Righto, the big one’s coming. You’ve circled the dates, you’re ready to chuck a sickie, and you’re planning the ultimate trip to North America to back the Socceroos on the world’s biggest stage. But once you start digging into the logistics — eye-watering hotel prices, massive distances between cities — it can all feel a bit hard yakka.
Here’s the good news: there’s a smarter play. Hire an RV and you’ve sorted your accommodation, transport, and esky all in one. Think of it as your own personal caravan, just super-sized for the American highways, and the key to a legendary Aussie fan trip in 2026.
Why an RV is a Ripper Idea
For a tournament this massive, an RV isn’t just clever — it’s a game-changer.
- Follow the Socceroos, No Worries — If the boys pull off a blinder and advance, you’re not stuck with a pre-paid hotel in the wrong city. Just pack up, roll out, and follow the green and gold.
- Save a Fortune — Hotel rates will be through the roof. An RV and a powered campsite will save you a motza. Plus, you’ll have your own kitchen for a proper brekkie with Vegemite you brought from home — instead of dropping $30 on bacon and eggs.
- Epic Road Trip — You’re flying halfway across the world, so make the most of it! The days between matches are your chance to tick off bucket-list drives and sights — from the Grand Canyon to the Pacific Coast Highway.
Key Tips for Aussies on U.S. Roads
It’s different, sure, but you’ll pick it up faster than you think.
- Licence Sorted — Your full, unrestricted Aussie driver’s licence is usually all you need. Still, grab an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your motoring club before you go. It’s cheap and keeps things smooth if you’re pulled over.
- Driving on the “Wrong” Side — Not as tricky as it looks.
- Automatics are standard — no gear stress.
- Roads and parking are massive compared to home.
- The “Right on Red” rule: at most red lights you can turn right after a full stop (unless a sign says otherwise).
- Automatics are standard — no gear stress.
- Campground Culture — U.S. RV parks are like caravan parks back home, often with “full hookups” (power, water, sewer) plus picnic tables and fire pits. And they’re social — think built-in fan villages.
The Green and Gold Trail: A West Coast Itinerary
Flying from Australia? A West Coast road trip just makes sense. Here’s one possible path:
Match 1: Los Angeles
- Fly Into: LAX.
- Basecamp: Dockweiler RV Park — the only RV park right on the beach in LA. Perfect way to shake off jet lag with Pacific sunsets.
- The Match: Leave the rig at camp. Use the free SoFi Stadium Shuttle from the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station.
- Explore: Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and classic California vibes.
Match 2: San Francisco / Bay Area
- The Drive: Head north along Highway 1 — the Pacific Coast Highway. Stunning ocean views, cliffside turns, and must-stop lookouts.
- Basecamp: San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica — perched on a bluff with unreal views.
- The Match: Games are in Santa Clara. The smart play: Caltrain to Mountain View, then VTA Light Rail straight to Levi’s Stadium.
- Explore: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and San Francisco’s iconic waterfront.
Match 3: Seattle
- The Drive: Continue north through the redwoods, up the Oregon coast, and into Washington State. A proper adventure.
- Basecamp: Lake Pleasant RV Park, just north of Seattle.
- The Match: Park your tow car at a Link light rail station (like Northgate) and zip downtown to Stadium Station.
- Explore: Pike Place Market (watch them throw the fish!), the Space Needle, and unbeatable city views.
Final Whistle
This isn’t just about watching football — it’s about living the trip of a lifetime. An RV gives you the freedom to follow the Socceroos, dodge hotel chaos, and turn North America into your own highlight reel.
Book early, pack the green and gold, and get ready to cheer the boys on from LA to Seattle. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
