#VANLIFE: Long-Term Campervan Travel on the Open Road

By Shilo Urban, intrepid world traveler.

Hit the road – and keep going. To truly connect with America, it’s essential to slow your roll and spend a little more time getting to know each destination. Whether you have two months or two years, traveling by campervan is a smart way to stretch your money and make the most of every minute.

#VANLIFE isn’t just about living in a vehicle – it’s about embracing a minimalist, sustainable, nomadic lifestyle of exploration and discovery. It’s a movement of movement. Join the fun and start planning your epic adventure across America today.

Why Campervans?

Campervans offer big benefits compared with camping in RVs or with cars and a tent:

Campervans vs. RVs:

• Campervans are cheaper than RVs, including rental rates, gas costs, parking fees, and maintenance.
   
• Smaller campervans can park and camp in offbeat locations where RVs cannot.
   
• Driving a campervan is easier and often safer.
   
• No stinky waste dumping.

Campervans vs. Cars & Tents:

• Campervans are basically ready for sleeping when you are. In a car, you’ll have the hassle of setting up your tent and campsite all over again every time you move.
   
• Tents don’t lock. You might feel safer sleeping behind a door that you can secure.
   
• Tents aren’t ideal for inclement weather. If it rains, snows, or gets too windy, you may end up sleeping in your car.
   
• Campervans can stop almost anywhere and chill out – no need to find a spot to pitch your tent.

#VANLIFE Tips: Save Money

• Sleep where you can park for free to make your trip last longer, including friends’ houses, rest areas, truck stops, Walmart, and other unrestricted parking lots.
   
• Indulge in recreation that doesn’t cost a penny: splash in the ocean, find swimming holes, go for a hike, practice yoga on a mountain, drop in on free trial fitness classes, and hunt down no-cost concerts, parties, and festivals.
   
• Never buy snacks and drinks at gas stations. Grocery stores are much cheaper.

#VANLIFE Tips: Keep Clean

• Get creative about getting clean. Shower whenever you can, but don’t overlook the effectiveness of a sponge and some water. Jump in lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Use baby powder to dry clammy areas and deodorant on smelly feet.
   
• Clean your campervan regularly. When you’re living in a vehicle, it gets dirty much faster. Wipe down surfaces, vacuum the floors, and wash the exterior.

#VANLIFE Tips: Stay Sane

• Spend time apart doing separate things at least once a week for a whole day. Even people who were roommates before might have trouble adjusting to the constant in-your-faceness of extended campervan travel.
   
• Take turns on duties. Everyone gets a turn cooking, cleaning, driving, navigating, and napping – even the people who claim they “can’t cook”.
   
• Avoid arriving at your campsite when it’s after dark and you’re hungry. Feeling tired, dirty, and hangry creates the perfect conditions for a fight.
   
• Splurge every once in a while. Even on a shoestring budget, sometimes you just need to treat yourself to a hot meal or warm room in a hostel.

#VANLIFE Tips: Explore Off the Beaten Path

• Carry an old-fashioned atlas to use when your cell coverage drops out.
   
• Talk to locals for tips on cool attractions that you won’t find in any guidebook.
   
• Don’t reserve campsites or even plan your itinerary in advance. Just go where the road takes you.
   

Travel Deep. Go Farther in a Campervan

Do you want to know more about long-term campervan rental travel? Get a Campervan Rental Quote from Bakpak Dave for expert advice.