The price of a camper van in Réunion varies by model, season and rental length. On average, expect between €80 and €150 per night for a well-equipped van (bed, kitchen, storage). The longer you rent, the lower the daily rate.

A 10-day trip will generally cost less per day than a 3-day rental. Don’t hesitate to book ahead, especially in high season (July-August and school holidays).

Réunion is a 2,512 km² island — a full tour is about 220 km. With a van, plan for fuel consumption of 9 to 11 L/100 km. For a 10-day trip covering 500 km, expect around €60 to €80 of fuel.

Fuel prices in Réunion are slightly lower than in mainland France thanks to regional subsidies. Fill up before heading into the highlands: stations are rare above 1,000 m.

Cooking in your van is one of the big financial advantages of van travel. A couple can eat well for €15 to €25 a day by shopping in local supermarkets (Score, Jumbo, Leclerc).

Réunion’s open-air markets (Saint-Pierre on Saturdays, Saint-Paul on Fridays) offer fruit, vegetables and local products at very affordable prices. A meal prepared in the van will cost you 3 to 4 times less than a restaurant.

The good news: most outdoor activities are free in Réunion. Hikes, beaches, viewpoints, scenic roads — all free. The main expenses are water activities (guided snorkelling, diving) and museums.

On average, expect €20 to €40 per person for a paid outing. The Cité du Volcan (Bourg-Murat) is the most popular paid entry: €11 per adult, very informative before heading up to Piton de la Fournaise.

A few tips to reduce your budget without sacrificing the experience: book your van in the low season (April-June, September-October), shop at local markets, avoid restaurants at the touristy lunch hour.

Prepare your sandwiches and picnics — eating facing the volcano or beside a waterfall beats any restaurant in the world. And use the free showers and toilets in the ONF parks to save on campsites.