Traveling can be a fun and rewarding journey. One way to take it up a notch is to travel and stay on the road in a van. For many van travelers, the experience gives them more freedom to explore and stay in places whenever they want. They can avoid overcrowded touristic places and drive in quiet and peaceful areas with serene views. Other surprising perks include learning to live a minimalist lifestyle and meet fellow travelers and adventurers along the road.
If you’re tired of staying in hostels or Airbnb, traveling in a camper van might be the next perfect adventure you should try. While cruising the open road for weeks, months, or longer seems exciting, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before making a decision. To help you figure out if the van life is the perfect escape for you, ask yourself these questions first:
Can you live in that limited space?
One of the challenges of traveling and staying in a camper van is that you only have minimal space to do your work or chores. The living space is small, so it’s essential to keep it organized and clean at all times. Having your private bath time won’t also be possible. But if you’re up for the thrilling experience of taking a shower outdoors, then getting a hanging solar shower can solve the problem.
Having your personal space for preparing food and eating is also something you should prepare for. You only have limited kitchen space to cook. Worse is, if your camper van doesn’t have one, you need to have the gear and skills to cook outdoors. It’s also a smart move to buy pre-steamed rice to save on propane and water. And since you’ll be cooking in a small space, stick to simple meals.
What’s the plan for your work?
If you’re able to leave work for a one-week or two-week vacation, then good for you. But for those who are planning to travel longer than that, you need to make a few arrangements for your work. If you’re working for a company, you can check if you are eligible to work remotely. Some employers offer this perk, particularly for those who’ve been in the company for many years, or their job can be done remotely.
If this is the case, you need to plan out your online connection on the road. You can opt to use your cellular Internet data plan or free WiFi in public places. Alternatively, you can buy a WiFi kit with a roof-mounted antenna for a more reliable option.
How can you stay healthy and happy?
Traveling in a van can be tough, especially if you’ll be on the road for long. Learn to balance the time you spend outside and inside the van. Find other hobbies that you can enjoy on the road, like reading, writing, or photography. And if you’ll also be working during the trip, pay double attention to your health.
Check out online food blogs for healthy and easy-to-prepare recipes, or meditate and do yoga to keep your body and mind in good condition. It’s also recommended to perform other physical activities outside, such as going for a run or sunrise walk and breathe fresh air. Find ways to take care of yourself so you can better enjoy your trip.
Do you have the budget to sustain the trip?
Rent for camper vans or RVs may depend on various factors like location, vehicle specifications, and the provider itself. In general, the rent for camper vans and small trailers can range from $70 to $150 a night. For larger motor homes or trailers, you’re likely to spend around $100 to $300 per night. If you are renting a van for a week or a month, you can save around $60 a day. Be sure to consider the features and size of the vehicle when you’re comparing prices.
As for other trip expenses, you need to consider things such as food, gas, water, entertainment, Internet connection, and campsite fees. On average, for two persons, you are likely to spend more or less $20 for transportation needs, depending on the destinations or the vehicle itself. For food, you might spend around $15. This can cost more if you’ll be eating at restaurants. Be certain to create to account for all your daily needs before hitting the road.
The total freedom and fun experiences you get from traveling in a van can be absolutely unforgettable. No baggage fees, no lost luggage. Just waking up to the great, beautiful outdoors and explore new places that interest you. If you think you’re ready to take on the van life for a long vacation, be sure to read more guides online to better prepare for the travel ahead.
