What do you do when you’ve settled into a 9-5 job, are renting a small apartment somewhere you don’t want to be, and have little financial support from your family? VAN LIFE! There is something about the idea of living in a van that sparks an adrenaline rush for so many people. It seems to represent freedom, adventure, and an escape from the monotony of everyday life. Whether you’re looking to escape your life for a few days or change it forever with Van Life, these tips will help point you in the right direction for finding that perfect park up spot.
Know your boundaries
There are a few things to take into account before you start looking for places to park the night. These are your budget, the climate, and your boundaries. If you’re someone who likes the convenience of a hotel, the price could become a factor, but there are cheap places out there, depending on your budget. The climate of the place you choose to park up is important because it will dictate what you can and can’t do at any given time. A desert or a glacier, for example, would be very difficult to find a place to park up and live. Your boundaries are important because they’ll help you decide what you’re willing to do to find that perfect van life spot.
Research is key
The internet is full of information. You can find out how to make potato pancakes, how to build a wooden deck, and where to park your van. Take advantage of it! How else are you going to find that perfect spot? You can use websites like Google Maps or Pinterest to get an idea of where you want to go, but make sure that you get the GPS coordinates so that you can plug them into your van’s GPS. You can even make a Pinterest board for finding van life spots that others can follow! Make sure that you do your research for the place you’d like to go. We have compiled a list of the best van life parks in the UK just for you!
Find the remote places
If you’re looking for a remote spot where you won’t be disturbed by tourists or neighbours, you’re going to want to look at the remotest parts of the country. The remotest parts of the UK are in the north and the west. If you’re thinking about Scotland, you’re right. Some parts of Scotland are a perfect place for van life. The Outer Hebrides and the Orkney Islands are sparsely populated, which makes them perfect for van lifers. If you’re looking for somewhere closer to home, Wales and Cornwall are sparsely populated, as well. Northern England, like the Lake District and Yorkshire, is also sparsely populated. Even though the southern and central parts of England are more heavily populated, you can always head north to find your perfect spot.
Go where the big rigs go
If you’re looking for a place where other big rig people are likely to be, you’re going to want to go to a truck stop or a big rig parking lot. These are places where big rigs park up for the night and are likely to be friendly and helpful. You’re also likely to find places with a lot of amenities, like restaurants and shops. These are the perfect places to find places to park up because you’ll be able to blend in with the crowd. Many of these truck stops have rules about who can stay there, so make sure you read up on them before committing to a place. For example, many don’t allow cyclists to stay.
Everything is possible with a helping hand
It might sound like van life is this perfect, unattainable lifestyle that only a few lucky people get to experience. Well, it isn’t. Van life can be whatever you want it to be. However, finding the perfect place to park up can be a challenge. If you need some help finding that perfect place to park up, there are websites and forums out there where you can ask questions like, “Where is a good place to park up in the UK?” These places are full of helpful people who are willing to give you advice on finding a good place to park up, like where to park and what to look out for.
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know about finding a van life park up in the UK. It may seem daunting at first, but once you know where to look and what to look out for, it becomes a lot easier. If you are set on living a van life, then you need to start planning now. Don't wait until the last minute and leave everything to the last minute. You will have a lot to do, so it is best to start as soon as possible. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to finding that perfect spot.