Van life living is already a romantic way of living. You’ve seen the lifestyle on social media, right?
Living on your own terms, engulfed in the natural world daily–sometimes in the dramatic desert landscape, other times in the rugged mountains of the Rockies, or maybe on the comforting coast of the West–is deeply soothing. It’s truly a way of life that promotes joy.
Laying in a cozy bed with a cup of tea looking out the window to a stunning natural landscape is so dreamy. And there are many other ways that daily life becomes magical in a van.
But if you want to up the van life romance, you should try these date ideas!
FIRST, WHAT IS VAN LIFE LIVING?
The van life movement is full of people moving into renovated vans and living on the world’s open roads.
Today, the movement is mostly comprised of young people, but the movement itself is as old as the 60’s hippies. The core of the movement is self-determination: people who are tired of the conventional grind and who put their happiness first.
Read more about the van life and how it could be a great option for you to find more freedom in your life!
5 VAN LIFE LIVING DATE IDEAS
If you are a van lifer or are hoping to try it out for the weekend, you can try taking your partner(s) out on these van-life-inspired dates! Anywhere from going out to a new restaurant to camping on the beach, to having a spa day in the mountains. There are many ways you can make the van life even more romantic, here are some of my ideas.
Quick Disclaimer: Don’t be an Asshole
Don’t be disrespectful, and be safe.
If you decide to take my advice and try one of these date ideas, then please follow Leave No Trace rules! Do not litter, do not use non-biodegradable materials that will pollute the land, respect trail signs and fire restrictions, and don’t do anything that will attract bears or other animals to you.
Our beautiful public natural spaces are hard to come by, especially in the US. Do not be the person to ruin other people’s outdoor experiences to pursue selfish date ideas.
Just don’t do it.
1. Movie Night Under the Stars
Here is the set up:
- Go to a beautiful camp spot where you can feasibly spend time outdoors
- Use a data hot spot or download movies before heading out
- If you have a projector, set it up with a white sheet hanging on your van
- If you don’t, use a laptop or other streaming device
- Create a cozy outdoor bed with blankets, pillows, candles, snacks, or whatever else
2. Camping on the Beach
Open sky, fiery coast sunsets, camp fires, and barefoot walks on the beach: can you think of a more romantic date night?
Depending on where you are in the world, you may be near public beaches that are open to dispersed or organized camping. Especially if you are on the Gulf Coast or West Coast of the United States. Check the iOverlander app to see if there is beach camping near you!
3. Spa Day in the Mountains*
If you are near the mountains, find an isolated camp spot near a clean river on the iOverlander app. Then enjoy the natural world on your skin with your favorite spa routine.
Sunbathe with face masks, oil massage on the river bank, and skinny dip in the mountain stream. (Warning, the water will probably be cold!)
*Again: please follow Leave No Trace principals! Do not use soaps or lotions that can run off into and pollute waterways.
4. Try a Cute Diner in a New Town
If you travel full or part-time in your camper van, then you should try a new, locally owned restaurant in the town your traveling through!
This is not only a good way to try new things and engage with the locals, but it is a really great way to put money into the communities you travel through.
And this doesn’t have to be limited to local restaurants. Try locally owned cafes, shops, boutiques, book stores, and so on.
5. Build a Pillow Nest on the Roof of your Van
Last but not least, my favorite way to spend quality time with someone in my van. (However, if you roll around in your sleep, maybe not try this one!)
I love cowboy camping on the roof of my van. When you sleep on top of your van, it is next to impossible for most animals and spiders to get to you. The process of bringing all of your pillows and blankets on top of your van is fun and exciting. Then sleeping in your pillow fort under the stars surrounded by the sounds of the night lulls you into a deep sleep.
CONCLUSION: LOVE AND VAN LIFE LIVING
The van life is the magic life, and there are ways you can make the lifestyle even more dreamy and romantic–this Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Date nights on the beach, in the mountains, or in the desert are sure to win over your partner(s).
Have you tried any of these ideas? Are you excited about trying one of these? Let me know in the comment section below. 🙂
See you on the road!
Thanks for stopping by <3
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