When you hear the term ‘camper van life’, you’ll no doubt naturally think that it’s all about taking to the open road, going on adventures, and exploring the great unknown – and you’d be right to think that. Jumping in a camper van with friends and family is one of life’s great escapes, and some people love it so much, they’ve chosen to permanently live in a camper van.
This is mainly because they love to feel the freedom of going on a road trip to get away from everyday life, and experience stunning vistas, quaint villages, and everything else the world has to offer. But what does it take to hack the camper van life?
In this blog, we share all you need to know about camper van life, including what it is, what to expect, and how you make a success of it. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper and you’ve recently bought a campervan from us, or you’re testing the waters and you’ve hired a campervan with us, this guide will help you decide whether life in a campervan is for you.
What is camper van life?
Revolving around living and traveling in a camper van, camper van life offers the freedom to explore different places while having the comforts of a home on wheels. Some people are fortunate enough to commit their whole life to travel and explore new places. Other people simply enjoy short weekend trips, or even just the project of converting a van with all your creature comforts.
Life in a campervan can be whatever you make it. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple seeking adventure, or a family looking for a unique holiday experience, camper van life can be an exciting and rewarding way to see the world.
In recent years, camper van life has become more of a shift in thinking. It’s become a movement where people embrace a semi-nomadic lifestyle, coupled with a minimalist ‘take what you need’ approach. Ultimately, it’s all about embracing simplicity, connecting with nature, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
What to expect from embracing camper life
Embracing camper life can be a truly liberating and exciting experience, offering a sense of freedom and adventure like no other. However, there are some pros and cons to life in a campervan, as we explore in more detail below.
The pros of camper van life
As we’ve mentioned, the one of the best things about camper life is that it allows people to explore the world and see far-flung destinations, and exploring off-the-beaten-path spots means you can almost certainly expect to wake up to stunning views morning after morning.
The aim of living in a camper van is to simplify your lifestyle, allowing you to travel at your own pace, go where you like, and do what you like. This means having more of an opportunity to pursue hobbies like fishing, cycling, or surfing for example, or simply relax and enjoy quality time with loved ones. With so much freedom to explore, there are plenty of activities to do while camping, from hiking and cycling to fishing, kayaking and other outdoor adventures.
As well as that, camper van life can potentially save you money as you don’t need to fork out for expensive hotels or transport. Instead, your wheels are your home, which makes living in a camper van one of the most frugal forms of holidaying.
For those who want that freedom whenever they choose to travel, there are plenty of advantages of owning a campervan, from having a familiar space on the road to enjoying more flexibility over when and where you go.
That’s not to say there aren’t initial costs to finding the perfect camper van or taking on a passion project and building your own. However, once your camper van is ready to go, you have a mobile holiday home waiting for the perfect sunset.
The cons of camper van life
When you’re on the road for a long time, having to share a small space with your partner, pets, kids, or friends can be one of the downsides of camper life. Living in a confined space can test anyone’s nerves, that’s why it’s important to make sure you have the right temperament, activities, or plans to hand when the cabin fever sets in.
If you’re travelling with a four-legged companion, a few simple changes can help make the space more comfortable and practical for them. From creating a dedicated sleeping area to keeping food, water and essentials organised, there are plenty of ways to make your campervan pet friendly.
There is also the decision of choosing what you need to pack, not what you want to pack. Space and storage in a camper van is at a premium, meaning you may have to compromise on packing the luxuries. You’ll need to consider packing the essentials like cleaning supplies and cooking utensils for example.
With all that said, camper van life can be life-changing. For many people, the pros outweigh the cons and this can be especially true if you have the right camper van, the right people around you, and the right mindset.
How to make camper van life a success
Making camper van life a success is all about careful planning and utilising strategic tactics. If you’re planning to spend time away from traditional campsites and facilities, having the right off-grid camping equipment can also help you stay comfortable and self-sufficient while you travel. To make the most of your life in a campervan, here are some tips:
- Plan your routes – before hitting the road, it’s wise to plan out your travel routes to ensure you have access to all the essential amenities along the way.
- Pack wisely – we’ve touched on this above, but be sure to only pack essentials to avoid clutter and maximise comfort during your trip.
- Stay organised – utilise storage solutions like baskets to keep your living space tidy and functional.
- Embrace minimalism – embrace the minimalist lifestyle by decluttering regularly and focusing on experiences rather than material possessions.
- Connect with other van lifers – engage with the vibrant community of van lifers through social media groups or meetups to share tips, stories, and support.
How to start a life in a campervan
If you’ve read our guide and you’re interested in the camper life, you have a couple of options. The first option is that you can buy a second hand van and convert it yourself. This approach can be a costly and time-consuming project, but also incredibly rewarding.
Your second option is to invest in a ready-to-go camper van at a reputable company, like camper_versions. This option not only gives you peace of mind, but it also means you can fully embrace the camper life almost immediately.
At camper_versions, we specialise in converting luxurious camper vans that are built for adventures into the great outdoors. With our vans, you’ll get maximum comfort and versatility wherever you go. What’s more, all our camper vans come with a 3-year conversion warranty as standard, as well as the vehicles’ existing manufacturer’s warranty.
Shop our range of camper vans today
As you can see, the camper van life can bring a great amount of joy, adventures, and excitement. If you’re lucky enough to have the ability to live in a camper van full time, you’ll have the opportunity to truly embrace the freedom that this type of lifestyle brings.
If you’re ready to hit the road and start your camper van life, take a look at our range of campervans for sale that are ready to drive away. Alternatively, if you want to test the camper life first before committing, why not hire a campervan instead? Whatever you choose, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team if you have any questions.
Camper van life FAQs
What type of camper van is best for van life?
The best camper van for van life depends on your needs. Smaller vans like a VW Transporter are ideal for solo travelers or couples, while larger vans offer more space for families or those who want more amenities. You should consider your budget, travel style, and whether you need features like a toilet, kitchen, or solar panels.
Is camper van life legal in the UK?
Yes, camper van life is legal in the UK, but there are rules to follow. If you’re thinking about doing wild camping, it’s not generally permitted in most parts of England and Wales, but it’s allowed in some areas of Scotland. When parking overnight, it’s wise to use designated camping sites or private land with permission. Always check local regulations before you travel to avoid fines.
Can I live in a camper van full time in the UK?
Yes, but there are legal and practical considerations. For example, you’ll need to have a permanent address for legal documents and healthcare. Insurance for full time van life is essential, and you’ll need to manage things like vehicle maintenance and staying warm in colder months. Many people choose to stay at campsites or join van life communities to make long-term van life easier.