A sense of wanderlust strikes the majority of us at some point and travelling in a van around the world is something that nearly all of us have dreamed of. This unique sensation comes hand in hand with an urge or desire to travel the world. If you find yourself daydreaming of spending extended periods of time abroad, writing up a bucket list filled with seemingly endless travel destinations, pinning images of different tourist hotspots to your Pinterest boards, and following travelling individuals on Instagram, chances are you’ve got wanderlust bad!
So why hold back? It’s time to break free from the dull routine of day to day life and actually make the most of the world that you live in! Now, there are various ways to go about travelling the world. Many people will carry out the majority of their travelling by plane. They will catch a flight to one destination, spend a little time there, then jet off to another country or city. This, of course, is relatively effective. You spend shorter periods of time travelling and more time in the place you intend to stay in. But you may want to consider something alternative. Perhaps you’d like to actually take to the open road and travel the world by van! If this is something that you’ve been considering, here’s a little more information on travelling in a van around the world!
Preparing
You’re going to have to do a whole lot of prep before travelling the world via any means of transportation. But travelling in a van generally does require a little more thought and organisation. After all, you’ll be in charge of your own means of getting from one place to another.
1 – Settling up affairs at home
If you’re going to be travelling for an extended period of time, you’re going to have to be logical and settle up affairs at home before disappearing overseas. If you have financial agreements or if you owe money to professional lenders, you’re either going to have to set up an account holding sufficient money to cover direct debits while you are away, or you’re going to have to ask for settlement figures and clear your dues outright. If you are renting a property, you may have to find a replacement tenant or cover the outstanding rent while you are away. You will also have to store all of your belongings away in a safe place until you return, as you’re not going to be able to take everything that you own away with you. Make use of reliable storage solutions like PinkStorage.co.uk – you won’t have to worry about your belongings while you are away and can take anything that you leave out of storage and into your new home upon your return.
2 – Choosing a Route
It’s not all about the destination isn’t everything when you travel the world by van. The journey forms just as significant a part of your travels as where you end up! You’ll generally want to choose scenic routes with plenty to see and do along the way. So, start planning your route well in advance of your trip. If you decide to divert your journey along the way, that’s fine. But it’s always logical to have some sort of journey set out in your mind before getting started.
3 – Find a Travelling Partner
Sure, solo travel can be an eye opening and liberating experience, but travelling on the road can be exhausting and relatively hard. It’s generally a good idea to find a travelling companion who can split the duties of driving with you. This takes the edge and pressure off a little. Be picky with who you choose though! You are going to spend long periods of time alone with this person, so they need to be trustworthy and someone you get on well with.
4 – Finding a Van
Once everything is set and you are sure that you want to do this, you should start seeking out a van. This is an important decision, as the set of wheels you settle on will be your home and form of transport all wrapped into one. You want something sturdy, reliable, and comfortable. You can find a complete guide to picking the right van for your wants and needs here.
Tips and Tricks for Travelling in a Van
Living in a van for a while isn’t exactly a simple thing to do. There are all sorts of problems that can crop up along the way. But not to worry. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you to overcome common obstacles.
1 – Join a Gym
Most vans do not have a shower, but this is something that you have to do pretty much every day! The key to accessing facilities where you can clean yourself and shower regularly is to take out a gym membership with a gym that has multiple branches in the country you are travelling. A membership will generally allow you to access any of the facilities and the cost of the membership is generally worth being able to clean yourself regularly as you go along.
2 – Check Out Gas Prices
Gas prices can vary dramatically between one location and another. If you intend to save a little cash as you go along, scope out where is cheaper and completely fill your tank here. This can save you having to fill up in more costly locations.
3 – Stock Up on Snacks
The cost of snacks tends to be a whole lot higher in convenience stores and these tend to be the kind of stores that line highways and other major roadways. Instead, stock up in low cost stores as you go along. This means you will have snacks on board as and when you need, rather than having to waste time and money pulling over at whatever store you may pass en route.
As you can see, travelling in a van can be an extremely exciting and interesting way to see the world. Hopefully, the above advice will help to make your journey success if you decide to get from A to B this way!
Share your tips with fellow travellers in the comments below!
Travelling in a van around the world
