While summer is a popular time to rent a camper van, booking months in advance is best. This will ensure that you’ll get the vehicle of your choice rather than being stuck with an outdated model.
Iceland campervan rentals often come with essential items like dishes and a stove. However, to save money on food, consider renting additional items, such as a camping table and chairs or a cooler.
Plan Your Route
When you arrive at the company location to pick up your van, it will likely be fully prepared with a fridge, sink, and cooking equipment. You can often rent additional amenities such as camping stoves, coolers, heaters, and extra bedding. These can add up to a substantial additional cost, so you should ensure they are included in your rental package.
Iceland is notorious for its windy weather, so if you plan to open doors or hoods on your vehicle, be prepared to get them ripped off. This is not only very dangerous but will also void your insurance. Check the company’s insurance options; they can usually bundle multiple options to save you money.
It’s best to have a general idea of which towns you want to stop in for each night, but it is also good to be flexible and enjoy the scenery as you drive around. Remember that you may need more time to see everything if you overdo it. It’s essential to keep an eye on the clock so you can catch your flight back home.
Inspect the Van Before you Leave
If you’re renting a camper van in Iceland, ensuring it’s equipped for the weather and road conditions you’ll encounter is essential. For example, some of the country’s roads are gravel and can be tricky to navigate with a standard sedan.
The campervan rental in Iceland should give you a thorough walk-through of the van once you’ve completed all the paperwork. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you have and see if anything needs to be added or removed from the van before heading out on your trip.
Also, ensure you have a full gas tank when you pick up your vehicle. This will keep you from racking up expensive overage fees.
Check the Insurance
You’ll want to ensure you have proper camper van insurance. This may be through your credit card, travel insurance policy, or the company you rent from in Iceland. It’s important to know what kind of coverage you have before you leave, as some companies put mileage limits per day on their rentals, and driving outside this limit can be very expensive.
Driving around can be incredibly scenic, with dramatic mountains and stunning waterfalls. However, it’s important to remember that you must continue on the side of the road to take pictures. This is to ensure safety and prevent congestion on the roads.
Also, remember that Iceland’s weather can be very windy. Check your rental insurance coverage for damage caused by the winds, such as ripped doors and windows or foreign objects blown into the vehicle. Also, some rural areas of Iceland might need a better cellular signal. In this case, you’ll want to save a Google Map of your itinerary on your phone or tablet to use offline.
Check the Mileage
There are a few things to remember when renting a camper van in Iceland. First, a four-wheel drive vehicle is a must to explore the country’s more remote areas. The roads in Iceland can be icy and treacherous, so having a four-wheel drive vehicle is essential to ensure your safety. You should also pack a first aid kit in case of an emergency and any prescription medications you may need.
Another thing to consider is the mileage limit of your rental vehicle. Ensure you know how many kilometers are allowed before you start driving, as it can be expensive to exceed your limit. It’s also important to note that distances in Iceland are measured in kilometers rather than miles, making sights seem farther away.
Overall, camping in Iceland is a fun way to experience the country’s beauty without spending too much on accommodation or food. Book your rental vehicle early, as good campervan companies often fill up quickly.
Packing
Knowing how to pack your bags before renting a camper van in Iceland is essential. This will help you avoid any extra costs or issues on your trip. Most rental companies offer a checklist online that will give you an idea of what to bring. This will also help you save space in your van.
The list will include essential items like cooking and eating utensils, cutlery, and glassware. You should also bring a sleeping bag and pillows to be comfortable at night. You should also pack your hiking and outdoor gear if you plan on exploring the mountainous areas of Iceland. If you plan on taking F roads, ensure your rental car can drive on them.
When you arrive at your campervan rental company, be prepared to spend a few hours going over paperwork and getting familiar with your vehicle. This is an excellent time to ask any questions you have. The company should also brief you on what is included and their different insurance options.
