Swap and save

Not only has the internet opened up the world of travel to more people, it’s also made it easier and cheaper. And not just through cheaper flights and ‘last minute’ hotel booking sites.

Various websites now aim to stretch your overseas travel dollars even further, with budget options like house swaps or short stay rental options in people’s homes.

But did you know there’s a similar service for RV travellers who want to ‘swap’ RV experiences with like-minded owners from around the world?

Set up by New Zealander Stephen Smith, the RVworldwide.com website is a place for international travellers to exchange, swap or rent a motorhome or caravan in a different country.

“RV Worldwide is a very successful concept and many users have now enjoyed worldwide travel and experiences that once they could only dream about - and all for much less cost than the alternative of renting an RV,” Smith says.

To list your RV for exchange, you simply fill out the online form, noting details about your location and type of RV, and the country or countries you’d like to travel in as well as potential dates.

Likeminded RV owners that 'match' the particular requirements can then get in touch arrange an exchange. It doesn’t have to be a simultaneous exchange either, with exchanges often occurring months apart to take into account summer periods in different parts of the world.

As the website points out, the scheme is not entirely free, as participants still need to pay for general running costs such as fuel and servicing and there may be an extra cost for insurance.

The website also has a ‘Rent’ section where owners can offer their RV for rent, and a ‘Travellers’ section for more personal requests.

Currently, there are 242 listings in the Swap section, with a range of countries representated including New Zealand, Australia, USA, France, Spain, and the UK.

Most of the listings are motorhomes, with some interesting offers like the Gladstone, Queensland couple who want to exchange a stay in their ‘Aussie mansion’ for a five week trip in a coach-sized motorhome.

The service can also be used for intra-country swaps, such as when an Australian RV owner wants to experience another part of the country but doesn’t want to drive vast distances to get there. 

As an added bonus, it’s currently free to list your RV on the website, for an annual saving of up to $49.50.