Van life camping is on trend, and it’s a movement towards freedom, adventure, and a simpler way of living. If the thought of hitting the open road in a fully equipped van has piqued your curiosity, you’re not alone.
The appeal of waking up to a new view every day, living closer to nature, and embracing minimalism draws more and more people into this unique lifestyle.
But is van life camping the right choice for you?
Below, you’ll find key benefits that could help you decide if this lifestyle fits your next great adventure.
CONTENTS—In this article, you’ll discover 3 key benefits of van life camping, including:
Thinking About That Van Life? Here are 3 Benefits to Consider.
If you’re feeling an itch to explore and get excited when you see posts about other people and their “Van Life” travel experiences, perhaps it’s time to look into that life yourself.
Consider these 3 benefits to decide if it might be right for you.
1. Your Home is Wherever You Roam
Van life is a fun life. You get to bring your belongings and essentials with you and enjoy familiar comfort while exploring new areas of the country.
A conversion van is the perfect alternative to packing and unpacking in a hotel. When you reach a new city, you’ll have more than the essentials – you get to take it all with you (within reason, of course).
Imagine the packing relief of knowing nothing you’ve left nothing behind.
Your favorite pillow and blanket – check.
Extra clothing that would otherwise be too much to put in a suitcase on the airplane – check.
Check again for books that would put you above the airline’s weight limit.
You can fit an edited version of everything you want to take from home and create a comfortable living space while on the road as a nomad.
2. You Can Easily Manage the Ride
Conversion vans are ideal traveling solutions because they are not as big as an RV, and yet they hold much of the same comfort.
That makes them considerably easier to maneuver. Conversion vans are easy to steer on the narrow roads running through many national parks and big cities. You won’t have to worry about jamming roads or clipping other vehicles while switching lanes.
Unlike an RV, your van will often comfortably fit into parking structures.
You can store it on your property when you are ready to return home. Because, let’s face it, RVs are a bit of an eyesore to the neighbors.
It is not so large that you will need to rent a storage space on a lot somewhere far from home. This makes it much more convenient to pack, clean up, and get ready to go wherever your next adventure takes you.
If you’re wondering how to manage some of the basics of space inside your van, watch this video to learn how one couple takes on this challenge.
3. You Won’t Require Guest Space
When you’re visiting your friends and family members in a conversion van, you will be the easiest house guest ever. That’s because you have so thoughtfully brought your accommodations with you.
All you need is a place to park the van.
And, of course, the use of the bathroom and shower will be both appreciated and expected. But, you will not take up any extra space in their respective homes.
This is an especially fitting solution when you’re visiting an apartment dweller or someone with a new baby. You don’t have to worry about being in the way while you’re taking up space sleeping on their couch.
But even if they have sizable accommodations, traveling in a camper van affords both of you privacy.
Final Thoughts on Van Life Camping
Now that you have more of an idea about what van life entails and how it can benefit your life, what are you waiting for?
Van life camping offers a unique blend of freedom, adventure, and simplicity that offers a more flexible and fulfilling travel lifestyle.
Whether it’s the allure of waking up to new landscapes, the joy of living minimally, or the excitement of endless exploration, the benefits are undeniable.
There are so many travel opportunities that await you. With a little planning, you can live your own van life. It might be the key to unlocking a new chapter of discovery and satisfaction.
About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.
Next Steps
For more on camper van adventures, read these articles next: