My van is my “home on the road”. There is nothing particularly luxurious about it, but I am able to accomplish what I wish for a couple of months at a time while driving across the USA. Maintaining joy is about creating a rhythm while on the road. Just as we have daily habits at home, I maintain a few while traveling in my van. The major ones are what I refer to as my 5-4-3 plan.

Five: no more than 500 miles driven per day. Since I often stop at various local places during a day’s travel, which do take time, driving less than 500 miles is a major part of my van travel.

Four: stop and set up camp by 4PM. Or maybe it will be a visit with friend or family, or a hotel night. Whatever; I find the 4PM time to be the start of a relaxing late afternoon/evening.  Whether that be a walk, glass of wine, mug of beer, or time to sketch. It is nice to know my driving is done. I can stretch my legs outside of the van. It’s time for something else to be enjoyed.

Three: stay for 3 nights. It is necessary to knock off many miles day after day while traveling across the USA. So I choose specific places to allow for rest, thus a 3 night stay someplace, every so often. Once in an area, I may stay 3 nights or more and enjoy all I can with no rush off a next morning. Three nights allows for 2 full days of activity! I love these breaks!

Of course, since I have no additional heat or air-conditioning in my van, I have been known to cut short a stay to travel elsewhere away from wildfire smoke, hot or cold temperatures, or whatever is just not making my stay enjoyable. But for the most part, my 5-4-3 plan works for me. 

Do you have a plan when you travel? What works for you? I’m always interested in hearing from others about their travel. In the meantime, travel safely. Maybe I will see you on the road!