Looking for some travel inspiration? Having a hard time deciding where to go and how to navigate the world of legally parking your home-on-wheels?
There are many options out there for van lifers (van vacationers, too!) and it can become overwhelming trying to narrow down feasible options. Today we’re going to explore why Harvest Hosts deserves your attention.
Who They Are
Harvest Hosts was created to connect travelers with interesting hosts. Not only is it a legal way to stay overnight at a cool place, but it’s also affordable and safe. The owners are a young couple who are very passionate about the van/RV lifestyle and making it more accessible to everyone. Their intention is simple: to provide unique experiences for both their members and hosts in a meaningful way.
What They Do
In exchange for an overnight stay at places such as (but most definitely not limited to) wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, attractions, and golf courses, members are asked to purchase an item from their host. This could be a bottle of wine, a case of beer, a jar of honey, or a pair of alpaca wool socks. The recommended purchase price is around $20, which we found to be fair and reasonable. It’s also a wonderful way to support small, local businesses while also taking a little piece of your journey home with you!
Where They Operate
Harvest Hosts are located throughout the 48 contiguous United States as well as Canada, Alaska, and Baja California. With their Classic membership, you gain access to over 3400 locations and with their All Access membership, to just short of 7000.
Why We Love Them
The experience Harvest Hosts provides to both members and hosts is just fascinating and incredible. In addition to connecting their members with unforgettable memories, they also offer helpful resources on their website as well as tons of discounts totaling over $1000 on things like tires, Costco memberships, generators, coffee, mattresses, and outdoor gear.
An extra helpful tool is their user-friendly app. It has a sophisticated interactive map along with route planning capabilities that can make planning your trip a whole lot easier. While briefly browsing, I was able to see that if I wanted to go to Yellowstone, my host options ranged from breweries to a bison ranch to a potato museum. In our home state of Michigan, I could stay on a berry, pie, honey, or syrup farm. Yum!
Harvest Hosts protect their hosts by never listing exact locations (protecting members by keeping this private, as well) until both parties accept dates and terms. Safety is always important!
How It Works
Their membership access starts at $99/year and goes up to $179/year, depending on your budget or what types of locations you are most interested in. Each host page has pictures of their property (inspiration in themselves!), number of parking spaces available, maximum rig size, reviews, hours of operation, amenities, and maximum nights per stay (most are one-night stays but some hosts are able to extend this).
Imagine cozying up next to endless rows of budding grapevines that disappear into mountains along the distant skyline, able to call that beautiful place in the world your home for the night. This is merely one of the thousands of opportunities Harvest Hosts can offer you and yours. Happy searching!
Sign up here: Harvest Hosts
No matter where you decide to travel to, live your best life and try to stay cool this summer 😎 Please make sure you Leave No Trace to respect the wildlife and parks for years to come! Get outside and enjoy camping season! Happy exploring! 🚐
If you have any questions or just want to chat with the experts at Drifter, get in touch with our friendly team today! Contact us HERE!
