VW-bus travelers

What's so intriguing about a VW camper bus?

The Volkswagen (VW) camper bus, also known as the Volkswagen Type 2 or simply the "bus", has become an iconic vehicle that is beloved by many. Here are some reasons why the VW camper bus is so intriguing:

Nostalgia: The VW camper bus has been around since the 1950s and has become a symbol of a bygone era. For many people, the bus evokes feelings of nostalgia for a simpler time when life was less complicated.

Unique design: The VW camper bus has a unique and distinctive design that sets it apart from other vehicles on the road. Its round shape, large windows, and colorful paint jobs make it instantly recognizable.

Versatility: The VW camper bus is a versatile vehicle that can be used for a variety of purposes, from camping to road tripping to daily commuting. Its spacious interior and fold-down bed make it ideal for overnight trips, while its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in city traffic.

Sense of community: The VW camper bus has a strong following among enthusiasts who share a passion for the vehicle. There are many online communities and social groups dedicated to the VW camper bus, where owners can connect, share stories, and swap tips and advice.

Adventure: The VW camper bus represents a sense of adventure and freedom that is appealing to many people. Its ability to take you off the beaten path and into the great outdoors is one of its most appealing features, and makes it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.

Long Live the Camper Van: Companies renting Vacation Mobiles

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George, Alyce, Mae and Kim cruise the California Coast in a vintage VW camper van rental from Vintage Surfari Wagons.

If you live in Southern California and have an “Endless Summer” mentality, Vintage Surfari Wagons is probably the van rental company for you. Their fleet of vintage Volkswagen buses from the ‘80s through 2000s look straight from the set of a classic surfing movie, but with the addition of modern upgrades like much-needed air conditioning. Many models include pop-up roofs to create an even breezier open-air vibe, and if you want to go full RV, some have generators and water hook-ups. For those who’re looking for the glamping-est of camper experiences, they also offer tours led by experts.


Guest post by Dan Gentile on Paktbags.com

Happy Trails Desert Campout

We're getting ready to roll out our May 23-27th camp tour and have a few spots left for either tag-alongs or Vintage Surfari Wagons' rentals. See our Campouts page here for more details, you won't want to miss the bloom in our California desert this season!

Lake Cahuilla, just one of the destinations on this expedition!

Lake Cahuilla, just one of the destinations on this expedition!

Sweet Vacation Story

Christina Beam Photography

I’ve held back on posting about our epic California roadtrip for so long, which is sort of silly, because these are some of my favorite images I’ve taken in my life.

But here’s the truth: These photos are really intimate.

Not in a way, as my 8-year-old would say, that’s “irreproriate.”

But in a way that shows my little family at what I think is our very best: Loving on each other. Drifting apart for little individual moments and mini adventures, then drawing back together by the common pull that makes us The Beams.

Building this family with my husband Erik is far and away my greatest accomplishment in life, and the truth in these images feels a little scary to share.

It’s not all pretty smiles and perfect poses. We’re unshaven, we’re scratched and dirty, we’re in unwashed clothes, but my God, are we happy.

When we told friends and family about our plans — fly to California, rent an ‘85 Volkswagen camper van in Orange County, and drive it up to Northern California and back along the Pacific Coast Highway — they always said, “Wow.”

“Wow,” as in, “That sounds amazing… I would love to do that with my family.”

And also, “Wow,” as in, “All five of you are going to be camping in that van for two weeks? You’re not staying in any hotels? And you have no reservations anywhere, you don’t know where you’re going or what you’re going to do?”

Yes. Wow.

It was important to Erik that if we did this that it be a true adventure. That we relent to the unknown. That we not only trust that we will be okay, but that if we leave room for the unexpected, we will be rewarded with beautiful, heart- and life-changing things.

And as always, Erik was right.