Travel Guide For Foreign Travelers in America
Have you ever considered an RV rental and taking a road trip through the United States?
The United States is a truly beautiful country, and one of the best ways to see it is by RV. If you’re planning to get an RV rental for your American vacation, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together this travel guide for foreign travelers in the U.S. to help you make the most of your RV journey.
There’s no doubt about it: More and more people go RVing is an amazing and awe-inspiring way to cruise America and experience its diversity and what unites us — but there are some important things to keep in mind when you’re traveling from another country. This article will cover everything from driver’s license requirements to safety information that could save your life while exploring America by RV.
Get an RV From a Trusted RV Rental Company
First, you need to get your RV rental from a trusted source. There is no point in planning the American vacation of your dreams if you’re going to risk getting an RV from an unverified, unreliable, or unprofessional company.
Unfortunately, RV scams are common in America, just as they are elsewhere in the world (here’s a typical example). Among the most common RV rental scams are the following:
- Having to pay in full or submit a large deposit for an RV that doesn’t actually exist
- Being forced to pay for damage that was not caused during the RV rental (or that does not exist at all)
- Paying to rent an RV that is stolen and may be being tracked or searched for by law enforcement
To avoid risks like these, use a trusted and well-known rental company like RVnGO. On the RVnGO website, you can find vehicles of all sizes, all over the country. Whether you want a huge Class A to enjoy those long drives on the highway or a smaller campervan to navigate the narrowest of city streets, RVnGO has the listings and the credentials you need. Here is what sets RVnGO apart from their competitors:
- Industry leading RV Rental Protection Plan during your rental
- Industry standard in transparent transactions – No hidden or surprise fees
- Vetted RV owners, aka Hosts
- Save around 40% on the rental compared to other companies.
- Exclusive discount program for all customers on major brands called RVnGO Perks
Ensure You Have the Correct License (or Licenses!)
Driving in the United States as a foreigner is pretty straightforward, and if you’re from Europe, you’re probably more prepared to drive in the U.S. than drivers from the UK, Australia, India, Japan, or other countries where they drive on the left. Being able to drive on the right confidently, however, is not the only — nor the most important — requirement for driving in the U.S. as a foreigner.
To drive in the United States as a foreigner, you must hold a valid driver’s license from your country of origin. In some states, you may also be required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your valid foreign license. Obtain the IDP from a verified provider (like the official IDP website). Again, there are many scams in operation that aim to sell you fake IDPs. To find out what the requirements are in the state(s) you intend to drive in, click here and search for the relevant department of motor vehicles.
Other Driving Requirements for an RV Rental
In addition to having the correct license, you also need to meet a few other criteria to drive an RV rental legally in the United States. If you want to go RVing, make sure you abide by these important requirements:
- Depending on the rental company, there may be age restrictions. These are usually for insurance coverage reasons. Typically, the driver must be over 21 or over 25, and no older than 75, but this does vary depending on where you’re getting your RV rental from.
- The class of rental you choose may have additional license requirements. Most people can drive a Class C or campervan without an additional license, but if you want to drive a much larger Class A vehicle, you may need another license, depending on the states you are visiting. For example, New York state has an “R Registration” requirement for recreational vehicles over 26,000 lbs. In California, you may need a Class B non-commercial license to drive certain types of vehicles. Check with the state before you travel.
Make sure you have appropriate travel medical insurance for your trip. If any accidents or injuries occur on the road, you don’t want to be limited in which medical facilities you can access. You can receive emergency lifesaving treatment just about anywhere in the U.S. without paying upfront, but you will be left with a hefty bill (that can reach into the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars) if you don’t have an RV Rental Protection Coverage.
General Tips for Driving in America
Once you’re certain you meet the license requirements for the state or states you intend to travel in/through, you’re one step closer to enjoying that perfect American vacation! Here are some more general tips to bear in mind as a foreign driver in the U.S.:
- Americans drive on the right. For most Europeans, this will be familiar, but if you’re from certain countries — like the UK or Cyprus — you will be used to driving on the left.
- Seatbelts are required everywhere. Wear them at all times.
- Unless there is a sign saying otherwise, you can turn right at a red light in America as long as there is no oncoming traffic. Look carefully before you make any turns, however, as there is likely to be traffic coming from the left in your lane.
- At a four-way stop, whoever arrives first, goes first. There is no yielding to people in a certain position, like at roundabouts in Europe — instead, you cross a four-way stop in the order in which you arrived at the stop sign.
Drink driving is taken very seriously in all states, but in some states, it is illegal for a passenger to be drinking alcohol in the vehicle, even if the driver is under the legal limit. The driver is the one who will be punished.
Finding Places to Stay in Your RV Rental
You’re on the road, following all the rules, and by now, you’re probably having the time of your life. Where are you going to stay when the evening comes, though?
Generally speaking, you can’t just park anywhere and camp for the night like in some European countries (RV-friendly France and Portugal, we’re thinking of you in particular!). In some places, it’s actually illegal to do so. In others, like areas on Indian reservations (federally recognized Native American tribal nation lands), it may not be illegal, but it is highly recommended socially and culturally to ask the trial chief for permission to stay.
The easiest solution to this is to book campsite reservations well in advance. In some popular areas, you need to book a site months in advance, or else they will all be booked up by the time of your visit. Bear in mind that many campgrounds are seasonable and may be closed between October/November and April/May the following year. KOA Campgrounds are great for families and typically have more services and amenities than private grounds.
When to Visit America for the Perfect RV Rental Vacation
While many campers are winterized, traveling in the winter in an RV comes with its own special set of challenges. And, if you get something wrong, you risk freezing and later bursting pipes or causing damage to the RV in numerous other ways.
To avoid these hassles, take your RV rental vacation at a time of the year when it is most pleasant to travel and sleep in an RV. Around 70 degrees is a great temperature for sleeping and hanging out in a vehicle — it’s not too hot, and it’s not too cold. Read where to go to chase that 70-degree weather at all times if you want to know!
PS, Save Around 40% On Your RV Rental!
If you’re ready to get your American vacation off to a great start, it helps to start with America’s most reliable RV rental company! With RVnGO, you can book motorhomes and campers across the U.S., so whether you’re starting on the East or the West Coast or somewhere in between, you’ll be able to find the perfect home-on-wheels for you. Visit RVnGO to book your RV rental today!
As a customer you get access to the RVnGO Perks program, which gives you discounts from major retailers, dining and entertainment venues you know and trust.
https://youtu.be/qn-ZHqIofH0