Pros & Cons of Backpacking vs. Vanlife
*Vanlife = any vehicle including a van, RV, Jeep, etc.
Packing
Backpacking
-
Can't fit as much stuff, which is sort of a good thing bc keeps packing list simple!
-
Constantly packing and unpacking can get annoying but you get used to it
-
Less clothes & nowhere to keep dirty laundry means doing laundry more often
Vanlife
-
Can bring more stuff (surfboard, cooking supplies, your favorite pillow) (Packing List)
-
No packing/unpacking!
-
Everything should have its place but can get cramped quickly
Flexibility
Backpacking
-
You can hop around to different countries and continents quickly via flights or buses
-
No need to plan too far ahead but will be reliant on flight/bus schedules & bookings
-
Very mobile and able to change your entire plan/location/circumstances quickly
Vanlife
-
Initial overhead cost of the vehicle means you're somewhat committed
-
Can be tough to sell or ship van elsewhere if you decide to change plans/location
-
VERY flexible day to day to go where you want and stay as long as you want
Wifi/ Cell Service
Backpacking
-
Wifi and cell service is very likely at airports and hostels/hotels BUT don't count on having it 100% of the time as you may go for days at a time without service or wifi
-
Can purchase SIM cards and can find free wifi at many restaurants and such
Vanlife
-
Most countries have widespread cell service BUT count on being disconnected somewhat often as you can go for long periods without Wifi or cell service
-
Can purchase SIM cards and can find wifi areas/campsites on iOverlander
CostS
Backpacking
-
Can be as expensive or as cheap as you want (Make a Budget)
-
Very easy to adjust budget and expenses as you go if you want to spend less/more
-
Easy to move into a work-stay situation to save money
Vanlife
-
Initial cost of vehicle and gas are requirements off the bat; research ahead of time
-
Don't have to pay for accommodations BUT campsite costs can add up
-
MUST have a budget for mechanical issues/maintenance + crossing borders
Socializing
Backpacking
-
Easy to meet people at hostels, restaurants/bars, buses, etc.
-
Can be hard to have true alone time
-
Opportunity to sync up with new friends and keep travelling together
Vanlife
-
Great online community and often meet people at campsites
-
Can get very lonely for long periods of time especially on long drives or remote areas
-
Can be tough to travel with new people you meet along the way for extended periods
Cultural Appreciation
Backpacking
-
Harder to get a local viewpoint of the location seeing as you'll often stay and eat at hostels/hotels with other tourists but easier to find others to explore with or book tours
-
Harder to achieve 100% immersion in the language
Vanlife
-
By necessity you're constantly driving/living/eating/shopping among the locals
-
True language immersion because many remote areas will have few English speakers
-
You don't just see the highlights of a country, but rather the full view
Safety
Backpacking
-
Obviously depends on the country and places you're visiting but overall quite safe seeing as you'll often stay in hostels/hotels with other travelers
-
Relatively easy to leave a location if something goes wrong (More on Safety)
Vanlife
-
Obviously depends on the places you're visiting, but overall safe if you follow recommended safety rules such as don't drive at night and find secure sleeping areas
-
Can be very tough to leave quickly if something goes wrong (More on Safety)
Sleeping/ Relaxation
Backpacking
-
Your sleeping accommodations will change constantly so you must be able to adapt quickly and learn to sleep through most anything, especially noises & temperatures.
-
Can be difficult to have alone/down time at hostels or home-stays
Vanlife
-
You get to sleep in the same bed every night and its very easy to have alone time
-
Location of your home will change constantly and can be tough to find "perfect" parking each night so must be flexible and learn to sleep through all temps and noises
Comfort
Backpacking
-
Depending on how fast you're moving you will be looking for & changing accommodations regularly; keep realistic expectations depending on location & costs
-
Accommodations often have shower, toilet, wifi, electricity, fan/AC/heating (maybe)
Vanlife
-
Your home is with you! Therefore, your accommodations stay more constant and will be as comfortable as you make it (ie. can include shower, toilet, etc)
-
You may often not have running water, wifi, electricity, fan/AC/heating
Destinations
Backpacking
-
VERY easy to access most anywhere in the world (decide Where to Go)
-
Can move about quickly and relatively cheaply
-
Can change current or planned destinations almost immediately as desired
Vanlife
-
Must sell or ship vehicle across oceans to change continents (even North to South America or vice versa must ship across Darian Gap) which can be timely and costly
-
Will likely see more of each country and discover hidden places you'd never find