A van holiday is a bit like sailing: either you love it or you hate it. You must have a spirit of adaptation, you must like the style, the way to spend the day, with little space to share and few things to take with you.
Not always the #vanlife it’s as we see it in Instagram pictures. A year ago I left with a vintage van, from 1972, named Bernie (all vans have a name and a story to tell!), Two children, a husband and a dog for the Cotswolds. We were thrilled with the idea of ​​this adventure, but the journey was certainly a long one as the top speed our Bernie could go was 80km and the climbs.
.. Less bad then there were the descents!
In short, vintage vans are beautiful to look at, but certainly not the best if you really want to take a holiday on the road.
That’s why there are now so many vans that are changed into vans. We went to interview Jake, Gianna, Luna and Capri, an American family who sold everything to live on the road. We asked for some advice for those wishing to start this great adventure.
Which brands of vans are best for an RV conversion?
Sprinter Van, Ford Transit, Ram Promaster
How much does it cost to convert a van into a camper?
There is no accurate assessment for this. Depending on your needs, you could spend anywhere from a couple of thousand dollars to over two hundred thousand dollars.
Key factors for planning the conversion?
Determine what your needs are and what you will use your van for. Are you going to go off-road? to be off the beaten path? Do you need a shower? Will you bring bicycles, kayaks or skis? Keep in mind all the things you need and will bring when designing the layout.
Materials and fittings
Essential elements of comfort. All the fabulous extras. If it’s going to be your full-time home, choose good quality materials so your van looks and feels right at home. You need strong, good quality materials that can withstand the bumps of the road.
Is it legal to convert a van into a motorhome?
Many states have different laws for living in your vehicle. You should check, but I’ve never heard of anyone having a problem living in their converted van at home.
Van Life: Pros and Cons
Pros: small house, huge yard, increased mobility, freedom to go anywhere anytime
Cons: small living space, rainy days get stuck inside, not much privacy
Bathroom or no bathroom?
We always recommend a bathroom. It’s nice to have your own space to use and not have to depend on public toilets and showers.
How did you start? Where do you live now?
In 2018 we sold everything to live in our converted van and travel to the US with our first daughter. After a year and a half we found out we were expecting another baby so we sold the van and built a school bus to travel as a family of 4. We have been officially on the road for 3 years, but we are starting our transition to part time travel. Our family needs have changed and we need a little more space as a family.
Even a luxury hotel organizes van holidays
Available from 27 May to 27 September, The Hoxton hotel (which will also open its doors in Rome) organizes 4 routes, all to be done strictly on a van, but in luxury. Choose from the wine country of California, the rural landscape of Holland, the beautiful Normandy or the picturesque south east coast of the UK, for a few days on the road to live those #vanlife dreams, before spending a night at the The Hoxton to allay the sadness of the end of the holidays.
Each van will include all Hoxton style, including Roberts radios, Blank toiletries, Hoxton linens and towels, and Origin coffee for lazy breakfasts in the van. Guests will also have a portable barbecue for outdoor dining, bicycles for off-road adventures, camping chairs for picnic stops, snacks for the road, and a well-stocked refrigerator with free beers, wines and soft drinks. Click here for more information on the 4 routes and prices.
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