The question isn’t if you can do van life (you can)—it’s if you should do van life. You don’t need to uproot your world, like we did, to figure this out.
It took my girlfriend and me less than a week to fall in love with an ’08 Nissan Caravan and hit the road, but just four months (and many rough nights) later, we’re beginning to question if the whole thing was just some silly mistake.
It’s hard to understand what van life is like before you dive in. People can give you their pros and cons, but in the end, your experience is guaranteed to be unique. Rather than tell you what you should or shouldn’t do, I want to ask you some important questions and show you some ugly truths to help you make the right decision.
Van Life Isn’t Glamorous
Van life has captivating moments, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
- Most of the time, you’re hunched over in the back or driving.
- You will stink, and people won’t like it.
- If you like WiFi, most campsites won’t cut it.
- Bad weather can ruin your day.
Even though it was uncomfortable, van life showed me what I value. There will be key things from my life that I missed, and missing them showed me just how important they are.
It’ll Ruin Your Routine
Having a reliable place to work out and a space to work from my laptop are huge parts of my day, and going without those showed me that they’re staples of my routine.
People embark on this journey with the wrong mindset, thinking they can do all the things they did from home on the road. This is what happened to me. I thought buying a yoga mat and some running shoes would immediately smooth over the bumps, but no matter what I tried, adjusting to this lifestyle simply took time.
Do You Love Camping?
Van life is like a never-ending camping trip.
As a kid in the Pacific Northwest, I went camping with my parents more times than I can count. We went to little hippie festivals, hiked up to hot springs, the whole thing, and I loved it. Even though I enjoy camping, that doesn’t mean I want to do it all the time.
The shocker is that in the long run, this doesn’t necessarily cost less than what you’re doing now. Yes, this is a stripped-back way to live, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheaper than renting or some other creative alternatives.
Van Life Costs More Than You Think
People consider doing van life to save money, but the truth is that it can drain your savings surprisingly fast. This goes back to a golden rule of travel: getting to the destination is the most expensive part of the journey.
Topping up on gas (or petrol) can feel like a never-ending quest. We spent over 100 USD at the pump some days, which left us barely any wiggle room for food or renting a campsite. If you’re moving around all the time, the cost adds up quickly.
On top of fuel, renting campsites was more expensive than we predicted. In New Zealand, we spent 50 NZD per night on campsites as a couple. The cheaper ones came out to 20 per person, and the more expensive ones were a flat rate of 50 per night. The main issue with campsites is that the free ones are always full, so even if they exist, you shouldn’t count on getting a spot.
Crucial Budget Tips
All of this can feel overwhelming, so here are some quick tips on how to save money doing van life.
Look at the details (not just the pretty pictures) of how people do van life where you’re planning to go. Where are they staying? Can they make budget meals? Are they trying to help you, or do they just want your attention?
For us, it would have been cheaper and more comfortable to buy a fuel-efficient car and switch between tents, hostels, campsite beds, and shared Airbnbs.
This is what we wish we did:
- Buy a super fuel-efficient car
- Get a tent
- Stay in campsites with your tent
- Sometimes rent hostels, campsite beds, or AirBnbs
- Be happier for the same price.
If you want to save thousands of dollars on accommodation, try house-sitting. It’s a great way to meet down-to-earth people while traveling, and there’s nothing like a real bed and a hot shower after being on the road for weeks.
Ultimately, van life vs renting isn’t necessarily cheaper, and there are more important questions to ask before committing to a lifestyle.
What is the Purpose of Your Trip?
A ton of time, energy, and money are invested in van life. Before getting swept up in the planning phase, it might help to ask yourself what you want out of this trip and why doing it in a van is the best choice for you.
Most importantly, I can guarantee you that there is no single easiest, cheapest way to see a destination. Budget is a mindset that ultimately comes down to you. It’s about your goals, what you like, and what you can live without. You must use the force, young padawan.
If your trip doesn’t require a van, ask yourself why you want one. Influencers can make it feel like you’re missing out, but the dirty little secret is that you can go on the same adventure without one.
You (Probably) Don’t Need Van Life
It’s easy to get caught up in the pictures and stories people share online. We know most people only share the best side of things, but that can be easily forgotten when scrolling social media.
People don’t realize that the photos online are just as beautiful without the van. You can catch a sunrise on the beach, go adventure camping, and make spontaneous connections… without the van.
The real question is if a van is really what you’re looking for. If getting the experience without it ruins the point, then you might have your answer.
