Depending on how much or little money you need to spend, and how long you will use your car to live or join a camp, consider a few of the following basics that will help you make your situation a little easier to navigate when you jump into the car / vandwelling. OK, let's get started!
Your number one priority is: does everyone have a place to sleep? In most cars you can put the front seats in order to use more space if necessary, as well as use the rear seat (s). For older cars, some even prefer to modify their car so that the rear seats can recline to use the trunk area for an extra bed. Thus, you can usually sleep two people instead of one (even in a small car). In SUVs, of course, the rear seats lie, allowing more space to sleep for two (and, optionally, an extra small child). In the van, it gives you additional options. If it is one or even two people, a bed can be built, or you can use the floor in addition to reclining front seats if they are critically needed. Many vans also have a rear seat in the back, which can make a great bed option. Upstairs with a comforter and several pillows and whallah !!!
Your number 2 priority is to stay clean and have a place to meet basic hygiene needs. One simple option (especially if you are staying in one region or geographic region) is to join a cheap fitness center. Planet Fitness is one fitness center with locations in many states that offer monthly fees of up to $ 15 and do not require monthly contracts. There are others. These fitness centers and most gyms have wonderful bathrooms with large showers and electrical outlets for blowing hair, etc. They are usually open from the earliest period, usually until 5 am and stay open late, most often until midnight or later. Some of these fitness centers / gyms also have indoor pools, free classes and programs and other amenities, including fitness equipment parked in front of the rows of flat-screen TVs for viewing when you run on this treadmill! For the family, find out if they have any family rates. Also, find your local YMCA, as they not only have a wide range of programs, but also family plans in most areas. Before you make your choice, be careful to check all the details (read the fine print) of any option. If you do not have other options, you can always use the bathrooms for relaxation or even a place for fast food to clean until you find the best solution. Another option that I personally use is Passport America (annual membership fee of $ 40 to $ 44), 50% annual from RV / Camping Club. They are currently eligible for 1,800 RV Camping throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico. It makes a huge difference to pay $ 12.50 instead of $ 25 per night or $ 15 against $ 30! If you stay for one night a week, you look at the average cost of $ 60 a month to use your showers, electricity and amenities. Another mention for those traveling is tourist centers. Although this is not my choice, many people love them for their showers (usually from $ 7 to $ 10) in addition to many other options for those on the road, such as Wi-Fi, a coin-operated washing machine, TV salons and, although, of course, not ordinary, sometimes even a jacuzzi!
Note. For “In-between” shower cabins: if you camped / slept in more private areas (National Lands et cetera), you will want to get a shower bag for an easy, cheap and effective solution.
To keep your hair beautiful and clean, you can think about spray and / or foam shampoos. TREsemme & Suave have products that work well and cost between $ 4 and $ 5 per bottle.
Other tips to help you get started:
> One inexpensive way to connect AC devices to charging (laptop, mobile phone, etc.) is to get an inverter. An inverter is a small unit that connects directly to the cigarette lighter of your car. After turning it on and off, it consumes energy directly from the battery of your car, so, especially when you are going somewhere, you can easily use this time to charge devices. You can find an inverter with power from 350 W to 400 W on amazon.com or Walmart or in many other stores for as little as $ 30. If you decide that you will rent a car / van for a longer period of time and / or want to do some traveling and / or camping in your car / van, you will need to check the setting of the simple battery in conjunction with your inverter. The battery can be connected to pull out energy, to charge itself only when the engine is running, to charge the battery without pulling out the battery of your car / truck. But for you to start using an inverter for use in your car, there will be a cheap simple use option.
> Use public libraries and wifi videos to not only access the Internet, but also charge laptops, cell phones and even a portable power station, if you have one! If you have a portable power supply, you can turn it on through your car or perhaps in the fitness center! This option will allow you to increase mobility when you are in or out of the car.
> Where do you park? Walmart parking and tourist centers are not easy, but in fact there are a number of other free legal spaces where you can park besides many or low-cost sites in parks and public places. Below are three of the many excellent resources that reveal some of these areas.
~ FreeCampsites.net http://freecampsites.net The online catalog of free and cheap (less than $ 10) campgrounds throughout the United States. This site has some real finds in public forests and natural conditions with some great options near water features.
~ Recreation.gov - “Explore Your America” http://www.recreation.gov/ This official site contains online comprehensive listings and searches for US holidays on public lands; includes fish farms, fishing grounds, historical sites, campgrounds + more!
~ Allstays Camp & RV is currently available for Apple iPhone / iTouch and Android devices. I love this app and use it often! I paid $ 4.99 for it a couple of years ago, and it's hard for me to work without it! Before I move into a new area, I always check this app, like Walmarts and Travel Centers, where I can legally park all night. A lot of information included in this app, and I highly recommend it. You can also use the free Allstays camping information on your website.
So you will start, and if you decide to use your car for an advanced camping or live option, there are many more options that you have to do, this is quite a comfortable home and a pleasant experience! ~ Look at the road!
Blessings for your travels, Brenda
