Van Life Manual – Part 5: The unglamorous stuff like parking, showers, toilets & more
The practical side of van life: where to park, shower, work, collect mail, use the bathroom — and how to stay clean (you and your van),…
Van life gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want but that can come with a catch: it’s easy to feel a little disconnected and lonely, especially if you’re solo or spending long stretches off-grid.
The good news? There’s a vibrant, supportive van life community out there, both online and in the real world.
And if you ever want to chat, PLEASE just reach out to us in the comments OR on our Instagram Account, we are real people and love getting to know our community better! -Alastair & Helen
In this part of the guide, we’ll show you how to tap into that, build real connections, and avoid the isolation that can sneak up when your home has wheels; we know how it is, we’ve been there.
Van Life Guide Table of Contents:
- Is this lifestyle really for you?
- Choosing or building your camper van
- How much does van life cost, and can it save you money?
- Full-time vs. part-time van living
- The unglamorous stuff: parking, showers, toilets & more
- Finding community and staying connected ← You are here
Does van life get lonely?
Sometimes, yes — especially if you’re full-time, moving around a lot, or traveling solo.
That said, this will be less likely if you are doing it as a couple but most van lifers eventually find a rhythm that works for them, and many build strong social circles because of the lifestyle.
How to find van life community on the road
Attend van life gatherings
Events like VanFest, Descend on Bend (one of our favorite towns, where we used to live), Tiny Fest, and Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR) bring hundreds of van dwellers together in one spot.
They’re a great way to meet people face-to-face, share stories, and find new travel buddies.
Join online communities
These digital spaces are gold for everything from meetups to troubleshooting to finding company on a lonely night:
- Facebook groups: Try searched for “Vanlife,” “Vanlife Europe,” or “Women on the Road”
- Reddit is full van life subreddits featuring tips, inspiration, and community
- Instagram: Great for discovering people traveling near you — just search #vanlife or follow our camper van instagram account on there and get involved in the chat
- WhatsApp / Discord: Some groups organize casual local meetups or share parking spots
Be open to chance encounters
Say hi to the person parked next to you at the trailhead or campground. You’d be surprised how many friendships start with a quick wave or compliment on someone’s van setup.
Wave to other Sprinters on the road
Don’t forget to wave at other Sprinter van drivers when on the road – they usually wave back and it just makes you feel more connected with other like minded people even if you don’t get to properly meet them.
This should work for any type of camper van, just make sure you wave to the make matching the one you’re driving, or you may get an odd look – 😂.
Staying connected with friends and family
Even if your van life circle is small, you don’t have to feel totally untethered. Here’s how to stay close to people from your “other life”:
- Plan regular check-ins — a quick voice note or video chat goes a long way
- Share your location with a few trusted people
- Send updates via email, group WhatsApp chat, or social — especially when you’re in and out of service
- Visit friends and family as part of your route — it’s one of the perks of being mobile!
Balancing solitude with connection
Some days, you’ll crave people. Other days, you’ll just want to be alone under the stars. That’s the beauty of van life, you get to choose.
Tips for maintaining balance:
- Don’t over-isolate, even introverts need real connection sometimes
- Choose campgrounds or popular public land when you’re feeling sociable
- Take a break in a town or city every so often to reset and recharge
- Join a co-working space for a day or two if you need some human buzz
That’s it for this series!
If you’ve made it this far — thank you for reading, we hope you found a tonne of value in the guide, if you did, consider subscribing to our Newsletter, or sharing the guide with someone.
Whether you’re still in the dreaming phase, deep in the planning stage, or already living out of your van full- or part-time, we hope this Ultimate Guide to Van Life has helped you feel more informed, more confident, and more inspired to shape the lifestyle in a way that works for you.
Van life isn’t about doing things the “right” way. It’s about living more intentionally. Slowing down. Letting go of the stuff that weighs you down, and making room for more freedom, simplicity, and discovery — both out on the road and within yourself.
It’s not always easy. It’s not always photogenic. But it is yours to define.
If you have questions or want to share your own journey, we’d love to hear from you — we’re building a community here, and you’re already part of it.
Thanks for reading, and wherever the road takes you — safe travels 🚐✨ -Alastair & Helen
