14 Common Van Life Myths – And the Real Story Behind Them

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We’ve been living the van life for a couple of months now, and honestly, some things I thought were totally true just aren’t, at least not for us. Of course, everyone’s experience is different. 

Some myths might hold up for others who live a different style of van life, or in different countries, or with other priorities. 

But here’s our take: a myth vs. reality list based on what we’ve actually experienced while living, working, and traveling on the road.

1. Myth: Finding free parking is a nightmare

Reality: It’s actually been super easy in most places we’ve been.

If we’re visiting a city, we usually park a bit outside the center and take public transport in. Worked perfectly in places like Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Vienna, Zagreb, and more.

Forest pullouts, residential side streets, and even park-and-ride areas — there are free and safe options nearly everywhere. Using apps like Park4Night makes things easier. 

2. Myth: You’ll never shower

Reality: You will — but it takes some planning.

We shower at gyms, campsites, or when we visit friends and family. Some days we skip because we’re driving, working on our laptops, or doing chores.

To stay fresh, we use a homemade body spray (witch hazel + essential oils) that genuinely helps us feel clean. Van life doesn’t mean being gross. 

3. Myth: Van life = connecting with people on the roat

Reality: It can be lonelier than social. And for a lot of people, that’s the point.

Most folks we’ve met, especially couples and older solo travelers, prefer the solitude. Honestly? We get annoyed when someone parks too close, too. 😅

We enjoy the peace, the lack of small talk, the feeling of being tucked away in nature or our little bubble.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t miss our friends. We do. Because of this lack of ‘ community ‘ that I’ve experienced on the road, it can get a bit lonely.

4. Myth: It’s always an adventure

Reality: Not always – and that’s okay.

Yes, some days are cool spots and stunning sunsets. But other days are just… life. Dishes that never end. Cooking that somehow takes longer. Trying to keep a tiny space tidy while tripping over each other.

Laundry, fixing things, organizing, cleaning… It’s like living in a flat or house, but smaller and downsized. You still have to do all the usual chores — they just happen with less space.

5. Myth: Van life isn’t sustainable

Reality: It really depends on how you do it.

If you drive less, use solar power, conserve water, and produce less waste, van life can be much more eco-conscious than a traditional lifestyle.

We use a tiny fraction of the water and electricity we used to, and our habits are way more mindful now.  Want to go all in on sustainability? It’s possible.

🡒 If you would like to see how we do it, I wrote a whole piece about sustainable van life here.

6. Myth: You’ll always be traveling

Reality: We don’t move every day.

Generally, lots of people stay put for weeks or even months without a remote job or passive income. We’ve spent longer stretches in one spot to focus on work, wait out the weather, or just rest.

Moving constantly isn’t always the goal. And staying at a spot you found that’s remote, in nature, and for you, is really good.

7. Myth: You have to be wild and outdoorsy

Reality: Nope.

You can live in a van and love your quiet nights inside – reading, writing, watching Netflix, working, or doing nothing at all.

Not every person who does van life summit mountains or its super adventurous. Some just like cozy spaces on wheels.

8. Myth: It’s super cheap

Reality: Can be. But also… can be not. 😄

Yes, you can live frugally, but only if you plan and budget. Fuel, tolls, parking fees, repairs, gear, unexpected costs – they add up fast. That said, we’ve learned to stretch every euro and waste far less than we did before.

9. Myth: It’s illegal or sketchy to park overnight

Reality: Mostly not, as long as you’re smart about it.

Be clean, quiet, respectful, and follow local rules. Don’t “camp” where you’re not allowed — just sleep. Arrive late, leave early, don’t set up chairs or cook outside in the wrong places.

So far, we haven’t had any knock-knock moments in all this time. It’s been generally peaceful.

10. Myth: You need a full plan and a perfect van before you start

Reality: You really don’t.

When we started, the van was already pretty done, but we still made tweaks, added things, removed stuff, and figured out what actually worked while living in it.

Some things you just don’t know until you’re using them every day. So, just start. You’ll find out fast what matters and what doesn’t.

11. Myth: Cops will knock on your window every night

Reality: Very rarely.

In months on the road, it still didn’t happen. Be discreet, stay out of sight, and don’t treat public areas like a campsite. Most of the time, people don’t even notice we’re there.

12. Myth: It’s all sunsets and scenic drives

Reality: It’s also:

• Eating instant noodles in bed after a long day of driving
• Doing dishes with the last bit of water left in the tank
• Trying to remember where you last put the phone charger (again)
• Tripping over your partner for the 5th time in an hour
• Sleeping in a supermarket parking lot

😌

Myth 13: Van life is only for young, carefree people 

Reality: Honestly, van life isn’t just for the wild twenty-somethings you see on Instagram. It’s for all kinds of people – retirees chasing new experiences, families wanting to get closer, remote workers blending work and travel.

In my experience, I’ve actually seen way more older retired couples living this life than the young carefree crowd. It’s more about fitting van life to your lifestyle than the other way around. Most folks out here have jobs or side hustles – it’s not non-stop adventure or partying.

Myth 14: Van life is a permanent lifestyle 

Reality: Van life doesn’t have to be forever. Many people think that once you start living on the road, you have to sell everything and never go back. But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

In my experience, van life is what you make of it. Some people live in their vans full-time, but many just use them for a few months a year or long trips while still having a home base.

For me, it’s mostly about adventuring whenever I want – whether that’s for a weekend, a week, a month, or longer. Living full-time in a van isn’t something I see or want right now.

Tips that help

• Leave no trace – Always clean up after yourself and others. It protects free camping for everyone.
• Install locks & curtains – Peace of mind is priceless.
• Have a backup plan – Your “perfect spot” might be flooded, closed, or full.
• Have indoor hobbies – Being stuck in the van is part of the deal.
• Talk to locals – They’ll tell you where the best (and safest) places are.
• Don’t rush – Slower travel = better travel.

Bonus tools we love

• Navigation & Parking: Park4Night, iOverlander, Google Maps Satellite View
• Power: Renogy solar kit, DC-DC charger, Jackery for backup
• Hygiene: DIY body spray, gym membership, foldable simplified routine
• Comfort: Rechargeable fan, blackout curtains, USB fairy lights
• Cooking: One-pot recipes, collapsible dish dryer
• Productivity: Fold-out table, portable WiFi

💬 What would you add?

If you’re a fellow vanlifer, or planning to be, drop your own myths or realities in the comments or DM me on Instagram.