At Escape, we like to make things as simple and as easy as possible for you. From the booking process to the operation of the camper to the terms and conditions, we aim for simplification and honesty.

There will always be a few uncertainties though, so below are the most frequent questions we are asked.

Frequently asked questions

• Why is the Campervan holiday so popular in America?
  
• What are the public facilities like in the USA?
  
• Are there any hidden charges in your Campervan rates?
  
• When should I book my Campervan?
  
• Can I choose a painted Escape Camper?
  
• Who paints your campervans?
  
• How old are your Campers?
  
• What make and model are your Campervans?
  
• Can I sleep anywhere or do I have to stay in a Campground?
  
• Do you provide travel information?
  
• Do I need an International drivers license to hire an Escape Campervan?
  
• What time do you open and close your offices?
  
• What about all the luggage I have?
  
• I don't want to draw attention to myself, do you have any plain campervans?
  
• What is the minimum number of days that I need to hire an Escape Campervan?
  
• How do I secure a booking with Escape?
  
• Are my credit card details safe?
  
• What age do I have to be to drive an Escape camper?
  
• How far can I travel on a full tank of fuel?
  
• What is the cost of fuel in America?
  
• How many people can travel in the Camper with me?
  
• Is there a charge for additional drivers?
  
• Is the vehicle insured?
  
• Can I reduce the Campervan Insurance excess?
  
• Are Escape campervan transmissions manual or auto?
  
• Will we be warm enough in Winter?
  
• Do all Campervans have stereos?
  
• Is bedding provided?
  
• Do you supply a Campground guide?
  
• Should I book Camp sites and State Parks in advance?
  
• Can I hire extra items?
  
• What side of the road do you drive on in America?
  
• How much do I pay if I do more than 100 miles per Day?
  

Answers

Why is the Campervan holiday so popular in California?
California is simply one of the best places in the world to explore by campervan. The roads offer easy driving, there are fantastic beaches, excellent campsites and state parks, first class facilities, friendly locals and no set itinerary make the Campervan trip the perfect holiday.

What are the public facilities like in America?
Unlike the UK and Europe, campsites are of a very high standard in America with powered sites, full kitchens, TV and entertainment rooms, hot showers etc. Escape will supply you with a Campsite directory free of charge at the beginning of your trip. Prices are approximately $7-$15PP/Night.

Are there any hidden charges in your rates?
There are NO hidden charges. Standard insurance and 100 free miles per Day are included in your daily rate along with extra driver fees, road user charges, all equipment, roadside support service, credit card fees etc.

When should I book my Campervan?
Escape are one of the first companies to fill up and even in the low season, vehicles are in high demand. For the high season months, it is advisable to book a couple of months ahead and in the low season at least a couple of weeks. If you are not that organised, contact us anyway as we often have things change at the last minute.

Can I choose my favourite painted Escape Camper?
When you book, list in the comments section your 3 favourite campers. We cannot guarantee we will be able to meet your request, but we will do our best. If you list either 'Scenic', 'Cartoon' or 'Native American' it will allow us a better chance of lining you up with a Campervan in the style you like.

Who paints your campervans?
We employ a range of very talented local artists who have achieved international acclaim. Each artist has their own style which ads to the variety of flavours in our fleet. If you are collecting a camper between March and April, you may well see our artists in action.

How old are your campers?
Our fleet is the newest of any budget fleet in America with an average age of 2002. All our campers are serviced to a high standard and the fitouts are all within 6 Months of age.

What make and model are your campervans?
Our fleet consist of Chevy Astro. The Astro is among the most economical of any Van in the United States and are very well appointed.

Can I sleep anywhere or do I have to stay in a campground?
The beauty of traveling in an Escape Campervan in America is the total freedom it gives you, allowing you to access some of the most beautiful and unique spots in America. The Department of Conservation runs a network of basic campsites set in some of the most stunning locations in America and Top 10 Holiday Parks offer world class campground facilities. Free camping is illegal in some areas so you would need to check with the local authority before free camping. We do ask that if you do free camp, please respect the environment, the locals and clean up after yourselves. Escape will provide you with a directory of Campgrounds, Campsites and our own special recommendations.

Do you provide travel information?
Yes, we provide personal itinerary advice at the start of your trip along with some regional guide pamphlets, State parks guides and Camping guides.
'The Escape Guide' is in production and will be available soon featuring all our hidden secrets on places to visit and things to do throughout California. It also provides discounts on Adventure tourism activities along with free Camping sites and much more. This guidebook will soon also be emailed in web format when you book.

Do I need an International drivers license to hire an Escape Campervan?
As a foreign tourist coming to the U.S., you need a valid driver's license from your home country to drive on the roadways. It is usually helpful to also obtain an international driver's license or permit. You are not required to have this permit but it is written in several languages and verifies that you hold a valid license in your home country, which can help the law enforcement officer to be more informed if you are stopped.

What time do you open and close your offices?
Open 7 Days.
Monday to Saturday 8.30am – 4.30pm
Sunday and public holidays. 10am-4pm
(Closed Christmas and New Years day!)

Escape Campervans are the most flexible for pick up times. You can collect your Camper between 11am and 4.30pm.
Pickups outside these times can be arranged for an extra fee.

What about all the luggage I have?
The Escape Campervan has approx 50 Quart of storage space. We do recommend you bring soft bags instead of hard cases. If you can't fit everything in, we can store bags in a secure lockup at our depot free of charge. We also offer a roof lockable storage box for $50 for your trip.

I don't want to draw attention to myself; Do you have any plain campervans?
Sorry, but we don't do boring. Surprisingly, locals and other travellers will assume you are a local who has painted their own Campervan, and hence the artwork allows you to blend in with the local community and the environment. (The people who stand out as tourists are in white box campervans)
Our clients experience positive and friendly contact with other travellers and locals through the artwork.

What is the minimum number of days that I need to hire an Escape Campervan?
Our website quotes a minimum 5 day rental, but we can do 2, 3 or 4 day rentals also for Los Angeles. These short bookings will have a higher daily rate, but please contact us directly for a quote.
San Fran and Vegas depots sometimes have minimum rental periods and drop off fees may apply for these locations. Any fees will be outlined at the quote stage.

How do I secure a campervan booking with Escape?
Escape only requires a USD$200 deposit to reserve a Campervan. The balance is not payable until you collect your Campervan. (Most companies require full payment 4 weeks prior to travel).

Are my credit card details safe?
Yes. A secure server is used when you are entering and processing your credit card details. You can check this is active by looking for the padlock symbol in your browser during processing. This means your data is being encrypted using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol.

What age do I have to be to drive an Escape campervan?
You need to be 21 Years of age. You will need to have a full drivers license to hire an Escape Campervan.

How far can I travel on a full tank of fuel?
Our campers have 27 Gallon (103L) Petrol tanks. Depending on the driving terrain and your driving style, you can travel approximately 595 Miles on a tank!! (Approx 1000km)

What is the cost of fuel in America?
The price of fuel is constantly changing. As a general rule, it's approximately half the price of fuel in the UK or Europe. Approximate price is US$2/Gallon (4 litres to a Gallon)

How many people can travel in the camper with me?
Four people including the driver can travel in an Escape Camper. The Camper is equipped for 3 persons, but there is the option to carry a 4th person and hire a tent also.

Is there a charge for additional drivers?
No. Our costs include multiple drivers.

Is the vehicle insured?
Escape has very friendly insurance cover. All vehicles come with a standard insurance policy that covers you for any damage to the vehicle and 3rd party and liability cover. There is an excess that applies and in most cases this is US$1200 (depending on your age). Unlike many companies, Escape do not take the excess from your credit card before you leave. We simply require a credit card imprint.

Can I reduce the insurance excess?
Yes, there are vehicle reduction options available which will reduce the excess you are liable for in the case of an accident or other vehicle damage. Campervan Insurance options.

The maximum collectable campervan insurance is either $US350 or $450 depending on you age. For example if you are over 25 and hiring for 50 days you could take out maximum cover with full windscreen and tyre cover for $US350. That is only $US7 per day.

Are the Camper transmissions manual or auto?
We provide auto transmission campervans. If you have not driven an Automatic before, don't worry as it's very easy and we will give you a quick lesson before departure.

Will we be warm enough in winter?
You most certainly will. All our campers have heaters and two warm winter comforters. Most other companies charge extra for these items, but Escape include these for free.

Do all campervans have stereos?
Yes, all campers have CD players, most have MP3 and IPOD hookups. All campervans have an AM/FM stereo. You can request your preference and we will do our best to satisfy you.

Is bedding provided?
Clean sheets, duvets, covers, pillows and pillow cases along with cutlery, pots, pans, cooking elements are all provided FREE, all you need is your clothes.

Do you supply a campground guide?
We sure do. We have a collection of campground guides in stock free of charge.

Should I book camp sites in advance?
Generally no, however if you are traveling between 1st June and 1st September, you may have to book the more popular sites in advance.

Can I hire extra items?
Yes, we hire picnic tables, Snow Chains, TV's, GPS navigation, Tents, Awnings, solar showers and child seats.

What side of the road do you drive on in America?
In America we drive on the Right hand side of the road. The Land Transport America website has a page dedicated to informing overseas drivers about USA driving laws.
For more information, click on the following link. http://www.americadrives.com/

How much do I pay if I do more than 100 miles per day?
The cost of additional miles is 25 cents per mile. You can purchase unlimited miles at the start of your trip for only $19 per day.