Choosing the right campsite is crucial for safety, legality, and enjoyment. Apps like iOverlander, Sekr, Freecampsites.net, Campendium, and onX Offroad are your best friends for finding safe, legal, and beautiful spots to park. Weekend warrior? Reserve campsites in advance to snag those popular spots. Full-timer? You may enjoy the spontaneity of BLM lands and National Forests for free camping—just remember to Leave No Trace!

Water accessibility is crucial. When planning your route, identify gas stations, campgrounds, city parks, and businesses that provide potable water. You will soon be catching yourself looking for unlocked water spigots every time you’re out in public. Invest in high-quality built-in tanks or jerry cans to store water. For other supplies, you typically will not have a problem finding supermarkets or local farmers' markets to stock up on food and other necessities.

Staying clean on the road is easier than you think! There are plenty of options for maintaining hygiene such as built-in showers, exterior showers, a portable shower (like this one from Joolca), or a solar shower (solar-heated bags are awesome!). Another great option is a national gym chain membership for regular shower access. Gyms are convenient because of their hot water and the convenience of not having to set anything up. Plus, many gym memberships include access to other amenities like massage chairs or hot tubs. For those no-shower days, body wipes or a wet washcloth and dry shampoo will save the day.

Laundry doesn’t have to be a hassle. Portable, compact washing tools like the Scrubba Wash Bag minimize water usage and are ideal for both part-time and full-time vanlife. Full-timers may need to visit laundromats more frequently, while part-timers can plan laundry days around their trips home. Opt for quick-dry and antimicrobial clothing to reduce laundry frequency and keep things fresh.

For those needing to earn while traveling, remote work is the key. Freelance writing, graphic design, virtual assistant gigs—there are plenty of options. Part-timers may continue their regular jobs, scheduling work around trips, whereas full-timers might need to secure consistent online work or seasonal projects that aligns with their lifestyle. Creative? Sell your photography, crafts, or even blog or post online about your travels. Tools like LinkedIn, Facebook groups,  or remote job boards like workingnomads.co/jobs and weworkremotely.com can help you find some sweet gigs.

Obviously, a stable internet connection is a must for anyone working remote. It is a good idea to have multiple forms of internet such as Starlink and mobile hotspots from more than one carrier.

A virtual mailbox service is a full-timer’s best-kept secret, scanning and forwarding your mail no matter where you roam. Need an Amazon package? Amazon lockers are available in most major cities, making it easy to pick up orders on the go. For regular mail, you can use USPS's general delivery service. To stay on top of prescriptions, align with a national pharmacy chain and plan your refills to ensure you’re always covered. And for those times you need medical advice, telehealth services are a fantastic solution for consultations on the road.

Invest in a quality water filtration system—simple filters to reverse osmosis, whatever suits your needs. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your system in top shape. Clean drinking water is non-negotiable!

We recommend these Camco water filters that attach directly to your hose when filling your tank. Systems like the Guzzle H2O or a Berkey water filter ensure your drinking water is safe and clean. Many grocery stores and gas stations have stations to fill water jugs for pretty cheap as well.

Effective power management is crucial, particularly for full-timers who rely heavily on their setup. Solar panels, high-quality batteries, and backup power solutions like generators ensure you remain charged and connected. Energy-efficient appliances will help you stretch your power supply further. Part-timers may require less complex systems depending on their tech needs.

Keep yourself and your stuff safe. Install strong locks, consider an alarm system, or stash a hidden safe. Stay informed about the safety of your locations through local news and van communities. Trust your gut—if a place feels off, move on.

Living or traveling in a van doesn’t necessarily mean being alone. Luckily, you are the one who controls how often you are with others and how often you enjoy solitude. If you are looking to find community, you can join Facebook groups and other online communities, or attend some of the many meetups and expos that happen all over the country. These connections can offer practical advice, emotional support, and make your journey easier and even more meaningful.