More and more people around the world are downsizing, embracing adventure, and taking to the road. And with thousands of stunning travel photos above #vanlife, it isnt hard to imagine why.
Whether youre fresh out of college, fresh out of a dead-end job, or fresh into retirement, van life is an incredible experience for wanderers of all ages. To help you along, here are 5 essential tips for living on the road.
1. Know How To Pay
Before embarking on your journey, its a good idea to know how you plan to pay for your needs. Although van life means fewer monthly bills, it does mean extra gas payments and van maintenance costs.
Van life can be an incredibly lucrative investment for those willing to put in the effort. Photographers and lifestyle bloggers often make money through brand collaborations and engagement on various social media platforms. Other van life folk have work-from-home setups or do freelance work to get by every month.
2. Know Where To Go
Besides knowing where youre going while on the road, its also good to know where youre going. And although some vans are kitted out with toilet solutions, the majority of them arent.
Before you start your adventure, compile a list of go-to bathroom locations that youll be able to find in most states. Popular van life options include:
- Campsites
- Gas stations
- Public bathrooms at malls, beaches, etc.
- Walmart bathrooms
- Gym bathrooms
- Leisure centers
- State parks and city parks
But, constantly thinking about where to find a public bathroom can put a damper on the explorative vibe. If you have the space and the means to install a mini bathroom in your van, here are three van bathroom options that you can consider.
3. Know How to Keep Clean
Keeping clean is another concern for newbie van people. Here are some tried and true tricks to staying clean and hygienic while on the road.
- Hygiene wipes or baby wipes are great for washing your face, privates, armpits, feet, or anything else that feels sticky
- Dry shampoo or baby powder can keep hair fresh for an extra day or two
- Toothpaste tablets are a great, waterless solution for looking after your teeth
- Micellar water and cotton pads offer a gentle face-cleaning solution
4. Know How to Look After Your Body
A lot of the time, van life is driving, driving, and more driving. These hours of sitting in the car can put strain on your body, the same way a desk job can. Its important to prioritize stops along the way so you can stretch your legs and protect your spine from bad posture while sitting.
Its also important to look after your skin while traveling. Even tinted car windows let some harmful UV rays through, so its essential to wear a strong SPF every day.
5. Know How to Bring your home with you
Lets face it, vans are small. Even the most spacious of vehicles dont compare to a real home with walls and doors. If youre planning to stay a while in a few locations across the country, it might be worth bringing your home with you.
Mobile homes are prefabricated structures that are designed to be transported from place to place. When you reach each destination, you can settle into a semi-permanent living situation for as long as youd like.
Enjoy The Freedom Of Living On The Road
With these 5 tips, living on the road will be an exciting and fulfilling breeze. Enjoy the freedom that comes with van life living by buying a van and mapping out your potential bathroom stops.
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