17 Tips on Surviving #VanLife

Whether you are seeking an outdoor adventure or wanting to try vanlife on for size, the goal is to ensure a positive experience and avoid negative scenarios as best you can. It is not always as glamorous or easy as Instagram might make it seem. That is where it pays to educate yourself and know what to expect when it comes to the lifestyle you are entering or just merely trying on for size.

There are tons of resources available online. I scoured the internet for a month before embarking on my journey. I read forums, reviews, blogs, National Parks websites, contacted the Department of Forestry. (I am quite thorough) However, you don't necessarily need to go to such extreme lengths before heading out on your journey. 

Since I have done the research, I have compiled a few key tips on surviving vanlife and creating a positive experience:

• Wet shoes are hard to hide away in a small space. This is where it pays off to save plastic bags or hotel laundry bags to secure these away so you can keep your space clean.

• It does get cold if the van hasn’t been fully converted and properly insulated. Do not underestimate the level of cold. Bring extra blankets, sleeping bag, and thermal blankets.

• A back-loaded kitchen means you need to exit the van to cook and prep meals. Not ideal in windy or rainy weather.

• A power inverter is a must. This plugs into your vehicle's outlet and can provide a charge for phones, computers, etc. Usually, I charged my computers while I was driving so as to not drain the car battery.

• Mobile Hotspot and WiFi boosters are crucial for the digital working nomad, having 5G helps as well.

• Have a backup plan...for everything. Have a physical map, a compass. Don’t rely strictly on digital assistance, it isn’t as reliable as you think.

• The van is your home and your transportation. Lock loose items away while driving and drive with caution. Otherwise you’ll have a 3 gallon water jug flying towards to front window after slamming on your brakes...I speak from experience.

• Aim for privacy- many vans have tinted windows (or none) or some variation of curtains. Privacy is highly desirable when you are exposed sleeping in a turn out on a roadside.

• Pre-download movies, shows, meditations when you have access to WiFi. Also, utilize coffee shops to charge any electronics but make sure to be a good patron and at least buy a cup of coffee as well.

• Ask the locals: On any trip, when I stop for gas or at a visitors center, I ask for the best hiking trails and secret hot spots. Even if you have everything planned out, sometimes they know best!

• Gas up when you can. I never let my tank get below half the entire trip. Ideally you also carry a JerryCan if you have the space in the vehicle. (*Note: do not store near anything flammable nor directly near a window)

• Know your limitations- if you are tired, pull over in a safe place (unless it states ‘no overnight parking’) The nice thing about van camping is minimal set up and take down.

• Equip your van with snow chains, window scraper and a tire gauge. You’ll regret not having it the day you need to use it.

• You can utilize the shower at gyms, usually they charge a day fee so you might as well get a good workout in as well. You can also book a night for a camp site at a KOA or better yet, a local RV park to use the facilities.

• Protection- I did not enter this endeavor naively. I knew that camping in a not so conspicuous van by myself might draw attention and sometimes unwanted. Just as you would protect yourself from wildlife dangers, so should you for any other dangers. I always have a knife and a headlamp within reach. I also post locations to social media after I have left them.

• Journal- whether it be digitally or physically, jot down thoughts as you experience them. Even if you don’t have an intended end use, it’s a therapeutic and cathartic practice that encourages you to be more present in your now.

• Stock up on necessities such as water, soap, food and firewood. (paper grocery bags are great for building a fire) 

You need to be aware that you are leaving the comforts of home, that includes running water, heat, a fully stocked pantry or refrigerator. And you certainly did not venture out on a road trip adventure only to be stopping at restaurants and convenient stores every 5 miles, so do yourself a favor and stock up so you spend your time doing far more enjoyable things. 

The point is to enjoy yourself...and I hope you do!

A Vegan Guide to Camping and Van Life- Including Grocery List

It is generally understood that when camping or living the camper van life, you are not going to necessarily go about your regular routines as you would in your home. For instance, doing laundry. Not many camper vans are equip with a washer and dryer, although that would not be a bad idea. I would opt for that over a toilet in my camper van.

Eating healthy at home is difficult enough as it is, especially with COVID running rampant in which grocery shopping feels like a life or death mission. However, I highly recommend that you do not trigger the 'vacation mode' way of thinking and subsequently throw the concept of diet and wellness out the window when you leave for your next adventure. In fact, it can be the opportune time to take it to the next level of discipline! Your body often reacts to disruptions in time zones, climate, etc. So extra nourishment is required in order for you to feel at your best.

I often share my plant-based creations when I cook at home. Routines I attempt to recreate to some degree while on the road traveling, sans full kitchen. But there are limitations due to lack of storage and not having access to a full kitchen that force a bit of creativity when creating the menu. Over the years of camping, I feel I have come quite near to perfecting the vegan camp food menu. So I am sharing my grocery list her but feel free to head over to my Instagram Story Highlights, where I have a whole reel dedicated to Vegan Food and Vegan Camp recipes.

Grocery List for camping/van life- *Can you believe I didn’t stop once for groceries in two weeks?*

• (3) 1 gallon water jugs

• (2) Spring water 3 gallon jug w/ spout (handy for refills, hand washing and dishwashing)

• (1 variety box) Gluten-Free Oatmeal *in packets

• (1 container) Non dairy milk (*not a plug for vegan-ism: non dairy milk won’t spoil)

• (1 small package) Tortillas, in lieu of bread. *Easier to store than a loaf of bread.

• (1 bag) Trail mix and granola: doubles as a trail snack and breakfast.

• (3) Protein bars: for easy pocket storage on hikes

• (5) Oranges: Vitamin C for immunity building

• (4) Individual packets of almond butter: trail food and easy to store

• (6) Calm magnesium packets: natural anxiety aid and helps prep for sleep. Just add to water before bed!

• (6 varieties )Amy’s Canned soup and chili (with easy open top) easiest camping dinner

• (1 packet) Tofurkey deli slices, 1 onion and 1 cucumber to make wraps

• (1 packet) Vegan 'Bacon' strips

• Coffee (I usually recommend buying a local blend to give back to the community you’re visiting. Possibly from the aforementioned cafe you’re stealing WiFi signal and electricity from)

• (1 box) Vegan Crackers or cookies: I always try to avoid but you end up becoming a bit lazy in your meal prep while on the road so this is a chance to slip a bit within reason)

• (5) Apples. I eat them constantly and had them in the cupholders so they were easily accessible while driving

• Perishable but manageable: (1 bundle) Bananas, (1) cucumber, (1) white onion, spinach, (1) avocado. (none of which are refrigerated in the wild, so you do have some time but want to make sure they don't sit on a hot car dashboard if you are without a cooler or mini fridge)

If you’re traveling where the weather is warmer, fresh foods will go bad quickly. In my case, my entire vehicle acted as a refrigerator in the PNW so my groceries stayed for longer. The real trick is not buying in excess which we have a tendency to do when we are bringing the groceries home because we know we have the space and means to store them properly. That is not the mentality for 'on the road' life, necessarily. Rather, I know finding a bathroom, a grocery store and a coffee shop is highly likely in most areas in between your destinations.

No one wants to spend their outdoor excursion locked in a bathroom, curled up in a hotel bed the whole time or uncomfortably bloated while trying to be active. The goal is to take care of your body to ensure you have the energy and the mind clarity to enjoy your adventures, be present in the moment and look back on them fondly.

Be Well.