Is there anything more exciting than the promise that a road trip holds? Whether you’re an avid traveler or just getting into it, road trips are a wonderful way not just to explore, but to add an element of adventure you don’t always get from traditional air travel as well.
If you have a van or are considering purchasing one, you’re in luck. Not only are they roomy and comfortable, but they’re also incredibly versatile as well, making them the ideal choice for a road trip. Additionally, there are many things you can do to transform it, taking it from your daily driver to the ultimate road trip necessity. Here are a few ways you can make that happen.
Cover Your Bases
One of the most important things you can do before any road trip is to get organized. Keep in mind that this goes beyond making sure you have the basics on hand, such as a first aid kit, trash bags and cleaning supplies for those no-fail messes.
Think along the lines of GPS systems, battery backup, a power inverter and even solar panels for energy. If your van is a larger model (such as a campervan), consider having a truck route GPS available to ensure smooth travels throughout your journey.
Don’t forget about staying comfortable, especially when your van isn’t running. A portable fan and heater will help with climate control, and solar-powered or rechargeable lighting will ensure you always have light when you need it.
Focus on Storage
When you’re on a road trip, the last thing you want is to be disorganized. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also mean unnecessary clutter taking up valuable space.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can organize your things, whether it’s through storage cubes, an additional cargo box on the roof, stowed away in shallow plastic bins under bench seating or the bed, or through other creative ways.
Try using as many reusable items as possible. For instance, instead of using paper plates and plastic cutlery, have a set that you can wash. Pack minimal clothing and do laundry along the way, whether it’s at a laundromat or even by hand where there’s clean, fresh water available (just be sure to use eco-friendly detergent).
Include the Comforts of Home
For the ultimate road-trip van experience, having certain comforts of home on board will make for an amazing trip. Think mini-fridge, camping stove, sink and of course, a toilet.
Installing these correctly into your van is important, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if needed. A lot will depend on the size of your van and how far you take it with conversion, but you might be surprised how much can be done with its existing space.
Ensure You’re Road-Trip Ready, Even on Shorter Trips
Even if your goal isn’t to totally convert your van, you can still create the ideal road-trip environment by doing just a few simple things to your daily driver.
Having your van checked out by a mechanic will give you peace of mind that your van is safe and capable of the trip is important, as is familiarizing yourself with basic vehicle maintenance.
If you don’t know how to change a tire or change the oil, learn! You never know when you might need to do either one. Making sure your tires are in good shape and evenly balanced is also a must. It’s also important that you keep an emergency pack in your van containing jumper cables, road flares, spare clothing, blankets and non-perishable food.
Road trips are one of life’s pleasures and can present countless opportunities to experience adventure. When you’re traveling in a van, whether it’s totally converted or just well-equipped, you’ll be setting yourself up for happy travels ahead. Who knows? You might decide to turn the occasional road trip into something much more, especially when your van makes travel so much fun.
