Campervan Life: The Dream of Freedom!

Are you planning to turn your life upside down? Is living in a campervan your dream? Do you want to travel different continents on four wheels? Before you fully commit to life in a caravan or camper, there are a few important things we'd like to share with you.

The allure of constant freedom and the ability to travel anytime is something many people dream of. Many fulfill this dream and live in a campervan.

Being in a different place (almost) every day, and especially wherever you please, is a lifestyle many enjoy. Being able to work independently of offices, shops, institutions, or workshops. Plus, there's no rent or utility costs, and housework is minimal.

Going on holiday in a camper is already a unique adventure. But living in a campervan is something else entirely. We want to help you by answering the most common questions about campervan life.

What does living in a campervan mean?

Generally, you can consider yourself living in a camper if you spend several weeks or months consecutively in it. But there are also people who don't own a house or apartment and live in a campervan, traveling the world.

Is permanent campervan living allowed?

There's no specific law dictating what type of accommodation you must live in. Instead, it depends on where your accommodation is located.

However, there are a few hurdles to overcome when living permanently in a campervan.

If you have a permanent address and are just traveling in your campervan for a very long time, you'll likely have no problems. But if you're traveling without a fixed address, you're operating in legal grey areas.

The law states that you need a registered address where authorities can reach you. Legally, a campervan can be considered a dwelling. However, it would then barely be allowed to move.

This second point makes it harder to live permanently in a camper. But it's not impossible. After all, there's a solution for everything.

If you don't have a main residence and want to live in a campervan, you can register your address with relatives, friends, or acquaintances. It's also possible, by arrangement with the owner, to register an address at a campsite.

Within Europe, you can, without conflicting with the law:

• Be registered as a long-term camper at a campsite, by arrangement with the owner.
• Live in a campervan on your own property, if cleared with the local council.
• Travel permanently in your camper if you have a registered address.

What are the advantages of campervan life?

Wondering what motivates people to live permanently or for extended periods in a campervan? There are many different reasons why people choose campervan life:

• Many new, beautiful, and exciting impressions while traveling
• Getting to know foreign countries and cultures
• Lower utility costs for water, electricity, etc.
• Freedom, spontaneity, and flexibility
• Making new acquaintances
• Little to no stress
• Closeness to nature, unforgettable sunrises and sunsets
• Work & Travel
• Living a self-determined life

Who is campervan life for?

Living in a campervan means leaving your old life behind. Theoretically, anyone who wants to can do it. In reality, it's mainly young people and retirees who choose this path.

Young people travel alone, as a couple, or sometimes even with children. Seniors spend their camper life with their partner or travel alone.

The "best-agers" have the world completely open to them, as they have a regular income from their pension and no longer need to earn money on the road.

Young people, on the other hand, rely on Work & Travel to finance their campervan life.

Where do you park and sleep on your travels?

Depending on your interests and the country, various options are available:

• Campsites
• Public parking spaces
• Private properties
• Wild camping

However, you should know that "camping-like behavior" is prohibited, with the exception of campsites and private property. Wild camping is also not allowed everywhere. Inform yourself beforehand. Also, make sure to ask for permission, especially on private properties.

Living at a campsite

Living at a campsite naturally comes with costs. The offerings vary widely.

Multi-day stays are common and welcome. However, if you want to stay for several months or even longer, you'll need to discuss this with the operator. You might even get a long-term discount.

The legal conditions for living at a campsite aren't entirely clear, but some places do allow long-term campers. In these places, you can also get a registered address.

Positive features include access to electricity, water, and waste disposal, as well as a shower and toilet. Wi-Fi is also available, and there's the option to wash and dry laundry, which makes camper life easier.

Living in a campervan in parking spaces

Parking spaces away from campsites are only suitable for short stays. Here, it's usually only permitted to stay for a maximum of three days. However, these spots are ideal for those who travel a lot, and most are free.

Some parking spaces even have supply and disposal facilities, and often an electricity connection. Some also offer showers and toilets.

Overnight stays on private property

Parking and staying overnight on private property is, of course, only allowed with the owner's permission. If you have permission, you should make sure to behave properly and not cause any damage or leave litter.

Wild camping

For some campers, wild camping is the epitome of freedom and adventure, but it drives some communities and regions crazy.

Wild camping refers to staying overnight in a camper or motorhome in nature, away from tourist campsites. This includes forests, public parking lots, alpine pastures, or other beautiful natural spots.

Because some wild campers didn't follow the rules in the past, there are now many regulations regarding wild camping. Inform yourself well about where wild camping is allowed and where it is not.

Which camper or motorhome is best for living in?

Basically, you can live in any motorhome or camper. It just depends on the layout, the necessary standard equipment, and your personal preferences. Needs can vary greatly. One person prefers a classic camper, while another opts for a luxury version.

Inform yourself thoroughly before purchasing and be clear about what you want. For permanent living on a campsite, an off-roader isn't necessary, but it can be ideal for adventure trips.

Tip: Rent a camper and travel for a few days. This way, you can figure out what you need and which vehicle is right for you!

You should also consider that daily activities will need to be performed and that there's enough space for everything you need to live.

The following things are essential for campervan life:

• Beds with slatted frames and good mattresses
• Seating area with an extendable table
• Sufficient storage space
• Hob
• Refrigerator
• Toilet, sink, and shower
• Awning
• Leisure batteries
• Electricity and solar panels
• Air conditioning or auxiliary heating
• Sun and cold protection mats

If you also want to live in your campervan during winter, your vehicle should be winterized or winter-ready. This means that wastewater and fresh water tanks must be frost-proof, and good insulation must be provided.

How expensive is campervan life?

In general, living in a campervan is cheaper than living in your own house or apartment, where high rents or mortgages are required. But even great freedom comes at a price.

You should factor in these costs:

• Purchase costs of the camper or motorhome
• Incidental repairs, tires
• Insurance & taxes
• Pitch and campsite fees
• Fuel
• Toll and ferry fees
• Gas
• Groceries
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Entrance fees, restaurant visits, etc.

How can you finance campervan life?

There are many different ways to finance this type of life.

The simplest and most effective options are a fixed pension, renting out your own properties, or using savings from selling your house or an inheritance.

Self-employed individuals, freelancers, independent entrepreneurs, or professions like travel writers, photographers, authors, bloggers, web designers, and influencers can work from wherever they want and thus finance their lives.

Of course, it's not possible without financial backing or a steady income.

Campervan Life: What do I need to consider?

Want to start living in a camper? Then you should definitely consider and organize a few important things.

First, you should get a health check and inspect your vehicle, repairing it if necessary. If you keep your house or apartment, you'll need someone to look after it while you're traveling.

Registered address

By law, it is mandatory to have a registered address. If you're traveling in your camper or motorhome all year round, you should arrange to register with friends, family, or acquaintances.

Your motorhome or camper itself cannot be a registered address. Inform yourself well in advance about the registration requirement.

Postal address

The postal address is a bit simpler. If you have a mailbox at home, you can ask someone to regularly forward your mail via email, WhatsApp, or other means.

If you don't want to appoint anyone, you can also use certain service providers. They open your mail, scan it, and send it to you via email. If you're expecting a package, you can have it delivered to a local post office.

Bank account

Before your adventure begins, you should ask your bank about a suitable credit and debit card for international use. You can't get by without a card these days. It's best to have two, just in case.

Insurance

Get advice from an expert on which insurances you need during your trip. However, we recommend vehicle insurance, accident insurance, liability insurance, and long-term international health insurance.

Gas

Since not all gas connections are the same, it's important to carry an adapter. Even better, of course, is to install a large gas tank.

A special automatic changeover and an automatic shut-off in case of a collision are also essential.

Power supply

You'll be optimally supplied on your adventure with:

• Lithium batteries
• Sine wave inverter
• Solar panels
• Sufficient power outlets

An alternative is diesel-powered generators. Even if they're not as loud as they used to be, they're not particularly popular with neighbors. They also add extra weight and require a diesel supply.

Water supply

Of course, the tank shouldn't be too small. A 120 to 150-liter water tank is recommended. It doesn't need to be larger, as the drinking water supply is usually sufficient. It can be refilled at campsites and parking lots, but also at petrol stations and supply columns, occasionally even at springs and wells.

It's important to have the right connectors for your hose – ideally a whole assortment – or, even better, a "water thief," an adapter for connections without threads. A simple watering can with a long spout can also be helpful.

Shopping & Cooking

You always have to shop. However, you'll discover new shops and great markets with different products.

Cooking is also unavoidable, unless you can afford to eat out all the time. In a campervan, you're a bit more restricted here. But this doesn't detract from the variety or quality of your meals. There are many delicious camping recipes that are easy to prepare.

A built-in oven, an outdoor gas grill, and a Dutch oven can be very helpful. These appliances make the work easier.

Doing laundry

There are now small washing machines for campervans. But laundromats can also help here and ensure clean clothes. Campsites usually have a laundry room anyway.

Internet

If you work from your camper, you usually need an internet connection. There are several ways to get this. These include Wi-Fi at the campsite, a mobile router, a Wi-Fi dongle, using your phone as a hotspot, or satellite internet.

In addition to the points mentioned above, there are a few more things to consider:

• Give up your apartment or sublet it
• Register a business as a self-employed person
• Apply for an international driving permit
• Check necessary vaccinations
• Get medications
• Check the validity of necessary documents (passport, bank cards, camping cards, etc.)
• Digitize documents
• Review existing contracts and possibly cancel them
• Have your motorhome checked

Conclusion: Campervan Life

Before you sell your house and leave everything behind, you should check if your dream aligns reasonably with the reality of van life. Take some longer trips in a camper before deciding to live in a campervan or motorhome. If you're convinced that you want to spend your life in a camper, then our tips can certainly help you contribute to a carefree life on the road.