I think almost everybody who sees an Airstream trailer rolling down the road thinks... "I want to go with them!"
They are one of the most iconic sights in America. We've either been camping in Airstreams, or wanting to for more than 80 years.
I got my chance this year.
To answer a few questions right off the bat, yes they still make them and have new updated versions coming out all the time.
To answer the other question, yes you can stay in one without buying one. I've always wanted to stay in one and had a chance after a random phone call in January.
I was trying to find a last minute fun, new, and local-ish adventure for the family but it was cold and rainy.
I called the Metro Hotel in Petaluma because it had monster reviews, was affordable for a quick trip, and in an area I wanted to explore. If you haven't been to Petaluma, Santa Rosa or Sonoma area, just go... it's awesome! Good beer, wine, food and trains for the kiddos in Sonoma.
The hotel randomly asked me, "Do you want to stay in the Airstream?"
"WHAT!?!" I said, "Sure!" I didn't even know the price.
The Metro is very cool, hip, Euro and was really quiet for New Year's day.
This was a good option for us because our toddler is mostly well behaved, but at that time she would have a few loud fits, so we try to minimize impact for innocent travelers when we can.
An isolated trailer was a good plan, and in the iconic Airstream? Count me in.
This baby was so rad and perfect... it's even called Bambi.
They made a few modifications to make the bed a little bigger, I think, and more stable.
It had a bed, table, couch, full kitchen, bathroom, storage, WiFi, and satellite TV... fully equipped and all your own for the weekend.
When I got there they told me it's really rare to be able to just get the Airstream without planning. They are booked most of the time, and I can see why.
You can ride out a storm, take a nap, chill, read or lounge under the awning.
I can see the appeal of these trailers and the views are right out your doorstep. We played Bocce ball, read, watched a movie together and even ate some food I picked up from a restaurant.
It was so fun, within walking distance of town and had an urban camping feel.
They tell me they are getting more and again, they are booked all the time!
There is one problem with camping in an Airstream... you will want one.
You will say after about 2 minutes, "Ok I know just where this will go in the driveway. " Then you will research them and discover that to own a piece of Americana is not cheap.
If it fits your budget, go for it, but for many of us we can now stay in Airstream campgrounds that are popping up everywhere.
Opening up August 15th on the banks of the Russian River is a new location for Autocamp.
They will have lots of Airstreams and other "glamping" options ready to go that are modern, fun and more like camping.
You can have fires and they will have a new center in the middle with more options for groups. It looks amazing but it's one of many options in the area.
Remember this is a very, very popular idea right now and we will see many more. What may surprise you is that you are going to pay similar prices to a nice hotel to sleep in a trailer.
My advice is to imagine the trip as a whole, where you will be, what the experience will be like, and that these things are nice and everybody will ask after you blast them on Facebook: "Where is that? I want to go!"
I had a great time and can say my Airstream camping trip lived up to my lofty dream of one day staying in one.
Rob Carlmark
