Tips and Hacks for a Fulfilling Life on the Road

Let’s keep it real: you will need to learn a few hacks to make your life on the road more efficient.

You will come across countless challenges, from how to store your food, to staying in touch with family and you will need to be adequately prepared to handle these challenges swiftly and cost effectively.

Food and Cooking While on the Road

Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t enjoy a variety of good meals while on the road. All you need is a cooler, a stove of some sort, some groceries, utensils, and creativity. There are endless resources when it comes to cooking simple or gourmet meals. But what are your options when it comes to van life meals? Well, here are some ideas.

• Raw foods such as salads help you reduce the task and costs of cooking. They are also healthy and easy to digest.
• Heavy foods, including things like meat and dairy, are those with calories packed up in small amounts. These foods such as fats, proteins and carbs can be as easy to cook as you’d like. They may however require special storage

Camper Van Cooking Options

If you prefer to cook most of the time, you will need a source of heat. There are a few stove/oven options at your disposal depending on your preferences, the size of your van, and your budget. Some of these options include:

• Portable stove with a lid and adjustable burners
• Outdoor camp oven, which is powerful, sophisticated but bulky, and perfect for outdoor cooking
• Camping stove, which is pretty easy to handle with a matchless lighter and can even fit in your backpack!
• Portable tabletop electric stoves with adjustable infrared burners

While there are some challenges when it comes to cooking on the road, you will quickly realize that eating out daily may not be the most cost-conscious decision. Sure, it is okay to dine out once in a while, but you’ll need to learn how to cook in the van if you would like a budget-friendly meal plan. Some of the main challenges of cooking on the road are keeping your food fresh, cooking smells, clean up, etc.

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Purchasing Groceries and Cooking

You can eat pretty well while on the road, but you may need to plan your meals to avoid wasted food and save on propane. Take advantage of farmers markets for good prices. If you do not have a fridge, purchase small amounts of food at a time. It means more frequent trips to the grocery but less food that will soon go bad. You can use coolers or a fridge to keep your food cold and fresh.

You might want to avoid meals that take a lot of time and propane to prepare. You can occasionally substitute sandwiches and salads for heavier meals. When you want to prepare protein-rich foods or more complicated meals, you can make enough to have leftovers and cut down on cooking.

Keep Your Food Cool 

If you are using a cooler, icepacks (or ice) are your best bet. Put the ice in the cooler and let it sit for about an hour before you pack your meals inside. This helps the cooler itself get and stay cold for longer and it will be cooler when packing the food inside.

When storing food, keep it in layers for best results. Start with a layer of ice, place the food on top, and add another layer of ice. Keep the process going until all the food you want to store is well stacked into the cooler. Pack the cooler as full as possible so that it keeps cold for longer. Try to keep the cooler in the shade and avoid opening and closing it often. 

Hygiene

The most common questions about van life revolve around personal hygiene. For starters, is there a toilet and bathroom in your van? Often the answer is no, so what are the options while on the road?

• Free public bathrooms
• Free public showers
• Lakes or other bodies of water (but do not use soap products – these are just for rinsing)
• Paid showers at campgrounds (or truckstops?)
• Health club memberships
• Portable personal outdoor shower sets
• Showering at a friend’s
• Sponge/wet wipes bath

Free public showers might be tricky to find but are a treasure to people who are constantly on the lookout for good deals. In most cases, free public showers have temperature controls, but sometimes you have to make do with what you get. Some of the free public showers you can get include the following: 

• Free campsite showers
• Beach showers
• Showers for riders on mountain biking trails

When it comes to paid showers, there are plenty of options in more populated areas but may be harder to find in remote locations. Some of the options at your disposal include the following.

• Gym fitness memberships that give you access to their facilities
• Travel centers that provide hygiene services to long-distance, travellers such as truck drivers
• Paid campsites with shower facilities

Some of these facilities cost a minimum of $10 and may include laundry services. If you are not sure about the prices, be sure to do your research ahead of time and plan accordingly.

Portable Outdoor Shower Set

If none of the above options appeal to you, or you would rather dictate your own shower timetable, you can install a personal outdoor shower set to be used only when you need it. An outdoor shower ensures that the van stays clean and free of moisture without restricting your shower style. However, you can also have the shower installed inside the van. You can use solar to heat up your water before use. Be sure to have a shower curtain or drape for privacy and moisture control. The downside is that outdoor showers are not an option during cold winter months!

Showering at a Friend’s House

There will be times when you are near friends or family and depending on how well close you are, you can ask to take a shower at their home. Many people are happy to oblige!

Wet Wipe/Sponge Baths

Most days, a wet wipe or sponge clean up will do the trick. It is simple, you can do it in the privacy of your van whenever is convenient and you don’t need loads of supplies. You only need some water in a dish pan, a sponge or cloth, and some soap. You can opt for the wiping method or the minimal wash and rinse method. 

Lady Hygiene Procedures

Feminine wash products come in handy to stay fresh and clean. If you are like most people, the idea of littering the countryside with tissues is repulsive. Feminine wipes come in handy to keep you feeling fresh and help prevent yeast infections.

The menstrual cup is essential, especially on those days of the month when you cannot access a shower. The cup needs less frequent changing compared to disposable sanitary products and the resulting waste is a lot easier to handle. It is also more affordable as all you need is to empty, clean, and re-use it. Once you try it, you’ll find that it can be far more comfortable, easier, and more environmentally friendly than anything else. 

Grooming

Simple grooming like washing the face or brushing your teeth can be quite a task when you live in a van. If you are in more rural areas, it is easier to find a place where you can do your grooming. However, if you are constantly in more urban areas, you may use public restrooms to brush your teeth and carry on other grooming activities. 

Toileting

Yes, you will still need to do this even when living in a van. In most cases, you will find yourself using public restrooms. If you are in more secluded areas, you might need to be creative with your personal activities. For starters, you can dig a hole no shallower than 8 inches, do your business, then cover it up. If you need to relieve yourself at a time when you cannot go outside, or for whatever other reason, a portable toilet can come in handy. However, you may need to deal with it immediately as it can make your cozy little space all smelly.

Parking

One of the most fundamental – and sometimes most challenging -- elements of van life is finding safe parking spaces. When you are just starting out, you will realize that scheduling a spot in advance, sometimes months before you need it, comes in handy, especially during busy travel seasons. On other occasions, however, you will be inclined to park anywhere you find a safe spot. There are a few options at your disposal when it comes to parking spots. 

Free and discount parking spots are available across the country. If you are visiting a tourist trap or national park, you can easily find discount parking. These free or discount parking spots, however, may not be advertised so you may need to keep up with the trends and research widely to know where you are likely to find them. If you do not have any information networks, or van life is an occasional hobby, you might miss out on this information.

Being a member of a camping club gives you access to deals and discounts available to campers during their travels. Additionally, the point system will occasionally earn you free parking. When joining any camping club, be sure to check out all the features and benefits. Go with the club that has the most of what you are looking for.

If you plan to be on the road for the long term, you might as well start learning everything you can about discount and free parking, which will considerably lower your parking expenditure over time. If you plan on exploring areas without free parking, it is advisable to book way in advance to get early bird discounts. Other free parking options you can explore include the following.

  Discount and free parking

• Camping clubs
• Paid parking
• Truck stops
• Shopping mall parking lots e.g. Wal-Mart
• Casinos
• Private properties with prior consent
• Some schools will allow you to park with permission

Pro-Tips for Safe Parking

1. Always be cautious, especially in free parking spots, because these spaces attract all sorts of people. Always lock your van and store valuables out of site, especially when you are away from the van.
2. During events or festivities in the areas you are visiting, it will be difficult to find free parking spots., so prepare in advance to avoid being inconvenienced or paying hefty parking fees.
3. Some free parking spaces are strict on the types of vehicles they allow. Be sure to always inquire beforehand if you fit in their policy to avoid being towed.
4. When you are allowed to park for free by a shopping mall, a school, or any other private property, it is important that you follow their instructions to the letter. Parking in a way that obstructs traffic or the normal operations of the property owners will often be considered trespassing.
5. Take advantage of free open days in destinations that normally charge for parking, usually common when there are events. However, you may need to book your spot in advance to guarantee a space.
6. Some companies offer free parking for freelancers who work for them. These opportunities may not be readily available, but when they are, you get a pretty good deal. Amazon offers a seasonal program called CamperForce.
7. Join forums and groups of other experienced van lifers. You will be amazed at the wealth of information in these groups, not only on safe parking spots but also on van life in general.
8. Explore websites and apps where campers and van lifers share parking information.

Always keep some money aside for parking, as you never know how much you may be charged, especially when you are in a new place. Some campsites charge as much as $40 while others may give you the spot at discounted prices. Always be on the lookout for better terms and prices for safe parking spots.

Entertainment While on the Road

While van life can get a little lonely and quiet sometimes, there are many things you can do to stay entertained. Here are some options.

Movies and TV Shows

Did you know that you don’t need a TV to keep up with your favorite shows while on the road? You can watch all the trending shows in the comfort of your cozy space on your laptop. Here are some streaming options for your favorite shows.

• Lightbox gives you a free month before they start charging.
• Netflix offers a month’s free trial, and the monthly charge is often dependent on the package you choose.
• Amazon Prime is inexpensive, especially for the first 6 months, and has a good selection of movies.
• Neon is another option that is charged monthly with a free trial for the first month.
• YouTube is a free platform to watch content from channels you follow. You can simply search for your favorite shows and channels and hit play. 

The entertainment packages that require monthly payments allow you to opt out whenever you choose. These channels do not force you to keep paying for the service if you do not intend to use them. Be sure to check out the terms and conditions of each service provider.

Books

If you are an avid reader, you will definitely enjoy the quiet time that van life affords you. While some prefer physical books, books can be heavy and bulky for van life. Not to worry, there are other options at your disposal. Technology has made it easy to store as many books as you like in one little gadget. As long as you have an internet connection, you can download and enjoy any book you want. Some of the options when it comes to exploring electronic libraries include the following.

• Amazon Kindle reader for .mobi books
• iBooks app on iphone for .epub books
• Goodreads app and website
• Overdrive app that connects you to electronic libraries across the globe
• Audible if you prefer audio books
• Free reading sites like Wattpad

You can explore each of these options to see if they have the type of material you enjoy. It is important to note that not all content on these platforms is free. Sure, you can enjoy a few reads for free, but at some point, you may have to pay for a book or two.

The Internet

As long as you have internet, you are free to enjoy a host of entertaining content, including music. While you may not always be in spots with good internet service, you can download content to watch or listen to later. 

Keeping in Touch While on the Road

While leaving family and friends behind to live the van life can be lonely, it also give you the opportunity to meet countless other people while on the road. Keeping in touch with all these new friends needs to be a deliberate, planned act. But how do you stay in touch with all of them? Here are some of your options.

Good Old Phone Calls

You can always phone home the old-fashioned way. There will be times when you cannot access the in ternet but a phone call can do the trick. In some instances, you may need to get a local SIM card and pay for phone services, so budget accordingly. Try scheduling calls at a time when both parties can chat without the pressure of hurrying off to work.

Postcards

Everybody loves old fashioned mail, so you can always send postcards of your adventures to your family and friends. While they are old school, they are still one of the coolest ways to share your life with your family. Make sure to keep stamps on hand so you can send them out regularly. You can also add a little twist and share the postcards with loved ones online.

The Mailing List

Email may not be the most modern way of keeping in touch, but it’s quick and easy to send your loved ones an update of how you are doing while inquiring on their well being. You only need to have their email address and you are good to go! Most people are using mobile based apps more than emails to stay in touch, but emails are still a great option when it comes to sharing stories, photos, and videos.

Create and Stick to a Schedule

In order to make catch-up sessions as enjoyable as possible, always schedule phone calls or video chats for a time that is convenient for all parties. And don’t forget about different time zones! Creating and sticking to a schedule eliminates the issues of missed calls and distractions. 

When keeping up with each other, be open to updates from all parties. While life on the road may seem interesting and you are excited to share all your discoveries, be sure not to leave the other parties out of the conversation. Always ask for photos and videos of what is happening with them, too.

Van Life with Pets

Yes, you can go on the adventure of your life with your beloved pet or pets. But before you jump all in, you might need a lot more preparation and planning if you are thinking of having a pet onboard. The commitment of a pet cannot be abandoned when  circumstances get difficult; and they will be difficult quite often. However, when done right, van life with a pet can be a fulfilling experience. 

Pet owners are usually apprehensive when it comes to exploring van life with their furry friends. Some of the questions that run through their minds can be scary yet legit. If you are thinking of bringing your pet along, here are some of the questions you are probably asking yourself too.

• Where do I leave my pet when going to places that are not pet friendly?
• Can I leave my pet in the van the entire time I am away?
• How do I keep the van cool enough for my pet when I am away?
• How do I keep my dog quiet when I am away?
• Is it really possible to live happily with my pet?
• Where can I get vet services while on the road?

Planning for a Pet in your Van Life Adventure

Having a pet onboard is not something to take for granted. You need to make adequate preparations to ensure that your furry friend gets a smooth transition to van life. It is wrong to assume that the pet will be immediately comfortable in the van.

• Plan for physical exercise for your pet. You will be surprised at how much they appreciate a walk through parks and trails. Be sure to check on what is allowed on these trails and what is prohibited.
• Budget adequately for pet food, medication, vet visits, pest repellents, and hygiene products. The good news is that it is normally not terribly expensive to have a pet on board.
• Always have your pet on a leash unless it is clear that free roaming is allowed. This is especially important when visiting public spaces, trails and campgrounds.
• Practice having your pet travel longer distances in a car before you hit the road. As you practice, the pet will adapt to more time in the vehicle. You will also learn how to control your pet. For starters, it is best to skip feeding your pet just before you set off on a long drive to avoid a messy situation.
• Be sure to have your pet thoroughly checked by a vet to confirm he/she is capable of coping with van life. Have the pet vaccinated accordingly and keep prescriptions or other remedies, such as tick repellents, on hand. Be sure to keep your pet’s paperwork safe by scanning and keeping electronic copies of these documents.
• Remember to pack your pet’s essentials, including water, food, toys, treats, grooming kits, collar and leash, pet bags, blankets and towels, food bowls, seat covers, sunshade for the windows and a fan to keep your pet comfortable, especially in the summer.
• If you plan on exploring areas where your pet will be free to roam around, have a tracker fitted to be aware of its movements at all times
• Be sure to train your pet so that they do not leave a mess everywhere. If you have a cat, a litter box is essential. If you have a dog, make sure it is well trained. This makes van life with pets a little easier.
• Have enough space where your pets can lie and stand, whether the van is on the move or stationery. Be sure to plan for their comfort and safety in and out of the van at all times.

If you have been scrolling Instagram accounts of avid van lifers who are on this adventure with their pets, then you know that it is possible to live well with one. When you prepare adequately, you are in for a fulfilling adventure with your furry friends.