Minivans, Wagons, or also called Station Wagons are a great way to explore the USA.
Minivans are often underrated as they are not really a traditional car yet also are not a camper. But there are many benefits to renting a Minivan and hitting the road to see some of the best destinations America has to offer.

PRICE
Minivans are a very cheap way to explore the US. Minivan rentals start from $25/day – that’s right – $25/day! And even in peak season – Christmas & New Years – you are looking at a maximum of around $55/day. You will not find a rental car at such a cheap rate. It costs less than a case of beer!!! And imagine you are traveling with a group of friends and can divide the costs…it’s a real bargain.
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS
Minivans can fit up to 5 people (depending on model sometimes more) – it is very roomy and is suitable for solo travelers, a couple, a group of friends, or a family! Dividing the costs among 2 to 5 people makes renting a Minivan one of the most economical ways to explore the United States.
SPACE
Minivans offer a lot of space! You can fit a large number of suitcases, bags, and other luggage into the vehicle’s back. Again – depending on how many people will be traveling – you won’t be struggling with storage space compared to a campervan.
TRANSMISSION
All Minivans are automatic, which allows for a hassle-free ride around the US. Minivans are more compact than a campervan, allowing more people to rent a minivan as not everyone is comfortable driving the larget campervans.
OVERNIGHT OPTIONS
Minivans will give you plenty of overnight options:
1. Camping – you can take your tent, sleeping bags & mattress and have an amazing camping trip. If you book with Travellers Autobarn you can rent a tent & cooking gear directly from us – you only need to bring a sleeping bag & mattress
2. Backend – Minivans are so big that you can comfortably sleep in the back of a vehicle. You can push the back seats down and place a mattress in the rear that you can sleep on (please note you will need to bring or purchase a mattress.) Back in the 80s & 90s, this was the preferred option for traveling around the United States.
3. Hotels – The Minivan can simply function as a car, and you stay in hotels, motels, or hostels every night.

KIDS
Traveling with kids can sometimes be tricky, depending on their age. If a child is under 8 years old in the US, you have limited options when renting a campervan. Minivans are suitable for families with kids from the age of 6 months (some even from the age of 1 month) plus provide plenty of space for a baby stroller in the rear.
Minivans are a great way to explore the entire United States and are by far the cheapest way to road trip!
LOOKING TO RENT? Reserve a minivan from one of our three locations, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Las Vegas.
You may also enjoy our Van Life Guide for Beginners: Traveling Around the United States in a Campervan or our article about Campervans vs Motorhomes/RVs – what the difference?
Check out more of our USA campervan travel tips!
About the Author
Marketing
The Travellers Autobarn Marketing Team brings together expertise in campervan travel, road trip planning and destination insights across Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Working closely with our local teams, we share practical tips, travel inspiration and expert advice to help travellers plan unforgettable road trip adventures.
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