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Van Life and Camping MUST Haves

Purple Star emoji 15 items
I've lived in a van, trailer or RV since 2019 and these are the things I always have on hand to make life on the road easier and more luxurious, cause I still want to be comfortable while I'm campning.
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Where to Stay

These camping apps make it so easy to find free or very inexpensive places to stay and take away my worries when we're on the road.

 
Alex profile picture
Getting free or basically free campsites is so easy on this app. I will look where were going and browse tons of options from breweries to farms to delicious restaruarnts and even peoples homes. It's a safe, easy, place to stay without the huge campg...
Unique RV Camping at Farms, Wineries, Breweries, & More with Harvest Hosts
 
Alex profile picture
We love this for international travel but it's also great for RV trips when you're able to plan a bit it advance. For the low low price of taking care of someone's pet and home, you get a driveway to park in, and a home to live in. Super great for lo...
TrustedHousesitters How Pet Lovers Travel
 
Alex profile picture
Okay listen, I know they sold out and it used to be free and it was sooooo much better before someone took it over and tried to turn a profit from it. I agree. But their database on spots to stay, especailly in the Americas (North, Central, South) is...
iOverlander - Apps on Google Play
 
Alex profile picture
If you're heading across the pond, you're going to want to pick this up! This gives you access to lots of camping spots just like Harvest Host in the States, but in England. We've enjoyed some delicious finds and awesome places to stay thanks to this...
Brit Stops - Apps on Google Play
 
Alex profile picture
The GOAT in Europe for Campsites and free places to stay.
park4night - Motorhome camper - Apps on Google Play
 
Alex profile picture
More campsites! You really don't ever have to pay for a night on the road unless you want to.
Campsite: Free & Paid Camping App - App Store

RV Essentials

Life on the road can be very luxurious if you have these few things :) 

 
Alex profile picture
Use code FNAVANLIFE12 for 12% off my favorite RV fridge of all time. We've had a ton of different models over the years and these are so rugged, keep our food safe and tasty, and let us be off grid longer.
ICECOFreezer.com - ICECO - Portable Fridge Freezer
 
Alex profile picture
If you need to be connected on the road, you're going to want Starlink, and this is the best way to get it on your roof so you don't have to worry about it dissapearing down the road.
Trio Flatmount - Starlink Mounts for RVs, Vans & Trucks
 
Alex profile picture
You don't have to love the politics to love the internet. This has changed the game for nomads giving you connection pretty much everywhere. For us since we work on the road, it's a must.
Starlink

Safety First

After 6 years of full time van life, sometimes the boring stuff becomes the most important. 

 
Alex profile picture
Whenever I hit the road, I get travel insruance for myself and the whole family. Safety Wing is easy to start and stop when we're traveling and gives me peace of mind so we can just enjoy the adventure!
SafetyWing - Insurance for travelers
 
Alex profile picture
We've taken Sofi around the world and absolutely love that it makes banking easy no matter where we are. We never get hit with weird fees and actually earn interest on our money. Definitely a winning bank to keep your money safe. Plus FDIC insured.
SoFi Invite Money: Easy, Fast Transfers and Banking Access
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Alex profile picture
I always use Gas Buddy before we fill up. Prices are insane so driving down the road a bit further to get a discount is totally worth it. We've probably saved 100s over the years by checking here before we just fill up anywhere. Plus their are review...
GasBuddy: Find & Pay for Gas - Apps on Google Play

Must Read Van Life Guides

If you're just starting out or planning your next big adventure, these guide books are a must with tons of helpful tips and advice. 

 
Alex profile picture
Yes it's true, I wrote the book on van life. This is how my husband and I completely did a 180 on our lives and went from living ing NYC to traveling full time in a van - and how you can too!
Van Life Book: Daydream to Dream Life
 
Alex profile picture
Got Alaska on your mind for this summer? We loved our time in the 49th state and you will too!
Van Life Alaska Guide: Boondocking in the 49th State
 
Alex profile picture
Sometimes you just need to doodle and dream of you next adventure.
Van Life Stuff Coloring Book for Adults: Stress Relief for Outdoorsy Folks