Planning a family vacation, a reunion or a weekend road trip from Chicago? Our travel journal brings together the guides our team writes for groups who drive themselves: scenic routes and stops for trips out of Chicagoland, packing lists for a 12- or 15-passenger van, winter driving advice, and clear comparisons of the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit so you can choose the right van with confidence. Browse the latest stories below, filter by topic, or open the full archive at the bottom of the page to find every guide in one place.

Pros and Cons of Renting a Passenger Van for Travel
28 May 2026

Pros and Cons of Renting a Passenger Van for Travel

Thinking about a passenger van for your next group trip? Like any choice, it has trade-offs. Here's an honest look at the pros and cons so you can decide what's right for your group. Pro: room for the whole group The biggest advantage is capacity — up to 15 people plus luggage in one vehicle, so everyone travels together comfortably instead of splitting into cars. Pro: great value One van shared across the group is far cheaper per person than separate cars or rid...

Chicago to Minneapolis in a Rental Van
11 May 2026

Chicago to Niagara Falls Road Trip by Van Rental: Route, Stops & Tips

Embarking on a road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls is one of the most thrilling midwestern-to-east-coast adventures you can take. Spanning roughly 530 miles across America's heartland to the thunderous natural wonder of North America, this journey offers picturesque lakefronts, historical landmarks, world-class wineries, and vibrant culinary stopovers.

Chicago to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
18 March 2026

Top Places to Visit from Chicago in Summer with Van Rentals

Summer is road-trip season, and a rented van is the perfect way to explore from Chicago with the whole group. Here are the best summer trips by distance, from quick weekends to longer getaways. Within a couple of hours For a quick escape, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and the canyons of Starved Rock State Park, Illinois are easy, scenic drives — perfect for a summer weekend. A few hours out With a little more time, hit the family fun of the Wisconsin Dells, the beaches and charm of...

Trip to Branson Missouri 15 Passenger Van Rental
16 March 2026

Best Scenic Places in Chicago for Photography With Van Rentals

Chicago is a photographer's dream, and a van rental lets a photography group reach the best scenic spots together — gear and all, on your own schedule. Here are the top places to shoot, and why a van makes it easy. The best scenic spots Capture the skyline from Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, the reflections at Millennium Park and Cloud Gate, and the classic views along the Chicago Riverwalk and Navy Pier. For nature and greenery, shoot the Lincoln Park Conservatory and zoo...

Two 15-passenger vans, a black Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and a white Ford Transit, are parked side by side on a forested road.
10 March 2026

Best Couple Getaways in Chicago You Can Explore With a Van Rental

A couple's getaway is even better when the driving is easy and comfortable. Whether it's a romantic weekend nearby or a scenic escape, a rental van gives you space and comfort for the trip. Here are the best getaways from Chicago. Romantic escapes nearby For a weekend away, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the scenery of Starved Rock State Park, the beach town of New Buffalo, Michigan, the fun of the Wisconsin Dells, and the historic charm of Galena, Illinois all make lovely couple&r...

A rental van on an epic road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone, Smoky Mountains, and the Grand Canyon, showcasing scenic views
04 March 2026

Planning a Spring Trip? Best Places to Visit from Chicago with a Rental Van

Spring is a beautiful time for a group road trip from Chicago, and a rented van keeps everyone together for it — with room for all the spring gear. Here are the best spring destinations to reach by van. Lakeside and outdoors Head to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for a relaxing lakeside weekend, or the canyons and waterfalls of Starved Rock State Park in Illinois — both easy, scenic spring drives. City and coast Milwaukee, Wisconsin brings food, culture, and the lakefront, whi...

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  • Book a rental vehicle online via our website by choosing your vehicle, pickup location, and dates.

  • How do I book a rental vehicle?

    Book a rental vehicle online via our website by choosing your vehicle, pickup location, and dates.

  • What types of vans are available for rent?

    Self-drive 7-passenger minivans, the 10-passenger Mercedes Sprinter Road Cruiser, and 12 and 15-passenger Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit vans. We do not have cargo vans yet.

  • Can I cancel my rental booking?

    Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. After that the deposit is kept, and cancelling within 72 hours of pickup costs the full rental amount. Changes and cancellations by email only.

  • Is insurance included with the rental vehicle?

    No. Bring proof of liability insurance that covers rental vehicles. Collision Damage Waiver and extra liability coverage are optional at booking.

  • What paperwork do I get when I buy a used van?

    Our used vans come from our own rental fleet. You receive the title and sale paperwork to register the van in your name, plus its service records where available.

  • Can I take the van on a road trip or out of state?

    Yes - travel anywhere in the USA and Canada. Each rental day includes 250 free miles ($0.35 per extra mile). One-way trips need our approval and a one-way fee.

  • What documents are required to rent a vehicle?

    A valid driving license, government-issued ID, and payment method are required at the time of booking.

  • Is there a minimum rental period?

    Rentals are daily - there are no hourly rentals. Each rental day includes 250 free miles, and early returns are not refunded.

  • What happens if the vehicle breaks down?

    Call us right away at (773) 800-9898. We cover mechanical repairs that are not caused by misuse or a collision.

  • Are taxes included in the listed price?

    Rates shown are base rental rates. Taxes and fees are itemized in your booking before you pay.

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