As we all look forward to the new chapter that 2022 will bring, it feels as though we’re entering a new phase of the pandemic- one that’s much more tolerable and much less restrictive. While COVID-19 is likely to be around for a long time, the travel restrictions that it’s brought with it during the last year and a half will, thankfully, no longer be a part of our lives. So how will that impact van lifers? Here are some of our thoughts…
Bye Bye Borders
Okay, so obviously the borders aren’t actually going to disappear. They existed pre-Covid and will continue to exist. BUT the important thing is that in the relatively near future, we won’t be dealing with the snap closing of borders, travel exemptions and domestic travel restrictions that change on a weekly or even daily basis. While there are still travel restrictions in place in some states, it’s becoming increasingly easier to make travel plans with more definite options and destinations available to us. In the coming year, we’ll gradually be able to travel freely around all of Australia and as a result, the freedom of van life has never looked so appealing. Want to do The Big Lap? No problem. Thinking of driving from the top of Australia to the bottom? Let’s go!
#VanLife Etiquette
The good news about life after Covid is that, for the most part, our routines on the road will pretty much go back to normal. Travelling in your campervan, motorhome or caravan has always meant having an awareness of what kind of etiquette is expected in the RV community. Even pre-Covid, it was important to be aware of what’s expected of you as a camper, like parking up a comfortable distance from your neighbour and not invading their space. Or making sure you don’t leave any rubbish behind when you leave a camp spot.
Now, in a post-Covid world there’s likely a few more items that will be added to the camping etiquette list. More people will likely be aware of the spread of bacteria and germs which means it’ll be even more crucial that we’re mindful of our hygiene practices. Be sure to clean up after yourself after using the toilet, showers and sinks. Shared BBQs are another area where you should take extra care to clean up once you’ve finished. Another key to making sure that everyone in the RV community feels comfortable will be making sure we maintain a respectful distance from our fellow campers, particularly when using shared facilities or approaching them for a friendly chat. And having a bottle of hand sanitiser readily available will always be essential for living a hygienic van life.
Big Support for Little Towns
It’s likely that van lifers will be a major source of income and support for remote and regional towns across Australia post-Covid. With tourism having been largely shut down for more than a year and a half, small towns have suffered major losses. As borders open up and more and more Aussies hit the open roads, the RV community will play a major role in returning these towns to their former glory. After all, the van life is about journeying to the less explored corners, nooks and crannies of our country, and buying a pint of locally brewed beer, stocking up on some delicious local produce or buying handmade crafts from a Sunday market at each stop along the way is all part of what makes this lifestyle so enriching.
How Essential will Masks be?
In the coming months, masks are much less likely to become items that are mandated. However, a lot of people have realised the health benefits of wearing a mask so it wouldn’t be surprising if some Aussies opted to keep their masks for occasions where they’ll be in large crowds. As far as van life goes though, we don’t see masks being much of a factor. Often, life on the road in your caravan, motorhome or campervan means being in sparsely populated or more remote areas where a mask wouldn’t serve much of a purpose. However, we still recommend keeping one handy at all times since you just never know when you’re going to need it.
Last, but definitely not least, we expect van life in a post-covid world to be a more fulfilling experience than ever. Covid has shown us that, as a nation, we love to travel, get out into nature and meet our fellow like-minded Aussies. Having spent almost two years being deprived of some of the things we love the most, there is, without a doubt, a renewed sense of eagerness and appreciation for being able to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. And that’s exactly what van life gives us.
Do you think that the van life might be for you? Check out our range of RVs designed to suit any kind of travelling style and budget.