13 Tips to Stay Cool in Your Camper Van (Without Air Conditioning)

One of my least favorite parts of van life is being too hot in my van while sleeping, working, or worrying about leaving my dogs in the van while I run errands.

I don’t have a roof top AC unit, which means I’ve had to find other solutions to keep cool during the scorching summer months by doing a combination of things like using window covers, cooking outside, running my fans, and planning my travels carefully.

If you’re like me without air conditioning in your van, these 13 tips will give you some ideas on how to cool off in your van on even the hottest summer days.

1. Visit coastal or high-elevation areas

Although you may have always wanted to visit Arizona, the heart of summer is probably not the best time. When you have the choice, visit cooler regions along the ocean or at high elevations during the summer.

I intentionally plan my route each summer to avoid burning hot climates. I’ve learned through trial and error that my best bet for summer travel is to head high elevation mountainous areas or stick along the coast. You won’t catch me anywhere near the desert or especially hot and humid areas from late May to early September.

Even if you cannot travel to the mountains or the ocean, camping near a body of weather like a lake or river can have a similar cooling effect on the area. You can also get out on the water on a paddleboard, tube, or kayak.

Pay close attention to weather alerts for areas you plan to visit and avoid places with high heat warnings or advisories. I recommend staying flexible during the summer and adjusting your travel plans before finding yourself in an unpleasant situation.

2. Park strategically

One simple thing I do to stay cool in my van is to park in areas with shade coverage whenever possible. Parking my van in the shade can help reduce the interior temperature by 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sometimes I have to park in direct sunlight if I need solar power from panels on top of my van. In this case, I try to position my van strategically when I park so the slider door faces away from the sun. 

When possible, camp on gravel or dirt in the hot summer months versus paved spots at campgrounds or parking lots. Concrete and asphalt absorb heat, meaning you will likely be warmer inside your van.

3. Insulate your van

Insulation doesn’t just keep your van warm in the cooler months – it also keeps your van cool in the hotter months! Of course, you probably insulated your van during the building stage (or purchased your van with insulation from a professional conversion company). You may have 3M Thinsulate (like my Sprinter van) or wool – both are popular and effective materials to insulate vans. 

You can insulate your van further with blackout curtains, shades, or reflective window covers. These can reflect the sun and keep the inside cool. Several companies design velcro, snap, magnetic, or stick-on suction window covers for each window of your van, or if you’re crafty, you can make them yourself.

I have insulating window shades from Outside Van to put over the front, driver, and passenger windows, as well as the windows in my living space. As soon as I park at my campsite for the night, I hang up the window covers in the cab area for additional insulation. I also like them because they provide privacy at my campsite in the evenings and keep out the bright morning sun.

4. Use fans

Invest in some quality fans to improve airflow and circulation in your van. These allow cool air to flow into your van while sucking out the hot air.

On the roof of your van, you can install a 12-volt fan that requires a small amount of power (like MaxxAir or Fan-tastic Fan).

Since I don’t have an AC unit in my van, I rely on my two MaxxAir fans for airflow. I have one near the slider door above the galley and the other above the bed, and I can’t believe how big of a difference they make in cooling down my van and maintaining a comfortable temperature.

A cheaper alternative is portable fans, which provide more direct airflow within your van. Even small, battery-powered fans can make a substantial difference next to a cracked window. If you are visiting a dry area, dip a thin cloth in water and drape it over the fan to create a DIY “air conditioner”!

With two fans, you can cool your space even more efficiently and set one fan to pull air in while the other pushes air out. You can also crack open a window to increase the circulation and cooling (as explained in the tip below). 

5. Open windows and doors

You can enjoy the sounds of nature and create cross ventilation in your van by leaving doors and windows open. This works well if your windows have screens to prevent insects from getting inside.

On Sprinter vans, the factory windows do not open or vent. Outside Van replaced the front side factory windows in my Sprinter van conversion with CR Laurence Windows.

These windows can pop open to help keep my space cool on hot days. I also have small slider windows on both sides of the bed that vent.

You can purchase bug screens to leave your slider and back doors open without fretting about insects flying in your van. Although you may think opening these doors won’t make much of a difference on a hot day, they can provide much better airflow when your van is stationary.

6. Stay hydrated

If I’m feeling hot in my van, I reach for my water bottle and continue to hydrate throughout the day. When possible, I’ll add ice or chill my water bottle in the fridge before drinking it.

This can help your body cool down while ensuring you don’t experience dehydration. At night, keep your water bottle within reach of your bed so you can continue to take sips as needed.

7. Get out of your van

Avoid spending time in your van during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be inside your van, don’t hang out longer than necessary.

Go outside in the shade. When I’m camping near a water source, I’ll spend the hottest part of the day in the water.

I also consider visiting a public place like a library, coffee shop, or restaurant on days it’s too hot to be outside. If you have a dog (like me) or another pet, find a pet-friendly place to bring them along, too.

8. Dress comfortably

You can also keep cool by wearing light and breathable clothing. On hot days, ditch the suffocating cotton shirts and reach for clothes made with polyester, spandex, or other sweat-wicking material. 

I also like to put my hair up to get it off my neck on hot days. I avoid wearing socks and walk around barefoot inside my van to keep my feet from getting too sweaty.

9. Use an awning

When conditions allow, I use an awning or shade structure to get more shade near my van. This also provides a cooler outside space where I can set up a chair to relax with a cold drink or work remotely without sweating.

If you don’t have an awning for your van, consider investing in one that can withstand repeated use. They attach to your roof rack or the side of your van, typically over the side with the sliding door. Remember not to use it if it’s too windy outside as they can snap and break easily.

The Moonshade awning is a great portable option that you can use at festivals and sunny campsites. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to set up. You can read more about it in my Moonshade awning review.

10. Take a cool shower or go for a swim

If your van has an interior shower or exterior spray station, consider taking a cold shower to cool down your body. Even if I don’t want to take a complete shower, getting my hair wet before going to bed on a hot night can help me feel cool enough to fall asleep.

You can also use public showers or jump in a natural body of water to cool down. These are convenient when you have the option because they allow you to conserve water in your van.

11. Adjust your sleeping conditions

You can make some simple changes to your bed to make it feel cooler for sleeping. One idea is to purchase breathable bedding or a portable fan to point directly at you while you sleep.

Most recently Ryan and I got rid of our top sheet to reduce the amount of covers we sleep under in our van.

You can also get a cooling gel-infused pad for the top of your mattress to help your body stay cool at night.

12. Cook outside

Using your induction or propane stove inside your van on a hot day emits more heat into your living area. If possible, cook outside with a portable camp stove.

Don’t feel like cooking? Depending on your proximity to town, a hot day might be a good excuse to grab a meal at a local restaurant with air-conditioning.

13. Install an air conditioner

If you’ve tried these tips and still feel unbearably hot in your van, consider installing an air conditioning unit. A 12-volt AC unit cools your space even when the van isn’t running. The trade-off is that it requires a substantial amount of money and power.

If you install an AC unit, you must also invest in a generator, a robust power system, or stick around campsites with shore power. You won’t be able to run the air conditioner nonstop, but you can run it for a few hours to cool down your space to a pleasant temperature.

While I didn’t install an AC unit in my latest Sprinter Van, if I were going to build out another camper, I’d definitely consider it, especially now that my son needs to nap in the middle of the day. An AC is also nice if you have pets and want to do activities that they can’t always join you on.

A portable AC option is the Zero Breeze Mark 2 AC, a portable air conditioner designed for compact spaces. It runs for 3-5 hours on a single charge or can be used with a 24-volt battery supply.

Compared to other air conditioners, the Zero Breeze Mark 2 uses only one-fifth of the power (240 watts). It can drop the temperature by 30 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes. It does need to be vented to the outside of your van, but it doesn’t require permanent installation like a rooftop AC. I got to try it at the Overland Expo, and I was impressed with how effective it was.

Frequently Asked Questions

Save this post to Pinterest

How do you stay cool in your van? Add your best tip to beat the heat in the comments below.

The post 13 Tips to Stay Cool in Your Camper Van (Without Air Conditioning) appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

13 Tips to Stay Cool in Your Camper Van (Without Air Conditioning)

One of my least favorite parts of van life is being too hot in my van while sleeping, working, or worrying about leaving my dogs in the van while I run errands.

I don’t have a roof top AC unit, which means I’ve had to find other solutions to keep cool during the scorching summer months by doing a combination of things like using window covers, cooking outside, running my fans, and planning my travels carefully.

If you’re like me without air conditioning in your van, these 13 tips will give you some ideas on how to cool off in your van on even the hottest summer days.

1. Visit coastal or high-elevation areas

Although you may have always wanted to visit Arizona, the heart of summer is probably not the best time. When you have the choice, visit cooler regions along the ocean or at high elevations during the summer.

I intentionally plan my route each summer to avoid burning hot climates. I’ve learned through trial and error that my best bet for summer travel is to head high elevation mountainous areas or stick along the coast. You won’t catch me anywhere near the desert or especially hot and humid areas from late May to early September.

Even if you cannot travel to the mountains or the ocean, camping near a body of weather like a lake or river can have a similar cooling effect on the area. You can also get out on the water on a paddleboard, tube, or kayak.

Pay close attention to weather alerts for areas you plan to visit and avoid places with high heat warnings or advisories. I recommend staying flexible during the summer and adjusting your travel plans before finding yourself in an unpleasant situation.

2. Park strategically

One simple thing I do to stay cool in my van is to park in areas with shade coverage whenever possible. Parking my van in the shade can help reduce the interior temperature by 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sometimes I have to park in direct sunlight if I need solar power from panels on top of my van. In this case, I try to position my van strategically when I park so the slider door faces away from the sun. 

When possible, camp on gravel or dirt in the hot summer months versus paved spots at campgrounds or parking lots. Concrete and asphalt absorb heat, meaning you will likely be warmer inside your van.

3. Insulate your van

Insulation doesn’t just keep your van warm in the cooler months – it also keeps your van cool in the hotter months! Of course, you probably insulated your van during the building stage (or purchased your van with insulation from a professional conversion company). You may have 3M Thinsulate (like my Sprinter van) or wool – both are popular and effective materials to insulate vans. 

You can insulate your van further with blackout curtains, shades, or reflective window covers. These can reflect the sun and keep the inside cool. Several companies design velcro, snap, magnetic, or stick-on suction window covers for each window of your van, or if you’re crafty, you can make them yourself.

I have insulating window shades from Outside Van to put over the front, driver, and passenger windows, as well as the windows in my living space. As soon as I park at my campsite for the night, I hang up the window covers in the cab area for additional insulation. I also like them because they provide privacy at my campsite in the evenings and keep out the bright morning sun.

4. Use fans

Invest in some quality fans to improve airflow and circulation in your van. These allow cool air to flow into your van while sucking out the hot air.

On the roof of your van, you can install a 12-volt fan that requires a small amount of power (like MaxxAir or Fan-tastic Fan).

Since I don’t have an AC unit in my van, I rely on my two MaxxAir fans for airflow. I have one near the slider door above the galley and the other above the bed, and I can’t believe how big of a difference they make in cooling down my van and maintaining a comfortable temperature.

A cheaper alternative is portable fans, which provide more direct airflow within your van. Even small, battery-powered fans can make a substantial difference next to a cracked window. If you are visiting a dry area, dip a thin cloth in water and drape it over the fan to create a DIY “air conditioner”!

With two fans, you can cool your space even more efficiently and set one fan to pull air in while the other pushes air out. You can also crack open a window to increase the circulation and cooling (as explained in the tip below). 

5. Open windows and doors

You can enjoy the sounds of nature and create cross ventilation in your van by leaving doors and windows open. This works well if your windows have screens to prevent insects from getting inside.

On Sprinter vans, the factory windows do not open or vent. Outside Van replaced the front side factory windows in my Sprinter van conversion with CR Laurence Windows.

These windows can pop open to help keep my space cool on hot days. I also have small slider windows on both sides of the bed that vent.

You can purchase bug screens to leave your slider and back doors open without fretting about insects flying in your van. Although you may think opening these doors won’t make much of a difference on a hot day, they can provide much better airflow when your van is stationary.

6. Stay hydrated

If I’m feeling hot in my van, I reach for my water bottle and continue to hydrate throughout the day. When possible, I’ll add ice or chill my water bottle in the fridge before drinking it.

This can help your body cool down while ensuring you don’t experience dehydration. At night, keep your water bottle within reach of your bed so you can continue to take sips as needed.

7. Get out of your van

Avoid spending time in your van during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be inside your van, don’t hang out longer than necessary.

Go outside in the shade. When I’m camping near a water source, I’ll spend the hottest part of the day in the water.

I also consider visiting a public place like a library, coffee shop, or restaurant on days it’s too hot to be outside. If you have a dog (like me) or another pet, find a pet-friendly place to bring them along, too.

8. Dress comfortably

You can also keep cool by wearing light and breathable clothing. On hot days, ditch the suffocating cotton shirts and reach for clothes made with polyester, spandex, or other sweat-wicking material. 

I also like to put my hair up to get it off my neck on hot days. I avoid wearing socks and walk around barefoot inside my van to keep my feet from getting too sweaty.

9. Use an awning

When conditions allow, I use an awning or shade structure to get more shade near my van. This also provides a cooler outside space where I can set up a chair to relax with a cold drink or work remotely without sweating.

If you don’t have an awning for your van, consider investing in one that can withstand repeated use. They attach to your roof rack or the side of your van, typically over the side with the sliding door. Remember not to use it if it’s too windy outside as they can snap and break easily.

The Moonshade awning is a great portable option that you can use at festivals and sunny campsites. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to set up. You can read more about it in my Moonshade awning review.

10. Take a cool shower or go for a swim

If your van has an interior shower or exterior spray station, consider taking a cold shower to cool down your body. Even if I don’t want to take a complete shower, getting my hair wet before going to bed on a hot night can help me feel cool enough to fall asleep.

You can also use public showers or jump in a natural body of water to cool down. These are convenient when you have the option because they allow you to conserve water in your van.

11. Adjust your sleeping conditions

You can make some simple changes to your bed to make it feel cooler for sleeping. One idea is to purchase breathable bedding or a portable fan to point directly at you while you sleep.

Most recently Ryan and I got rid of our top sheet to reduce the amount of covers we sleep under in our van.

You can also get a cooling gel-infused pad for the top of your mattress to help your body stay cool at night.

12. Cook outside

Using your induction or propane stove inside your van on a hot day emits more heat into your living area. If possible, cook outside with a portable camp stove.

Don’t feel like cooking? Depending on your proximity to town, a hot day might be a good excuse to grab a meal at a local restaurant with air-conditioning.

13. Install an air conditioner

If you’ve tried these tips and still feel unbearably hot in your van, consider installing an air conditioning unit. A 12-volt AC unit cools your space even when the van isn’t running. The trade-off is that it requires a substantial amount of money and power.

If you install an AC unit, you must also invest in a generator, a robust power system, or stick around campsites with shore power. You won’t be able to run the air conditioner nonstop, but you can run it for a few hours to cool down your space to a pleasant temperature.

While I didn’t install an AC unit in my latest Sprinter Van, if I were going to build out another camper, I’d definitely consider it, especially now that my son needs to nap in the middle of the day. An AC is also nice if you have pets and want to do activities that they can’t always join you on.

A portable AC option is the Zero Breeze Mark 2 AC, a portable air conditioner designed for compact spaces. It runs for 3-5 hours on a single charge or can be used with a 24-volt battery supply.

Compared to other air conditioners, the Zero Breeze Mark 2 uses only one-fifth of the power (240 watts). It can drop the temperature by 30 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes. It does need to be vented to the outside of your van, but it doesn’t require permanent installation like a rooftop AC. I got to try it at the Overland Expo, and I was impressed with how effective it was.

Frequently Asked Questions

Save this post to Pinterest

How do you stay cool in your van? Add your best tip to beat the heat in the comments below.

The post 13 Tips to Stay Cool in Your Camper Van (Without Air Conditioning) appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

13 Tips to Stay Cool in Your Camper Van (Without Air Conditioning)

One of my least favorite parts of van life is being too hot in my van while sleeping, working, or worrying about leaving my dogs in the van while I run errands.

I don’t have a roof top AC unit, which means I’ve had to find other solutions to keep cool during the scorching summer months by doing a combination of things like using window covers, cooking outside, running my fans, and planning my travels carefully.

If you’re like me without air conditioning in your van, these 13 tips will give you some ideas on how to cool off in your van on even the hottest summer days.

1. Visit coastal or high-elevation areas

Although you may have always wanted to visit Arizona, the heart of summer is probably not the best time. When you have the choice, visit cooler regions along the ocean or at high elevations during the summer.

I intentionally plan my route each summer to avoid burning hot climates. I’ve learned through trial and error that my best bet for summer travel is to head high elevation mountainous areas or stick along the coast. You won’t catch me anywhere near the desert or especially hot and humid areas from late May to early September.

Even if you cannot travel to the mountains or the ocean, camping near a body of weather like a lake or river can have a similar cooling effect on the area. You can also get out on the water on a paddleboard, tube, or kayak.

Pay close attention to weather alerts for areas you plan to visit and avoid places with high heat warnings or advisories. I recommend staying flexible during the summer and adjusting your travel plans before finding yourself in an unpleasant situation.

2. Park strategically

One simple thing I do to stay cool in my van is to park in areas with shade coverage whenever possible. Parking my van in the shade can help reduce the interior temperature by 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sometimes I have to park in direct sunlight if I need solar power from panels on top of my van. In this case, I try to position my van strategically when I park so the slider door faces away from the sun. 

When possible, camp on gravel or dirt in the hot summer months versus paved spots at campgrounds or parking lots. Concrete and asphalt absorb heat, meaning you will likely be warmer inside your van.

3. Insulate your van

Insulation doesn’t just keep your van warm in the cooler months – it also keeps your van cool in the hotter months! Of course, you probably insulated your van during the building stage (or purchased your van with insulation from a professional conversion company). You may have 3M Thinsulate (like my Sprinter van) or wool – both are popular and effective materials to insulate vans. 

You can insulate your van further with blackout curtains, shades, or reflective window covers. These can reflect the sun and keep the inside cool. Several companies design velcro, snap, magnetic, or stick-on suction window covers for each window of your van, or if you’re crafty, you can make them yourself.

I have insulating window shades from Outside Van to put over the front, driver, and passenger windows, as well as the windows in my living space. As soon as I park at my campsite for the night, I hang up the window covers in the cab area for additional insulation. I also like them because they provide privacy at my campsite in the evenings and keep out the bright morning sun.

4. Use fans

Invest in some quality fans to improve airflow and circulation in your van. These allow cool air to flow into your van while sucking out the hot air.

On the roof of your van, you can install a 12-volt fan that requires a small amount of power (like MaxxAir or Fan-tastic Fan).

Since I don’t have an AC unit in my van, I rely on my two MaxxAir fans for airflow. I have one near the slider door above the galley and the other above the bed, and I can’t believe how big of a difference they make in cooling down my van and maintaining a comfortable temperature.

A cheaper alternative is portable fans, which provide more direct airflow within your van. Even small, battery-powered fans can make a substantial difference next to a cracked window. If you are visiting a dry area, dip a thin cloth in water and drape it over the fan to create a DIY “air conditioner”!

With two fans, you can cool your space even more efficiently and set one fan to pull air in while the other pushes air out. You can also crack open a window to increase the circulation and cooling (as explained in the tip below). 

5. Open windows and doors

You can enjoy the sounds of nature and create cross ventilation in your van by leaving doors and windows open. This works well if your windows have screens to prevent insects from getting inside.

On Sprinter vans, the factory windows do not open or vent. Outside Van replaced the front side factory windows in my Sprinter van conversion with CR Laurence Windows.

These windows can pop open to help keep my space cool on hot days. I also have small slider windows on both sides of the bed that vent.

You can purchase bug screens to leave your slider and back doors open without fretting about insects flying in your van. Although you may think opening these doors won’t make much of a difference on a hot day, they can provide much better airflow when your van is stationary.

6. Stay hydrated

If I’m feeling hot in my van, I reach for my water bottle and continue to hydrate throughout the day. When possible, I’ll add ice or chill my water bottle in the fridge before drinking it.

This can help your body cool down while ensuring you don’t experience dehydration. At night, keep your water bottle within reach of your bed so you can continue to take sips as needed.

7. Get out of your van

Avoid spending time in your van during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be inside your van, don’t hang out longer than necessary.

Go outside in the shade. When I’m camping near a water source, I’ll spend the hottest part of the day in the water.

I also consider visiting a public place like a library, coffee shop, or restaurant on days it’s too hot to be outside. If you have a dog (like me) or another pet, find a pet-friendly place to bring them along, too.

8. Dress comfortably

You can also keep cool by wearing light and breathable clothing. On hot days, ditch the suffocating cotton shirts and reach for clothes made with polyester, spandex, or other sweat-wicking material. 

I also like to put my hair up to get it off my neck on hot days. I avoid wearing socks and walk around barefoot inside my van to keep my feet from getting too sweaty.

9. Use an awning

When conditions allow, I use an awning or shade structure to get more shade near my van. This also provides a cooler outside space where I can set up a chair to relax with a cold drink or work remotely without sweating.

If you don’t have an awning for your van, consider investing in one that can withstand repeated use. They attach to your roof rack or the side of your van, typically over the side with the sliding door. Remember not to use it if it’s too windy outside as they can snap and break easily.

The Moonshade awning is a great portable option that you can use at festivals and sunny campsites. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to set up. You can read more about it in my Moonshade awning review.

10. Take a cool shower or go for a swim

If your van has an interior shower or exterior spray station, consider taking a cold shower to cool down your body. Even if I don’t want to take a complete shower, getting my hair wet before going to bed on a hot night can help me feel cool enough to fall asleep.

You can also use public showers or jump in a natural body of water to cool down. These are convenient when you have the option because they allow you to conserve water in your van.

11. Adjust your sleeping conditions

You can make some simple changes to your bed to make it feel cooler for sleeping. One idea is to purchase breathable bedding or a portable fan to point directly at you while you sleep.

Most recently Ryan and I got rid of our top sheet to reduce the amount of covers we sleep under in our van.

You can also get a cooling gel-infused pad for the top of your mattress to help your body stay cool at night.

12. Cook outside

Using your induction or propane stove inside your van on a hot day emits more heat into your living area. If possible, cook outside with a portable camp stove.

Don’t feel like cooking? Depending on your proximity to town, a hot day might be a good excuse to grab a meal at a local restaurant with air-conditioning.

13. Install an air conditioner

If you’ve tried these tips and still feel unbearably hot in your van, consider installing an air conditioning unit. A 12-volt AC unit cools your space even when the van isn’t running. The trade-off is that it requires a substantial amount of money and power.

If you install an AC unit, you must also invest in a generator, a robust power system, or stick around campsites with shore power. You won’t be able to run the air conditioner nonstop, but you can run it for a few hours to cool down your space to a pleasant temperature.

While I didn’t install an AC unit in my latest Sprinter Van, if I were going to build out another camper, I’d definitely consider it, especially now that my son needs to nap in the middle of the day. An AC is also nice if you have pets and want to do activities that they can’t always join you on.

A portable AC option is the Zero Breeze Mark 2 AC, a portable air conditioner designed for compact spaces. It runs for 3-5 hours on a single charge or can be used with a 24-volt battery supply.

Compared to other air conditioners, the Zero Breeze Mark 2 uses only one-fifth of the power (240 watts). It can drop the temperature by 30 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes. It does need to be vented to the outside of your van, but it doesn’t require permanent installation like a rooftop AC. I got to try it at the Overland Expo, and I was impressed with how effective it was.

Frequently Asked Questions

Save this post to Pinterest

How do you stay cool in your van? Add your best tip to beat the heat in the comments below.

The post 13 Tips to Stay Cool in Your Camper Van (Without Air Conditioning) appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

10 Reasons to Embrace Slow Travel During Your Van Life Journey

When I got my first Sprinter van in 2016, I remember feeling excited about the freedom of the open road. I couldn’t wait to finally go and explore all the mountain towns, beaches, and desert canyons I had on my bucket list.

After the first six months, I realized that quickly bouncing from one place to the next led to my days feeling jam-packed and rushed. Between checking out all the spots in the place I was currently in and trying to plan for my next destination, I rarely had time to slow down, relax, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.

Since I’ve lived in three different Sprinter vans and a truck camper on and off for the past 8 years, I’ve learned to embrace the benefits of slow travel during van life. These days, now that Ryan and I are traveling in our Rossmonster truck camper, we usually find a place we like and stay for a few weeks, and that ability is one of the biggest benefits of full-time van life.

Going too fast is one of the most common mistakes new van lifers make. I hear stories of van lifers trying to visit every National Park in one year or driving from Florida to Washington and back in a matter of weeks. I’m here to encourage you to rethink your plans and show you why slow travel as a van lifer will help you experience more.

In this blog post, I break down the benefits of slow travel during your van life journey.

1. Less Stressful

In my first 3 months on the road way back in 2016, I visited 6 big states out West. It was exhausting. Every second that I wasn’t out exploring and checking things off my to do list, I was sitting on my phone trying to figure out where I was going to camp and go next. I also spent a ton of time packing and unpacking the van and driving rather than relaxing and enjoying where I was at. I was always thinking about the future, rather than appreciating the present moment.

It left me physically and mentally exhausted, which undoubtedly leads to the one thing most van lifers want to avoid… burnout.  

Over the years, I learned to ditch the fast travel mindset. Rather than trying to visit so many places and experiencing them at a surface level, I pick 1 or 2 and plan to stay a while. This way there is less stress around planning because there is less planning overall.

A slow travel mindset allows me to be present and make decisions based on how I feel, giving me the freedom to shift my plans to accommodate my (and my family member’s) mood and energy levels. 

Also for everything you can predict while traveling, there are completely unpredictable predicaments that can be really stressful if you’re traveling on a rigid schedule. Having the extra time in a place allows me to deal with them without ruining my entire trip.

2. More Time for Serendipity

One of my favorite things about traveling slow in my van is it leaves room for more magic. Van life presents me with new and unexpected experiences but, for those to happen, I need to be open to them. 

One time, Ryan and I were up in northern Idaho biking the Hiawatha Trail. At the beginning of the first tunnel, we met this super nice group of people. I forgot my gloves in the van, and with the rainy weather, my hands were freezing. One of the guys in the group graciously offered to let me use his gloves, and we ended up biking the entire trail together.

Once we were done biking, they invited us to come camp with them for the night. We followed them down some beautiful forest service roads along the Saint Joe River that we would have never discovered otherwise. We had a great night and even joined them for lunch at a brewery the next day.

Slow travel allows me to say yes more often when fun opportunities like this come my way.

3. Deeper Connections with People

When I look back at my van life memories, the best stories are usually the ones that involve other people. Perhaps the best part of slow travel is the way it enables me to forge real and long-lasting connections with people along the way. 

A couple years ago, Ryan and I were hiking in Telluride when we met a local guy named Mike on the trail. We got to talking, and we told him how we were doing van life and planned to camp in the area for a couple weeks.

Next thing we know, we were making plans to go on a hike up to Columbine Lake in Silverton. He offered to pick us (and our two dogs) up in his FJ cruiser so we wouldn’t have to worry about moving the van. He drove us over Ophir Pass, which we unsuccessfully tried to drive once before in our van, and we felt lucky to enjoy the ride and scenery along the way.

We ended up meeting up for another hike and even went out for dinner once or twice. He shared all kinds of tips for exploring Telluride that we wouldn’t have found online, and you better bet that we will be reaching out to him next time we’re in town.

This is just one example how traveling slowly makes it easier to talk to strangers and ask them about all of the things that make their home so special.

4. Immersion into the Food Culture  

When I’m in a rush, it can be easy to trade authenticity for convenience and eat whatever I have on hand in the van or quickly grab some food to go.

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to experience new places through my tastebuds. Ryan and I follow a plant-based diet, and we love trying out all of the locally owned, vegan-friendly spots.

Slow travel allows us the opportunity to do so, and sometimes we love a restaurant so much, we become temporary “regulars.” We also like to make friends with the servers and bartenders, who often provide suggestions for off-the-beaten path things to do.

5. Support Locals & Integrate into the Community

While we love eating out and that’s one way to support the locals, it’s not sustainable to do so every single day. As a slow traveling van lifer, however, there are other opportunities to integrate into and support the local community.

If you’re rushing through, you’ll likely miss local events like farmer’s markets, summer outdoor music series, and other fun happenings. While traveling at a slower pace though, you can stick around for something that’s happening next week without feeling pressure to move on to the next place.

6. Spend Less & Save Money

Traveling constantly isn’t cheap. When I’m on the move, the price of gas really racks up, adding wear and tear to my van with each mile.

Slow travel allows me to save money while living in my van. If I find an awesome free campsite, I can stay for a week or two and not spend a dime on camping! And the more you get to know a place, you learn little tricks that save money like where to fill up your water for free or where you can score an unlimited hot shower for a few bucks.

7. See and Experience More

When I first started van life, I underestimated how much of my day would be consumed by driving from one place to the next. Add in the time it takes me to pack up the van every morning, and there went my whole day! For many van lifers, spending long hours on the interstate feels like a normal part of the lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Now that I’ve embraced slower travel in my van, I visit fewer locations, but I now have the time to explore just about anything that piques my interest. A few years back we got an amazing campsite in Olympic National Park that was right on the ocean. Because we had nowhere to be, we maxed out our 14-day stay.

Our daily routine consisted of long walks on the beach with our dogs and watching the whales spouting offshore and otters playing in the waves. We really got to know this section of coastline and its nooks and crannies.

8. Less Environmental Impact 

It doesn’t matter how you cut it – fast travel consumes more resources. The faster you move, the more fuel you burn through. While at this point in time, it’s impossible to avoid using fossil fuels in your van, moving slower saves gas (and money).

Also by spending more time in an area, you can learn how to utilize other modes of transportation. I can walk or bike around a town and see what I find along the way or utilize local shuttles to get around.

9. Avoid Overcrowding 

Having more time in a place allows me to be more flexible when it comes to visiting popular attractions, making it easier to avoid them when they’re at their busiest. 

A few years ago, we spent the entire months of August and September in Colorado. Staying there so long allowed us to visit the busiest places, like Rocky Mountain National Park, after Labor Day weekend was over.

Overcrowding has become a huge problem in many destinations, especially in the National Park system (if you plan to visit several of these in your van, check out my tips for visiting overcrowded National Parks).

By visiting popular places during less busy times, I’m not only ensuring that I’ll have a more enjoyable experience, but I’m also doing my part in making the crowds more manageable for the staff and the experience more enjoyable for other guests. This also mitigates some of the ecological strain that huge crowds can create. 

10. Revisit Places

One of the most important aspects of the slow travel mindset is operating under the assumption that, wherever I am, I’ll be coming back.

With this mindset, it’s ok to not to cram it all in during a single quick trip. In fact, I realize I probably shouldn’t do it all so I save a few things to do for next time. 

Experiencing the same place during different seasons, with different people, as a different version of myself, or even in a different vehicle provides a completely different experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Save this post to Pinterest

I’d love to hear about your slow travel experiences or answer any questions you may have about it. Leave me a comment below!

This article was originally written by Jono Melamed and was rewritten by me in 2024.

The post 10 Reasons to Embrace Slow Travel During Your Van Life Journey appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

10 Reasons to Embrace Slow Travel During Your Van Life Journey

When I got my first Sprinter van in 2016, I remember feeling excited about the freedom of the open road. I couldn’t wait to finally go and explore all the mountain towns, beaches, and desert canyons I had on my bucket list.

After the first six months, I realized that quickly bouncing from one place to the next led to my days feeling jam-packed and rushed. Between checking out all the spots in the place I was currently in and trying to plan for my next destination, I rarely had time to slow down, relax, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.

Since I’ve lived in three different Sprinter vans and a truck camper on and off for the past 8 years, I’ve learned to embrace the benefits of slow travel during van life. These days, now that Ryan and I are traveling in our Rossmonster truck camper, we usually find a place we like and stay for a few weeks, and that ability is one of the biggest benefits of full-time van life.

Going too fast is one of the most common mistakes new van lifers make. I hear stories of van lifers trying to visit every National Park in one year or driving from Florida to Washington and back in a matter of weeks. I’m here to encourage you to rethink your plans and show you why slow travel as a van lifer will help you experience more.

In this blog post, I break down the benefits of slow travel during your van life journey.

1. Less Stressful

In my first 3 months on the road way back in 2016, I visited 6 big states out West. It was exhausting. Every second that I wasn’t out exploring and checking things off my to do list, I was sitting on my phone trying to figure out where I was going to camp and go next. I also spent a ton of time packing and unpacking the van and driving rather than relaxing and enjoying where I was at. I was always thinking about the future, rather than appreciating the present moment.

It left me physically and mentally exhausted, which undoubtedly leads to the one thing most van lifers want to avoid… burnout.  

Over the years, I learned to ditch the fast travel mindset. Rather than trying to visit so many places and experiencing them at a surface level, I pick 1 or 2 and plan to stay a while. This way there is less stress around planning because there is less planning overall.

A slow travel mindset allows me to be present and make decisions based on how I feel, giving me the freedom to shift my plans to accommodate my (and my family member’s) mood and energy levels. 

Also for everything you can predict while traveling, there are completely unpredictable predicaments that can be really stressful if you’re traveling on a rigid schedule. Having the extra time in a place allows me to deal with them without ruining my entire trip.

2. More Time for Serendipity

One of my favorite things about traveling slow in my van is it leaves room for more magic. Van life presents me with new and unexpected experiences but, for those to happen, I need to be open to them. 

One time, Ryan and I were up in northern Idaho biking the Hiawatha Trail. At the beginning of the first tunnel, we met this super nice group of people. I forgot my gloves in the van, and with the rainy weather, my hands were freezing. One of the guys in the group graciously offered to let me use his gloves, and we ended up biking the entire trail together.

Once we were done biking, they invited us to come camp with them for the night. We followed them down some beautiful forest service roads along the Saint Joe River that we would have never discovered otherwise. We had a great night and even joined them for lunch at a brewery the next day.

Slow travel allows me to say yes more often when fun opportunities like this come my way.

3. Deeper Connections with People

When I look back at my van life memories, the best stories are usually the ones that involve other people. Perhaps the best part of slow travel is the way it enables me to forge real and long-lasting connections with people along the way. 

A couple years ago, Ryan and I were hiking in Telluride when we met a local guy named Mike on the trail. We got to talking, and we told him how we were doing van life and planned to camp in the area for a couple weeks.

Next thing we know, we were making plans to go on a hike up to Columbine Lake in Silverton. He offered to pick us (and our two dogs) up in his FJ cruiser so we wouldn’t have to worry about moving the van. He drove us over Ophir Pass, which we unsuccessfully tried to drive once before in our van, and we felt lucky to enjoy the ride and scenery along the way.

We ended up meeting up for another hike and even went out for dinner once or twice. He shared all kinds of tips for exploring Telluride that we wouldn’t have found online, and you better bet that we will be reaching out to him next time we’re in town.

This is just one example how traveling slowly makes it easier to talk to strangers and ask them about all of the things that make their home so special.

4. Immersion into the Food Culture  

When I’m in a rush, it can be easy to trade authenticity for convenience and eat whatever I have on hand in the van or quickly grab some food to go.

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to experience new places through my tastebuds. Ryan and I follow a plant-based diet, and we love trying out all of the locally owned, vegan-friendly spots.

Slow travel allows us the opportunity to do so, and sometimes we love a restaurant so much, we become temporary “regulars.” We also like to make friends with the servers and bartenders, who often provide suggestions for off-the-beaten path things to do.

5. Support Locals & Integrate into the Community

While we love eating out and that’s one way to support the locals, it’s not sustainable to do so every single day. As a slow traveling van lifer, however, there are other opportunities to integrate into and support the local community.

If you’re rushing through, you’ll likely miss local events like farmer’s markets, summer outdoor music series, and other fun happenings. While traveling at a slower pace though, you can stick around for something that’s happening next week without feeling pressure to move on to the next place.

6. Spend Less & Save Money

Traveling constantly isn’t cheap. When I’m on the move, the price of gas really racks up, adding wear and tear to my van with each mile.

Slow travel allows me to save money while living in my van. If I find an awesome free campsite, I can stay for a week or two and not spend a dime on camping! And the more you get to know a place, you learn little tricks that save money like where to fill up your water for free or where you can score an unlimited hot shower for a few bucks.

7. See and Experience More

When I first started van life, I underestimated how much of my day would be consumed by driving from one place to the next. Add in the time it takes me to pack up the van every morning, and there went my whole day! For many van lifers, spending long hours on the interstate feels like a normal part of the lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Now that I’ve embraced slower travel in my van, I visit fewer locations, but I now have the time to explore just about anything that piques my interest. A few years back we got an amazing campsite in Olympic National Park that was right on the ocean. Because we had nowhere to be, we maxed out our 14-day stay.

Our daily routine consisted of long walks on the beach with our dogs and watching the whales spouting offshore and otters playing in the waves. We really got to know this section of coastline and its nooks and crannies.

8. Less Environmental Impact 

It doesn’t matter how you cut it – fast travel consumes more resources. The faster you move, the more fuel you burn through. While at this point in time, it’s impossible to avoid using fossil fuels in your van, moving slower saves gas (and money).

Also by spending more time in an area, you can learn how to utilize other modes of transportation. I can walk or bike around a town and see what I find along the way or utilize local shuttles to get around.

9. Avoid Overcrowding 

Having more time in a place allows me to be more flexible when it comes to visiting popular attractions, making it easier to avoid them when they’re at their busiest. 

A few years ago, we spent the entire months of August and September in Colorado. Staying there so long allowed us to visit the busiest places, like Rocky Mountain National Park, after Labor Day weekend was over.

Overcrowding has become a huge problem in many destinations, especially in the National Park system (if you plan to visit several of these in your van, check out my tips for visiting overcrowded National Parks).

By visiting popular places during less busy times, I’m not only ensuring that I’ll have a more enjoyable experience, but I’m also doing my part in making the crowds more manageable for the staff and the experience more enjoyable for other guests. This also mitigates some of the ecological strain that huge crowds can create. 

10. Revisit Places

One of the most important aspects of the slow travel mindset is operating under the assumption that, wherever I am, I’ll be coming back.

With this mindset, it’s ok to not to cram it all in during a single quick trip. In fact, I realize I probably shouldn’t do it all so I save a few things to do for next time. 

Experiencing the same place during different seasons, with different people, as a different version of myself, or even in a different vehicle provides a completely different experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Save this post to Pinterest

I’d love to hear about your slow travel experiences or answer any questions you may have about it. Leave me a comment below!

This article was originally written by Jono Melamed and was rewritten by me in 2024.

The post 10 Reasons to Embrace Slow Travel During Your Van Life Journey appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

10 Reasons to Embrace Slow Travel During Your Van Life Journey

When I got my first Sprinter van in 2016, I remember feeling excited about the freedom of the open road. I couldn’t wait to finally go and explore all the mountain towns, beaches, and desert canyons I had on my bucket list.

After the first six months, I realized that quickly bouncing from one place to the next led to my days feeling jam-packed and rushed. Between checking out all the spots in the place I was currently in and trying to plan for my next destination, I rarely had time to slow down, relax, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.

Since I’ve lived in three different Sprinter vans and a truck camper on and off for the past 8 years, I’ve learned to embrace the benefits of slow travel during van life. These days, now that Ryan and I are traveling in our Rossmonster truck camper, we usually find a place we like and stay for a few weeks, and that ability is one of the biggest benefits of full-time van life.

Going too fast is one of the most common mistakes new van lifers make. I hear stories of van lifers trying to visit every National Park in one year or driving from Florida to Washington and back in a matter of weeks. I’m here to encourage you to rethink your plans and show you why slow travel as a van lifer will help you experience more.

In this blog post, I break down the benefits of slow travel during your van life journey.

1. Less Stressful

In my first 3 months on the road way back in 2016, I visited 6 big states out West. It was exhausting. Every second that I wasn’t out exploring and checking things off my to do list, I was sitting on my phone trying to figure out where I was going to camp and go next. I also spent a ton of time packing and unpacking the van and driving rather than relaxing and enjoying where I was at. I was always thinking about the future, rather than appreciating the present moment.

It left me physically and mentally exhausted, which undoubtedly leads to the one thing most van lifers want to avoid… burnout.  

Over the years, I learned to ditch the fast travel mindset. Rather than trying to visit so many places and experiencing them at a surface level, I pick 1 or 2 and plan to stay a while. This way there is less stress around planning because there is less planning overall.

A slow travel mindset allows me to be present and make decisions based on how I feel, giving me the freedom to shift my plans to accommodate my (and my family member’s) mood and energy levels. 

Also for everything you can predict while traveling, there are completely unpredictable predicaments that can be really stressful if you’re traveling on a rigid schedule. Having the extra time in a place allows me to deal with them without ruining my entire trip.

2. More Time for Serendipity

One of my favorite things about traveling slow in my van is it leaves room for more magic. Van life presents me with new and unexpected experiences but, for those to happen, I need to be open to them. 

One time, Ryan and I were up in northern Idaho biking the Hiawatha Trail. At the beginning of the first tunnel, we met this super nice group of people. I forgot my gloves in the van, and with the rainy weather, my hands were freezing. One of the guys in the group graciously offered to let me use his gloves, and we ended up biking the entire trail together.

Once we were done biking, they invited us to come camp with them for the night. We followed them down some beautiful forest service roads along the Saint Joe River that we would have never discovered otherwise. We had a great night and even joined them for lunch at a brewery the next day.

Slow travel allows me to say yes more often when fun opportunities like this come my way.

3. Deeper Connections with People

When I look back at my van life memories, the best stories are usually the ones that involve other people. Perhaps the best part of slow travel is the way it enables me to forge real and long-lasting connections with people along the way. 

A couple years ago, Ryan and I were hiking in Telluride when we met a local guy named Mike on the trail. We got to talking, and we told him how we were doing van life and planned to camp in the area for a couple weeks.

Next thing we know, we were making plans to go on a hike up to Columbine Lake in Silverton. He offered to pick us (and our two dogs) up in his FJ cruiser so we wouldn’t have to worry about moving the van. He drove us over Ophir Pass, which we unsuccessfully tried to drive once before in our van, and we felt lucky to enjoy the ride and scenery along the way.

We ended up meeting up for another hike and even went out for dinner once or twice. He shared all kinds of tips for exploring Telluride that we wouldn’t have found online, and you better bet that we will be reaching out to him next time we’re in town.

This is just one example how traveling slowly makes it easier to talk to strangers and ask them about all of the things that make their home so special.

4. Immersion into the Food Culture  

When I’m in a rush, it can be easy to trade authenticity for convenience and eat whatever I have on hand in the van or quickly grab some food to go.

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to experience new places through my tastebuds. Ryan and I follow a plant-based diet, and we love trying out all of the locally owned, vegan-friendly spots.

Slow travel allows us the opportunity to do so, and sometimes we love a restaurant so much, we become temporary “regulars.” We also like to make friends with the servers and bartenders, who often provide suggestions for off-the-beaten path things to do.

5. Support Locals & Integrate into the Community

While we love eating out and that’s one way to support the locals, it’s not sustainable to do so every single day. As a slow traveling van lifer, however, there are other opportunities to integrate into and support the local community.

If you’re rushing through, you’ll likely miss local events like farmer’s markets, summer outdoor music series, and other fun happenings. While traveling at a slower pace though, you can stick around for something that’s happening next week without feeling pressure to move on to the next place.

6. Spend Less & Save Money

Traveling constantly isn’t cheap. When I’m on the move, the price of gas really racks up, adding wear and tear to my van with each mile.

Slow travel allows me to save money while living in my van. If I find an awesome free campsite, I can stay for a week or two and not spend a dime on camping! And the more you get to know a place, you learn little tricks that save money like where to fill up your water for free or where you can score an unlimited hot shower for a few bucks.

7. See and Experience More

When I first started van life, I underestimated how much of my day would be consumed by driving from one place to the next. Add in the time it takes me to pack up the van every morning, and there went my whole day! For many van lifers, spending long hours on the interstate feels like a normal part of the lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Now that I’ve embraced slower travel in my van, I visit fewer locations, but I now have the time to explore just about anything that piques my interest. A few years back we got an amazing campsite in Olympic National Park that was right on the ocean. Because we had nowhere to be, we maxed out our 14-day stay.

Our daily routine consisted of long walks on the beach with our dogs and watching the whales spouting offshore and otters playing in the waves. We really got to know this section of coastline and its nooks and crannies.

8. Less Environmental Impact 

It doesn’t matter how you cut it – fast travel consumes more resources. The faster you move, the more fuel you burn through. While at this point in time, it’s impossible to avoid using fossil fuels in your van, moving slower saves gas (and money).

Also by spending more time in an area, you can learn how to utilize other modes of transportation. I can walk or bike around a town and see what I find along the way or utilize local shuttles to get around.

9. Avoid Overcrowding 

Having more time in a place allows me to be more flexible when it comes to visiting popular attractions, making it easier to avoid them when they’re at their busiest. 

A few years ago, we spent the entire months of August and September in Colorado. Staying there so long allowed us to visit the busiest places, like Rocky Mountain National Park, after Labor Day weekend was over.

Overcrowding has become a huge problem in many destinations, especially in the National Park system (if you plan to visit several of these in your van, check out my tips for visiting overcrowded National Parks).

By visiting popular places during less busy times, I’m not only ensuring that I’ll have a more enjoyable experience, but I’m also doing my part in making the crowds more manageable for the staff and the experience more enjoyable for other guests. This also mitigates some of the ecological strain that huge crowds can create. 

10. Revisit Places

One of the most important aspects of the slow travel mindset is operating under the assumption that, wherever I am, I’ll be coming back.

With this mindset, it’s ok to not to cram it all in during a single quick trip. In fact, I realize I probably shouldn’t do it all so I save a few things to do for next time. 

Experiencing the same place during different seasons, with different people, as a different version of myself, or even in a different vehicle provides a completely different experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Save this post to Pinterest

I’d love to hear about your slow travel experiences or answer any questions you may have about it. Leave me a comment below!

This article was originally written by Jono Melamed and was rewritten by me in 2024.

The post 10 Reasons to Embrace Slow Travel During Your Van Life Journey appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.