Information about working in a camper van
Tips for working in a camper and why a good work-life balance is so important – camping recommendations and everything about our Work & Travel Set
Corona has really turned our lives upside down. Many things that were previously unthinkable have now become second nature to us. Who would have thought two years ago that each of us would always carry an FFP2 mask in our pocket and that the queue at the supermarket checkout would be even longer because we have to keep our distance from other people? But also that more and more people would no longer have to work from the office. And thus have the opportunity to try out working in a camper van.
Corona changed our world of work
The world of work has had to adapt very quickly to the new conditions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. People who previously worked exclusively in the office now have the opportunity to network virtually and carry out their work from home. As a result, the home office has now become the permanent new workplace for many.
Living and working have moved closer together. This presents many of us with major challenges. Work materials may be easily accessible in the cloud, but the bedroom was still too small for a desk. Creative solutions for workstations followed back pain from working at a sofa table.
And despite the newfound freedom, working hours have probably increased for most people, often late into the evening. You always have one foot in the workplace. In the little free time you have, you prefer to sink into the sofa instead of going out into nature, getting some exercise or perhaps even meeting real people.
New Freedom – mobile working
In theory, however, the new world of work offers a lot of real freedom – if you think things through to the end. Because there is actually only one small obstacle between working from home and ultimate freedom: the idea of stationary working. Why shouldn’t you move on if you’ve already managed to get out of the office without any problems? Why continue to divide your life into vacation and work when you can do both at the same time? Why not simply work from anywhere?
Working in a Camper van
It doesn’t take much. With a comfortable motorhome, the right equipment and a sense of adventure, you already have the most important things at the start. The distances from your laptop to nature, the forest, the mountains, the beach or a newly discovered metropolis will be as short as you decide. Relaxation or even inspiration through discovering a new city will be close together and always within your reach. You don’t need to make an effort to have great conversations with nice people. They happen all by themselves, because there’s plenty to talk about when you’re traveling. In inspiring surroundings and company, you will no longer see earning a living as just work. Everything is based on the motto ” The journey is the destination”.
Whether you are a newcomer to working from home or an experienced freelancer, everyone will discover completely new opportunities through mobile working. For example, customers can be visited and invited directly to the mobile office for a lunch. Or you can meet up in the evening and enjoy cool drinks around the campfire. Vanlife for you and your customers, so to speak. And when no customers are bothering you, you can simply enjoy your perfect work-life balance. After all, life is good and work can actually be fun. Especially when the break room isn’t far away and is surrounded by greenery…
Forest bathing – reduce stress and strengthen the immune system
Studies in Japan have shown that “forest bathing”, i.e. consciously walking through a forest or nature, has a positive effect on our immune system. The researchers at the Nippon Medical School led by Professor Qing Li suspect that messenger substances in the trees are responsible for the health-promoting effect. A 15-minute walk in the forest reduces the feeling of stress, lowers blood pressure and heart rate and reduces stress hormones. The ideal balance between two meetings and one of many reasons to move the office to the countryside.
How does working in a camper van work?
The ever-increasing number of digital nomads makes it clear that there are attractive alternatives to the norm. People all over the world are setting off because they want to experience new things and be inspired – without having to park or give up their career.
But how exactly does working in a camper van work? What needs to be considered and what things should always be taken with you? We at VANTOPIA have looked into this question. It really is quite simple…
What you need to work in a camper van?
First of all, it is important to have a reliable vehicle, such as our Dreamer. Our VANTOPIA campers are young and well-maintained, so that you are always relaxed and safe on the road. Of course, reliability alone is not enough if the vehicle is also there to live in. Nobody wants to miss out on comfort and coziness when traveling, so the mobile home should be equipped accordingly, as with our extensive full equipment. And our campers also offer enough space to set up a comfortable workplace. Cosiness is in the DNA across our entire fleet anyway – there’s no easier way to feel at home. In addition to a nice spot, all that’s missing is some technology to connect your cell phone and computer to the world. Nowadays, many campsites are set up for digital nomads and in cities you can find co-working spaces or at least a nice café with electricity and internet. For true self-sufficiency, however, we recommend our…
Work & Travel Set
…which has been tested by us under extreme conditions. Runs perfectly!
The set includes:
- a power station from PowerOak with 500Wh for up to seven laptop battery charges, for example – rechargeable via 230V, 12V while driving or via solar // power wherever and wherever you need it
- a foldable 120W solar panel from OffgridTec with compact dimensions (360x290x60mm) // charge the power station sustainably with solar energy
- a hotspot router incl. 10 GB data volume for 4 weeks – after the 10 GB have been used up or the 4 weeks have expired, you can flexibly book a new package independently of us // Internet access without being dependent on a campsite
- a pillow tablet // work comfortably on your laptop, no matter where you are sitting
Campsite-Tips for digitale Nomads
Campsite at the big Wentowsee
Are you looking for a quiet place in the countryside to park your caravan? Then we have a great tip for you. The campsite at Großer Wentowsee is a real little oasis in the middle of nature. At the 2-star campsite, you will find natural pitches nestled between the forest and the lake. The site is intended for guests aged 14 and over who are looking for peace and quiet, making it ideal for single travelers or couples. You can choose from different pitches when you make your booking. Whether you book a pitch with a view of the lake or prefer to find your favorite spot in the meadow under shady trees is entirely up to you. In any case, you are always right in the middle of nature here.
Camp Langholz
We like to camp different!
This is how Camp Langholz in Waabs on the Baltic Sea welcomes you on its website. The operator, Christof Albrecht, has tried to create a campsite away from the mainstream in line with his philosophy. No exaggerated rules, no allotment garden character, no garden gnomes and cemetery hedges. There is no bourgeoisie or pretentiousness here, just a relaxed atmosphere for everyone, without being embarrassed by others.
The site offers you everything you need to make your working day a relaxed one. Close to nature and very close to the sea, without a lot of frills. You’re sure to find the perfect balance between work and leisure. Whether it’s surfing, kiting, chilling in the hammock, a round around the campfire or relaxing in front of the camper with a beer – the transitions here are seamless. Close your laptop during your lunch break and go for a walk on the beach. You’ll return to work full of energy.
This campsite also attaches great importance to sustainability. Preserving and protecting nature should always be the basic idea when camping. This is the only way to preserve what we are looking for on our trip into nature. Peace, lots of greenery, animals and clean water.
Mobile working on alternative pitches
Perhaps a campsite, even if it no longer corresponds to the cliché of a classic campsite, is not right for you? Fortunately, there are now many attractive alternatives. Whether you want to be completely free to work in your motorhome or are looking for a pitch from a private individual – we have put together an overview of the alternatives to a campsite for you.
Are you more drawn to faraway places? Or do you like it a little warmer, even in the colder months? Then we have two great campsite recommendations for France and Portugal for your trip to the south.
Camping Oléron les Chênes Verts
I’m off to an island.
The small island of Oléron is located in the Bay of Biscay, near Rochefort on the French Atlantic coast. On 174 square meters you will find everything you need to combine work and relaxation. The island impresses with its scenic diversity and unspoiled nature. Long beaches, picturesque villages, small fishing harbors and impressive pine groves invite you to relax and unwind.
The Oléron les Chênes Verts campsite is just 50m from the sea. This means that not only the sunset by the sea with a glass of vin rouge after work is included, but also working with a view of the Atlantic during the day would be possible here with our “Work & Travel” set. So you can combine both and definitely create a good work-life balance. Just between us, who doesn’t like to post a picture of their workplace by the Atlantic ;-) ?
This place offers you many opportunities to be active. You can do water sports, go to a yoga class, explore the island by bike or go on a mudflat hike. You can also sample local products such as oysters on site. The culinary delicacies of a country will then touch all your senses and working will feel more like a vacation.
Bubulcus & Bolotas
Would you like something a little more sustainable? Then the Bubulcus&Bolotas campsite might be just the thing for your work & travel trip. The campsite has made experiencing nature with all your senses its motto. In the midst of Portugal’s untouched nature, with its Mediterranean flair, the campsite offers you natural pitches with plenty of space for your camper. Sustainability is clearly a priority here, which is why the campsite obtains 100% of its electricity from solar energy. Our Work&Travel set with its solar panel fits in 100%. Here you can not only bring your work and leisure time closer together, but also do something for your ecological footprint and the planet at the same time.
The campsite has 20 pitches, so it is advisable to enquire about available pitches before you arrive. If you get a pitch, nothing stands in the way of your working week in the sunny Portuguese countryside. Sunsets with a glass of port wine under old oak trees will make your evening here a chilled end to the day.
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Unser vielseitigster Camper
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Camping abseits der Massen
Ruhe und Entspannung ohne viele Menschen, Natur pur und alles ganz legal. Wir zeigen euch verschiedene Möglichkeiten, wie und wo ihr das finden könnt, ohne wildzucampen.
Wildcampen
Ruhe und Entspannung auf eigene Faust in der Natur entdecken - wo das möglich ist und was es dabei zu beachten gibt, könnt ihr hier nachlesen.
Camping mit Hund
Ohne euren Vierbeiner fahrt ihr nirgendwo hin? Kein Problem, Hunde sind bei uns immer willkommen. Wir haben Tipps, Tricks und die schönsten Ziele für euch gesammelt.
