Traveling is the BEST, and we dedicate our energy to seeing new places as much as we possibly can. You’ve probably already read (because I keep writing about it…) but I recently bought a van conversion. We’ve got some big plans which we’re publishing on the blog pretty soon.
So far we’ve only done smaller trips but we’re completely in love with our van and cannot wait to do more. There’s something really special about traveling in a van. Here’s why we love it and we’re so excited…
1. Work from anywhere in the world
We are so lucky that we run our own company, and we can make money from wherever we are, as long as we have our laptops. This makes life so much easier for us because it means we’re not restricted when we travel or for how long. One of us can be driving, whilst the other is in the back working on our client’s websites using our personal hotspots or portable wifi.
People often think we’re exceptions and that nobody else can do this but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In this modern era, there are so many different jobs you can do remotely from a computer, from being a virtual assistant to being a designer. There’s a wealth of information online about how to get started… If you want to read more essays about travel go to this site.
2. Unbounded freedom
During every trip, one of the most important aspects is accommodation. Hotels and hostels always bound you to the place where you are staying, and it becomes impossible to move far away for some sightseeing as you have to return for the night. We all know how much this sucks…
While traveling in a campervan, you can stay for asleep anywhere and stop off at spot along the way to your destination. You can even park up in front of the sea or overlooking mountains (if parking permits!). The type of views you can get from a van blow hotels out the park.
3. Value of space
Every vacation requires the preparation of things that you are going to take with you. Usually, people bring with them a bunch of unnecessary stuff, and some of them are not even used once! When you’re traveling in a campervan, you’ll soon find out what’s really important to you.
Whether you’re going on a long trip or a short trip in your campervan, you should think twice. Only take only the most important and needed items as space is limited. That helps to reconsider the essential things for you. It really changes your perspective and there’s something liberating about minimal living.
4. Revaluation of values
In the campervan, all resources such as food and water are limited, and you have to refill them from time to time. However, when the trip goes far from the civilisation, you start to think about different ways of shortening the consumption. What is the real value of the water and possibility to take a shower several times a day?
We’ve had to consider this for when we’re traveling in the colder months because an outside shower isn’t so appealing. We’ve read so many inspiring posts, and the verdict is, at the end of such a trip you will look at the world differently. That’s a pretty exciting prospect.
5. New people, new friends
While traveling in a van, you will ride through big cities to small villages, and you will definitely meet new people that will be very curious, where you are from. There is a chance that you will be invited for dinner.
This is something we’re really excited about, and it was one of my favourite things about traveling in Australia.
6. Nature around us
The magnificence of the Earth cannot be compared to anything else and you can come closer to nature. It is really wonderful to wake up in the morning with leaves rustling and birds singing. Here you will remain far away from the city noises 🍃 What could be better?
I love rolling the van door open in the morning, letting the dog out and feeling the sun rays on my face. Even just one night away in the van and in nature makes me feel so much better. Even if we’re on a slanted field and we’re not in a king-size bed, somehow, I sleep better. Would you believe?!
7. Living is cheap
Traveling is not cheap and there is a list of reasons why. When you’re traveling in a campervan, cost is significantly decreased! Everything you need is inside your moving home, and you do not have to book a hotel room, pay for meals out in restaurants, and you won’t need to worry about getting taxis or buses.
When you’re traveling, you’ll find that fuel is the most expensive thing, which is pretty unavoidable. That said, if you’re having a slow month making money, you can always park up and just enjoy whatever country you’re in. The second biggest expense is food.
When you go traveling in a van (especially if it’s as old as ours is!), then make sure you have a rainy-day fund for if you break down. Our van didn’t meet the requirements for roadside assistance cover, but if yours does, it’s worth every penny for the peace of mind. Take a couple of parts with you for when you’re traveling on the road, like spare bulbs etc that can be picked up cheaply online from websites like www.buycarparts.co.uk, to save you having a huge bill at a garage for something that could have easily been replaced.
8. The project aspect is fun
When I bought the van, the aim was to go traveling and take our dog with us. I didn’t give too much thought about the build of the van, and it kind of stressed me out. We bought a van that (luckily) had most the stuff done, such as electrics, plumbing, and gas installation. This meant we didn’t have to fork out for expensive essentials.
BUT we’ve spent every hour of our weekends on making the van our own, you can see our pics on Instagram 📸 From painting the cupboards, through to hooking up fairy lights and putting in new curtains. These little changes make a huge difference, and it feels so good knowing that we did it ourselves (with some help from our family) and it’s all come together.
9. Rest whenever you want
When you’re traveling in a van, there are no limitations on when you have to leave. This is perfect if you enjoy slow-living because you can take the time out to have a bit more relaxation, without missing out on your trip. I know this is going to work well with our busy schedules, and it’ll take the pressure off us, allowing us to truly enjoy our trip.
These are the main reasons why going traveling in a campervan is really worth trying. There are always advantages and disadvantages to any kind of trip, and only you can choose the option, which suits you the most.
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a BIG fan of traveling in a van but I must stress, it isn’t for everybody. It can be really stressful if and when you break down, and you’ll miss having access to a clean toilet every day.
If you want a unique adventure but washing with wet wipes isn’t your thing, then fear not! I’ve recently been swooning over this article: unique places you can rent for your next holiday. From tree-houses in Sweden to underground caves in Turkey, it’s 100% unique but a little bit more luxurious than a home on wheels.