85 Van Life Essentials That You Should Be Packing

My husband and I lived in our campervan full time for almost 2 years as we traveled across Central and South America. During that time we learned how to live a minimalist lifestyle bringing all the essentials we need for comfort and great adventures in our van (while leaving behind things that you may think you need but actually don’t).  

Whether you’re heading on a weekend trip or a long-term adventure, this list will help you get ready for road trips in your van and make sure you don’t leave anything important at home.

Paperwork & Basics

Before you head out on a van life road trip, make sure you have these items taken care of and stored somewhere safely in the van.

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License & Registration

To drive, you’ll need an active license and car registration in your name. Most countries require registration to be under your name especially at border crossings.

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If you plan to cross any international borders, you will also need your passport. We built a secret drawer in our van to store important items like our passports, cash, and an extra key in case we lost it.

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Passport

Some countries require special insurance when traveling abroad. For example, countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina require you to purchase THEIR country insurance when crossing the border. 

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Insurance

When traveling in a van, emergencies can (and usually do) happen. During our 2-year long road trip, we crushed our van’s catalytic converter, got stuck in the mud a few times, and almost lost our solar panels to crazy Patagonia winds.

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For Emergencies

Tap the link below for more: 85 Van Life Essentials That You Should Be Packing!

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