In this article, we’ll guide you to choose the best vehicle according to your needs and preferences. What types of camper vans are there ? What questions should you ask yourself ? Find the van that suits you thanks to our detailed guide and enjoy total freedom !
Why is it important to choose the right van for traveling ?
A vehicle suited to your travel plans
It’s essential to choose the right vehicle for your van trip. It should match the number of travelers, your lifestyle, the country you’re visiting, the length of your stay… Depending on your needs, you’ll be able to find the model that keeps you comfortable throughout your road trip so that your adventure doesn’t turn into a nightmare !
Comfort, independence, budget: the right criteria
Throughout this guide, we’ll help you ask yourself the right questions to choose the best camper van for you. Who is joining the trip ? How do you imagine your journey ? What level of comfort do you need ? And of course, the all-important question: what is your budget ?
The different types of camper vans for your road trip
The 2-seater Adventure Van : the perfect vehicle for a trip for two without sacrificing comfort
With its very spacious living area, you can comfortably have lunch or dinner with four people thanks to the front seats that swivel 180° toward the fold-out, extendable table. Everyone can sit together to share meals or enjoy evenings playing board games ! The living space is also extremely bright thanks not only to the large windshield, but above all to the panoramic sunroof above the dining table.
The van kitchen is another big plus : plenty of storage, a fridge, a two-burner stovetop, sink covers and an extension make you feel right at home with everything you need to cook easily. The bathroom is cleverly designed as a 3-in-1 space with shower, sink, and washbasin, saving maximum room.
Finally, at night, a large fixed double bed at the back welcomes you for restful, cozy nights. The Adventure Van V600G offers a unique travel experience for adventurers seeking freedom. With its functional design, it’s just as suited for city driving as it is for mountain roads. Its permanent double bed and adaptable living area, all within its 6-meter length, provide optimal comfort for a superior camper van experience.
The Adventure Combi-Van : for maximum independence
A 4-seater adventure combi van with a pop-up roof is a versatile vehicle that combines the advantages of a van and an everyday car, with the added possibility of raising the roof to stand upright, enjoy the view, and let in natural light. It’s the perfect vehicle for travelers who want to head out on an adventure while still having enough space to sleep and store their belongings.
This 4-seater adventure van, with its practical dimensions (4.99 m x 2.1 m x 2 m), comes with an automatic transmission for a smoother, more enjoyable drive. The pop-up roof can be opened to take in the scenery and natural light, making it ideal for camping trips and outdoor adventures.
It features foldaway beds, smart storage solutions for your travel gear, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a fridge. This adaptable van is perfectly suited for city driving as well as small country roads. Ideal for family trips or outings with friends, it’s also highly convenient for outdoor activities thanks to its storage space and load capacity.
The 4-seater Adventure Van pop-up roof : travel with family or friends
With this family van, you can easily drive through city centers while traveling discreetly. Families love it because it offers everything needed for holidays across Europe or simply a weekend getaway: sleeping space for 4 people, a comfortable cabin with a kitchenette, an all-in-one bathroom area, and clever storage.
The adventure van with a pop-up roof is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking freedom and adventure while wanting maximum comfort and flexibility. This van provides both the space and maneuverability needed to navigate narrow, winding roads while offering all the comfort of a motorhome.
The Pilote V600 delivers a unique travel experience that combines the comfort of a motorhome with the freedom and flexibility of a van. You’ll be able to explore new destinations with confidence, knowing you have everything you need to fully enjoy your adventure.
The compact 2-seater Adventure Van : ideal for couples traveling in adventure mode
This ultra-compact van is a sporty yet comfortable camper, even suitable for daily use. Its standout feature is its incredibly clever interior layout. Easy to handle and compact for city trips, yet comfortable and spacious enough for longer journeys, it’s perfect for couples.
The compact 2-seater adventure van is designed for travelers and adventurers who want to set off with a small, versatile camper. Its reduced size and easy maneuverability make it an ideal choice for mountain drives and winding roads.
The interior is arranged to provide a comfortable and practical living space in a compact format. It comes equipped with a bed, kitchenette, storage, and various travel essentials making it perfect for extended trips despite the smaller space. With a fully equipped kitchen and a large fixed bed, this van is bright, practical, and easy to drive and park in both cities and small villages.
Which van should you choose based on your profile ?
The key questions to ask yourself before choosing your vehicle are:
- Who is traveling ? How many people ?
- How long will the trip last ?
- What kind of journey do you want ? More adventure or more comfort ?
Based on your answers, here’s a table to help you choose the right vehicle size :
| Number of travelers | Length of stay | Type of trip | Recommended van |
| 1–2 | Mountain / winding roads | Adventure | Adventure Van |
| 1–2 | City & mountain | Adventure | Compact Adventure Van |
| 4 | Small rural roads / nature | Comfort | Adventure Combi-Van |
| 4 | City / long road trips | Comfort | Adventure Van – Pop-up roof |
Keep in mind that for a larger, more spacious and comfortable option, you could also choose a motorhome. Once you’ve decided on the size, other factors come into play, such as the engine type and available features.
Additional tips for making the right choice
Think about how you’ll use it to pick the right features
Which countries will you visit ? Will it be a warm or cold climate ?
Key things to check : cabin insulation, heating system, air conditioning.
A long-term trip or remote destinations ?
Key things to check : need for greater independence (second battery, solar panel, water capacity…), comfort (TV, A/C, etc.).
What’s the condition of the road network ?
Key things to check: engine, power, transmission (4x4 or not).
Evaluate your comfort priorities
Comfort is definitely one of the main aspects to consider when choosing your vehicle. If you love going off the beaten track and don’t need much comfort, a compact van will do. But are you ready to live like that for several weeks? Also keep in mind: the higher the van’s comfort level, the higher the price. It’s up to you to balance comfort and budget!
Check the onboard equipment
What will you need for your van trip ?
- Bed linen and towels
- Table and chairs
- Dishes
- Solar shower
- Awning
- Blackout blinds
- Heating, air conditioning
- Bike rack
- Coffee machine
- GPS
- Reversing camera
- Snow chains
Consider parking and maneuverability
Another important factor is the vehicle’s handling. Traveling in a camper van means spending a lot of time on the road, finding a place to stay overnight, and parking. Are you comfortable behind the wheel ? Do you feel able to handle a large vehicle ? Do you want to blend in on parking lots ? The answers to these questions will help you choose the right size from a small compact van to a larger camper van.
FAQ - Discover the vans to rent with AVIS explore
A wide range for every type of traveler
At AVIS explore, you’ll find a large selection of camper vans. From the compact 2-seater adventure van to the 4-seater adventure van with a pop-up roof, we’ll help you choose the model that’s right for you. All our vehicles are recent and well maintained. Renting a van with AVIS explore means choosing reliability and peace of mind for your trip.
A rental network across France
AVIS explore has 9 agencies throughout the country, including Corsica. You’re sure to find one near you to rent your camper van. Our team will welcome you, advise you, and help make your travel dreams come true.
Simple, fast, and flexible booking
Whether at one of our agencies or directly online, booking is quick and easy. Select your departure agency, travel dates, and discover the available vehicles along with their prices. Choose the one that best suits your trip, add your options, and set off on your adventure !
If after reading this guide you’re still unsure which van to choose for your next trip, head to your nearest AVIS explore agency. Our experts will help you find the perfect vehicle for your road trip.
Discover our other van life tips
Always eager to accompany you in the organisation of your next van road trip, AVIS explore wants to share with you all the tips and answer your questions to live your best van life with an AVIS explore rental van. Discover our selection of van life tips just for you !
Road games for all ages: fun ideas to spice up your van journey
When you set off on a road trip in a campervan, the journey itself is part of the adventure. But after a few hours on the road, boredom can creep in especially for the younger passengers. That’s where road trip games come into play: they turn an ordinary ride into a moment of sharing, laughter, and connection.
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