In keeping with today's mobile theme, Escape Rentals is a New Zealand camper rental company that sets itself apart by letting artists turn camper vans into art on wheels.
Taking something slightly dull – a camper – and turning it into something fresh, Escape Rentals is attracting travellers who are tired of mass tourism and looking for a more unique experience.
Each of their nearly 100 campers is given an aerosol overhaul by a New Zealand artist. Paint jobs draw from the whole spectrum of visual art and pop culture, from kiwiana to Far Side comics and Maurice Sendak to Pablo Picasso. Rental rates are competitive, at around NZD 59 (USD 37/EUR 29) per day, with optional extras like mobile phones and solar showers charged separately.
At much lower cost than building next generation supermarkets or movie theatres, this is yet another delightful example of innovation through design. Find something run-of-the-mill, and make it special!
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Travellers who are weary of mass tourism should try being more innventive with their schedule and look for ways to take themselves off the beaten track through independent travel. I think it's pretty funny that a van rental company is able to provide some degree of individuality for people who want to stand out from the tens of thousands of others camping in NZ just by painting on the sides of their vehicles.
Innovation or plagiarism? I would hardly say this is a unique idea when Wicked Campers have been doing the exact same thing for much longer.
What a rip-off.
Martin Napier | June 2, 2006 3:31 AM