the world’s most iconic road trips are right here in the U.S.A. Venture through America’s ever-changing culture on Route 66 or groove your way from New Orleans to Natchez on harmonic Highway 61, inspiring all types of road warriors.
Pawsitively perfect pet-friendly adventures
Don’t leave Fido at home when you can bring your furry friend along to any of these pet-friendly destinations in a spacious passenger van.
A New York state of mind
The quintessential escape for groups of friends and family, a road trip to New York will satisfy everyone’s vacation needs: mouthwatering restaurants, awesome skyscrapers, fascinating museums, world-class entertainment…we could actually go on forever, but you get the point. New York is always a good idea.
FAQs about hiring a full-size van
What is considered a full-size van?
A full-size van is a van that fits 15 passengers, including the driver. Most full-size vans come with additional perks, such as Greenvans’ fleet of Ford Transit vans which include amenities like:
- Large side access doors
- Modern safety features like backup cameras and pre-collision assist
- Removable seats to accommodate 8, 12, or 15 riders
- Towing capacity up to 4,500 lbs
- Entertainment system
Popular passenger vans include Ford Transit, Chevy Express, and Mercedes Sprinter. Check out our family van comparison guide for more details.
How many people fit in a full-size van? And how many seats are there?
With 15 bucket seats, 15 people will fit in a full-size van, including the driver. Rows of seats can be removed to accommodate more cargo and less passengers upon request.
How big is a full-size van?
A full-size van measures 235.5” L x 81.3” W x 99.2” H and can be configured to seat 15, 12, or 8 passengers. Our passenger vans are spacious, showcasing a 6-foot-high interior, so riders can stand and stretch in comfort.
Rent a big van for your group road trip – get a quote today!
Share:
