Camper Van Travels. 16 things you will love… 

Updated: April 13, 2024

It’s been over a year since we started our camper van travels. It took some time to make the adjustments from traveling in either a car or a 5th-wheel camper trailer. But once we did, we never looked back. Here is what I love, and what I don’t… from the “passenger princess” perspective…

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“Home is where you park it.”

Anonymous

1. Camper Van Travels Fav #1: The Bathroom!

This one is a quick #1 (no pun intended) for me! Frequent bathroom stops were a time killer in our past travels (my bladder is small!!). An onboard bathroom I can use while driving down the road is incredible. Although tricky to balance if trying to use it while on the highway, it definitely beats waiting for a bathroom stop.

2. Camper Van Travels Fav #2: In-House Meals and Snacks

Another time (and money) saver- not having to decide where to eat. I am not a fan of fast food. The basic sandwich is a go-to for us for on-the-road lunches. Protein bars and trail mix are my other favorite snacks.

As we have gotten more experience under our belts, the meals have improved in variety. Finding a pretty location, or overlook has become a fun challenge for us. We pack a small table and grill on the back rack of the van. This allows us to pull over anywhere and grill up some lunch.

The fridge is always stocked with water and drinks for on-the-go refreshments. Our meals are planned out, with all supplies bought and stocked before we leave. We can usually fit 2 days worth of food in the van refrigerator. Our cooking supplies include a microwave, stove top, frying pan, small portable grill, and an air fryer.

LEARN HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT ROAD TRIP

3. Camper Van Travels Fav #3: Easy Parking

Our camper van can fit in regular-sized parking spots, making it incredibly easy to park. A little more work to park compared to a car, but definitely easier than a 5th wheel or larger travel trailer. No extra planning is necessary when parking.

4. Camper Van Travels Fav #4: Naps!

A necessity for me! Napping in the front seat is okay. But stretching out on the couch (or the pulled-out bed) for a mid-day nap is the best!

5. Camper Van Travels Fav #5: Moving + Stretching

Being able to stand up and walk, even if just for a few steps, is better than being stuck in a seated position for too long, and quicker than pulling over to get out and stretch your legs. But again, learning to balance if the van is in motion takes practice (keep a wide base of support!). However, I avoid this as much as possible due to safety issues.

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us”

Anonymous

6. Camper Van Travels Fav #6: Sleep Flexibility

We enjoy driving until we feel like we need to stop, and then find a place to sleep for the night. Sometimes this means pulling into a rest stop at midnight. Once we decide we are ready to call it a night, it doesn’t take too long to figure out a place to park and sleep.

Rest stops, parks, and trailheads have worked great for us. Just keep an eye out for posted signs that may say “no overnight parking.”

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READ ABOUT ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS FOR PACKING

7. Camper Van Travels Fav #7: Easy Set-up

Set up is quick and simple, whether it’s boondocking or hooking up to campground facilities. In just a couple of minutes, we can be ready to relax or go.

If we use a campsite, it takes a few minutes to hook up water and electricity. If we boondock, minimal setup is required (just push a few buttons to start the generator).

8. Camper Van Travels Fav #8: Moving In

Transitioning from activity to activity or place to place is easier when clothes and toiletries are hung and put in drawers, with no need for packing/unpacking/repacking. Everything has its place in the camper van! And clothes don’t get wrinkled.

9. Camper Van Travels Fav #9: Save Money on Food + Sleep

Boondocking and camping are cheaper than a hotel room. And making your own food bought from the grocery store is cheaper than a restaurant. Saving money this way has helped offset the cost of a van.

10. Camper Van Travels Fav #10: Pet Space

Penny, our bernedoodle, always travels with us. She has room to move around and a pull-out drawer for her food and water.

If we go into establishments that are not pet-friendly, she is perfectly content hanging out in the van until we get back.

On hot days, we can kick on the generator and keep the van cooled to keep Penny comfortable until we get back. 

WHAT TO PACK FOR A DOG

6 Things HE Loves About Camper Van Travels

After putting together my 10 favorite things about camper van travels, I asked my pilot for his top few favorites. Here are his picks, coming from the perspective of a man who sold a 44 ft fifth wheel Keystone Carbon Toy Hauler and bought a camper van…

1. The ability to just jump in and go
2. The drivability of a smaller van- easy to drive and turn around
3. Decent gas mileage
4. Can get out in nature and explore, while still having basic comforts
5. The ability to boondock in the van
6. The van is self-contained with a generator

“Living in a van down by the river is a life goal”

GoHobo

Overall, we both love the ease versatility, and comforts of the van. Minimal time and planning are needed to jump in and go on an adventure! In a car, we had to plan more where we would end up each night. In a 5th wheel, we had to make sure it would fit at certain stops, or have space to turn around if needed.

Having a camper van has given us the opportunity for many more trips and adventures than a 5th wheel trailer or a car.

Final Thoughts on Camper Van Travels

The van can go anywhere and is ready in minutes-

No need to worry about campground reservations or finding a hotel room, we can park almost anywhere and enjoy the scenery. The van is fully equipped with all the necessary amenities such as a bed, kitchen, and bathroom. We can cook our favorite meals on the stove or grill outside and enjoy them under the stars.

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”

Susan Sontag

The best part about traveling in a camper van is the flexibility it provides. We can change our itinerary on the fly, explore new places, and discover hidden gems. With the van, we can truly immerse ourselves in nature and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a lifestyle.

Drop us a comment and let us know your favorite thing, or 16, that you love about camper van travels!

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