When many families plan summer road trips, they automatically think about using their own vehicles. Doing so can often work well, but it's not your only option. If you're in the early stages of planning a trip for your family, give some thought to other methods of transportation. One idea is to rent a large van for the trip. Van rental companies have all sorts of models in their fleets, and it can be fun to check out your options and choose the best one for your family. Here are some reasons to rent a large van for a family trip.

More Room For Passengers

Most family vehicles don't offer a lot of capacity for passengers. For example, if you have a standard car, it will often have two front seats and three back seats. If your family consists of five people, this makes for a cramped vehicle — which can be an issue on long drives. Renting a large van not only gives everyone more space around them but also offers the possibility of traveling with additional passengers. For example, you might take your parents with you or invite some of your children's cousins or friends along on the trip. Doing so would not work in a smaller vehicle.

Extra Storage Space

If you're planning to be away from home for a week or more, your family will likely have a lot of luggage to take. Suitcases and duffel bags can quickly fill the trunk of a conventional vehicle, but a large van will offer lots of room for these items. Lots of large vans are even equipped with roof racks that can hold additional items, as well as bike racks that can hold bikes for your children. Being able to travel with a large amount of gear will give your family lots of activity options on your trip.

Better Visibility

Sightseeing is a big part of summer family trips. Regardless of where you're traveling, there will be interesting things to see along the route. A large van can be desirable because it's higher off the road than a conventional vehicle. This extra height helps with your passengers' ability to see the surrounding area. As a driver, you'll also appreciate being higher up because it can help you to see over small vehicles on the road in front of you, thus helping you to be more aware of traffic conditions. Look online to find a sprinter van rental company in your area.