Traveling is all about discovery and adventure, but packing for it? Not so much. Between your luggage, baby gear, camping equipment, and everything else you may need, travel prep can be expensive and not worth it if you don't use it more than once. Rental gear is a cost-effective solution that’ll save you money...and time. Let's break it down by category and highlight some top rental companies to make your next trip seamless.

Baby Travel Gear Rentals

Traveling with a baby? Congratulations on taking the cutest (and tiniest) dictator to somewhere new! Babies need a lot of stuff, but you don’t have to lug it all from home. Baby gear rental services deliver everything from cribs to car seats straight to your destination.

Why Rent Baby Gear?

  • Save on baggage fees. Airlines charge extra for oversized items like car seats and strollers.
  • Convenience. Your gear is delivered to wherever you’re staying—say goodbye to hauling bulky equipment through an airport.
  • Quality Assurance. Rental companies offer high-quality, sanitized items, often better than you have at home.

Where to Rent Baby Gear

  • BabyQuip: This service has over 1,200 locations in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. You can rent anything from pack-and-plays to high chairs, customized to your baby's needs. Heading to the beach? They even offer beach toys and umbrellas for the kiddos.
  • Traveling Baby Company: Great for U.S. travelers, they provide clean and safe baby essentials for short or extended trips. Delivery to hotels, rental homes, and airports is available.

Pro Tip: Double-check what your accommodation already provides. Many hotels have cribs available, which means you’ll need one less item to rent.

Camping Gear Rentals

Dreaming about sleeping under the stars but don’t know where your tent poles are? Or maybe you’re trying camping for the first time and don’t want to commit to buying gear. Renting camping equipment is perfect for spontaneous adventures and first-timers looking to test the waters (or the woods).

Why Rent Camping Gear?

  • Cost Savings. Renting costs way less than buying quality camping gear, especially for one-off trips.
  • Ease of Travel. No need to pack heavy tents or hiking backpacks—you can pick them up at your destination.
  • Eco-Friendly. Renting instead of buying reduces waste and your environmental footprint.

Where to Rent Camping Gear

  • REI Co-op Rentals: Available in multiple U.S. cities, REI lets you rent high-quality tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, and even snow gear. They’re perfect for beginners, plus you know you're getting top-notch gear.
  • Outdoors Geek: Based in Colorado, Outdoors Geek ships camping gear anywhere in the U.S. They offer everything from glamping setups to hardcore expedition kits. Their pre-bundled camping packages also save you time.
  • Kit Lender: If your camping adventure involves wintry weather, Kit Lender rents insulated jackets, pants, and even snowshoes to keep you toasty. They ship directly to your destination.

Pro Tip: Make sure to reserve your gear early during popular camping seasons, as supplies can run out quickly.

RV Rentals

For anyone who dreams of hitting the open road in style, an RV rental is the way to go. You’ll have your transportation and accommodation rolled into one, with the freedom to change plans on a whim. Renting rather than buying an RV is also much kinder to your wallet.

Why Rent an RV?

  • Flexibility. Test different RV models before committing to a purchase.
  • Affordability. Buying a new RV can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000—or more. Renting provides all the perks without the commitment (or maintenance costs).
  • Adventure on Your Terms. With an RV, you’re not tied to a single hotel or destination.

Where to Rent RVs

  • Outdoorsy: This peer-to-peer RV rental service connects you with RV owners to rent everything from campervans to luxury rigs. Available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK, it also comes with insurance coverage for peace of mind.
  • Cruise America: With locations across the U.S., Canada, and Alaska, Cruise America specializes in RV rentals for families. Their RVs include handy amenities like kitchens and bathrooms, making road trips extra comfy.
  • RVshare: Similar to Outdoorsy, RVshare offers a range of RV options from local owners. They also allow one-way rentals, perfect if your trip doesn’t involve a return route.

Pro Tip: Take a practice spin in your RV before hitting the road—parking a 30-foot vehicle requires some confidence!

Other Travel Gear Rentals

Travelers have specific needs, and luckily, the rental world has caught up. Here are a few other items you might not realize you can rent.

  • Luggage: Scooterboard Travel offers durable, stylish luggage rentals for business travelers or families needing extra space.
  • Winter Sports Gear: Ski Butlers delivers ski and snowboard gear straight to your lodge so you can hit the slopes without the hassle.
  • Photography Equipment: Lensrentals lets you capture Instagram-worthy moments with professional cameras—for a fraction of the cost of buying one.

Pro Tip: If you’re renting in-demand items like sports gear or photography equipment, book it as soon as your trip dates are confirmed.

Tips for Choosing the Right Rental Service

  • Read Reviews. Check customer feedback to ensure reliability and quality.
  • Compare Prices. Some companies offer discounts for longer rentals or early bookings.
  • Know What’s Included. For example, check if camping rentals include all essentials (ropes, stakes, cookware) or if RVs come with roadside assistance.
  • Inspect Before You Use. Always check gear for damage before accepting it, and document any existing issues to avoid being charged.

Why Renting Gear Is Worth It

Renting travel gear isn’t just about saving money (though your credit card will thank you). It’s about traveling lighter, decluttering your experience, and having access to high-quality equipment wherever you go. Whether you're hiking up a mountain, gliding down a ski slope, or learning how to strap in a car seat for the first time, rentals make adventure more accessible.

Next time you’re planning a trip, give these rental services a shot—you might just find yourself asking, “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”