The dream of van life and its reality
Your own campervan, perhaps even converted by yourself – a real labour of love. Many travellers dream of creating their own home on four wheels and exploring the world with it. Van life has long been more than just a form of travel: it is a lifestyle.
Living minimally, feeling free, falling asleep to the sunset in the evening and waking up to the sound of the sea in the morning – the image of the campervan has captivated countless people.
But more and more YouTubers and influencers are providing honest insights into the challenges of van life and also communicating the disadvantages of a campervan – from the high cost of conversion and maintenance to its suitability for everyday use.
Campervan – Reality Check: Costs, Everyday Life, Sustainability
A campervan appears to offer boundless freedom – but in reality, it also presents many challenges:
High costs: Maintenance, repairs, MOT and insurance are significantly more expensive than for a car.
Parking problems: Campervans are bulky – in everyday life outside your front door or when travelling in cities.
High fuel consumption: More weight and a larger frontal area mean higher costs and more emissions.
Limited suitability for everyday use: Underground car park? Difficult. A quick trip into town? Often impractical.
Compulsory use: To prevent it from breaking down, the van must be moved regularly – even if it is rarely used.
👉 In the end, many people realise that a campervan is not only a piece of freedom, but also a permanent commitment that costs time, money and nerves – costs and benefits should be carefully weighed up in advance to avoid frustration later on.
Smart campervan alternative: use your car as a camper
But what some people don't realise is that you don't necessarily need a campervan to experience freedom. With a roof tent and camping box for your car, your car can be transformed into a mini camper in no time at all.
Roof tent on top → always have a place to sleep.
Rear pull-out below → kitchen, storage space & organisation – everything always at your fingertips.
Not only do you save yourself the high cost of a van, but this campervan alternative is also suitable for everyday use. Your car becomes a camper without sacrificing flexibility – perfect for road trips, micro-adventures or festivals.
Turn your car into a mini camper: with a roof tent and boot extension
A car with a roof tent weighs significantly less than a campervan, making it the perfect mini camper. This means lower fuel or energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. But that's just one of the advantages of using your car as a camper!
1. Less material and cost-intensive to purchase
With a car roof tent and a rear extension with camping box, you can use your existing vehicle – and save money. At the same time, you have more budget for newer technology and greater driving comfort.
2. Longer service life for your car
You simply continue to use your existing car – instead of buying an additional campervan. This allows you to get more out of your car while also saving on the emissions that would be generated in the production of a new vehicle.
3. Less space required
A campervan takes up space at home, on campsites or in the city. A car with a roof tent can be parked anywhere and can go anywhere. There are no height restrictions and driving on narrow roads is much more relaxed.
4. Efficient use
Your car remains a car and is therefore suitable for everyday use – Monday at the office, on the road at the weekend and ready for the next adventure in minutes. No "dead weight", but versatile use.
👉 Result: With a car + roof tent + boot extension, you can travel flexibly, cost-effectively and sustainably – and still experience the feeling of freedom without the disadvantages that are usually only found in the small print when it comes to van life – a real campervan alternative!
Conclusion: Van life feeling without a van
A roof tent on top, a rear pull-out with a camping box for the car underneath – and your car is transformed into a camper. With a boot pull-out like the Traveler, tidying up, cooking and storage become so easy that you have more time for what travelling is really about: being on the road, discovering new things, living outdoors.
Because in the end, everyone decides for themselves how they want to spend the next few years:
How much time do you want to put into work – and how much space does that leave for real experiences?
Car camping can be one answer: less baggage, more freedom. Short micro-adventures at the weekend, big tours through Europe – everything is possible without completely changing your life.
And perhaps that's the most important question of all: what do you want to experience – and how do you want to travel?
Because maybe you don't need a campervan at all 🌍✨
