Campervan rental – how to choose and what to consider?

Have you ever dreamed of travelling without any firm plans, staying in picturesque places and enjoying your morning coffee against a breathtaking sunrise? Campervan hire can make that dream a reality, and in a way that’s even more convenient than it might first seem.

Below, we will clarify the key points that should be on the radar of every curious adventurer when choosing this form of travel, which has gained popularity in recent years.

Photo: from AVIS archive

What is campervan rental and why is it becoming more popular?

Motorhome rental is a service that allows you to rent a fully equipped motorhome. In other words, it is a home on wheels that includes sleeping accommodation, a kitchen, amenities and other extras for a comfortable trip.

Here are some of the reasons why more and more people are choosing to travel by campervan:

• Freedom, spontaneity and flexibility – no need to book a hotel in advance, no need to plan a strict itinerary. You can take your campervan wherever your heart desires.
• Privacy and proximity to nature – especially for travellers who want to avoid crowded tourist destinations while enjoying the benefits of unspoilt nature.
• Economy – save on accommodation and restaurants because your home and kitchen are always nearby.

Why is a campervan the ideal solution for travellers who want freedom and comfort?

It’s not hard to imagine an idyllic morning by the riverside, when you’ve just opened the caravan door and are enjoying your coffee sitting in the garden chairs you brought, under the retractable awning, is it? And there’s the answer to the question in the title – you don’t have to worry about check-out times or anything like that.

This is the biggest advantage of a caravan – the chance to stop in places that are not crowded – just you, your companions and nature.

If you’re a keen angler, travelling with a campervan gives you the chance to relax by the lake, staying as long as you like. Are you a wine lover? Stop off at your destination and enjoy a leisurely glass of your favourite tipple, knowing you don’t have to go anywhere else.

Everything you need is always with you

Modern AVIS motorhomes offer fully equipped kitchen areas so you can prepare delicious meals for your family, no matter where you are. Imagine a freshly cooked dinner while enjoying the sunset on the beach or at the top of a hill. Everything you need is right next to you, from the gas cooker to the fridge.

And the amenities are not limited to the kitchen – as mentioned above, a shower, toilet and a comfortable bed are always close at hand.

What should I consider when choosing a campervan rental?

Once you’ve decided to book a motorhome, the next step is to figure out how many people will be travelling:

• Quad Camper “Ford LMC Tourer Lift” with 3 berths will be a great choice for a romantic getaway for two or for a family with children, as it offers enough space for comfortable living, but is still compact enough to manoeuvre easily on narrower roads, a particularly important factor if you plan to visit smaller towns or mountain villages. And the automatic gearbox will make the task of getting around worry-free.

• If you’re travelling in a large group, consider renting a six-seater “Fiat LMC Tourer Alkoven” for even more space.

Do I need to rent full equipment?

When choosing a campervan rental in Latvia, make sure the offer includes all the necessary equipment. AVIS vehicles are equipped not only with the facilities that meet your basic needs, but also add extra value.

Thermal blinds on windows are a prime example, providing much-needed thermoregulation, keeping you warm in cooler weather and cool on hot summer days.

A gas cylinder, hatch, seat heaters and climate control are just some of the extras included in a campervan, showing why a fully equipped rental is vital on a trip like this.

Are additional services required?

The question of whether additional services are necessary is easiest to answer when the approximate length of the trip and the activities planned are clear. In particular, it is necessary to consider the various circumstances that require additional amenities and non-standard solutions:

• Additional driver – allows you to share the driving load, especially on longer journeys
• GPS navigation – helps you navigate in lesser-known or completely unfamiliar areas
• Bike rack – if you plan to enjoy active leisure on your bike

Another very important point is that AVIS provides 24-hour roadside assistance to its lessees throughout Europe, if needed, giving them an even greater sense of security.

Camper van fuel consumption and driving comfort

One of the most common questions that renters ask is about fuel consumption, as motorhomes are known to be heavier and bigger than regular cars. Therefore, the following factors have to be taken into account:

• Average consumption is 9-11 litres of diesel per 100 km
• A 1000 km journey will require around 90-110 litres of fuel
• Driving style has a significant impact on consumption – a steady speed will definitely be more economical

People who only drive a car on a daily basis are often apprehensive about driving a camper van, but there is no need to worry – AVIS vehicles come with a range of features to help you do just that. Here are some examples:

• Rear-view camera – makes parking and manoeuvring easier
• Automatic transmission (Ford LMC Tourer Lift) – less stress in city traffic
• Cruise control – more comfortable driving on longer stretches

In summary, the AVIS campervans are equipped with modern diesel engines that ensure optimum fuel consumption, while cruise control helps to maintain a steady speed, thus significantly reducing consumption.

How much does it cost to rent a campervan and how to optimise costs?

Average rental prices in Latvia

Campervan rental prices on the domestic market depend on a number of factors:

• Class and size of motorhome – prices for the most compact models start at an average of €100/night, while premium models can go up to €200-250/night
• Seasonality – prices tend to be 30-40% higher in the summer months than in other seasons
• Rental duration – longer rental periods (7+ days) generally mean a better daily rate

When choosing a motorhome from AVIS, please note that the rental price includes:

• Vehicle in perfect roadworthy condition
• CASCO insurance
• Full fuel tank, water tank and gas cylinder
• 24-hour roadside assistance

Seasonal impact on price

As already mentioned, the demand for camper vans, and therefore the prices, is very seasonally dependent. In particular, the summer months are traditionally the most expensive times to rent a campervan, and reservations for this period should be made well in advance due to high demand.

To avoid high costs:

• Choose to travel in spring or autumn
• Book a campervan on weekdays, not weekends
• Plan a trip outside school holidays

Tip: The first half of September is often a good time to travel, with the perfect combination of summer weather, fewer tourists and significantly lower prices.

Economy tips

Every successful trip starts with skilful and thoughtful budgeting. To effectively optimise your campervan rental costs, we recommend:

• Book a vehicle at least 3-4 months in advance – especially for the summer season
• Choose a longer rental period as the daily rate drops significantly – you can save up to 13.2% in high season (June-August) and up to 22.6% in low season (September-May)
• Plan your route efficiently – to reduce fuel consumption

Photo: from AVIS archive

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements for a driving licence?

To drive the camper vans offered by AVIS, you need a valid category B driving licence and must be at least 25 years old.

Can you sleep anywhere with a campervan?

Travelling by campervan allows you to stop at almost any freely accessible location, but it is important to respect the requirements of the specific stop. Although the rules in Latvia are quite flexible, many places in Europe prohibit overnight stays outside official camping sites.

What are the fuel costs and consumption?

The average fuel consumption of a motorhome is 9-11 litres per 100 km. This means that a 1000 km journey will require around 90-110 litres of diesel. In other words, for a 1000 km trip in Latvia with an average consumption of 10 l/100 km and a fuel price of €1.70/litre, the fuel cost would be around €170.

Remember that AVIS campervan hire offers a maximum of 500 km per day – this is the optimum distance to enjoy your trip without spending too much time driving.

What do I need to know about car parks and campsites?

Prices for camping in the Baltics usually range from €15 to €35 per night, depending on the services offered. Full-service campsites usually provide:

• Electricity connection
• Water refilling and wastewater disposal
• Showers and amenities
• Laundry options
• Wi-Fi

When planning your route, it is advisable to use specialised mobile apps for finding caravan parks, such as Park4Night or Campercontact.

Why is campervan rental the best way to enjoy your holiday?

In a nutshell: this way of travelling combines the best of both worlds – the freedom of travel and the comfort of home. It allows you to experience spontaneous moments, stop in places rarely visited by tourists, spend more time in nature and bond more with your fellow travellers, and forget about hotel bookings because everything you need is right there with you.

Book your campervan now and go on an unforgettable trip!