A camper van is a small recreational vehicle or RV that is typically based on a van chassis and is designed for camping and travel. It includes sleeping accommodations, a kitchen, and basic living amenities.
Owning a camper van also comes with ongoing costs such as maintenance and repairs, insurance, and storage. Browse reliable online resources to obtain a detailed idea of campervan insurance before starting on your dream camper van vacation. A good plan should cover medical costs in case of accidents, roadside assistance in case of breakdown, as well as a comprehensive collision and liability coverage.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of a camper van vacation.
- Cost-Effective Option
A camper van can be a cost-effective option for a vacation home, as it combines the benefits of having a home on wheels with the ability to travel to different locations.
Owning a camper van eliminates the need to pay for lodging each time you take a trip, as the van serves as both transportation and accommodation. This can save on vacation costs, as resorts in more popular tourist destinations can be expensive.
Traveling in a camper van is generally more economical compared to flying, especially for longer trips or for a group of people. Also, as you own a campervan, you can cook your meals and avoid eating out, which can save money on food expenses.
A new camper van can cost you anything between $ 110,000 and $ 200,000. However, you can purchase used vans for $ 25,000 also. It’s important to note that a campervan can be a significant financial investment, but the return on that investment can come from the savings on lodging, transportation, and flexibility to travel in different remote locations.
- More Personal Space
A camper van allows for more privacy and personal space than staying in a hotel or resort.
One of the biggest advantages of a camper van over a resort is the ability to travel to remote or lesser-known destinations.
You can provide a fully customized experience to your loved ones by choosing to take them through scenic routes and helping them discover new sights and sounds.
Currently, the United States has the largest number of dogs as pets, according to worldpopulation.com. There are more than 76 million pet dogs to be precise. Most Americans traveling with their pets prefer opting for a road trip. A Camper Van can give your dog plenty of stops to run around if they get anxious.
- Flexible Options
A resort requires booking a room for a fixed period, and a camper van allows for more flexibility in terms of travel itinerary and duration. And sometimes it is difficult to make plans in advance.
If traveling with elderly people or persons with special needs, you may need to make multiple stops while driving in a normal car. This may delay you while driving for long distances and create stress. In the case of a camper van, you can choose to dine under the stars or take a longer break if needed.
You can cook your meals and have more control over your meal choice, which can be beneficial for people who have dietary restrictions.
- Vibrant Community
“Van life” is a lifestyle and subculture that has gained popularity in recent years, characterized by living and traveling in a converted camper van or other types of van. When you start traveling in your camper van, you will meet more like-minded individuals and families who are experimenting with “van-dwelling” as a way of life.
According to the latest estimates by Ibis World Research, there were around 93.8 million RV and camper van households in the USA in 2021. In such a large community, you are bound to find like-minded people who match your wavelength
Enthusiasts of this lifestyle, often referred to as “vanlifers,” prioritize mobility, self-sufficiency, and a simpler way of life. They often travel to different locations, either for short-term trips or for extended periods, and often document their experiences on social media. They may also adopt a minimalist or off-grid lifestyle, which can include utilizing public lands, boondocking, or stealth camping.
- More Authentic Travel Experience
When traveling by plane, the journey itself is often reduced to a short flight, and you can miss out on the scenic routes and local experiences that can make a trip truly memorable.
You are generally limited to the destinations that are serviced by airports and the flight schedules available.
Traveling in a camper van allows you to experience the journey as well as the destination. You can travel to a much wider range of destinations, and you have the freedom to change your plans at any time. A camper van allows you to see the sights and sounds of the areas you are passing through and to make unplanned stops at interesting places along the way.
Traveling by campervan also has its challenges, such as finding places to park and camp, dealing with changing weather conditions, and the difficulties of living in a confined space. But for many vanlifers, the benefits of traveling by campervan far outweigh any challenges they may encounter. And it’s a lifestyle choice that one should weigh up before making a decision.
While it may not be the best choice for everyone, owning a camper van can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and it allows you to disconnect from the fast-paced lifestyle of modern society and reconnect with nature and the simple things in life. It’s a lifestyle choice that many people have found to be fulfilling and enjoyable.
