Do I need a special license to drive a motorhome in the U.S.?

No. A valid Brazilian driver's license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) are sufficient: recreational motorhomes do not require a commercial license or a special license category in the United States.

How many days of a motorhome trip are worth it?

Seven days are enough for a well-planned itinerary with two or three destinations. Ten to twelve days is the most comfortable timeframe, because it allows for some days of rest without turning the trip into a series of constant travels.

Is it hard to drive a motorhome?

No prior experience is required. The vehicle is taller, wider, and longer than a car, so it requires wider turns, a longer braking distance, and attention to clearance. American roads are wide and well-marked, which makes things much easier.

Is it possible to travel by RV without speaking English?

Sure, as long as pickup, campground check-in, and support during the trip are provided in Portuguese—which is how MyBearGo operates.

Does a motorhome have a bathroom and shower?

Yes. The models used for tourist trips have a bathroom with a shower, a kitchen with a stove and refrigerator, a dining area, and beds. Connected to the campground, the vehicle functions as a compact home.

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RV Trip in the U.S.: The Complete Guide for Brazilians

How a motorhome (RV) trip through the United States works: driver’s license requirements for Brazilians, types of vehicles, where to stay, how far you drive each day, how much it costs, and the differences between driving the RV yourself and having it set up for you at the campground.

What Is a Motorhome Trip in the United States?

Traveling by RV in the U.S. means using a vehicle that serves as both transportation and lodging. You sleep, cook, and shower inside it, and spend your nights at campgrounds—areas equipped with individual sites and connections for electricity, water, and sewage.

It is the most popular form of family vacation travel in the United States precisely because it is well suited to the country's vast distances: the infrastructure of roads, gas stations, rest areas, and campgrounds is extensive and standardized from coast to coast.

For Brazilian travelers, the practical difference compared to staying at a hotel with a car becomes apparent on multi-destination itineraries: no more daily check-ins, no more switching hotels, no more transfers, and far fewer meals eaten out.

What kind of driver's license do Brazilians need to drive an RV?

A valid Brazilian driver's license accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP), issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (Detran) in your state. The IDP does not replace the driver's license: both must be carried together.

RV used for sightseeing trips do not require a commercial license or a special license category in the United States—you can drive them with a regular driver’s license. The main difference from a car is the vehicle’s size, not the driver’s license.

Car rental companies and operators typically require drivers to meet a minimum age requirement and have an international credit card in their name. At MyBearGo, driver verification is completed before the trip, with ample time to resolve any outstanding document issues.

Types of RVs and How Many People They Can Accommodate

Compact: easier to drive and park, ideal for couples and trips with up to three people. It’s the model that’s least intimidating for those who’ve never driven a large vehicle.

Family: the most popular model, featuring a bed above the cab and a full kitchen, for four to five people. It strikes a balance between interior space and maneuverability.

Premium: more interior space, longer range, and greater climate control, for up to six people. It requires a little more care when maneuvering and in urban parking lots.

Rule of thumb: The number of seats equipped with seat belts is the actual passenger limit, and it matches the number of people who sleep on board.

Where to Stay: Campgrounds, Reservations, and Connections

Overnight stays take place at campgrounds—either public (state and national parks) or private. Sites are reserved by vehicle and by date, and the largest chains sell out during peak season months in advance.

A "full hookup" site provides electricity, water, and sewer service. With this setup, the RV functions just like a home: the air conditioning, hot shower, and refrigerator run all night long.

In the United States, there is no general right to park and spend the night anywhere: the rules are set by local authorities and vary from city to city and from park to park. That’s why a well-planned itinerary specifies where you’ll spend each night before the trip begins.

How many laps are run per day?

A comfortable daily range is 250 to 350 km (150 to 220 miles), allowing you to arrive at the campground before dark—maneuvering and plugging in the vehicle are much easier in daylight.

Itineraries that alternate between days on the road and days spent at the same destination are more rewarding than those that involve moving to a different city every day. Less travel time almost always means more of a trip.

How much does a motorhome trip in the U.S. cost?

The total cost is broken down into five categories: motorhome rental fees, campground fees, fuel, tickets and attractions, and food. The time of year, the size of the vehicle, and the distance traveled are the factors that most affect the total cost.

Two things often surprise people who are calculating the cost for the first time: RVs use significantly more fuel than cars, and rental companies may charge extra for setup fees, mileage, and equipment.

With a packaged tour, this risk is eliminated: the price in USD is set before the trip and covers the items listed on the itinerary page, with no additional charges from partners at the destination.

Do you drive the RV or have it delivered fully assembled?

In the "you drive" model, the road is part of the experience: you get help with pick-up, the route is already loaded into the GPS, and support is available throughout the entire trip.

With the "delivered and set up" option, the RV is delivered, set up, and hooked up at the campground before your arrival. You arrive by car and don't drive the RV at any point—the perfect solution for those who want the camping experience without getting behind the wheel.

Best time to travel

Southern United States, including Florida: From December through April, the dry season brings mild temperatures. This is peak season, with higher prices and higher occupancy rates.

The West and national parks: from May through September, when high-altitude roads and park facilities are open. In winter, many roads and campgrounds close due to snow.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November and mainly affects the East Coast and Florida—this is the least expensive time to travel, but it requires some flexibility in your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to drive a motorhome in the U.S.?: No. A valid Brazilian driver's license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) are sufficient: recreational motorhomes do not require a commercial license or a special license category in the United States.
How many days of a motorhome trip are worth it?: Seven days are enough for a well-planned itinerary with two or three destinations. Ten to twelve days is the most comfortable timeframe, because it allows for some days of rest without turning the trip into a series of constant travels.
Is it hard to drive a motorhome?: No prior experience is required. The vehicle is taller, wider, and longer than a car, so it requires wider turns, a longer braking distance, and attention to clearance. American roads are wide and well-marked, which makes things much easier.
Is it possible to travel by RV without speaking English?: Sure, as long as pickup, campground check-in, and support during the trip are provided in Portuguese—which is how MyBearGo operates.
Does a motorhome have a bathroom and shower?: Yes. The models used for tourist trips have a bathroom with a shower, a kitchen with a stove and refrigerator, a dining area, and beds. Connected to the campground, the vehicle functions as a compact home.

Guides

Camping at Disney in an RV: Fort Wilderness Explained for Families — You wake up in a pine forest, surrounded by the scent of the woods and the sound of birdsong. You walk to the pier, board a boat, and disembark right in front of Magic Kingdom. It’s the same park day everyone else experiences—only it starts in a way no one will ever forget.
How to Fit a 4-Day RV Trip Into a Trip to Orlando — The trip to Orlando is already booked: flight, hotel, tickets, outlet mall. This guide covers the logistics of fitting in four days in a RV in the middle of all that—when to leave, what to do with the rental car, what to do with your luggage, and how many days before or after visiting the parks.
Renting an RV in Florida: How It Works for Brazilians — What Changes When Renting an RV (or Trailer) in Florida: Required Documents for Brazilian Citizens, the Difference Between an RV and a Trailer, Where to Camp Between Miami, Orlando, and the Keys, the Best Time to Visit, and What’s Usually Not Included in the Advertised Price.
RV Trip in the U.S.: The Complete Guide for Brazilians — How a motorhome (RV) trip through the United States works: driver’s license requirements for Brazilians, types of vehicles, where to stay, how far you drive each day, how much it costs, and the differences between driving the RV yourself and having it set up for you at the campground.