The last vacation with the family was great and now you're thinking about making your real dream come true: a full-time life in a van.
This way, you can have extraordinary experiences with your loved ones and who knows, maybe even take the trip of a lifetime?
If you're thinking of tackling vanlife with the whole family, then you should definitely read this article.
We'll help you answer the question of whether this lifestyle is really right for you and your children by giving you practical information and tips.
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What to do if you can't find a pitch in the area?
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How to keep the kids happy when everyday life sets in and the next adventure is not just around the corner?
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How to equip the bus or motorhome in a family-friendly way?
We'll get to the bottom of these and many other questions!
Child and van - is that possible?
You've already been on a few road trips and would now like to see more of the world with your children while they're still small.
But does the camping adventure work in the long term? Many parents are unsure when they take a closer look at this way of life. Should you therefore perhaps only stay on campsites in general? After all, the search for a pitch in the countryside can be quite exhausting - especially with whining children in the back seat. But is this really vanlife at all?
Even if the wishes and ideas of a "real" vanlife often differ right from the start of planning, you should always keep one thing in mind:
With your own panel van or campervan, you always have your purpose in life with you and are therefore also completely independent and flexible when it comes to organizing your time in the van. The trick is to save yourself as much stress as possible from the outset.
Maybe you shouldn't start out as a completely self-sufficient vanlife family straight away if you've only been on one camping vacation with the kids before. Take things slowly and start with longer stays at campsites before you feel your way to "freedom" and are only self-sufficient.
We'll give you more important tips in the following section, but to answer the question from above:
Child and van definitely works!
What's the best way to live with a family in a campervan?
So how do you become a real vanlife family?
Should you aim for as much comfort as possible right from the start so that everyone (especially the children) has a comfortable life, or is it simply part of the adventure to have little space in the van and therefore save as much as possible on equipment and luggage?
How should the campervan be equipped with a child?
Does it need an extra crib or can the child sleep with the parents?
In our scenario, we assume a smaller camper, e.g. a bus or converted panel van. If you are traveling in a fully equipped motorhome or caravan, you probably don't need to worry about this as much.
It is often possible to set up a so-called "emergency bed" in a panel van. This is ideal for children of a certain age and you don't need a pop-up roof. If you have little space in the van, you can convert the driver's cabin into a crib, for example. However, the optimum solution for the bus is a pop-top roof so that four people can sleep in it without the need for an additional bed for children.
You should also have running water on board, a relatively large cool box, a gas stove (extreme caution is always advised here, especially with children) and enough storage space (preferably individual compartments) for each family member's personal belongings.
BOXIO SANITARY | Mobile bathroom
Is there an optimal van conversion with two children?
If you are still at the very beginning of the conversion, you should plan for as much space as possible.
This means it's best to upgrade your van with a pop-up roof or high roof if it doesn't already have one. A bike rack should be fitted for the bikes and, if you have the option, a roof box may also be a good idea.
If you are equipping the campervan especially for a vanlife with (small) children, you should make sure that it is child-friendly. This means, for example, attaching a safety device to the top of the roof bed, being able to lock away the stove and also providing the rear seat bench with a fabric cover that is not too high quality.
There should also be blackout options, mosquito nets on the windows and possibly a parking heater if you are planning to travel in more than just the summer months.
Is a bus or a motorhome better suited to this lifestyle?
Bus, camper van, caravan or even a car with a roof tent: what is best in practice?
The camper van with children is intended as a retreat for the whole family and when looking for the right vehicle, everyone ultimately has to agree. If you are traveling with a baby, a bus is probably enough (even without an additional pop-up roof). If you are traveling with two or three (small) children, you should probably look for a larger motorhome.
Car and caravan? That works too, of course! Because even without a classic van, you can discover the world on four or more wheels.
Important topics & tips for van life with kids
In this article, we also want to address a few aspects that mainly relate to everyday life in a van.
Because even if the decision has already been made and you will be "on the road" in just a few weeks or months, you should definitely think about the following points in advance - so that the trip really does become a dream and not just stress.
Everyday life
What to do when it rains or when nothing new is happening?
Especially if you are away for a long time or spend several weeks in the same place (which is probably the rule rather than the exception with a child), you will probably establish a daily routine at some point. The vacation becomes the norm, so to speak.
Especially in bad weather, when you can't have a picnic in the countryside or can only go to the nearest playground, you have to get inventive. It's best to think of something special that you can "conjure up" when you're "stuck" in the van. How about turning the bed into an Indian tent and reading the children an exciting adventure story?
Camping
How can you always find good pitches?
Finding good places to stay overnight is often difficult, especially in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, but also in Italy, France and Croatia, for example. This is because in many places it is forbidden to stand free and camping is only permitted on advertised pitches.
To avoid frustration here, you should look for suitable campsites and pitches on your route in advance and then drive to them specifically. Especially with children, you often can't just stand in the middle of nowhere.
Duration
When making your vanlife plans, be sure to take the expected duration into account.
Compulsory schooling can be a big factor for a family with children who will soon be older, especially if you plan to be on the road for several months or even years. The parents' job is of course also an issue.
If you're going to be away for between one and three months, you should set out some important key dates right from the start. If you know that you want to be there on certain dates, it often makes planning a lot easier. Of course, you shouldn't be put off if things don't go as planned.
Hygiene
Another thing you should definitely consider in advance is the sanitary situation on board.
Especially with a baby or small child in the van, it can be invaluable to have direct access to running water or to be able to let the child go to the toilet quickly during the journey. It is also an advantage for parents not to always have to go in search of a public toilet when their bladder pinches.
BOXIO TOILET MAX+ | Separating toilet complete set
Travel destinations
With so many options, you should choose the most suitable area for children.
A trip to the south of Europe (such as France or Spain) is often particularly suitable for families, as it is already pleasantly warm there in spring and remains nice and mild for a long time in the fall. The conditions are also similar to those in Germany, which is practical if you need to go to the doctor, for example.
If you want to see more of the world, it is advisable to find out all you can about life in the place or city you are planning to visit.
With the whole family in a camper - experiences and conclusion
If you're dreaming of van life with the whole family, you shouldn't just let your instincts decide.
Because nothing is more frustrating than having the biggest plans and wishes (or expectations) for van life and then being disappointed. Remember that it's not about setting up a complete trip around the world, but that you simply want to create great memories with the people you love.
This can also be at a lake in Austria or another country near you and doesn't necessarily have to last several months. Vanlife also involves changing plans and, for example, adjusting the dates or modifying the way you travel.
One thing you should always keep in mind: Everything never runs smoothly, whether at home or in the van. Nevertheless, the focus should always be on having fun and not letting the small everyday problems of (van) life get in the way.
We wish you and your whole family a great vacation and lots of fun!
BOXIO KITCHEN BUNDLE | Outdoor kitchen
Vanlife with children - FAQ
What should I bear in mind when taking parental leave in a campervan?
Ideally, your baby should be at least six months old when you plan your parental leave in a van. You may also want to take a suitable crib with you.
How does vanlife work with a toddler?
With the right equipment, you can easily adapt a baby or toddler to life in the van. This includes, for example, a baby carrier or a foldable baby carriage.
Is there a good campervan especially for families?
There is no such thing as the non-plus-ultra among campers, but you should simply ask yourself about your own preferences beforehand: do you prefer to travel comfortably in a van or with a roof tent, or do you want more comfort, such as that offered by a larger motorhome?
