Hitting the open road in a van offers a sense of freedom that’s hard to beat. Waking up to a new view every day sounds like a dream, but a successful adventure really comes down to smart planning. Before you turn the key and head for the horizon, a little preparation can make all the difference between a trip of a lifetime and one filled with stressful bumps in the road. Mapping Your Route The beauty of van life is how spontaneous it can be, but it’s always a good idea to have a general route in mind. You don’t need a minute-by-minute plan, but knowing your general direction and where you might stop for the night keeps you from scrambling to find a safe place to park after dark. Start by figuring out your must-see spots and then loosely connect them on a map. Try using both digital and…
