It might seem tempting to live in a van, traveling around the country; embracing this lifestyle of freedom and adventure can be appealing, but it can also be a big step. Fortunately, you don't need to entirely give up your old life to become a free spirit on the open roads.

Getting started as a part-time van life enthusiast is an excellent option for dipping your toes in the water. You can take this approach whether you're currently a fully remote worker or just plan to explore during your time off. Either way, you'll need a van to start enjoying extended trips on the open road, and these three tips will help you choose the best one for your needs.

1. Start Small

You don't need a massive RV to enjoy extended van life road trips. Many enthusiasts use relatively small utility vans. If you aren't planning on living your whole life on the road, then you won't need as much space as people who intended to live from their vans permanently. Instead, start by considering how much time (weeks? Months?) you'll spend in your van.

Smaller vans often have better fuel economy, as well. Lower operating costs will provide you with more freedom for long-range travel and reduce the overall expenses associated with van life. However, don't choose an option that's so small that you end up feeling cramped or claustrophobic. Spend some time in the interior of any vans you're considering before making a decision.

2. Plan Ahead

Have you thought about where you'll be taking your van? If you'll mostly be adventuring in urban areas, then a smaller van has numerous advantages. In addition to better fuel economy when navigating stop-and-go urban traffic, you'll also be able to park in smaller spaces and go more places. Maneuvering a large vehicle through the city can be a hassle.

On the other hand, a large camper might be more suitable if you plan on going off-road and hitting more campsites. Your van's overall footprint may be less of an issue in these cases than interior living and storage space. If you want to stand up, you'll probably need to consider a conversion van with a high-top.

3. Cover the Basics

One of the joys of van life is modifying and renovating your vehicle to suit your needs, but you want the basics covered. If you're going to spend a lot of time in your camper, make sure it has an adequate kitchen, sleeping area, and office space, if necessary. You'll want the essentials covered before you leave on your first trip rather than putting them on a list for the future.

By taking the time to plan carefully and choose the right van, you'll be able to enjoy all the adventures of van life, even if you don't intend to spend your whole life in a camper.

For more information, reach out to a business that has camper vans for sale.