Camper vans are affordable to rent overseas. Photo by Pexels | Pixabay

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On my first trip to Australia, I didn’t expect to see koalas or kangaroos in the wild. I assumed the only odd Aussie critters I’d see would be in a zoo.

I lucked out when I spotted a wallaby soon after arriving at a campground south of Sydney. Luck seemed to strike again hours later, when a brushtail possum put its cold, wet nose on my exposed toes.

By the time I stepped out of our rental camper van the next morning, surrounded by a half dozen kangaroos, I knew my animal encounters had nothing to do with luck. They came from husband Bob’s and my choice to camp rather than stay in hotels.

Bob and I were so hooked on camping abroad that we did it several more times — in Europe, New Zealand and on a second trip to Australia.

Not all countries can match Australia’s wildlife, but all campsites offer loads of other perks. Our favorite was simply the freedom to go where we wanted and stay as long as we liked. Because we traveled slightly before or after peak tourist season, we could pull into a campground late in the afternoon, without reservations, and always find a site.

Another key benefit is the cost savings. The compact camper van we rented from Blacksheep Van in France recently listed for $69 a night. A roomier, off-road model with a shower and toilet from competitor Roadsurfer rents for $149.

If you’re willing to tote your tent, campsites overseas also cost less than most in the United States. We paid just $27 per night for a site with electricity in the French village of Messanges on the Atlantic Ocean. Another favorite of ours was in the foothills of the Pyrenees, just outside the historic, walled village of St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, at $20 a night.

We also slashed our food costs by preparing meals in our camper vans’ compact but well-equipped kitchens.

A European practice we appreciated was the placement of campgrounds near city centers and smaller towns that draw tourists. From our site at Spain’s Gran Camping Zarautz, for instance, we walked no more than 10 minutes down a scenic path to the beach and quaint town. We also made good use of Zarautz’s nearby train station, riding 30 minutes each way to San Sebastián, where we sampled the city’s famous Basque tapas bars. If we had driven, parking would have cost more than our train tickets.

If you go

When choosing the size of a camper van to rent, consider local roads. The minivans we rented were tight on storage space but perfect for navigating Europe’s narrow streets.

“For couples or first-time renters, compact camper vans are easier to handle and ideal for winding roads and city-adjacent campsites,” said Grace Sillano, marketing manager with Roadsurfer camper rentals. “Families may prefer larger RVs with a bathroom and shower.”

You can get an idea of driving conditions by checking out recommended camping routes at roadsurfer.com, indiecampers.com or other rental companies’ websites.

Apps can help you find campgrounds. In Europe, Bob and I used Park4night, a free app with information about campsites in more than 100 countries. ACSI Campsites Europe and camping.info provide a similar service.

Check country-specific regulations if you’re considering wilderness camping. Norway, Sweden, Scotland and some other countries allow it, though others limit camping to developed sites.

Before leaving home, check with AAA or your rental provider on requirements for an International Driving Permit. Many foreign countries require one. AAA issues permits for $20 to holders of a valid U.S. driver’s license. For more information and to apply, visit aaa-idp.com.