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Home » Budget Travel » How to Live in a Van and Travel: Freedom, Vanlife, and the 21st Century Nomad

How to Live in a Van and Travel: Freedom, Vanlife, and the 21st Century Nomad

Excuse me, sir, ma’am, do you have a second to talk about freedom?

That’s why we travel, right? Sure, maybe it starts as an escape. Maybe your ex trashed you so you ran away from all those delicious problems (don’t feel bad; it’s a common story).

Maybe the looming threat of your tertiary education commitments was rearing its ugly head so you decided to delay.

Maybe you wanted to  ‘find yourself’ .

Whatever your reasons, the outcome was the same. You left… And then you caught the bug.

Now that I know how to be free, how can I choose to put myself back in the cage?

Excuse me, sir, ma’am do you have a second to talk about van life?

There’s something pure about van travel. You’ll have to peel back the layers first: the trashy Instagram hashtags. The ‘polyamorous’ douchebags competing for level-10 gipsy status to sleep with cute hippy chicks at psytrance festivals.

Peel that shit back first and what do you find? Freedom: a sincere desire to simply live freely. Travelling in a van, or any form of motorhome for that matter, is not a lifestyle: it’s an answer.

Less is more.

So let’s talk about that. Let’s talk about why you should live AND travel in a van.

Let’s talks about the ins and outs of travelling in a motorhome: a beginner’s tips and hacks guide for campervan travel. And let’s talk about travelling the world in a campervan: the best countries to go and how to acquire your new roots-less home.

We’re talking van life.

Vanlife: Let’s Paint a Picture of the Van Travel Lifestyle

How to live in a van and travel, the best countries for rv and campervan travel, vanlife tips 101: your beginner’s rv and campervan travel guide, freedom, vanlife and the 21st century nomad.

Right, so that was soppy – sorry, folks! Here’s the deal: it’s a house on wheels. Let me reiterate that for you.

It’s a house on wheels.

Yeah sure, it may not be a very big house. But, look, if your biggest concern is not being able to take much stuff, then, mate… the traveller lifestyle might not be for you.

Let’s call it nomadic van living (just to separate it from actual nomadic living in which if you didn’t move, then winter came and you died). Living out of a van means living out of a home with wheels. Think about that for a sec.

If you run out of milk, you don’t have to leave the house to buy milk. You take the house WITH YOU to buy milk.

That’s fucking sick.

There’s a new level of freedom that comes from travelling the country in an RV , campervan, or even one of the cars with the fold-out tents on the roof (they’re awesome; I’ve seen JUCY rentals in New Zealand and Australia do them). Do you know what a common thought for me is while staring out the window on a bus ride? “That’s a nice mountain; I wish I could go climb it.” 

Ta-dah! Traveller vans to the rescue.

And, to be a little bit real for a second, I do think it’s an answer. We’re in a time where we are – possibly, hopefully, maybe – starting to look at the traditional model of ‘How to Adult – 101’ and saying…

Maybe, there’s another way. Maybe we don’t need all the things we thought we did.

I’d say it’s an experiment. You travel in a van, living in a motorhome, and you have an adventure. One way or another, you come away with a new perspective. And, if you’re built for it, maybe you come away with a whole new model for life.

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Why Travel and Live in a Van or RV

Let’s talk specifics, not quasi-philosophical ramblings. What are the benefits of travelling in a van or RV?

I mean, there’s the ease of buying groceries, obviously, but there’s more to motorhome travel than just that:

• There’s the obvious financial benefit. Your mileage (hah) will vary depending on your style. A family of four living and travelling in a full-power RV and staying at powered holiday parks are going to have a very different cost-footprint than two dirtbags travelling in a van and staying in the driveway of someone called Possum Joe. But, you can’t say rolling your transport and accommodation costs into one while cooking for yourself doesn’t help!
• You can go anywhere! Unless the road ends in which case you get out and walk. Campervan travel changes the landscape of your adventure, but I’ll save that for when I talk about the best countries to campervan in further down.
• You can pick up hitchhikers! Ahh, thank you, much appreciated! My people thank you in advance.
• There is, of course, the art of minimalism. How low you go is up to you: packing for living in an RV vs. a van vs. a hatchback Prius all offer different lifestyles. But it’s a middle-point between having what fits in your house and having what fits on your back.
• It offers freedom of movement. That’s why I call it nomadic van living. It’s like the next evolution up from nomadic horse living on the tech-tree-of-life. Stay, go, settle, cross the country; it’s all your choice. The only difference is that motorhomes break down. But, then, horses die…
• And, of course, it allows you to shift to a more nomadic lifestyle . At a certain point, travelling in a van becomes synonymous with living in a van…

Living in a Van: From Part-Time to Full-Time

This is what I’m talking about: what starts as toes dipped in the water of motorhome travel turns into the full immersion of motorhome living. You start off travelling in an RV or campervan around Australia or New Zealand and suddenly you’re reexamining your whole model of life. Suddenly, living out of a van doesn’t seem like such an alien concept.

You start looking at your life. Maybe I don’t need so many possessions. Maybe I don’t need the weekly depression of rent day.

Suddenly, yes, van life is worth it.

Your career aspirations change; you’ve realised just how many jobs can be done while travelling and living in a campervan. How much freedom is open to you when your cost of living has drastically reduced and your office can be any old breathtaking view.

And, suddenly, you’ve become a digital nomad .

Now, a deep-dive into the digital nomad lifestyle is a whole other can of worms and it’s not really my point either. My point is simply that these things tend to go way further and way deeper than we can often imagine. And that many people have created a sustainable (and fulfilling) life model around living in a van or RV full-time and earning money as they travel.

But that’s long term! Don’t get ahead of yourself, buddy. The digital nomad path changes your travel game , so take your time! Patience is good!

First, you need to get out there and experiment with motorhome travel! You need to see if it’s your holy grail. You need to dip your toes in and that means choosing and acquiring your traveller van.

Ok, so I’ve convinced you, yeah? On the awesomeness of van life? Not pressured, mind you; you’re still in control here. I don’t want to talk you into doing anything you don’t want to do…

But, you’re ready: ready for the adventure of travelling the world in a campervan – the full-time RV lifestyle! You’re ready to start thinking about buying your first campervan.

Whoa, Nelly! Slow down there, sexy-legs! I know you’re excited but even buying the cheapest of campervans is a big and expensive commitment for a lifestyle you don’t know if you’re ready for yet. Jumping in feet-first is commendable but jumping in head-first into an unknown body of water is just bloody stupid!

Let’s start small with finding the right van to travel in so you can decide if van life is worth it for you. Then, if it’s everything you’ve dreamed of (psst, it will be) , you can make the shift to living in a campervan permanently.

So, step 1: finding the right type of motorhome for you. I stress the word motorhome because, as you may have noticed, you have a wide range of options and the different terms get thrown around somewhat interchangeably.

Types of Motorhomes

Think of choosing your motorhome like choosing a travel buddy . If you choose well, the vibe is good and you’ll have a long grand adventure together with lifelong cherished memories. But choose poorly and you’ll end up ditching them on the side of the road and hitchhiking in the opposite direction.

Choosing a Van for Travel: How to Find the Best Motorhome for You

Well, what are your needs? What are your likes and dislikes? How good are you at reversing?

These are the important questions you must ask yourself! (Especially that last one.) The number one tip for van living is that it’s gotta feel like home.

• Travel camper trailers, for a start, have no appeal to me. Lugging a trailer around everywhere in my journeys is unwieldy. But for someone who doesn’t want to make a full-time lifestyle commitment to RV or campervan travel, a camper trailer means you get to still have a car and a home and you can just park the thing in your yard when you’re not off adventuring.
• A converted travel van is the DIY option for the DIY mindset. Seriously, I’ve watched friends go to town on their DIY van conversion and it’s a marvel to behold – a power tool in one hand and WikiHow in the other. If full-time van life is something you ultimately commit to, I feel this the best option because you’re in control; who needs a loving committed relationship and a beautiful family to raise when you have a van! Backpackers in Australia and New Zealand often invest in buying a cheap van at the beginning of a year-long work visa, but for shorter trips, budget campervan hire tends to be a much smarter route.
• Class C Motorhomes (RVs) provide more luxury; let’s call it the family meal deal. RV travel offers more creature comforts at the cost of higher living expenses making it the top choice with families and grey nomads. But, if your travelling with a big group or just have a soft spot for the luxury road trip experience, an RV rental might just be right up your alley.
• Class B Motorhomes (campervans) are the bang-on choice for travellers fresh to the van travel game. Not too big; not too small: just right (just like a certain narcissistic little blonde girl’s porridge). For someone looking to dip their toes into van camping and see if this whole vanlife thing stacks up to the hype, this is the sweet spot!
• Class A Motorhome (monstrosities) are reserved for when you’re 70-years-old, greying, and have nothing but time, disposable income, and a loving life partner you want to bang all over the continent.

But, that leaves one last question: how do you acquire your new transient home?

Rent or Buy – Travel Van Rental: The Advantages of Campervan Hire

Ok, so let’s level with each other: buying a motorhome is expensive! The outright cost is enough to make any broke backpacker curl into the foetal position on the floor and that’s before you add in the insurance and registration costs plus the rising fuel prices in an ever-increasingly unstable global community. 

You’d be better of buying a station wagon and crashing at your mum’s house on laundry/shower day, though, I feel that sorta defeats the purpose of the fully independent, ‘fuck the man’ nomadic van-living lifestyle.

Here’s van living tip number two: don’t buy a motorhome until you know that it’s right for you. I’m talking about using campervan hire as your jumping-off point.

There are a lot of ways to travel a country, but I’d imagine we all have a soft spot for having our own vehicle. And, truthfully, a campervan is simply a better way to travel some countries (looking at you, New Zealand) .

Sometimes, public transport sucks; sometimes we want to go far out. And, sometimes, we don’t want to pay 50 bucks for what amounts to 12-hour bag storage and mattress rental (with complimentary white bread for breakfast).

The Great Australian Road Trip is a dream journey of many travellers I meet (I’m not sure why; I don’t think you realise how boring our roads are – long, straight, and filled with dead things). Plus, road trips are SICK! Talking shit with your mates, good tunes, smoking – ahem – “ciggies” at isolated lookouts (wink-wink): road trips are the best!

It doesn’t mean that one day you won’t have the holy grail converted traveller van, but the best way to start that big journey is with a little step. Hire a motorhome, have an adventure in any of the best countries to campervan in, and once you know how to actually live in a van and travel, you’ll know if the vanlife is right for you.

If you’re after my recommendation, for New Zealand and Australia road trips, JUCY rentals are the best. These iconic whips are the perfect home on the road to explore the roads of down under.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

You’re going to notice a common theme with most of the countries on this van travel bucket list: they’re costly to travel with plenty of ground to cover.  

That’s why by choosing to travel in a cheap van or RV rental, you’re going to please the tight-fisted pantheon deities of Backpakistan. Now, don’t misunderstand – you’re not going to cut your travel expenses in Europe down to the level of Southeast Asia. But taking all our usual tricks-of-the-trade backpacker secrets and applying them while living out of a van certainly helps.

The other recurring theme? They have wicked roads to drive on! Picturesque and long and fast (and sometimes windy too).

You’re still on an adventure. Spend some money, live a little! You know that 2000-year-old tree in the middle of buttfuck-nowhere… you have a house with wheels now! Go see it!

Again, you’re driving a campervan. You’re in control.

We are freedom.

Australia RV and Campervan Travel: Whole Lotta Nothin’

Ok, so there is actually a lot to see in Australia. From travelling Australia’s east coast – tropics, beaches, and seagulls – to the rugged solitude of the west, it’s fair to say that you’ll find something you vibe with amongst Australia’s massive scope.

And if you get down to Tassie, that shit will blow your mind right open. Seriously – backpacking in Tasmania is an experience simply built for van travel.

Only, Australia is big. And the roads are really long and really straight (and really empty). Notice how you never meet anyone who says they circumnavigated Australia twice?

Australia is so big, and there’s such a campervan culture Down Under with backpackers and locals, that vans are being bought, sold, and traded for weed all the time; buying a van outright is perfectly a viable option. Of course, the thing about buying a backpacker van is that one minute everything is hunky-dory, and then the next your broken down in the middle of the Nullarbor Plain with black smoke spewing from both ends (of the van… not you… if you are too, see a doctor).

Travelling around Australia in a motorhome is THE way to go. Travelling and living in a campervan is a good antidote to the high prices of… everything… and, given the country’s lacklustre public transport services, is also the best way to see everything . 

Of course, you can – and should for trips on a shorter itinerary – go for a budget campervan hire in Australia. Skip the bureaucracy, skip the queue, and, best of all, skip stamp duty <groans internally>. (Our insurance and rego costs are daylight robbery too – fair warning.) All this leaves a rental as the smoothest option for entry into Oz’s untold vastness.

So… what’s the best campervan hire in Australia? Easy, JUCY Campers .

JUCY Campers Australia have been around serving backpackers for a long-long time, so they know their clientele and they know them well . Even while growing up in Byron Bay almost twenty years ago, I remember seeing scores of JUCY campervans parked at the beach. Usually, with some happy-go-lucky, not-a-care-in-the-world bangin’ their lack-of-woes away in the backseat.

They do cheap campervan hire in Australia, and they’ve been around for more than two decades. They gotta be doing something right!

New Zealand RV and Campervan Travel: The Real Aotearoa

It’s fairly comparable to campervan travel in Australia but with less roadside drug testing. And you can cross the country in about eight fewer days. Oh, and petrol is more expensive!

Everything aside, road tripping in New Zealand – and road tripping on South Island in particular – is FUCKING MINDBLOWING. Like, ‘I’m having a transcendental moment just from watching a sunset’ mindblowing. There’s so much to explore in every tucked-away corner, and then you cross the ferry to South Island and New Zealand is all like:  Welcome to New Game Plus, Bi-yatch. 😉

Public transport is meh and hitchhiking is traditionally the gold standard for getting around, but to truly get lost in Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud), driving a campervan is the way to go. It’s kind of hard to put into words the true majesty of traversing New Zealand’s natural landscape. Can we just say that it did things to my soul and leave it at that?

So, what about cheap campervan hire in New Zealand? Well, you’ve got JUCY Campers New Zealand (yes, same guys obviously) who are also probably the best campervan hire in New Zealand. Seriously, I can’t stress JUCY Campers enough for budget campervans in New Zealand and Australia. RVs, mini-campers, minibuses too – they know they’re way around!

Be careful, though: if you start living in a campervan in New Zealand, you may just decide that it’s finally time to hang up your boots. New Zealand is where people stop travelling.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Japan RV and Campervan Travel: Ore No Daibouken!

Once upon a time, this may have been considered a weird entry on this list. Maybe, it still surprises you.

It’s not that your transport options for travelling around Japan aren’t excellent (because they are, albeit expensive), but a road trip in Japan by campervan is still an amazing way to see the country, and there’s loads to see! Once you’ve broken off the main roads into the mountains, forests, and villages, you’ll see why.

The downside to campervan travel in Japan is that petrol is pricey and the tolls on expressways (the country’s primary road infrastructure) are a nightmare. The upshot is living off home-cooked tofu stirfry is ridiculously cheap and the Japanese are some of the most patient and courteous drivers you will ever encounter.

So what about campervan hire in Japan? I mean, you could buy one outright but somehow I imagine that could get confusing…

Well, guess what? For campervan rental in Japan, you’ve got Japan Campers . Easy name, easy game!

If you’re thinking you’d like to partake in a road trip somewhere other than the standard destinations, I would highly suggest going for a Japanese campervan journey. Japan is still fairly unused to nomadic van living so you can get away with a few more sneaky overnight parks than you would elsewhere and if you want to travel off the beaten track – Shikoku or most definitely Hokkaido is the place to go for vanning – then you’ll be a fan of a van in Japan… man.

USA RV and Campervan Travel: The Good, the Bad, and the Not-So-Ugly

I mean, there are fifty states all up so road tripping the USA by campervan is a pretty damn good way of seeing them all! (Although Alaska and Hawaii may take some tricky planning to reach.)

Look, here’s a picture of the American wilderness:

Now does a campervan road trip in the USA make sense? The American landscape is so majestic that even just seeing an old Spaghetti Western gives me them wanderlust vibes – and that is a term that I loathe and do not use lightly!

So, let’s talk campervan hire in the USA! I mean… you could buy one off of Craigslist, but you might get shot.

For cheap campervan and RV rental in the USA, check out Outdoorsy . It’s another takeoff in the sharing economy; you’re renting motorhomes of actual humans with actual thoughts and feelings and lives.

I gotta be honest: that’s seriously dope. Think Airbnb for the vanlife.

For budget campervan rental in the USA, Outdoorsy is the go. Then you can go and have your own 21st-century Spaghetti Western!

Oh, plus there’s all that legendary rock climbing in the States. You want a van for that shit.

• Driving the West Coast (Road Trip Planner)
• RV Renter’s Guide: Las Vegas
• Driving the East Coast (Road Trip Planner)
• RV Renter’s Guide: California

Canada RV and Campervan Travel: A Little Drive Aboot

To the north of the States is another big-ass country filled with gorgeous nature and lovely people who get weirdly offended whenever I drop the C-bomb. Cultural differences aside, Canada makes the list of the essential ‘Great Roadtrip’ countries.

The RV and campervan game in Canada is strong . It might have something to do with the expansive wilderness simply built for vanlife. Well, it would be fairer to say that vanlife was built for the expansive Canadian wilderness.

Anyway, forget the split hairs! A backpacking adventure in Canadian is supreme and by way of campervan is the best way to truly get lost there. But you’re getting quite far north. By which I mean, it’s getting cold. You’ll want to get the best travel van you can (with some damn proper insulation).

Outdoorsy , once again, is the top pick for cheap campervan and RV rental in Canada. It’s all about that sharing economy! Cheap, good services, and you’re dealing with REAL people rather than a dealership with a salesperson with a 5-syllable last name that has way too many ‘K’s in it.

Find yourself a budget campervan to hire in Canada (ideally with good insulation) and go find a moose! Why a moose? I dunno, I’ve just always wanted to see a wild moose!

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan RV and Campervan Travel: Meet Stan

See, told you I’d give you some interesting choices! Have you heard of the Pamir Highway? Probably not… I hadn’t either until one of my fellow Broke Backpacker Adventure Experts told me it was the perfect place for a non-standard campervan road trip.

And he’s right! The Pamir Highway is gorgeous! Officially it’s called the M41 Highway (but nobody calls it that) and it runs from the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan down into and through Tajikistan . Hell, if you’re feeling super adventurous, you can keep driving it into Uzbekistan and Afghanistan !

In all honesty, the scope of Central Asia is breathtaking. Exploring Kyrgyzstan alone is something out of a dream, and that’s just one of the Stans! It’s huge, there is so much space, and it is still vastly untouched by the hand of western tourism. If you’re looking for a van life adventure that really is ‘off the beaten track’, it’s the way to go.

How do you acquire a campervan over that way? Well, you’re outside the scope of most of the standard budget campervan hire services but you still have options. One of the highly recommended options is Iron Horse Nomads in Kyrgyzstan. Owned and run by a couple of ex-pats, these guys can get you sorted for transport around the Stans.

Or you could just charge it: catch a flight over and hope for the best. Worst case scenario, you just buy a horse!

Europe RV and Campervan Travel: Home of the Autobahn

“Europe isn’t a country!”   Shut-up, dude; nobody cares. It still counts.

An RV or campervan in Europe goes a long way towards getting you around; there is a lot to see there. Backpacking around Europe is also expensive as all hell (on the west side), so travelling in a motorhome is also going to go a long way towards keeping your budget in check.

The cool thing about a campervan road trip in Europe is all the countries you’ll visit! By the time you’re done, you’re reasonably looking at 5 to 10 different countries (at least).

That’s a lot of unique cultures, languages, landscapes, and… food! All those accommodation cost savings? Yeah, just put them towards eating your way across Europe!

So, what are your options for cheap campervan and RV hire in Europe? Well, there’s CamperTravel Bookings . They have great coverage right across Europe (in case you forgot, there are a lot of different places in Europe) and they’re cheap with lots of different rental options.

Europe is a bit of a funny one for van travel. When it comes to the idealised road trip, it often gets left behind. But with such great options for budget campervan and RV rental in Europe, it’s becoming a more sought-after destination.

Plus, the roads, man! So big, so fast, so furious, and so damn pretty! Arrgghh, vanlife, YES!

Sort out your rental before you’re living the vanlife DREAM. To get the best price, rentalcars.com simplifies the process at a lower cost and can match you with the right vehicle for your adventure.

So, it’s as simple as finding the best van for your new van life and you’re away, right? With that sort of simplicity, you could be living and sleeping in a campervan within a week. Nay, good sir! Campervan life requires more finesse than that.

Do you remember how the first time you left on a backpacking adventure you packed like a dickhead? But then, you repeated the process and, every time, you got better. The question of what to take on a road trip and even how to live and travel in a van is the same.

It’s all about practice.

You’re starting out – be it your first budget RV rental or your first converted traveller van purchase – and that makes you a beginner. That’s fine though, that means you’re only going to get better: it’s all practice!

And besides, you’ve nabbed yourself a campervan and RV travel guide 101 filled with tips for beginners. Let’s talk finesse!

The RV Travel Lifestyle: What to Expect from Travelling in a Motorhome

Before I give you the bullet point list of deliciously digestible tips, let’s talk about the actual ins and outs of the campervan and RV lifestyle. Whether you’re going on your first great campervan road trip or experimenting with living in an RV full-time, it’s not all just about freedom and good shots for your socials.

First up, there’s adulting. There’s always adulting. Just because you’re living out of a van doesn’t mean you’re not an adult!

Chores are a big part of van life. You know how when you live in a really small flat even not washing the dishes kills those rocking feng-shui vibes? Well, it’s the same deal in a van only multiplied by fifty: it’s a small space.

Kitchen cleanup, sweeping out the dirt, changing the greywater, making your bed… don’t forget to brush your teeth too! Living in a campervan permanently still means being a good homemaker. And if it’s travelling and living in an RV, you’ve just doubled up on your chores and maintenance schedule.

That’s another important point to touch on – maintenance and breakdowns. If you’re not a gear-headed person, prepare to learn. Rolling into the mechanic’s every time you hear an odd noise is going to severely hurt your budget. I’ve watched mates brand new to the van living game teach themselves welding, change windows, and play with their vehicle’s electronics all with the assistance of our benevolent overseer Google: that shows a good mind for it.

It’s also worth mentioning cops. Mileage varies depending on how many laws you’re breaking (aim for less than five) but you will always be in closer proximity to the coppers. And – I think it goes without saying – losing your licence is a death sentence to the lifestyle of a vanner.

The idea of pulling over anywhere anytime is super appealing, but it’s also far from always being that easy, especially in urban environments. Overnight parking and sleeping in a campervan is something cracked-down on, especially in our good ol’ friend, the affluent West, though the ferocity of revenue-raising tactics varies by area. It’s sorta case by case and depends on where you are in the world, your type of van, and how smartly you’ve chosen your park-up.

Stealth van living is an acquired art form and something you will gradually get better at over time. Again, it’s about finesse: a bountiful boondock takes a deft approach.

RV and Campervan Hacks for Travelling

Everyone likes a good hack! Here are some practical tips for beginner RV and campervan travel. A few bits to keep you travelling smooth until you’re a vanlife pro!

• Bring tools – Have a solid supply of tools to work with stored somewhere inside your campervan – everything that’s good for an emergency. A well-stocked toolbox , duct tape (definitely), spare fuses – put some effort into your motorhome inventory checklist!
• Van and RV camping apps – There are actually tonnes of these and many that are region-specific. They’ll help you suss out good camping spots to set up your van at from the free park-ups to the ‘ Why am I paying $35 for cold shower and shit-pit usage?’ variety. There are also some wicked RV trip planner apps out there and even apps for budgeting on gas. App up! It helps.
• Utilise 24-hour stores and petrol stations – They can be a really good place for staying overnight in a campervan. Buy some supplies and then ask the attendant if they mind if you hang around until the sun is up. Or don’t ask and just look scary and unapproachable and they’ll probably leave you alone. Face tats help with that.
• And boondock beautifully – Like I said, sneaky parking takes a bit of practice. However, generally, if you’re rocking up somewhere after dark and not planning a lengthy loiter the following morning, she’ll be right. Worst case scenario, just play the “I was falling asleep at the wheel and really needed to pull over for the night,” card: it’s bulletproof
• For the ladies – Get yourself a GoGirl – it makes girls pee like boys! I won’t give you a how-to, but I reckon you can figure it out. Jokes aside, it’s honestly a really important safety tip. The reason animals are so cautious when and where they do their thang is because they’re vulnerable while they do, and it’s the same for people… unless you have face tats.
• Clear storage bins – And for any other containers you use for storage, clear plastic is the way to go. Not having to unpack everything to find what you’re looking for goes a long way when you’re van living.
• Anti-moisture packs – The desiccant ones (of the ‘DO NOT EAT’ variety) that come in just about any sorta packaging and fresh packets of burrito wraps. Use them for keeping away the damp in your campervan’s storage. But, yeah, don’t eat them.
• Grippy rubber mats – Yeah, look, I have no idea what these are called. These ones! Stick them under your plates, cups, condiments, and whatever else so they don’t slide around on the road.
• Always have a headtorch on hand – Hell, have two. Why stop there? Have six! Every traveller needs a headtorch.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

RV and Campervan Travel Tips for Staying Sane and Not Killing Each Other

Practical tips are good but what about mindset tips for van life? If you’re travelling with someone, there’s always the off-chance that you’ll get sick of them off and drive off the next time they’re using a petrol station toilet.

If you’re travelling alone, well, sometimes the hermit’s path can send us a bit loopy:

• Keep structure – The most important part about freedom is not having too much of it; constraints are good. Set an alarm, have a morning routine, write a to-do list; these things go a long way for keeping you focused.
• And don’t sweat the mistakes – You’ll make them, and you’ll make a lot of them. Getting lost, puncturing a tyre, nearly bogging yourself in an ancient forest deep in the primordial wilderness of Tasmania: these things happen.
• Exercise – Similarly, keeping a routine of steady exercise is equally important. Many people like to join a 24-hour gym chain which has the added bonus of shower usage (that’s a van life hack!). That said, if you’ve ever watched a Youtube video on callisthenics, you know that any old park or tree can be a gym!
• Keep a tight ship – A more-or-less no-brainer but take control of your space, keep it clean, and keep the feng shui on-point. I cannot stress JUST HOW MUCH keeping your space organised is necessary. And when you lose things in a van, just assume it’ll show up by itself in six hours times.
• Meet ‘n’ greet – Use the nights you stay at campsites, backpackers, or wherever else to make friends. Socialising is good! It can’t all be a stoic monk-living in a van.
• Take space – For travel buddies and partners, take some damn space from each other sometimes. It’s basic relationshipping 101. It’s totally ok to have days where everything they say and do makes you want to kick them in the shins, but the healthy response is to go for a long walk (up a mountain).
• Bang it out – For every great fight, there must be a great catharsis. For couples on the road , I’m not the best person to give advice. But if we’re talking a platonic travel buddy, maybe just roll a joint on it instead.
• Take the traveller mindset – Always remember to don your traveller hat. “What’s a ‘problem’ ? I only know of  ‘fun challenges’ . That person looks friendly, I’ll ask for help .”

Get Insured Before Embarking on Your Van Travelling Adventure

Oh, so you got some legally mandated vehicular insurance? Well, that’s a good start, but what about some optional insurance for your anatomical features? Your face, your spine, your favourite bits…

You’re going travelling in a van and that means getting travel insurance before you do because, like it or not, things go wrong. And when they do, someone has to pick up the tab. Personally, I’d prefer that someone be a faceless insurance corporation with the cash to spare rather than my mum.

Make sure to get your backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! I highly recommend World Nomads, as they’re one of the best travel insurance providers out there.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

History is a funny thing: it works in cycles. Once upon a time, our ancestors walked great distances shepherding their livestock and foraging for food. They followed the sun.

And then, we discovered how nice it is to have a home. You mean I can have a mattress, a flushing toilet, and a kitty-cat? Sign me up!

And now, reality is settling in. Faced with the reality of crushing debt, overwhelming mortgage payments, and storage spaces full of stuff we never use, we once again yearn for the romance of the nomadic life. But things are different now.

Our horses have been replaced with vans, our cooking fires with gas stoves, and our deep-seated fear of the night’s terrors with deep-cycle solar-powered batteries. It’s a new kind of romance, but it’s still an adventure.

To live the minimalist lifestyle and see the world with no roots save the one you’re driving. To do something kick-ass! That’s an adventure.

You know that feeling you get when you’re doing something awesome and ballsy and you’re going your own way? That’s van travel.

Give it a shot. Hire a campervan, or an RV, or a converted ice-cream truck… Hell, build one from scratch! But just give it a damn shot.

Take that first little dip in the water of van life. Then, see if you can go back in the cage.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

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I had been traveling around America with my husband for over 10 years, but now it seems impossible, not just because of the pandemic but because we bought a horse farm in Irvine, CA, and have been spending most of our time here ever since. I literally can’t wait to start traveling again!

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Van Life Guide for Beginners: Traveling Around the United States in a Campervan

Written By Bastian Graf

The best way to see North America is on a road trip. Whether you’re planning a road trip and plan to rent a campervan or RV or you’re considering becoming a full-time van lifer, we have you covered. We’ve put together a full guide covering do’s and don’ts, great tips, and expert recommendations for traveling around the United States by road.

Download the full guide here

The best way to see North America is on a road trip. Whether you’re planning a road trip and plan to rent a campervan or RV or you’re considering becoming a full-time van lifer, we...

Here’s what you can find in this Guide:

1. Best Campervan Rentals

• Campervans or Conversion Vans

2. Tips for Campervan Travel 

Plan Out Your Route

Be prepared on the road, must-have travel apps.

• Campervan/Minivan Maintenance

Campervanning = Minimalism so Pack Smart

3. Budget Travel Tips to Save Money on Your Campervan Trip

4. Campervan Travel Guide – Road Trips To Consider

5. Best Campsites or RV Parks to Visit in the US

6. Van Life Tips – Best Places to…?

Take Selfies

Go Stargazing

• Watch the Sunsets

Best Campervan Rentals

Fridge vs. no fridge – lots of space vs. not so much space – proper campervan vs. minivan … decisions decisions decisions.

Renting a car or campervan for the first time can be pretty daunting, and with so many options out there, it can be hard to decide on what’s the best van is for you. Read on for top tips and expert advice on how to find the right vehicle for you.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself.

• What am I most comfortable driving?
• How many people are in my group?
• What is my overall budget for this road trip?
• Do I prefer to sleep in a vehicle or a tent?

Answering those simple questions will help you to decide between renting a campervan or minivan.

Minivan Rentals

These dependable vehicles are cheap, reliable, and, most importantly, easy to pick up all over the country. We recommend minivans for:

• Travelers who are happy to fold down the seats and throw a mattress in the back of the van.  Packing a tent is also an option.
• Travelers on a budget – minivans are cheaper vehicles to run than campervans or RVs .
• Groups of people who are traveling together (this is a great way to save on the cost of fuel)
• People who are planning to mix it up between camping and staying in hotels .

Campervan Rentals

The perfect vehicle for groups of two who are planning on living on the road, experiencing the van life, for the length of their road trip.

We recommend campervans for:

• People who have a bigger budget to spend on a vehicle
• Travelers who prefer their home comforts such as the fridge, kitchen sink, and gas stove.
• Travelers who are planning on sleeping in their vehicle every night, and are looking for a little more room.
• Travelers who are considering van living as a lifestyle

*Bonus – Some campervans have solar panels!  Having solar panels means you have less of a need to stay at a powered campsite to recharge the batteries for your fridge & lights!

Still not sure what vehicle to rent? Check out our articles  6 Reasons to Rent a Minivan for your Next Road Trip and  6 Reasons Renting a Campervan is the Best Way to Travel the USA .

Tips for Campervan Travel

Traveling around in a campervan is a brand new experience to many people, so we thought we’d put together some tips to ensure that your trip around the USA with Travelers Autobarn is the ultimate, stress-free road trip!

The United States is vast, and you won’t be the first road tripper to look at Google Maps and underestimate how long it will take you to drive from one place to another. But, while you still want to keep some degree of spontaneity in your trip, it’s ideal to have a rough idea of where you want to travel to, the route you want to take, and how long it will take you to get there. If you are going through larger cities, try to avoid rush hour traffic, or you may get delayed for hours.

Have a rough plan of where you want to go, your must-see sites, and where you plan to stay each night will help you stay on budget, be more relaxed, and have a more enjoyable trip. Bring a map of the United States too!  You never know when you may hit a stretch of highway without services, so be prepared!

*Bonus – when you rent a campervan RV or minivan from Travellers Autobarn USA, all of our vehicles come with FREE UNLIMITED MILES ! So even if you detour from your original plan, we have you covered!

Food & Water

The hotter it is, the more water you need.  You don’t want to get stuck in Death Valley National Park without water!

It’s also crucial that you pack some non-perishable food to keep you going should you break down – think cereal bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Try to avoid snacking on salty snacks – it’s just going to make you even thirstier and could speed up dehydration.

Weather – Know the forecast!

Knowing the weather forecast is extremely important!  Depending on the time of year and what parts of the country you plan to campervan through, Mother Nature may have a different plan for your road trip.  Winter months can bring on harsh temperatures, slippery roads, high winds, and road closures. Knowing ahead of time can save you from having to turn around or from being stuck in a stressful situation.

In some parts of the United States, you will need to be aware of hurricane season and pay attention to tornado warnings.  The Weather Channel app is a great way to check the forecasts before you set off on the open road each day.

Our flexible drop-offs and unlimited miles are extra helpful in these situations. Don’t be in a rush!

*Bonus – For more tips on winter travel, check out our Van Life Guide to Winter Road Trips in a Campervan .

Avoid unsealed roads

Although many of the highways and roads in the United States are in good condition, you may end up on a gravel or dirt road.

If you have rented a campervan or car from one of the big cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or San Francisco (to name a few), then you might find that the insurance policy you took out does not cover you when you are driving on unsealed or unpaved roads. Make sure you read the small print.

When you’re driving, be aware that collisions with these animals are frequent, as well as cows and other animals, particularly at nighttime, dawn, or dusk. If you are pulling a night shift at the wheel, then try to ensure that the passenger next to you stays awake and alert to help you watch out for any animals on the road.

And please don’t try and take a selfie with or pet the wild animals!  Not only is it against the law in certain parts of the country, but it is dangerous and could result in serious injuries or even death.

Boondocking – Dry Camping – Wild Camping

Solar panels come in very handy when you need to dry camp.  If you are running out of steam and need to pull over in the middle of the night, or you can’t find a campground for the night, make sure you are in an area that allows the campervan to be parked.  If you are in or near a larger city, it should be reasonably easy to find a Walmart, gas station, or truck stop that will allow you to use the parking lot for the night. Make sure it is 24-hours in the event you need to use the bathroom facilities.  If you are in the middle of nowhere, make sure you don’t park on private property or where there is a “no trespassing” sign.

GasBuddy – An excellent app for travelers on a budget!  Gasbuddy helps locate the cheapest gas near you so you can compare prices and save.  They have a rewards program that allows you to earn points towards free gas, as well.

Google Maps or Waze – Real-time GPS apps with live traffic alerts. Both apps are popular, so it comes down to preference.

The Weather Channel – The Weather Channel app has a free version and is great for current and extended forecasts across the United States. If you are heading to a new location, make sure and double-check the weather forecast.  You may need to change your route, stop and restock your water supply, or give yourself additional time due to slippery roads.

First Aid: American Red Cross – The First Aid app is a must!  We hope you never need it, but in the event, you have a first aid emergency or need to prepare for a weather emergency, the content is preloaded, so you have access to safety tips, step by step instructions, videos, and access to 911 no matter your location.  And it’s free!

HipCamp – Hipcamp is an awesome app for finding and booking campsites, RV parks, and more.

Campervan or Minivan Maintenance

Remember that you are responsible for the campervan while it is in your possession. You should treat it like it is your vehicle and carry out basic maintenance checks every 300-500 miles. Basic maintenance includes checking things like tire pressure, and oil, washer fluid, and coolant levels.

If you’re driving a campervan, then make sure you know the height of the vehicle and be wary of driving into parking garages, under bridges, or low hanging branches if you aren’t sure.

Forest fires and brushfires are unfortunately very common in parts of the United States.  They can be dangerous – so always make sure you adhere to the guidelines.

We recommend that you visit the check the fire danger rating in the area and make sure campfires are permitted where you are staying (particularly in summer).

If you start a campfire, then you must always make sure it is entirely out at the end of the night and have at least 10 liters of water nearby in case it gets out of hand.

Just because you are camping doesn’t mean you have to stick to cups of noodles, hot dogs, or cans of beans.  Get creative and meal prep before you head out on the open road. Here are a few prep tips for cooking in a campervan.

• Cut up your chicken, beef, or pork and toss them in the seasoning or sauces before you pack up.  Not only does this help with cleanup in the campervan, but it also saves space. If you season the meat ahead of time, then you don’t have to pack spices or bottles of sauce, and the meat will be full of flavor! You can even go one step further and cook the meat ahead of time.
• Wash, cut, and put your fruits and veggies in a gallon bag.   Again, this saves time and space on the road and makes it easier for snacks if you are traveling with kids.
• Pack Reynolds Wrap and grilling bags. These are great for preparing meals over the campfire.  Toss in your preseasoned steak strips, potatoes, veggies and add a little water, seal or wrap it up tight and throw it on the fire. Quick cleanup, easy to throw together and delicious!  Foil is also great for cooking breakfast burritos, shrimp boils, teriyaki chicken with peppers and pineapple, fish, and Banana S’Mores, to name a few.
• Precook a few pounds of ground beef! Ground beef is very versatile.  You can throw together some tacos, taco salads or nachos, add to some pasta sauce for a quick spaghetti, or use it for breakfast burritos or hobo packets in the morning. If you aren’t a red meat eater, then chop up some sausage or ground turkey, or mushrooms if you are vegetarian/vegan.

It’s no secret that traveling in a campervan comes with less storage and smaller space than a motorhome.  Dollar stores are a great place to find travel-size toiletries for your road trip, and it’s easier on the budget.

Another great packing tip is to save condiments from fast-food restaurants.  If you know you are going on a campervan road trip, plan to keep any extra condiments from eating out.  Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper packets take up a lot less space than full-size bottles and don’t require refrigeration.  This not only saves space for additional packing items but doesn’t take up space in the campervan fridge.

Budget Travel Tips to Save Money on your Campervan Trip

One of your biggest outgoings is going to be the cost of your fuel. As we mentioned earlier, one of the best apps we recommend is GasBuddy. It’s convenient for finding the cheapest gas prices in your area. Having an app like GasBuddy or Waze can assist you in not only finding a gas station nearby but also which station has the lowest fuel prices.

*Pro-tip: Having the A/C on all the time will eat into your fuel tank – so if you’re trying to save some money settle for opening the windows instead.

Hit a supermarket with a grocery list in hand!

Once you have rented your campervan, you will likely be departing from one major city, so we recommend that before you hit the road, you stop by a supermarket to stock up on all the essentials (and we don’t just mean beers and sausages for the barbie!).  Have a list! We all know that we spend more money in the grocery store without a list frequently buying food or supplies we don’t need and forgetting items we do.

Buying food and supplies from gas stations and small local stores on the journey can hit your traveling budget hard.

National Parks Pass

If you plan on visiting more than 3 National Parks, then we highly recommend you invest in an annual America the Beautiful pass ! The cost is $80 and gives access to over 2,000 National Parks and National Refuges.  Typically each park has around a $35 entrance fee, so an America the Beautiful pass is an excellent deal for travelers planning National Park Road Trips . If you are 62 and older, they have an annual Senior Pass that is significantly cheaper.  If you are a current, or veteran, member of the US military or if you are a US citizen or permanent resident with permanent disabilities then you are eligible for a free pass.*

*Please confirm prices and terms have not changed for these passes at NPS.gov .

Campervan Travel Guide – Road Trips to Consider

Ultimate National Parks Campervan Road Trip   – One of our top recommendations that you can enjoy in both summer and winter !

West Coast Campervan Road Trips – Los Angeles to Big Sur , LA to San Fran , or Los Angeles to Seattle

The Narrows Hike – Ultimate Zion Campervan Getaway – Zion National Park features some of the most incredible hikes in the United States.

Ultimate Rock Climbing Campervan Road Trip – Not for the novice!  But if you love rock climbing, then this itinerary is a must!

San Francisco to Denver and back – You won’t regret this roundtrip campervan adventure!  Our itinerary takes you through some of the most famous places in the western United States.

Best Campsites or RV Parks to Visit in the USA

The United States has so many amazing places to visit . Traveling around in a campervan lets you see the most popular destinations, plus all of the beauty in between. You’ve decided which campervan is best for your road trip, you know all of the tips and best travel apps, we’ve given you a few road trip itineraries to consider, so now all that is left is where to stay.

The US is full of campgrounds and RV parks with a variety of amenities. However, if you are on a tight budget, you may want to look for free campgrounds along the way.  Just be prepared, many of the free campsites come with no facilities or amenities so you will need to plan accordingly.  Some of these sites are within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in parking lots of larger retailers like Costo, Walmart, and Cabelas, and truck stops and rest areas.  Make sure and do your research so that you don’t get ticketed.

Here are 5 of our favorite RV Parks to visit:

• North Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park, California
• Glacier Campground, Glacier National Park, Montana
• Zion River Resort, Zion National Park, Utah
• Mesquite Spring, Death Valley National Park, California
•  Paradise on the River, outside Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Bonus: If you are planning a road trip out of Las Vegas or California, check out our  Best Campervan Campgrounds Near Las Vegas  and  Best Places to Campervan in California.

Van Life Tips – Best Places to…?

Whether it is the Grand Canyon in Arizona, inside of a gigantic tree in Redwood National and State Parks, overlooking the Pacific ocean with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, or hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park, we know travel selfies are a must! Here are our top 5 selfie spots.

• Antelope Canyon in Arizona – We already mentioned places like the Grand Canyon & Zion above, but add Antelope Canyon to your list. It is particularly incredible and something everyone should experience.
• Glacier National Park, Montana – Lake McDonald, Grinnel Glacier, Going to the Sun Road – GNP should be on everyone’s bucket list!
• Redwood National & State Parks, California – The enormous redwood trees are not only a site to see but are fantastic backdrops for the avid selfie-taker.
• San Francisco , California – Hawk Hill is a great spot to take a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge and the city in the distance.
• Las Vegas, Nevada – There are too many spots to list, but the fountain at the Bellagio Hotel is a great place to start.

Pro tip: Any US National Park is a spectacular place for selfies.

Travel outside of the bigger cities, put your phone down, and stargaze into the incredible nighttime sky.

• Arches National Park – Utah Bryce Canyon – Utah
• Death Valley National Park – California (make sure to go during the milder seasons)
• Joshua Tree National Park – California
• Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
• Sedona – Arizona (don’t plan to stargaze during the late summer months.  Early July to late August is monsoon season.)

Watch the Sunset

Who doesn’t love a good sunset? Below are some of our favorite spots to take in some of the most magnificent sunsets in North America.

• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona – The south rim, in particular, provides not only an exceptional sunset experience but a view of most of the canyon itself.
• California – Pick a place! Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Joshua Tree National Park.  California is full of beautiful sunsets locations.
• Montana/Wyoming – Glacier National Park , The Grand Tetons or Yellowstone National Park.  The clean mountain air and the sun setting behind the mountains – you can’t go wrong.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico – Old Fort Marcy Park is an incredible experience for those willing to hike.
• Arches National Park, Utah – When the sun sets, it changes the colors in the sandstone arches making a spectacular visual experience and a prime opportunity for incredible photos.

You are all set for traveling around the USA in a campervan, now book your campervan at one of our three US RV rental locations !

Here are a few other guides you might enjoy.

Guide to the Best Campgrounds for Campervans in the USA

Guide to Free Camping in the USA

Visit all our Guides here

Considering traveling overseas?  Check out our other Beginner’s Guides for New Zealand and Australia Campervan Trips.

About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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On the Road: Epic Trips to Tackle in Your Van

Or rv, or airstream trailer, or motorhome . . ..

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Vanlife isn’t restricted to vans—lovers of Airstreams and teardrop trailers enjoy a similar lifestyle.

Photo by Airstream Inc./Shutterstock

Since the term “vanlife” entered the lexicon in 2011—and went viral two years ago —the freewheeling, on-the-road lifestyle to which it refers has evolved from a fascination to a trend to a norm. Droves of Instagram-loving millennials and even boomers are following in the tire tracks of RV-loving retirees (those prescient first-adopters) and buying or renting motorhomes, Airstream trailers, or vans to hit the highways on extended trips and shorter “vancations.”

The increase in interest means that the resources available to these modern-day van-dwellers are also proliferating. The internet abounds with explainers on DIY van conversions and restorations. You can find cooking blogs geared toward road warriors, maintenance how-tos, and tell-alls about the lifestyle. And the rigs are getting better too. Companies like Nissan, Volkswagen, and Airstream have tailored their new releases to this wider audience with electric models, customizable and convertible interiors, and Smart Control Technology . Rental companies, too, are popping up to offer the curious a taste of vanlife.

Related The Best Tools for Planning a Road Trip You could go from interested to outfitted in a matter of days. And once you’ve picked a vehicle—a retro Vanagon, sleek Airstream, Insta-friendly Sprinter conversion, or uber-luxurious motorhome—and geared up , the only thing left is to do is figure out where to go. Here, a few of the best places to start, including beginner favorites, the tried-and-true, and envy-inducing Big Trips.

The Pacific Coast

The western United States is a popular place for vanlifers—partly because the abundance of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offers so many free and attractive places to set up camp. California in particular, with its warm, sunny climate; 655.8-mile Pacific Coast Highway ; and established RVer communities, is a magnet for road-trip enthusiasts.

California offers plenty of beachside camp spots perfect for parking and relaxing for a while.

Photo by Anton Mishin/Unsplash

You could start at the Canadian border (or in Vancouver, if you’re ambitious) and wind your way through redwood groves, wine countries, and desert landscapes down to Baja. But if you’re new to the game, consider parking in one spot for a while; you’ll minimize the stressors of driving and instead simply enjoy the lifestyle. Ventura, a Southern California city with beachside RV parking, has hosted a vanlife community since long before the hashtag, and Baja’s on-beach camping and sparkling Sea of Cortez make it a popular winter escape for all types of overland travelers.

An American classic, Route 66 is traditionally motel territory. But while you won’t find as many campsites full of like-minded road warriors as you would in California, there are still a number of KOA campgrounds along the way, as well as swathes of wide-open (and dare we say underappreciated) BLM land.

Road-trip friendly infrastructure makes this drive a great one for anyone attempting a first extended vancation. (Kitschy roadside diners can be a welcome relief after a few days cooking in a cramped campervan kitchen, and there are plenty of gas and service stations—some of which are even famous stops along the route .) Route 66 is a road made for moseying. Plan to spend two weeks or more exploring small-town historic districts like Galena, Kansas, and Amarillo, Texas; embracing your inner-artist in the VW van–loving Albuquerque ; and stopping to photograph Oklahoma’s Milk Bottle Grocery and Blue Whale of Catoosa, as well as every other quirky landmark.

Related Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip National Parks Loop

There are 417 U.S. National Park Service (NPS) sites—parks, seashores, historic sites, battlefields, and more—and you could, like blogger and LGBT activist Mikah Meyer , drive your converted cargo van to every single one of them. A more reasonable, though still ambitious, route would take you to the 57 national parks in the continental United States (driving to Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa gets complicated). But the beauty of a national parks road trip is that you can customize it.

Photographers might want to spend 10 days winding along the red rock–lined roads of canyon country in the southwestern states. Outdoor enthusiasts may drive their rigs to less-visited areas of Grand Teton or Glacier National Parks to explore lonely trails without shouldering backpacking gear. And while harsher climates and a density of cities make the eastern and southeastern states less obvious vanlife destinations, parks such as Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains , with their waterfalls and miles of wooded trails, have convinced plenty of road-trippers to turn their wheels toward that part of the country in late spring and early fall.

In countries with right-to-access laws, like Norway, it’s easy to pull your van over almost anywhere and camp.

Photo by Andrey Armyagov/Shutterstock

The Pan-American Highway

For dedicated vanlifers, the Pan-American Highway is the “white whale” of road trips. A daunting, unwieldy, months- or years-long adventure, the route became popular after the couple behind the well-known blog and Instagram account The Bus and Us documented their journey from Alaska to Argentina and then back again. This is the kind of thing you do on a sabbatical, after quitting a job, or before committing to a new career.

Unlike Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway, this path is flexible. Whether you start at the northernmost point in Alaska or the southernmost in Argentina, the official highway is more of a guideline with plenty of opportunities for detours. Explore Denali National Park and the forests of western Canada. Lose track of time hopping from one charming mountain town to the next in central Mexico . You’ll have to ship your rig from Panama to Colombia because the Darien Gap interrupts the road. But once in South America, spend your time climbing into the Andes and down again into the salt flats of Bolivia, the Atacama desert, and Patagonia, before finishing your journey in Ushuaia, the city known as the “end of the world.”

Choose Your Own International Adventure

Once you’ve dipped your toe in international van or RV travel, it can be hard to stop. If you’ve gone all-in and your vehicle is your primary home, shipping it to your next destination may be worthwhile. But lots of places, including Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries, have a long history of campervan vacations, and as a result, it’s easy to rent a van for any length of time. Challenge yourself with an (educated) excursion into the Australian Outback . Exercise your (respectful) right to use and camp on the land and in Norway and Sweden. Or indulge in a mellow pace and good seafood along the coasts of Spain and Portugal. Who knows, the road may even lead you to Mongolia .

>>Next: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive

I took my camper van across 48 US states. These are my 10 favorites

Apr 14, 2024 • 8 min read

Setting off on the road in a camper van gives you maximum flexibility as you discover the USA © epicurean / Getty Images

Hitting the road in a camper van is one of the most intimate – and exciting – ways to experience the USA .

Which is why I set off on a two-year road trip with my husband and dog  in 2017. We camped in 48 states, hiked countless national parks , ate in local towns and drove from coast to coast in our 1996 retro camper van. 

As our trip unfolded, we learned that certain states suited us van campers better than others. The states of the  Southwest , for example, contain a wide diversity of landscapes within their free public lands. The East Coast amazed us with stunning fall colors and historic towns we had previously only seen in books.

While every state added something unique to our adventure, a few really stood out. Having now crossed the entire continental United States, we’re delighted to share the 10 best US states that are perfect for your next camper or RV trip.

Where to find the best US national parks for RV campers this summer

Pine forests and craggy coasts  

Driving into Maine from its northwest side brings tall pine trees, skinny roads and no cell phone service for miles. This was the stuff of a novel by famous Mainer Stephen King – and to us West Coast folks, it was the unfamiliar territory that made the trip that much more exciting. In northern Maine, the entire landscape smells like Christmas trees. (We learned from a fellow camper that balsam fir collected from Maine provides the largest supply of Christmas wreaths in the country.) Heading toward the coast, we reached  Acadia National Park , where the mountains meet the ocean. We were happy to find that this is one of the most dog-friendly parks in the USA, which meant we got to bring our travel companion along many of the trails.

The 10 best parks in Maine to hike, snowshoe or swim

2. New York

Forget the city, and head upstate

Putting  New York State  on our top-10 list was a tough call, since it shares so many things we loved about Vermont and New Hampshire as well, like incredible fall foliage. Yet New York makes the cut thanks to its surprising (to us) range of geography. From Eternal Flame Falls in the state’s far west to wineries in the Finger Lakes and watchtower hikes high in the  the Adirondacks , we barely had enough time to check off everything on our must-visit list. And that’s not to mention the more well-known Lake Placid Olympic sites, Niagara Falls  and Letchworth State Park . What’s more the hiking trails all over the state really impressed us. Now that we’ve sampled a bit of all the state has to offer, it’s at the top of our itinerary for future road trips.

6 Hudson Valley road trips for every type of traveler

3. Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are especially beautiful in fall

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  is the most visited one in the whole country – and for good reason. As we visited the park and drove through  Tennessee in the fall, we took in the rolling mountains and waterfalls that dot the landscape, finding countless surprises around each corner of the twisty back roads.

Traveling in a camper van, we’re always on the lookout for affordable things to do. The mountain town of Gatlinburg is the perfect gateway for enjoying free trails in and around the national park. We spent the majority of our visit hiking through the colorful forests and climbing fire towers to get the best viewpoint.

Where to celebrate Dolly Parton in Tennessee

4. California

Experience a little bit of everything

If we had to pick one state to experience a little bit of everything, it would be  California . Its ecosystems are so varied that you don’t need to drive too far to witness something new; in fact, the place is so large and diverse that it shouldn’t even count as a single state. Despite the state’s famous popularity, the vast size of its public lands made finding campsites easy. Within the space of a few days, we spent evenings under the famous redwood trees, had picnics by the ocean and wandered aimlessly among the cacti of Death Valley National Park . Oh, and rock climbed in Joshua Tree National Park , took a dip in Lake Tahoe  and hiked among the rocks of Lassen Volcanic National Park .

Here’s what you need to know before your trip to California

5. Pennsylvania

A cradle of American history 

Pennsylvania turned out to be one of the most memorable states we visited, thanks to its role in the USA’s story. We spent an entire day taking an auto tour around the Gettysburg National Military Park , and seeing the battlefields in person brought to life the history we had read in school.  Eastern State Penitentiary  and  Valley Forge National Historic Park were other stops we hadn’t considered before rolling into Pennsylvania. While federal public land is sparse here, Pennsylvania has numerous state parks that offer free, easily accessible camping.

The 5 best road trips in the Poconos

6. Michigan

Great Lakes and pristine beaches

From its southern stretches to the  Upper Peninsula ,  Michigan  has a surprising number of pristine beaches that are not packed with tourists like the ones we visited in California. One of my favorite memories is camping on the shore of Lake Superior, having dinner on a pebble beach after several days of visiting Great Lakes lighthouses.

We were able to find camping spots all the way north to the UP, feasting on whitefish and pasties (meat pies) along the way. In the summer months, bushes brim with fresh berries to pick, and farmers markets abound with fresh produce.

11 of the best places to visit in Michigan

7. Minnesota

See the northern lights on a fall night

We just loved  Minnesota , which rarely makes the list of top road-trip spots in the USA. Known as the state of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota had no shortage of fishing holes and quiet campsites by the water. We were able to travel all the way north to the border of Canada and take a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters . While Minnesota winters are exceptionally cold, fall is lovely here. And the chances are high that you can see the northern lights on a cloudless night.

Minnesota’s best – and most underrated – state parks

Natural wonders for everyone; off-grid travelers most welcome

For outdoor enthusiasts who love mountain biking, rock climbing and stunning hikes , Arizona is a gem. While most people (rightly) associate the state with the  Grand Canyon , all of it is ripe for adventure. Free campsites are scattered in the forests surrounding Sedona , Flagstaff  and southern Arizona, which makes it one of the most budget-friendly places to visit year-round.

We loved Arizona’s warmth and hospitality toward explorers from elsewhere. Indeed, the state is a magnet for anyone interested in off-grid living. Each February, the town of Quartzsite swells to accommodate nearly 2 million travelers, who visit in camper vans, RVs and converted school buses. Workshops and community events held on the outskirts of town teach travelers about van life, provide help with solar-panel installations and bring people together to share tips on future road trips. All these services for nomads provide a sense of community  – which, together with the fair weather, make Arizona the perfect launchpad for an epic road trip.

Introducing Arizona’s national parks and monuments

9. New Mexico

Do you prefer red or green chile?

Starry nights. Predictable (even if chilly) temperatures. Few flying bugs. What’s not to love about camping in the desert? And when it comes to spectacular desert vistas,  New Mexico is in a class of its own. Endless trails lead through spire-like hoodoo rock formations, while a lack of trees in the north allows for excellent landscape visibility, and some of the most magnificent sunsets we’ve ever seen. It’s also home to our favorite cave system,  Carlsbad Caverns National Park , on the state’s southern border.

New Mexico’s camping logistics are appealing, too. Large swaths of Bureau of Land Management (BLM)–managed areas allow free camping, and the state generally flies under the radar, which makes it less crowded even in the most scenic areas. And we ate vibrant cuisine at affordable prices all over the state, an underrated food haven. Red or green chile? We’ll take both.

How to take a perfect spring-break road trip through New Mexico

Come for the national parks. All five of them 

Home to five national parks , Utah might be the most picturesque state we visited. Our goal? Getting to all of the Mighty 5: Capitol Reef National Park , Canyonlands National Park , Arches National Park , Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park . An essential tip we picked up along the way: get to the national parks early . By following this advice, we were able to beat the crowds; it often felt like we had the park to ourselves. Climbing Angels Landing in Zion had always been a goal of mine – but the trail can be overly packed by 10am. Arriving early made all the difference; here was a fantastic way to take advantage of the mobility a camper van affords you.

15 unique activities to add to your Utah bucket list

This article was first published June 2020 and updated April 2024

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Road Trip Budget & Daily Costs of Vanlife

Home » Blog » U.S.A. » Road Trip Budget & Daily Costs of Vanlife

Traveling across the USA in a campervan can be a great way to see the country on a tight budget. Living in a van means you don’t need to spend money at hotels or expensive restaurants, plus, you can easily get off the beaten path. We kept track of everything we spent during our 3-month USA road trip, so you can see how much to budget for your own campervan or RV road trip.

Road trips can be expensive, there’s no question about it. If you’re planning a road trip or are going to be living in a van full-time (like we did!), we’ve got you covered with the costs of living and a sample of how much money we spent during 3 months of living on the road.

When we started planning our epic USA Road Trip , we knew we needed to stick to a strict budget if we wanted to stretch out our travels as long as possible. Sure, camping is cheaper than staying in hotels, but those campsite fees can add up quickly. And when you take into account gas and food, our road trip budget can be blown in a matter of days if you aren’t careful.

During our road trip, we tracked our spending and we learned quite a few road trip budget tricks and hacks that helped us save money and stick to a budget.

And as it turns out, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have an incredible road trip around the United States. We are living proof that #vanlife is an incredible (and cheap!) way to travel.

In this article, we’re going to break down exactly how much it costs to live in a campervan.

But first…

Looking for a campervan rental?

It’s no secret we’re obsessed with #vanlife. If you don’t have the time (or interest!) in building your own conversion and you still want to give van life a test drive, we have tons of ideas for you…

Check out our list of top companies for USA Campervan Rentals , from budget to bougie, we even included some exclusive discounts for our readers! 

One company we’d recommend looking into is  Escape Campervans . They have 12 different locations across North America and come fully loaded with all the gear you need for an epic road trip. Plus, their rates are fair and affordable.

BONUS:  We’ve partnered with Escape to give you a  10% off discount when you use our  link !

Now that we’ve got your campervan sorted out…

How much does a USA road trip cost?

Hang tight, we’re about to answer that question!

We’ve laid out everything we spent while living in a campervan this summer… and I mean everything . From gas to toothpaste to a spur-of-the-moment lemonade stand stop, we recorded EVERYTHING.

Pro Tip: We use an app called Trail Wallet to keep track of all our spending.

Note: This article focuses on our expenses during our road trip in our campervan. If you want to know how much it costs to convert a van, check out our super cheap DIY campervan conversion .

Whether you are staying in a hotel, living in a campervan or RV, or you’re trekking in the backcountry, here is  everything you’ll want to pack for the road . Plus tips and advice on making your next road trip go as smoothly as possible!

How does this road trip budget work?

We’re dissecting exactly what we spent our money on by categories such as gas, food, campsites, and entertainment so you know how much to budget for your road trip.

Plus, we’ll share just how much that equates to per day.

*REMEMBER: All these costs are for TWO people. There are some expenses, like food or drinks, that would be lower if there was only one person. But some expenses, like gas and campground fees would stay the same no matter how many people.

Our road trip lasted 93 days in total, but we know not everyone can (or wants to!) take a road trip for this long of a time.

You can use our budget as a guideline and calculate your expected costs based on how many days your road trip will be.

Okay, let’s get started!

Transportation = $2,488 / $26.75 per day

Let’s start with the big one first. It wouldn’t be a road trip without transportation expenses. We were stoked to find a 1994 Chevy Van on Craigslist that only had 89,000 miles, and with no other major issues. But the thing with vans that old and large is they typically don’t get great gas mileage. We averaged around 15 to 18 miles per gallon, so we knew that this category would be the highest for the summer.

In addition to gas, we included public transportation, ferries, street parking, and fixes for a couple mechanical issues.  Luckily, we only had one major breakdown and a DIY fix on the van the entire summer. Thankfully, other than the standard oil change, we didn’t have to put too much money into the van.

Let’s break it down:

Note: Of course, we purchased for car insurance on our van, but we did not include that cost here for a few reasons. Depending on the driver, the van, your state, driver history, and insurance company, the cost of car insurance will vary. For us, we got a 6-month policy on Vinny the Van through Geico Insurance for around $85 USD.

Food = $1,678 / $18.04 per day (aka groceries, snacks & coffee)

While living in our campervan, we typically cooked most of our meals in our kitchen and occasionally ate at fun restaurants along the way. We tried to limit our eating out in order to save money.

Tip: Our favorite grocery store is Trader Joe’s. They always have great quality ingredients and unique food for reasonable prices. We would do a little dance when we saw a “TJ’s” on our Google Map .

And of course when you’re on the road, you’ll get a little “snacky” (that’s one of my favorite words!). Our go-to snacks were trail mix, fruits, dried mangoes, crackers and root veggie chips. I have to admit, we did stop and get ice cream every once and awhile… Okay fine, it was quite frequently. (It was one hot summer!)

Oh, and we can’t forget about coffee! We kept track of this category more or less because we were curious how much my caffeine addiction was costing us. A little over $100 wasn’t too terribly bad for two people in three months.

Let’s break it down: (We saved food at restaurants for a category on its own.)

Propane = $28.71 / $0.30 per day

We had no idea how much to expect for this expense. Many people told us how quickly propane can add us, so we were thinking our total cost would end up in the 3-digits. But we were pleasantly surprised by how reasonable our propane expenses were.

We used our propane frequently (as we cooked most of our meals), but we tried to conserve as much as possible and were conscientious about not wasting too much.

We typically would go through one 16 oz. tank per week. For the whole summer, the small propane tanks only cost us $28.71. If you are planning to live in a campervan or RV long term, we’ve heard that it’s much more economical to fill up large propane tanks. But for a shorter road trip, the smaller cans make more sense.

Ice = $66 / $0.72 per day

We had a cooler in our campervan to keep our perishables cold. We would typically buy a bag of ice once every 3 days. This should give you a decent idea of how much to expect to spend keeping your food chilled, especially during hot summer months.

Water = $13 / $0.14 per day

We kept two 2.5-gallon plastic jugs of water inside our campervan at all times. We filled these up at parks or campsites so that we would have water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and doing the dishes.

A couple times throughout the summer the jugs would crack and we would have to replace them.

But having these big containers of water was a huge money-saver compared to what it would cost to constantly fill them up at grocery stores or buy new water jugs all the time.

Restaurants = $904 / $9.72 per day

We are not typically the sit-down, tablecloth, “use your dessert spoon”-type of restaurant patrons. Chasing food trucks is also one of our favorite dinnertime activities, especially in cities like Portland and Vancouver. Oh, and we both agree that breakfast is the most underrated meal of the day, so we made sure to have a few fantastic brunches along the way.

Trying out new foods and restaurants is one of the best parts of road tripping (or any type of traveling, for that matter!). But in order to save money on this category, we really tried to save eating out for local hot spots, or something totally unique we couldn’t get anywhere else.

Drinks = $929 / $9.99 per day

So we’re at a point of no judgement right? Because we’re about to share something pretty embarrassing…

We spent $929.21 on drinks this summer. I know, I know, we were a little surprised when we first saw this number. This includes all beer, wine, liquor and mixers bought at stores, restaurants, breweries, wineries and nights out with friends. For two people for three months of summer fun, it’s really not all that terrible. Especially when you consider that’s just under $5 per person each day for drinks.

But if you really wanted to cut back on something for your summer road trip, this would be it! Let’s just say we had a GREAT summer!

Entertainment = $509 / $5.47 per day

On our 3-month campervan road trip around the Western United States we did lots of sightseeing and touring of our own that was completely free. We were fortunate enough to have the America the Beautiful National Park Pass , so we didn’t have to pay entry fee into any national parks, which really helped our travel budget ($80 annual pass and totally worth it!).

However, we did pay for quite a few state park entrance fees as well as a couple of other activities along the way, which included bucket list items like whale watching in Canada and a guided tour of Antelope Canyon tour in Arizona.

In our opinion, the only expense we felt bad about in this category was our gambling losses in Vegas… but it was only $21 so I can’t be too upset. And hey, it’s Vegas, so you gotta play a little, right?! All the others were totally worth it.

Let’s break it down: (We broke down a few of our entertainment costs so you can get an idea of what activities we’re talking about.)

Accommodation = $496 / $5.33 per day

The best thing about having a campervan is that you have your bedroom right behind you and you won’t have to pay for accommodation too often. Since we were on a tight budget and didn’t have a set travel itinerary, we tried to find free places to park the van overnight. And you know what? We found tons of them! We found many campsites where we didn’t have to pay, but there were some that required a nightly fee.

To give you an idea of how many free places we found, consider this: Out of the 93 days we traveled over the summer, we only paid for 15 nights at campsites. The other nights were spent at free campsites, BLM land, trailheads, parks, a farm, friend’s houses, and two expensive nights in a Las Vegas hotel!

Showers = $45 / $0.48 per day

There are tons of places you can shower while on the road if you know where to look. Some places cost a few bucks to use a shower, but others were free to get clean.

We have a whole article devoted to How to Shower while Living in a Campervan . It includes a video showing how we shower at a campsite (and no, it’s not that type of video!).

Coffee/Beer for Wifi = $159 / $1.70 per day

*Note: This cost will only apply to you if you plan to work while road tripping. Keep reading for more info.

We do a lot of work from the road.

Not only do we maintain our blog and create new articles for you guys, but during this road trip, we each had side gigs that kept us busy and brought in cash.

And, well, we needed WiFi for those jobs.

The general rule we followed on our road trip was for every two days spent exploring, we’d have 1 partial day working online.

Sometimes, we used our phones as hot spot devices in order to get the Internet and work from our van. But other times, we needed a change of scenery… And one of the best places to get work done on the road is at local coffee shops.

This category is the money we spent on coffee (or beer or pastries or sandwiches!) so that we could use the WiFi.

Tip: Often, if we know we’ll be working for a couple of hours, we’ll spread out our order: a coffee first, a pastry next, a sandwich later on. This keeps us from drinking and eating everything in the first 10 minutes.

Guess what? Many breweries have WiFi too! We would often bring our computers to a brewery and work for a pint… But after that, our motivation levels would start diminishing fast (go figure!), so we’d put our laptops away for the second beer!

If you won’t be working during your road trip, you can cut out this category. But if working remotely is part of your life too, this number can hopefully give you an idea of what to expect. Also, we’ve put together a complete guide to getting internet in your campervan .

Miscellaneous = $353 / $3.80 per day

This category includes all the odds and ends that didn’t fit into the other categories. Things like toiletries, gift for friends and family, batteries, postcards for TWS followers, some new clothes, decor for van, laundromats, and even a lemonade stand (which had waaaaaay too much sugar, but the little girl was too cute to resist).

Grand Total: 3-month Campervan Road Trip

Here it is… Our entire summer road trip budget tallied up into one neat table.

Our 3-month road trip across the Western U.S. cost us a grand total of: $7,671.95.

And even though our daily expenses for two people came to $82.49, which is higher than our budget goal of $70 per day, we have no regrets.

It was a summer of exploring new places, hiking, soaking in hot springs, eating s’mores around campfires, stargazing, trying new breweries, and spending magical nights in our campervan.

During these 3 months, we had more adventures than we can count, so it was worth every single penny.

How much did this road trip cost per person?

This is a difficult question to answer since some of the expenses, like gas and campsite fees would be the same whether you’re traveling solo or as a family of four. Remember that all the costs we have broken down are for TWO people. Use our budget as a guide, but know that it will vary depending on your situation.

You might also like…

We have TONS of resources on converting your own campervan and living the #vanlife. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Van Life for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Road Trip

Campervan Wifi: How to Get Internet in an RV or Camper

Van Life Q&A: All Your Campervan Questions Answered

DIY Campervan Conversion on a Tiny Budget in Less than 1 Week

Interested in engaging with others about all things #vanlife? Join our Vanlife Facebook community !

Save this article to Pinterest for later!

We want to hear from you!

What do you think of our 3-month road trip budget breakdown? Do you want more details about any category? Please share in the comments below.

Comments (37) on “ Road Trip Budget & Daily Costs of Vanlife ”

What was your route?

We basically stuck to the western states. Started in Washington, then Idaho, Utah, a little part of Arizona and Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington again, and then around Vancouver, Canada. Are you planning on taking a trip this summer?

What did you guys do with the van after you were done with your trip?

Hey Noah, we ended up selling it because we moved to Thailand shortly after that summer. But we just converted another campervan and can’t wait to explore in it this summer!

if you are in a coffee shop etc using their free wifi, remember it is not actually free, they paid for it. If you sit there on a coffee an hour, thats not being a very good human being. At least be mindful of how full the place is. If it is nearly full, then they need your table and chairs for paying customers, not free loaders. So please leave and find a coffee shop a little more empty

Thanks for your concern. I’ve worked in the service industry, so I understand these points. That said, your assumption that we aren’t respectful of this is a little unfair.

We are very mindful about the types of places we choose to work at and always ask first if we can work on our computers. Typically, we only choose spots to work where others are doing the same. It’s actually pretty easy to know when laptops are not welcome (as there will not be outlets for charging or strong WiFi). Also, as detailed in our description, we buy several items if we’re sitting for a while.

And if a place gets even somewhat crowded, it usually isn’t a good workspace as it’ll be pretty distracting. So that’s not usually an issue, as we seek out places that are mostly empty and welcome those working on laptops. Again, valid points and good to keep in mind.

Hey, looking to come over to the states next year to do a road trip, do you have any advice on renting campers? Thank you

Renting a campervan would be a great option! We actually just published an article with some of the best rental companies in the USA. You can find it by searching for it on our site. Best of luck and feel free to reach out with any questions!

Hello from a fellow Minnesotan! This has given me a lot of good info- thank you! I am wanting to pack up in a van and travel out west (California specifically, with a sprinkle of a few other states).

Hey hey! Always fun "meeting" other people from Minnesoooota 🙂 Sounds like a pretty perfect road trip idea! Maybe we’ll see ya out on the road!

This was super helpful! I’m thinking about joining the "vanlife" within a few years and this had a lot of good information and costs I should look into. Thanks!

I’m planning a van trip around the states, so this was incredibly helpful. I’m trying to do a price breakdown for my 6 months in Europe, so I know how hard it can be sometimes! Thanks!

We sre in our 70’s and free camp around Australia. Would like to do that in America. Are there designated free camps. Regards Joyce.

Hi Joyce, yes, there are free campgrounds in the US! The best ones we found tended to be BLM land (Bureau of Land Management). We found https://freecampsites.net/ to be pretty helpful in showing us where the free campgrounds were and what amenities they included, as well as reviews. The site is a little clunky, but still has lots of good information. Hope that’s helpful! Have a fun adventure 🙂

Could you give more information on how you got your insurance rate? Did you insure the van as an RV? Were there any hoops you had to jump through? Thanks!

Hi Kyle, we insured the van through Geico because they gave us the best rate. We insured it as a van so there were no hoops to jump through. Hope that helps.

Amazing.. I’m so nervous and keep contemplating going through with a van life. I have an 8 month old daughter and I want this lifestyle for her. The money for traveling gas, food, etc. is my biggest concern I don’t want to start this amazing journey and end up screwing myself & my daughter over from not being able to keep getting an income while on the road. If you have any advice or just anything that could help me, please do. My email is [email protected] .

Hi Angelica, we can totally understand being nervous, and having a child adds an entire new layer of uncertainty. Maybe consider doing work exchanges along the way or finding work online like freelance writing or teaching English through VIPKID (Ben did that while we were living in the campervan!). Take a look at our free e-book on how we afford travel. It’s packed with tips and advice that might be helpful to you! Wishing you and your daughter all the best!

This is exactly what I needed. You laid it all out from buying the van to the end of you 3 month trip. Love it. Thank you for your wonderful article.

You are very welcome Mt. Gal!

This is so awesome, you guys are awesome for tracking all of this! I’m looking at making this plunge with my partner, trying to find the balance between how fancy of a van to get, vision for the travels, etc. and your direction is EXACTLY up our alley. Thanks! You’ve given me hope and inspiration!

I just bought a 93 G20 van with the hope of doing some traveling around the states. I was thinking about keeping the bench seat bed as its so comfortable but i like your idea of more storage under the bed. I’m also super excited to try the kitchen. The part that has me concerned is the budget for accommodations. I’m a single, retired woman (from Washington also) so I would be really nervous about camping at trailheads and other more remote sites. What did you find to be the cheapest, more conventional place to camp. (I’m building up a good friend network on Facebook!) Oh! and how did you string curtains between the front seat passenger portion of the van and the back living area? I tried a shower curtain rod and that hasn’t worked well. Thanks for your help!

Hey there Lee, as for where to park, we typically aimed for campsites or BLM land where there is free and dispersed camping. The website FreeCampsites.net is a great place to start. For the curtain between the driver and passenger seats and the rest of the van, we used the same picture-hanging wire that we used in the window curtains. You can check out our DIY van window curtains article.

I think that’s the best budget plan for 3 months. I have used this 2 times and now again I’m gonna use this. Because I always like to be more energetic and learn more and more about natural beauty in the whole world but in parts so I think 3 months are the best partial decision for me…

Hey John! Thanks for using our Campervan Budget Tips. Let us know if you have any more questions about van life!

This is a dream of mine. Do you have your itinerary on your site anywhere? I looked but had no luck…Thanks!

Hey Sarah, We don’t have full itinerary for road tripping the western USA yet, but we have it in the works. If you take a look at our USA country page we have tons of advice on what to do in each of the states we visited. Hope that helps.

I was lost from the beginning.. the cost of the van was never mentioned? and did you manage to get insurance, did you sell it before you left? I’m about to head over for a three month rd trip, but so far im finding a few rd blocks just obtaining a van s: and help apreciated

Hey Jacob, For the costs of our van and the conversion, check out our campervan content. Our DIY Budget Campervan article breaks down each step and the cost associated with it. If you scroll to the very bottom, you can see the grand total on our van and conversion costs. We did get insurance through Geiko and paid around $80 for a 6-month policy. This cost will be different for everyone though depending on your vehicle, months the policy is needed from and what state you live in. As for finding a van, we scoured Craigslist tirelessly for a good 2 weeks before finding the right one. (And test drove a dud first) We were living in Washington state when we were searching where vans like ours were pretty common. Hope this helps!

Thanks, yes that helps, I will be landing in Portland and staying in Washington state until I find a good van to kit out, thanks for the quick response, will check out your conversion post.

Best of luck! Vans do tend to go sell pretty quickly, but don’t get too frustrated, as there are always more going up. It’s also a good thing if you plant to resell it in Washington, as you’ll have no problem finding buyers 🙂 We had a list of 16 people who wanted to view it and ended up selling it to the first one!

What a great break down of all the costs! Thank you for sharing.

No problem Annika! Glad you liked our camper van budget. Are you planning a camper van trip?

I didn’t see any dimensions. How long is your bed and how high is ceiling and kitchen top in your van? I’m 6′ 1" and I don’t think your layout would work for me but I love all the info you provided! Thanks!

Hey Tim, we actually have a whole article dedicated to how we made our bed frame and the dimensions. Search for it on the search bar. The kitchen counter was about 17 inches tall, basically high enough for the sink and the water waste bucket to fit underneath. Floor to ceiling, the van was about 4 to 5 feet tall. I am also 6’1 and It was a bit tight but definitely doable. Let us know if you have any other questions.

This is great 🙂

Thanks Eric. Can’t wait to see you build a campervan some day too!

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I packed for a 2-week vacation in a van using tips from people who live in one full time. It made my journey so much smoother.

Posted: December 17, 2023 | Last updated: December 18, 2023

• I embarked on a two-week van trip and turned to the experts for packing advice.
• People living out of vans, RVs, and travel trailers gave me some tips.
• They suggested I pack a way to jumpstart the van, and do my best to avoid overpacking. 

Packing for my first van trip didn't start the night before, or even two days ahead of time — it was closer to two weeks before my van adventure.

That's because I wanted to make sure I'd be prepared for all that I would encounter along the road . And part of that preparation involved asking people living out of vans what I should be packing.

They delivered with their advice, so I'm passing on their packing tips for anyone else planning a similar trip.

With limited water on the road, one person recommended that I bring a collapsible water jug on my van trip.

The van I'd rented for two weeks came from the rental company Native Campervans . Thankfully, the 75-square-foot space had practically everything I needed. There was a stove, sink, bed, and plenty of room for storage.

The van also had a seven-gallon tank for water. While some vans are equipped with much larger tanks, I figured stopping to fill it up with water a few times throughout my trip wouldn't be too challenging.

But Christian Schaffer , who has lived in a van for more than four years, advised bringing a collapsible water jug. She said I might use more water than I predicted, so having a few backup gallons could help me avoid a stop or two.

"A thing that's kind of helpful is those big collapsible water jugs that you can fill up just so that you have extra to go off-grid," Schaffer, 38, told BI. "And they pack down really small when you're not using them."

While Casey Hogan said it might seem obvious to travel with a first-aid kit, she said she often sees people without one.

Casey Hogan , a 31-year-old living in a 2019 Ford Transit, reminded me that van life can feel similar to camping. Plus, I'd be doing activities like hiking and climbing, where things could go wrong.

Hogan said she always packs with emergencies in mind. "I always travel with and hike with the first aid kit," Hogan said.

That way, she's prepared if something goes awry out in the wilderness.

Others said emergency items like a portable jump starter and an external battery are essential.

Navod McNeil told BI that he also considers safety when it comes to packing for a van trip in his Ford Transit.

The 30-year-old said that there have been plenty of times when something went wrong with his van, and one common problem was a dead battery.

So he started packing a portable jump starter for his van trips. This way, he doesn't need to rely on AAA or a stranger with jumper cables to save the day.

I have a portable jump starter in my everyday car, which I bought on Amazon for $60 . I might have forgotten to pack it if McNeil didn't remind me.

Beyond that, McNeil said he always has an external battery, so he can still access electricity if his van's power were to fail.

One traveler suggested that I download movies and music to my laptop, phone, or iPad.

Often in remote destinations, there isn't cell service, and depending on your van and WiFi setup, you might be without service for days on end, Maddy Garrett , 25, told BI.

With that in mind, Garrett always has a few playlists, podcasts, and movies downloaded on her devices.

While Garrett said disconnecting from the outside world is a major perk of van life, there are still times when you'll want a solo movie night or music for those long, service-less drives.

Don't forget to pack whatever you want to use to document your trip.

Zach Nelson , a 23-year-old living in a Sprinter van, recommends packing items that will make it easy to document the adventure, whether you prefer to write in a journal or snap pictures on a film camera.

"You definitely need a way to document it, whether it's a Polaroid film camera or even just your phone," Nelson said.

A 25-year-old living in her van swears by her reusable pee cloth.

Garrett said her Kula cloth has been a game changer when it comes to using the restroom with van life. The $20 item is an antimicrobial, reusable pee cloth that's easy to carry on trips.

I'm a frequent hiker and backpacker, and I've had my eye on a Kula cloth for a long time. And since my van wasn't going to have a bathroom, Garrett said it was the ideal time to buy one.

"It just makes your life easier because you could stop and pee on the side of the road at any time," she said.

Plus, a pee cloth would mean that I wouldn't have to worry for two weeks about throwing away used toilet paper, she said, adding that "it's literally the best thing in the whole world."

Most people encouraged me to prepare for the weather.

Multiple people said that traveling in a van would mean needing to adapt to the weather.

"You have to understand whatever is going on outside will probably affect you on the inside," Brittany Newson , a 36-year-old living in a travel trailer, told BI.

Whether it's rain, snow, or heat, everyone agreed I should pack with that in mind.

Sierra Fernald , 23, said I shouldn't only consider the weather, but how I handle it. Fernald said she hates the cold and there were times in her Ram ProMaster van when it felt impossible to get out of her warm bed in the morning. So she invested in warmer clothes and a heater to make those chilly mornings easier.

"Definitely prepare for the weather, and maybe over-prepare a little bit," she said.

And while it might be tempting to overpack, multiple people encouraged me to keep things light.

Multiple people said I wouldn't want to live and travel in a crowded van, so they encouraged me to evaluate if and how I was going to use every item I packed.

"Come in with the bare minimums and see how you like to live in the space," Newson said. "Then you will see what it is that you would need in order to be happy."

Worst-case scenario, I could always stop at a store along the way to pick up anything I'd forgotten.

Their tips worked, and I embarked on my two-week trip without leaving anything major behind.

While I did overpack, the people I spoke with shared helpful suggestions that made a drastic difference throughout my trip.

For example, grabbing a first-aid kit and portable jump starter gave me confidence and reassurance throughout the two weeks. And not worrying about used toilet paper thanks to Garrett's Kula cloth suggestion was a major luxury.

While I'd add a few more items to my packing list for a regular road trip , these nomad-approved items will always be tucked into my suitcase for my future van adventures.

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Checklist for planning your trip in a converted van

The essentials to remember when planning your van trip.

Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your trip in a converted van . The first thing to remember is to pack light but make the most of it! Before you leave, make sure you take all the essentials with you – adventure will tell you the rest!

Things to remember

Identity papers, driving license and credit card are essential for your trip ! Don’t forget to check in advance the regulations in force in your destination country regarding your driving license, as sometimes a European license is not enough. Please visit the website or contact the automobile club association . Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to take some change with you at the start of your van road trip , in case you can’t find an ATM.

Space-saving extras

Don’t burden yourself unnecessarily.

Soft bags are preferable to suitcases, as they are easier to store in your van .

We can’t stress it enough: going on a road trip in a van or camper van can be a real challenge. is not the same as vacationing in an all-inclusive hotel. Clothing, accessories and superfluous products are not welcome: they take up space and are not essential. It’s well known that “more can be less”, so you’ll have no trouble simplifying your life during your holiday. road trip in a converted van !

Make sure you know the weather forecast for your destination, so you can take only the essentials. So if there’s something you really don’t need on your van trip , you’ll be able to find it on the spot. Remember, you’re about to embark on an adventure , so leave room for the unexpected and improvisation – it’s all part of the program!

Checklist of places to sleep to prepare your road trip in a converted van

The night is certainly one of the most important moments of your trip . A good night’s sleep is essential if you want to get the most out of your van road trip ! Depending on where you sleep, you’ll probably be awakened by a few noises, but that doesn’t detract from the magic of spending the night in your van or camper van…

There are many possibilities, but the ideal is to go where you feel good! The ParkFornight app will help you find the nightspot that suits you best.

There’s no doubt that sleeping in the great outdoors will appeal to many! If you choose to spend the night in a quiet place and wake up to a wilderness setting, remember to prepare your night.

Check in advance that the nightspot in question is not off-limits, and that your van or cam per van can access it easily. To do this, take a topographical map on your phone or a road map that will show you the relief and paths to get there. Our article Map or GPS for my road trip in a VW combi? will give you a clearer idea.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the site and the state of the ground before nightfall. This is essential if you don’t want any nasty surprises after dark. At VanBreak, we provide you with shims to adjust the level of your van !

Don’t hesitate to consult our article on wilderness camping to get ready for the adventure !

Spend one or more nights in a local home with your van or camper van is a great way to get tips on the best places to visit in the region, and above all to meet new people and spend some unforgettable moments.

To do this, you can indulge in unexpected encounters, or use the HomeCamper website to find hosts around you offering a place with more or less facilities for the night.

Plus: rates are often very affordable!

Sleeping at the campsite

The best-known option is undoubtedly camping. If you’d like to opt for a bit of comfort (electricity or a shower, for example), you can stop off at a campsite during your van road trip . The advantage of a converted van is that it will take you (almost) anywhere, so think about varying nightspots to make your trip more enjoyable!

Places to avoid

It sounds obvious, but think about anticipating any noise that might occur in the spot where you plan to spend the night. Park away from shops, nightclubs and even churches, where the sound of bells might wake you up if you’re not a morning person!

Finally, we advise against sleeping at freeway service areas. Although generally strategic depending on your itinerary, freeway service areas are prone to unwanted visitors and night-time disturbances.

Check regulations

Generally speaking, if there are no signs explicitly forbidding converted vans to park overnight, you have the right to sleep in the place of your choice. But be sure to check with other travellers in vans to find out what regulations apply in the area where you’ll be taking your road trip !

To avoid attracting any unpleasantness, make sure you don’t spread out: put away tables, chairs and other accessories in the van before sleeping, so you can keep a low profile!

Of course, wherever you sleep, don’t leave a trace! Dirty waste, accessories and water have no place on your nihgtspot . So remember to put all your garbage (as well as toilet paper and cigarette butts) in a rubbish bag and dispose of it at the end of your visit to the spot.

Finally, it goes without saying that respect for other campers and nature is essential! So don’t make too much noise, and enjoy the silence.

Where to find water when traveling in a converted van?

Water in the converted van is an absolute must . Cooking and showering will be impossible if your water supply runs dry. Always remember to anticipate the level of your tank. VanBreak’s water tanks range in capacity from 20 to 100 L.

Public places

Gas stations, parking lots for motor homes, public gardens, mobile applications.

– Park 4 Night(coup de cœur): in addition to helping you find your nightspot , this collaborative app will tell you about its amenities: electricity, grey water disposal space and water presence!

– FreeTaps: ideal for preparing your trip in a converted van, this free app helps you find drinking water points in your area. Enriched by its users, this application’s listing of drinking water points is complete and encourages you not to use plastic bottles but your water bottles or glass bottles!

– MapsMe: also helps you find your way around and locate available water sources. Please note that the application does not always specify whether the water is drinking water or not. Bonus: the plans can be consulted offline!

Nature: your best ally

We tend to forget it, but water is all around us, especially when we venture out in a van far from city centers. Admittedly, showering with river water may seem a little rudimentary, but the experience is well worth it! Rivers, lakes, waterfalls… don’t hesitate to let yourself be tempted by a shower in symbiosis with nature!

Not always drinkable, this water is worth filtering if you’re running low on resources! Think of filtering straws and water bottles to purify your water and make it drinkable.

Some farmers, producers or locals will be delighted to help you out in an emergency, in exchange for a small bill or a small gift from you! Road-trips in fully-equipped vans make it much easier to interact with the locals than from your hotel room!

Recipe ideas to prepare your van trip

It’s possible to enjoy meals in a converted van ! The good news is that it doesn’t always require a lot of preparation, just a little organization. There are quick and easy recipes that will allow all travelers to treat themselves without going to the restaurant every day. A few ideas for dishes to prepare in your van …

Easy to prepare, these recipes will delight your taste buds without complicating your daily routine. Here are some ideas for cold dishes:

Mixed salad

With rice, pasta or tomatoes, the mixed salad is the dish that’s right for everyone. Remember to add a starch so you don’t feel hungry an hour later. Here’s an original recipe that can be quickly prepared in your van: Pasta salad with salmon and avocado

Sandwiches or wraps

Sandwiches and wraps are a must, and come in an infinite variety of flavors: vegetarian, with or without vegetables, with tuna or ham… Don’t hesitate to change recipes and dare to try new combinations – you’re never safe from tasty surprises!

Spring rolls

Fresh and original, spring rolls are delicious, economical and quick to make in your van or on your folding table!

Fruit bowls and granola

For a complete breakfast or a quick snack, this recipe is a must-have for your healthy road trip ! Make it according to your cravings for the day and seasonal fruit, add yogurt and granola warmed in the pan, and your bowl is ready!

Good hot dishes

Need a little comfort? Don’t panic, white rice and buttered pasta aren’t the only dishes you can eat on a van adventure . Best of all, there’s no need to eat out every night on your road trip . We’ve put together a few simple yet original recipes to keep your meal as pleasant and convivial as possible!

Penne, zucchini, curry cream sauce

A classic, but one that takes on a whole new flavour when prepared with a view of the sea or forest! Recipe here.

Omelette with tomato, garlic and basil

Accompanied by a salad, this omelette takes just a few minutes to prepare. Don’t hesitate to do it with your children, because van adventure is all about living in a community!

Fried rice with bacon and mushrooms

You could almost find it on a restaurant menu… So why deprive yourself of such a beautiful pan ?

Lost breads

A gourmet pleasure that’s sure to cheer you up on rainy afternoons and difficult mornings! Never say no to good French toast .

Finally, don’t forget that during your adventure you’ll have to improvise. Depending on your destination, small local restaurants, roadside merchants and other van travellers will also be part of your culinary journey !

Indispensable: an itinerary to prepare your trip in a converted van

Although improvisation and schedule changes will be part of your adventure, we recommend that you consider a global itinerary before you leave. This will enable you to anticipate your overnight stops and reserve available slots if you wish to visit!

Your road trip itinerary

A road trip adapted to your van or cam per van.

Our converted vans are not all-terrain vehicles, so don’t venture onto roads that don’t seem suitable. Your journey can quickly take a different turn if you have to call the tow truck…

Likewise, try to anticipate as much as possible where the height of the van would be a problem. The vans and panel vans are low and often higher than your car. So be sensible when planning your trip in a converted van , because as your van is your home, it would be foolish to damage it!

Whatever happens, remember that the most important thing for enjoying your van road trip is to show a little flexibility and be ready for an extraordinary adventure!

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The 15 Best Camper Vans for Road-Tripping in Style

Now you can experience #vanlife in comfort and style..

Senior Staff Writer

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The first years of this decade have already provided ample evidence that it’s important to get away from our daily lives from time to time.  And you don’t have to suffer the airport hordes or step foot on a plane to do so. We currently find ourselves in something of a golden age for luxury trailers, which has made it easier than ever to take your life on the road without sacrificing many, and in some cases any, of the comforts of home. And now, there are plenty of manufacturers and dedicated conversion shops giving the same treatment to vans and other similar vehicles. They may not be able to sleep as many people as their hulking cousins—with one key exception—but these all-in-one wonders come loaded with perks such as high-end kitchens, Wi-Fi-enabled multimedia systems, and plush beds. Plus, their relatively smaller size means they are more agile, off-road friendly, and easier to park. Below are 15 campers that will let you experience #vanlife in comfort and style.

Our Best Camper Van Picks

Best overall: airstream interstate 24x, best for off-roading: jayco terrain, best for weekend getaways: mercedes-benz eqt marco polo, best for off-the-grid trips: winnebago solis, best for cyclists: outside van tails, best for camping (anywhere): storyteller overland beast mode 4×4, best to live in: loki expeditions discovery series, best all-electric option: tonke eqv.

• Best for G-Wagen Lovers: Terracamper Tecrawl

Best With a Bathroom and Shower: Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary

Best for $50,000: caravan outfitter free bird, best for families: winnebago boldt, best for winter road trips: sportsmobile sprinter 4×4, best conversion: boho old faithful, best for diy couples: ford transit trail.

Airstream. Thankfully, the company isn’t afraid to branch out. Just look at the  Interstate 24X , the trailer maker’s attempt to take the camper van to new heights. Built on the bones of a  Mercedes-Benz  Sprinter—like a lot of the models on this list—the vehicle has everything you need to rough it in comfort. Airstream has done a lot to maximize space in its climate-controlled cabin. A modular dining table doubles as a desk, and it can be easily converted into the largest sleeping area in a Class B Motorhome. There’s also a full mini kitchen and bathroom. You can take the van off-roading, too. In addition to a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 engine that churns out 188 hp and 325 ft lbs of torque, it also comes equipped with four-wheel drive, a height-adjustable suspension and all-terrain tires. Pricing for the all-around beast starts at $213,850.

Special Features: —A climate-controlled living area that has been designed to maximize available space. —A modular dinner table, a mini-kitchen and a bathroom with a toilet.

Jayco is best known for its hulking travel trailers, but like Airstream, it can do compact, too (well, compact enough to fit in a parking space, that is). The US company’s new  Terrain  model, which starts at $192,000, is an adventure van designed for those who like to veer from the beaten path. As the name suggests, it’s designed for off-roading, with a turbo-diesel V-6, Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a rear hitch strong enough to tow an additional trailer if you need more room. Inside, it’s a little spartan compared to some other options on this list, but its kitchenette can be converted into a sleeping area with room for a full-size bed, as well as plenty of storage space beneath. There’s even a built-in awning when you need some shade in the summer months.

Special Features: —Equipped with Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a heavy-duty tow hitch. —Kitchenette can be converted into a spacious sleeping area with room for a full-size bed.

Mercedes-Benz clearly doesn’t want to relinquish its title as the go-to van maker for outdoor lovers. At last year’s Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, the German marque showed off a prototype based on its upcoming all-electric EQT van called the Marco Polo. The stylish EV has everything you need for a weekend at the campground and is more compact than the ubiquitous Sprinter. When the van’s rear seats are folded down, the back can be used as either a sleeping area with room for a double bed or a cooking and entertaining space. The kitchen doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other entries on this list, but it does have a pull-out stove, fridge and sink. There’s also a pop-up, roof-mounted tent if your travel party includes more than two. The Marco Polo is a concept, but Mercedes will sell a module that will allow you to turn any EQT into a camper van when the $51,500 EV goes on sale in the spring.

Special Features: —All-electric power train, so you don’t have to worry about doing too much damage to nature while you explore it. —Its  camping  gear—from the bed to the kitchenette—is part of a module that can be fully removed when you need more cargo room.

The Winnebago Solis is for adventurers who don’t want to be confined to the campground. The van is available with an optional power kit that has everything a group of up to four adults needs to spend a few days off-the-grid. The setup, which includes an inverter, a shore battery converter, a battery energy converter, a solar energy converter and an alternator energy optimizer, can produce enough power to keep the van and all its features running for up to 72 hours. On top of that, the van features a kitchenette, a convertible entertainment area with room for a double bed, and a full-width wet bath.

Special Features: —A unique power kit that can provide enough power to spend up to 72 hours off the grid. —Still has all the features you’d expect from a luxe camper van, including a full-width wet bath.

If you like to mix biking and camping, Outside Van has the vehicle for you. The Portland brand’s  Tails  model is a camper van designed with cyclists in mind. The van, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, has everything you need for a few days away from home, including a kitchenette, a roll-over sofa and a convertible mattress. But what really sets it apart is the rear of the vehicle that’s basically an on-the-go bicycle repair shop, with a fold-down work table, an air compressor and Molle panels to hang all your tools. If that wasn’t enough, it somehow has room for six bikes, even when the bed is laid out for the night.

Special Features: —The back of the van is basically a bicycle-repair shop with a fold-down table, an air compressor and plenty of storage space for tools. —Has room for six bikes, even when its convertible sleeping area is out.

This latest offering from Storyteller Overland, based in Birmingham, Ala., is a true adventure van. The  Beast Mode 4×4  is the outfit’s most feature-packed model yet and was designed specifically for overlanding (as you may have guessed from the company’s name). It’s a true 4×4 powered by a 188 hp turbodiesel V-6 that’s strong enough to tow an additional 5,000 pounds. Its slick retro-style livery is offset with loads of useful off-roading gear, too, such as an LED light package, a roof rack and a side ladder and custom wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich K02 tires. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to relax after a day of exploring, including a cushy lounge that can be converted to a full-size sleeping area. There’s even a climate-control system to ensure you’re comfortable no matter the weather outside. It’s priced at a flat $198,746, for everything listed above.

Special Features: —Turbodiesel V-6 sends 188 hp of power to all four wheels and is strong enough to tow 5,000 extra pounds. —Surprisingly cushy lounge for an off-roading beast.

Let’s get this out of the way: the Loki Expeditions Discovery Series isn’t technically a camper van. It’s a giant expedition vehicle, but because its cabin is installed directly onto a heavy-duty truck chassis you also don’t need anything to tow it. The vehicle’s cabin is what separates it from anything else on this list. Loki Expeditions has turned a shipping container—yes, you read that right—into a full-featured living space that has all the amenities you’d expect to find in a luxury apartment, including a full kitchen with a large fridge, an entertainment area with a U-shaped banquet, and a wet bath with a cassette toilet. It’s also big enough to sleep six adults, with room for two in the dedicated bedroom and four in the entertainment area. And because the heavy-duty vehicle, which starts at $550,000, has all-wheel drive, you can take it practically anywhere.

Special Features: —Cabin has all the features you’d expect to find in a well-appointed apartment and can sleep six adults. —Built on a burly heavy-duty truck chassis that gives you the freedom to venture off the beaten path.

Looking for an EV you can take to the campground. The upcoming EQV just might fit the bill. Despite its relatively compact size—it’s smaller than the ever-popular Sprinter—Dutch camping outfit Tonke has managed to outfit it with everything you need to spend some time communing with nature. It has an entertainment area that doubles as a workspace along with a kitchenette, both of which can be converted into a two-person sleeping area with a simple flip of a bench (a roof-mounted, pop-up tent means it can sleep two more, too). Best of all, there are two variants available—the Touring, which is designed for long road trips, and the Adventure, which is aimed at casual campers.

Special Features: —Fully electronic power train means you won’t have to worry about filling up the tank (though the battery is another story). —Can sleep up to four even despite its relatively compact size.

Best for G-Wagen Lovers: Terracamper Tecrawl 

The Tecrawl isn’t a camper van per se, but it’s hard to leave something this cool off a list like this. Terracamper’s latest offering is based on one of Mercedes-Benz’s most legendary vehicles, the G-Wagen . The German shop has dreamed up a modular accessory kit for the luxury 4×4, that starts at $11,900 and includes a roof-mounted tent, a convertible sofa, and a pull-out kitchenette with a fridge box. Thanks to the ingenious setup, the boxy SUV can sleep up to three and act as your home base next time you want to rough it for the weekend. And because it’s a G-Wagen you can take it as far off-road as you want.

Special Features: —A G-Wagen but has room for up to three people to sleep. —Packs a brawny powertrain that’s well-suited for off-road adventures.

Thor Motor Coach makes camper vans for those uninterested in making sacrifices. With the  Sanctuary , the company has taken Mercedes-Benz’s already excellent Sprinter 2500 4×4 and turned it into something you could easily live on—on or off the grid. The off-road-ready vehicle comes in two configurations—the 19P ($148,680), which features a back bench that converts into a bed, or the 19L ($151,060), which has a fixed double bed. Even with the bed there’s still plenty of room for other creature comforts, including a bathroom, an entertainment area with a TV and a kitchen with a sink, a dual-burner cooktop, a convection microwave oven and a fridge. An Onan 2500 LP generator keeps everything up and running, too, including an A/C system you can leave on for eight hours at a time. There’s also retractable power awning when you want to spend some time outdoors.

Special Features: —Full-featured bathroom has a sink, a shower and a toilet. —Available with your choice of either a convertible or a fixed bed.

Caravan Outfitter’s third-generation Free Bird isn’t the most feature-laden camper van out there, but it has everything you and the family need to spend a weekend (or more) at the campground. The van, which starts at $50,810, is built on the relatively compact Ford Transit Connect platform but still has room for a full-size bed, a multi-purpose table that can be used as a dinette or workstation, and a pull-out kitchenette with a sink. Because it’s smaller than other options on this list, it only has room to sleep two, but there are several enticing add-ons, including roof- and rear-mounted capsule tents, in case you’re traveling group includes more people.

Special Features: —It’s the rare camper van that’s small enough to be comfortably parked inside your garage. —Caravan Outfitters offers several intriguing add-ons so you customize it to your liking.

Airstream isn’t the only famous RV maker that’s gotten into the camper van game. Winnebago actually sells several, and our favorite is the luxe  Boldt . Despite being nowhere near as long as one of its campers—it caps out at 22 feet in length—the $230,276 van has everything you’d expect from the larger vehicle, including dedicated living and sleeping areas, a fully functional kitchen and a bathroom equipped with a shower. You also have several interior decor options to choose from, each of which delivers an updated take on classic Winnebago style. The Boldt is designed for paved roads and campgrounds, but if you want a more rugged ride, the brand also offers the off-road-ready  Revel.

Special Features: —Stretches 22 feet bumper to bumper, meaning there’s plenty of room for you and yours. —Enough space for dedicated entertaining and sleeping areas.

Take one look at  Sportsmobile’s Sprinter 4×4  and it’s clear what its designers had in mind: off-roading. Whether you go with the 12- or 14-foot configuration, the Texas outfit’s stripped-down take on Mercedes’s ultra-popular van comes equipped with a 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 connected to a five-speed automatic transmission and pumps out 188 hp and 325 ft lbs of torque. That should be more than enough to tackle even the toughest terrain. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area with a full-featured kitchen. If you want even more room, you can also opt for a pop-up sleeping area that’ll make it that much easier to lounge in comfort.

Special Features: —Well insulated throughout, but also has space for a propane furnace or heater. — 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 and four-wheel drive mean it can take on any terrain.

Struggling to find a camper van that’s just right? Boho might be able to help. The Arizona-based company specializes in conversions and will work with you to create the vehicle of your dreams. The company offers several 20- to 24-foot layouts—of which the most popular is the appropriately named Old Faithful—that can be further tailored to meet your needs, whether your priority is multi-season versatility, lots of cooking space, or spending serious amounts of time on the road. The company also offers plenty of cool add-ons too, like wood paneling and flooring.

Special Features: —Versatile layouts that can be further customized so that you’re getting the exact van you want. —The wooden interior option looks better than it has any right to.

Ford’s ready to knock the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter off its perch. The Detroit giant unveiled its own camper van, the Transit Trail, last fall. The adventure-ready vehicle is based on its uber-popular commercial van but is taller, wider and outfitted with protective body cladding. It’s also powered by a potent V-6 that sends 310 horses and 400 ft lbs to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Right now, Ford seems content to let the $65,975 vehicle be the base for the camper van of your dreams, but it comes loaded with a slew of features that will come in handy at the campground, including a drillable wall you can use to install shelves, a kitchenette or furniture, along with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and a back-up camera. It also available in three body configurations—medium-roof, standard length; high-roof, standard length; and high-roof, extended length—one of which should fit your needs.

Special Features: —It’s basically a blank slate for you and your partner to create your own dream camper. —Still comes with premium features such as a 12-inch infotainment screen and a back-up camera.

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Trip In A Van: Everything About This Big Lap Family (2023)

This is the ultimate guide to Trip In A Van for 2023.

If you’re a 4×4 enthusiast and are curious to know:

➡️ How Justin and Bec afforded their LC200 and caravan

➡️ Why they became so popular on YouTube and Facebook

➡️ How much they make each month and their net worth

➡️ Justin, Bec and the 3 kids ages from Trip In A Van

➡️ How you can make money while doing the big lap

Then you’re definitely in the right place here!

And yes, I’ll definitely be sharing exactly how Trip In A Van makes their money . Hint: It’s actually quite easy! 🙂

More on that later. Let’s begin!

Trip In A Van FAQs (March 2023)

➡️ Justin Lorrimer (age 39)

➡️ Rebecca Lorrimer (age 37)

➡️ Jack Lorrimer (age 9)

➡️ Billy Lorrimer (age 8)

➡️ Charli Lorrimer (age 6)

Trip In A Van is currently at the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. They are originally from Newcastle, NSW but left in December of 2015.

Justin and Bec have had several setups over the years, including a BT-50 when the kids were younger.

Today they have a dual-cab Landcruiser 200 series which was chopped and extended by AEV. The total cost for this was around $195,000 AUD.

In addition, they tow a 21′ 6″ Sunseeker Desert Storm with triple bunks, with a remarkable 340 liters of water.

Affording It

Justin and Bec didn’t come from rich parents and had to work hard to achieve their dreams of traveling Australia in a caravan.

➡️ Justin worked as a mechanic in the mines for 15 years

➡️ Bec worked as a nurse and pathologist until having kids

Their earlier setups weren’t as elaborate and cost under $100k. Just look at their first video from 6 years ago:

As they’ve grown their YouTube following, they were able to upgrade their rig for their growing family. In their own words:

We put away as much money as we could each pay week and Justin worked loads of overtime. We paid our mortgage repayments, groceries among other bills and transferred the rest into another account. Justin was working long hours and as often as he could while I was home with our kids. This is what worked for our family, although not ideal, we knew the end goal. TRAVELLING AUSTRALIA FOR 12 MONTHS!! Trip In A Van

Not only did they need to buy the 4×4 and caravan, but they also set themselves a goal of saving $50,000 to last 12 months on the road.

We do know of an exciting and creative way to buy a caravan debt-free, and it’s an opportunity so few Australians know about. 👍

Keep reading as we’ll share more about that towards the end. 😃

Many Australians are curious what Trip In A Van YouTube earnings are for 2023, and we’ve created our best estimate based on publicly available information.

Trip In A Van makes $16,000 AUD per MONTH from their YouTube channel .

Pretty remarkable, hey? 😎

This is comprised of:

➡️ $4,100/month via YouTube ads they run on their channel

➡️ $1,700/month selling caravaning eBooks via their website

➡️ $2,200/month selling official Trip In A Van merchandise

➡️ $5,000/month big-time sponsorships and brand deals

➡️ $3,000/month from their group of Patreon supporters

While it’s obvious that they focus on their 4×4 gear, Bec also makes some money through her jewelry and clothing recommendations.

With the cost of their caravan being $85,000, their Landcruiser costing $195,000 plus 4×4 accessories and the tinny, their total rig cost $300,000. Now just combine this with their savings, investments and monthly income, and it’s reasonably easy to estimate what they have.

Popular YouTube channel ‘Trip In A Van’ has a net worth of $750,000 Australian dollars and this grows each month.

It should be noted that Justin and Bec never received their 4×4 or caravan for free. They have had to pay for both themselves and this may have been through bank loans.

The Strategy

Trip In A Van has a very basic strategy to fund their trip around Australia. They create highly engaging episodes about their trip around Australia, then reach out to brands to sponsor their content, while also creating eBooks and merchandise.

However, they are leaving a ton of money on the table. They haven’t utilized affiliate marketing, SEO or display advertising on their website which could double their monthly income.

This might be the perfect opportunity for you right now. You could start your own website which funds your own offroad trip around this beautiful country.

Big Moments

Justin, Bec and the kids have had several big moments in their travels.

These include:

➡️ A kangaroo jumped in their caravan when the kids were toddlers

➡️ Driving their caravan on multiple beaches and not getting bogged

➡️ Taking their offroad caravan up to Cape York and returning safely

Controversy

Fortunately, the Lorrimer family haven’t created any real controversy with their travels, although they do use some click-baitey thumbnails to increase their YouTube views but most YouTubers do this too.

They have had to homeschool their children which has been challenging but rewarding at the same time. Not only that, but keeping their channel and website up to date hasn’t been easy.

They have met some wonderful families while traveling around the country and living on the road. However, they haven’t featured anyone on their channel apart from close family.

They’ll be continuing their journey ever since finding paradise in Western Australia, namely Ningaloo. They have already finished their big lap and provided a ton of insights:

I see no reason for them to suddenly stop their travels given how much they’ve been making off YouTube recently. Plus – living on the road gives us the freedom we’re all craving in this hectic world.

Justin, Bec and the kids are the quintessential Australian family who enjoys seeing this beautiful country through their own eyes. They didn’t let excuses, money, jobs or schooling get in the way of their adventures.

They’re definitely giving their kids one heck of an adventure!

At the same time, that freedom for you might be closer than you think.

In their words:

Each individual financial situation is different, but if you want to travel Australia you’ll make it work. Start now and put away a little bit each week and we’ll be seeing you on the road in no time!! https://tripinavan.com.au/funding-our-trip/

I believe that’s pretty sound advice.

Are you obsessed with the Trip In A Van YouTube channel as much as I am? Then subscribe to get the best updates and insider knowledge before anyone else does!

We would also love to introduce you to a new and exciting opportunity to work from the road. You just need yourself and a laptop, and no…it DOESN’T require anyone to be pumping out YouTube videos… 😉

New and Exciting Opportunity

Travel australia and work on the laptop.

Hi there! It’s Graham again from Skippa Offroad:

I am definitely a fan of Trip In A Van (hey, that rhymes!)

And yeah, I’m watching them on YouTube just like you.

I’ve probably watched around 22 hours so far.

They’re definitely living the big lap dream.

But…you could score their type of freedom…

I know of an exciting opportunity where you can:

👉 Work from your 4×4 with just the laptop

👉 Start an online business and work remotely

👉 Share your passion for 4×4 ownership

👉 Generate some genuine passive income

👉 Do it all WITHOUT making Youtube videos

Keen to learn more about what I can offer?

I’d love to invite you to discover more through this free training. 😃

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Home Explore France Official Tourism Board Website

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Our top tips to plan a road trip in France in a camper van

Inspiration

Reading time: 0 min Published on 21 March 2024, updated on 17 April 2024

Some people like deciding where to go at the drop of a hat, and this is what is so appealing about a holiday in a camper van. But just like any other holiday, it still requires some planning. Road trips around France in a van are becoming more and more popular. There’s no better feeling than waking up with a view of the dunes in the Landes or across the Alpine peaks. So follow this guide!

Choose a specialist hire company

In France, specialist van hire companies can provide you with a top-quality service (fully comprehensive insurance cover, recent vehicles that are kept in good condition, etc.). Some of the most well-known companies are Blacksheep , We Van and Van-Away .

• Good to know: some hire companies offer unlimited mileage, others don't. Some allow a second driver free-of-charge, for others this is an extra option that will cost you more, etc.

Another option is to hire from a private individual (or a car-sharing scheme)

Wikicampers , Yescapa , Ouicar... Private van owners usually offer their vehicles for hire via one of these platforms, which also takes care of the management, security, insurance cover and deals with the transactions between the owner and holidaymaker.

The advantage of this option is that the rental price is usually more competitive. The condition of the vehicle is usually checked via the platform application, in your presence. Another top tip: if you are looking to try out a vehicle because you’d like to buy one, it would probably be easier for you to find the right model if you go through a specialist hire company. Last but not least, this is the most eco-friendly option because you won’t be hiring a van from a fleet that is only used for rental purposes.

Choose the right van that is suited to your needs

A combi van, utility vehicle or a pop-top camper van? An over-cab or low-profile motorhome? For every trip, there is a perfect van. Before setting off, make sure you take the time to choose the right vehicle for the number of people and with the right level of comfort to suit your needs.

Choosing a van with or without toilets might seem like an amusing detail, but it could make a big difference to your trip. And insulation and heating would be important factors to consider in winter.

A van adapted to off-road terrain would be better suited to trips off the beaten track than a motorhome that is more difficult to manoeuvre. In some vans you can stand up, in others you can't. This might seem insignificant for some travellers, but for others it would make a big difference.

Download useful applications

Any seasoned fan of the van life will tell you that the top priority is finding the perfect place to sleep. There’s no better feeling than waking up with a view of the dunes in the Landes or the Alpine peaks to start off your day with a smile. In France, some destinations are more welcoming than others when it comes to camper vans and motorhomes. Wild camping is subject to regulations.

In the Basque Country or Brittany, you might not always be able to stay overnight along the coast for free, especially during the peak season. Don’t panic, wherever you are, there’s always a plan B. Use the Park4night application to find an authorised parking area near you. It was designed specifically with this use in mind. Use the filter to search for the type of location you’re looking for (campsite, staying with the locals, free parking area, rest area, etc.). You’ll find plenty of useful reviews to get an idea of these locations before choosing one, and many of the reviews include photos. You can get any extra information you might need from maps.me and Google maps, and these applications will also help you if you want to venture off the beaten track.

• Top tip: choose the locations that have been given the least number of reviews. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, opt for a parking area that is at the departure point of a hiking trail, rather than alongside a busy road. It’s often a good idea to spend the night away from the main roads.

Plan your route

Just like your luggage, the route needs to be as simple as possible. The advantage of a road trip in a camper van is the freedom it gives you. You don’t need to plan the entire route out in advance but you can use the apps we’ve mentioned to decide on the mileage you’re aiming for each day. As a general rule, try not to plan too many miles on your road trip in France. A good indication is to spend around 2-3 hours on the road each day. This will limit fatigue. And you’ll have more time to make the most of a place you’d like to explore. There’s nothing like changing your plans to suit your needs, and adapting to the weather!

Be aware of the basic rules

On a trip in a camper van in France, you’ll be embarking on a whole new experience, where you are free to travel around as you please. But this independence does not mean you need to be completely self-sufficient.

The number one rule to respect for a successful trip is to travel light. Leaving your belongings and your daily comfort behind you is all part and parcel of the experience. For example: choose to use backpacks and lightweight camping gear rather than suitcases and fancy camping equipment than is better suited to staying in one place. And you’ll be delighted to be reminded that the lighter the camper van, the less fuel you’ll consume!

Another basic rule is to respect the locals: avoid making excessive noise at night (this also applies to other tourists nearby) and leave your overnight locations exactly as you found them, i.e. clean. It’s all about being respectful. For example, you should avoid using parking areas that are used by the locals to do their shopping, or those used by holidaymakers to go to the beach during the day.

Other useful precautions include being aware of any regulations regarding forest fires. A campfire might add a magical touch to your experience, but in France, you are not permitted to light fires in a national park, a protected nature reserve or in forests during the summer or in periods of drought. In any case, if you are not sure of the rules, it is better to avoid lighting fires.

Take what you need for the vehicle with you

If you hire your vehicle from a professional company, chances are you won’t have much to think about, if anything at all (read the following paragraph). Pretty much everything you need for cooking will be provided. You’ll also most likely be provided with bed linen, a camping table and chairs (make sure you check before setting off).

The most organised of travellers will bring a toolbox, engine oil, a piece of cloth to wipe your hands after checking the oil levels (when the engine is cold and the ignition is switched off), a small air compressor for the tyres, etc. But with the breakdown cover, you’re not likely to need any tools whatsoever!

A checklist of the essentials you’ll need:

Paper versions of a travel guide and road map, a Swiss army knife, a camping stove, USB chargers and plug strips, plenty of water, solar- or battery-powered torches, head lamp, hammock, microfibre towel, Tupperware boxes and containers, bin bags, etc.

Are you still with us? If so, that means you’re ready to set off on the roads of France for your first trip in a camper van. All that’s left for us to do is wish you “Bon voyage”!

• Tips and suggestions:

Are you planning on travelling in an electric van? You'll need to find out how far you can go with a full charge. Depending on the model, this can vary from a hundred kilometres to almost 800 km, which would have a huge impact on how you plan your trip and your route in the camper van. There are plenty of tools you can use to plan your route, and they will suggest the best places to stop and charge your vehicle along the way: A Better Route Planner or Charge Map . To benefit from an overnight charge, opt for campsites with electric charging terminals. This is the ideal solution so you don’t need to worry about it overnight. Getting around the local area by bike is always a good idea, especially if you are staying on a campsite or with the locals. If you’re planning on cycling, you’ll need a bike rack. This can be booked as an option from your hire company

Further reading :

Insolite : 6 écrins de verdure pour jouer les Robinsons modernes

8 réflexes pour voyager durable en France

By Alicia Munoz

Alicia, a journalist with a passion, writes about sustainable development, the environment and travel. Her love of nature, sports activities and the great outdoors becomes obvious in her articles.

Holidays at Galeries Lafayette

Air France, the best and most comfortable way to get to France

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A Fairy Tale 1, 2, 3 Christmas!

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Tahiti-French Polynesia

TIAV Products

Our van life range is developed from experience and many years travelling around australia. these products are designed by us to enhance the travel lifestyle and comes from knowledge gained while caravanning with our family..

FYI: All orders and shipping are done through our friends at Navigator Gear. Y ou’ll be directed to their website for purchasing.

Our range of caravan bunk bedding comes from my pet hate – making bunks! I have loathed this job for the last 6 years so I decided to design my own range of custom made bedding to make my life, and now yours much easier.

Stay Put Doona

The Stay Put Doona comes in 3 colours and is made from a stonewash. It’s unique design has an elastic pocket to keep the doona in place and a zipper for doona cover removal.

A fitted sheet that actually fits your bunk bed! Perfect fit for a high density foam mattress and an inner spring mattress. Top sheet is uniquely sewn to the fitted sheet for ease and convenience. Two colours available Dark Ash Grey and Cloud Grey to suit either doona cover.

TIAV Beach Bag

The perfect beach bag for your travels, the pool, beach or a day trip! Designed by Bec.

Features: Made from a water resistent fabric, extra large size, zippered pockets, internal storage, drink bottle holders, waterproof inner and a removable wet bag. Designed by Bec.

TIAV School Pouch

The Ultimate School Pouch while you travel Australia or school from home.

Store the kids school work in this handy and convenient storage pouch. School on the road made easier 🙂  Features include padded iPad or tablet pocket, 2 large internal zippered pockets for easy to see stationary, A5 size storage pocket and a fully enclosed zippered school pouch.

Giddy-Up the game.

A card game the whole family can play! 

For around the campfire or on a rainy day. The main aim is to find and call out matching symbols and be the fastest to do it.

Illustrations by a local Torquay artist. 

Van Pocket.

Caravan storage solution.

Caravan storage pockets. Simple to use! Peel off the Velcro strips and attach to any internal flat surface in your caravan, to tailor your own pocket solutions. Small & large size available.

The Ultimate Lap Of Australia Itinerary (eBook)

Travel Australia Cost Calculation/Budget Spreadsheet

The Essential Guide to Road Tripping Australia eBook

Central Australia Itinerary

15% OFF NAVIGATOR GEAR

BIG LAP BUDGET

Learn how much it will cost you to Travel Oz like us!

FUNDING OUR TRIP

How we funded our trip and tips for you to do the same

OFF-GRID BATTERY SET-UP

THE ULTIMATE IN FREE CAMPING POWER

Map of Australia Decal - 15% OFF TIAV15

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We are traveling in September; am I just booking too early?

I have booked the same van in Greece 1st year for €400 and the 2nd year at €700, but €1900 in Italy might make me cancel the trip.

Would love some feedback or suggestions!

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Reggaeton Rave 2024 (Phoenix) | The Van Buren

Get ready to groove at the highly anticipated Reggaeton Rave happening at The Van Buren on May 10, 2024. This electrifying event will set the stage on fire with pulsating beats and infectious rhythms that will have the crowd dancing all night long. Located at Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ, 85003, this concert promises an unforgettable experience for all music enthusiasts. The lineup features a stellar selection of chart-topping hits that will keep the energy high and the vibes right. From dusk till dawn, Reggaeton Rave will be the ultimate destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the heart of the reggaeton music scene. Make sure to mark your calendars as tickets for this exclusive event will be available for purchase from April 12, 2024, at 19:00 until May 11, 2024, at 06:00. Don't miss out on this epic night of non-stop fun and entertainment at Reggaeton Rave!

Provided by Cornell | Published Apr 28, 2024

Are you interested in Reggaeton Rave 2024 (Phoenix)?

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .