This Luxe Campervan Rental Company Just Launched in Austin — With a Fleet of Mercedes Sprinters and a Trip-planning Team

The resurgence of campervans has revamped the American road trip and made “home” wherever you park for the night. One campervan rental company, Cabana, has taken the trend to new heights, remodeling vans so they’re outfitted with all the comforts of home — including real beds, indoor kitchens, showers, toilets, and a kitchen table with a view. The rental company, which has differentiated itself with high-tech van buildouts and trip-planning help, just expanded its fleet to Austin, Texas, where Cabana launched redesigned two-person 2023 Mercedes Sprinter campervans.

“People love the freedom of waking up at the base of a mountain, in the middle of the desert, or alongside the coast — or to pull up to a music festival and have all of your comforts close by,” said Scott Kubly, the CEO and founder of Cabana, in an email to Travel + Leisure. “Outdoor recreation is still at an all-time high — we’re finally learning how much we need connection to the outdoors and to unplug from the grind, and van life is making it easier than ever.” 

Each of Cabana’s modern, high-tech rigs sleeps two people on a real queen-size bed and includes a refrigerator, drinking water, a shower, a toilet, a sink, and a stovetop, along with things like cutlery, pots and pans, towels, and linens. Complimentary coffee, toiletries, and a set of camp chairs elevate the experience, while a cellular Wi-Fi device, a TV, and USB ports make it easier to stay on the road longer. Perhaps most importantly, the vans are equipped with a heater and ceiling fan, making it easy to get out year-round.

In addition to fresh, modern buildouts, Cabana sets itself apart with a trip-planning service that connects travelers with an in-the-know regional itinerary planner who will help plan out the route, book campsites, and offer advice. The add-on service makes road trips simple — even for total newbies — while the vans’ off-grid capabilities expand travelers’ overnight options.

“We’ll continue saving travelers time on the logistics and headache often associated with travel, enabling them to spend more time appreciating the adventure,” Kubly said. “Van life’s popularity continues to grow because of the ability it affords travelers to create opportunities for serendipity, wonder, and exploration; to really get in touch with your surroundings, and appreciate everything this country has to offer.”

Austin is the fourth Cabana hub; Cabana is already established in Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The brand is planning several more U.S. expansions over the course of 2023.

Austin’s day-to-day operations will be managed by New Waterloo, an Austin-based hospitality company that has partnered with Cabana. The Austin location will also be the launch site for the new 2023 Mercedes Sprinter van buildout. The new campervans — including the Mercedes sprinter van —can now be reserved out of the Austin location.