Instead of taking the van, I could drive my little truck. It'll fit myself, one other person very comfortably, and another less comfortably. I can't afford staying in the dorms so I'll probably camp, or see if I can swing a homestay. The only thing is I'd like to have a vehicle as neither place is walking distance to the conference, and if I camp, it'd be nice to have the option of sleeping in my truck (I've got a wee camper).
It's small, and actually gets pretty good gas mileage.