Top Tips for Maximizing Van Life R&R

If you want to explore the world and head off on adventures, nothing comes close to van life! Traveling becomes a whole lot simpler when you can hop in your van and hit the open road. There are times, though, when you might start to miss the comforts of home — even the most experienced among us sometimes get cabin crazy living out of a 300 sq ft space!

If you’re finding yourself in need of some R&R during a trip, you’ll be pleased to know there are several things you can do to maximize your comfort on the road. As well as investing in tools and gadgets to improve the security of your van, following the tips below will soon transform your van into a relaxing space fit for royalty!

Organize Your Space

The secret to not pulling your hair out when living in a van, even for just a few weeks every year, is to be super efficient with how you use space. Keeping your van tidy is a must for peace of mind, and it also helps make day-to-day life that much easier. Nifty storage solutions, like collapsible containers, hanging organizers, and under-bed storage will keep your belongings neatly organized and out of sight.

Comfy sleeping arrangements are also crucial for rest and relaxation in your van. Simple upgrades like a memory foam mattress topper or a proper duvet can make the world of difference when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Consider using blackout curtains to block out ambient light.

Speaking of light, organizing your sleeping area with essential items like a flashlight and a roadside emergency kit can make dealing with any unexpected nighttime problems a little easier. While it won’t automatically guarantee a full night’s sleep, at least if something does arise at 1 a.m., you’ll have everything you need to take care of it at hand.

Making the Most of Downtime

We get it, you’re visiting a new country or city and you want to experience everything it has to offer. While your daily itineraries are probably jam-packed, it’s important to still make some room in your schedule to switch off.

Journaling is a great way to unwind after a day’s explorations. You don’t need a fancy travel journal to start; just a basic notebook will help you document your journey and reflect on all the incredible experiences you’re having.

Reading’s another great way to relax come the evening. Not enough space to bring a mini library? Audiobooks, eBooks, and podcasts will be your friends! Podcasts are also handy to listen to on long drives, especially if you’re traveling solo.

Gaming is a fun way to spend your downtime, and you’ll get a bit of a boost to your old gray matter in the process. For portable options, think card games and travel-size board games; everything from Clue? to Connect 4 comes in a camper van-friendly format these days.

Mobile games that require minimal data, such as Stardew Valley or Alto’s Odyssey, are great for casual play. If you have a decent internet connection, set yourself the challenge of learning a classic card game or a mind sport like chess online – or try out your luck and strategic thinking with a casino. Thanks to the array of online casinos in existence, it’s really easy to play blackjack online or check out the many other casino games, while chess.com is a great place to learn the game and test your skills in online tournaments.

Cooking and Dining on the Go

So that’s your brain taken care of; now to bring a few improvements to your camper van kitchen. Okay, so “kitchen” might be stretching it a bit, but you can certainly whip up some delicious dishes with just a few bits of equipment.

Portable cooking gear is a must for van life: a portable grill or camp stove, a set of nesting pots and pans, and durable utensils and cutlery are the basics for any budding Thomas Keller on the go. If you can add in a few extras, like a cast-iron skillet or a mini rice cooker, you’ll be able to create even more culinary delights. Don’t forget to pack spices and condiments to add flavor… if you’ve ever tried cooking with just salt and pepper on the road, you’ll know it gets old pretty fast!

As tempting as it might be to indulge in fast food and takeaways, don’t neglect your health on the road. Keep a fresh stock of fruits and veg, whole grains, and lean proteins, and remember to stay hydrated, especially during those long drives. Portable water purifiers are easy to set up and, unlike water filters, they remove viruses along with bacteria.

While dining al fresco is pretty much a given when staying in a van, you can still make something fun out of the process. A patio table and chairs set up outside your van create a proper dining area, while a simple picnic blanket makes for an inviting spot for impromptu meals in scenic locations. We also recommend installing a foldable table inside your van for those occasions when the weather won’t cooperate.

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