It’s easy to get caught up in the awe-inspiring photos of Buslifers and traveling in a VW Bus full time. As the digital nomad life becomes more and more popular it’s hard to avoid the pictures of people waking up in a new beautiful location every morning. Traveling in a bus around the world on your own schedule, exploring, and going on adventures sounds like a dream. However, people seem to sometimes forget the other part of Buslife, which is the real Buslife. How often do you really get to shower, how do you afford to live, will you be able to actually be happy in a bus? These things are the behind the scenes scenarios that aren’t always shown. Wondering if you could handle the Buslife? Here are some things to think about before you hit the road.

Most time is spent outdoors

While the inside of everyone’s renovated VW Bus looks amazing, most of your time will probably be spent outdoors. It’s easier to grill and eat outdoors. It also feels great to get out under the sun or moon and enjoy the space after being cramped in the bus for a while. You’ll also have to adjust to nature’s temperature. Bundle up when it’s cold and it’s time to sleep and strip on the hot days. Some days you may even want to pitch a tent and sleep outside to get some air. Your body will adjust eventually but it takes time to get on nature’s time. There are also those pesky bugs. Depending on where you are in the world they can really become a problem. Always carry bug spray and citronella candles and check for ticks before bedtime. The outdoors can be challenging and but when you’re gazing up at the stars after eating a delicious meal everything kind of just fits.

Buslife is a minimalist lifestyle

You’ll need to be as minimal as you can get while you’re traveling in a bus. Only the essentials will really be able to come with you in your bus, and depending on the size, even that can be a challenge. Just bring the basic clothing and personal items and make do with what you have. You’ll want to focus on survival items to cook and clean with. There are great ways to organize and renovate your bus to really utilize the space you do have. Don’t think of this as a con, there is nothing more freeing than fitting everything you own in a bus.

Cleanliness and hygiene

This is a big concern I think a lot of people have when they think of traveling in a bus. The answer just depends on where you are in the world and what you have access to. You may sometimes have to use the great outdoors as your outhouse, but there are ways around this when you can find them. You also may not always get to shower when you want to, so being ok with not smelling minty fresh everyday is a must. There are things you can buy for when you really need to use them, like portable toilets and showers. They actually work well and are great for when you’re in the middle of nowhere. However, there are many free campsites all around the world and a lot of really affordable ones.

Most campsites have showers and bathrooms on-site that you can use while you’re there. Make sure you have a shower caddy and take advantage of the hot water and flushing toilets. Another option is if there is a gym anywhere near where you are traveling or even if you’re just passing through. Some will offer day passes or week memberships and have full showers and saunas. You can learn more about keeping hygienic on the road in this article.

Personal space and a lonely Buslife

These are two very different things because everyone travels differently. If you are solo traveling in a bus you will have to be ok with being with yourself a lot. Some people might call this lonely but others might really enjoy it. When Buslife becomes lonely though it can impact your mental health. It’s important to keep in contact with family and friends as much as possible. Online communities like Buslifers are also great to make new friends and arrange meetups and take part in different events.

If you are traveling with another person online communities are still an amazing way to share your stories and relate to others who live the same way. Also, you’ll want to make sure you’re ok with having no personal space. A VW Bus is a tight living situation and you’ll be in close quarters at all times. Make sure that your partner in crime is someone you really love to be around and are comfortable with. It makes traveling and experiencing new things so much more enjoyable. This article about relationships on the road might be helpful to read too.

What do you think? Could you thrive while living the Buslife? These are only a few topics that will help you decide whether or not it is for you. If you think you’d be ok with it all the Buslife is a really beautiful thing. It’s an incredible way to experience this wonderful planet and it’s so freeing to live life your own way and on your own terms.  

Are you already a Buslifer? What are the things you wish you had thought more carefully about before beginning Buslife?

Author: Ashley Tesluck