Living in a camper van can be challenging for couples due to the limited space, requiring adjustments to maintain a harmonious relationship. Giving each other space, staying positive, and connecting with others are essential strategies to enhance the experience. While it may be demanding, it also offers unique opportunities for intimacy and appreciation of natural beauty. The key to success lies in effective communication, mutual support, and embracing the cozy confines of the camper van as a shared adventure.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Camper type | Camper van |
Camper size | 16 feet long |
Amenities | None of the amenities found in RVs (no toilet, shower, or freestanding bed) |
Sleeping arrangements | Loveseat-length bench that doubles as a bed |
Relationship challenges | Draining on the relationship, requiring adjustments to maintain harmony |
Strategies for harmony | Giving each other space, staying positive, meeting other people |
Contribution to success | Playing to individual strengths, ensuring organization and cleanliness |
Benefits | Experiencing natural beauty, intimacy, and a safe space |
What You'll Learn
Giving each other space
Set Ground Rules
It's important to establish ground rules that work for both of you. Pick out the key rules that are necessary for a comfortable and calming space. For example, decide on a cleaning schedule and guest policy. While it's good to compromise, it's also crucial to assert your needs and set boundaries.
Create Personal Nooks
Even in a small space, try to carve out a personal nook for each person. It could be a small box or shelf that is designated for one person's items only. This helps to create a sense of personal space and ownership within the shared living area.
Take Time Away
Just because you're sharing a small space doesn't mean you have to spend all your time together. Go for walks, sign up for a class, or spend time with friends outside the camper. This gives you both some time apart and a chance to miss each other!
Respect Alone Time
When your roommate is in the camper, respect their need for alone time. Minimize phone calls inside the camper, and try to have important or emotional conversations outside or in a private space. Ask before launching into a deep discussion, and be mindful of their availability and willingness to chat.
Be Mindful of Noise
Be considerate of the sounds you make, especially at certain times of the day. For example, if your roommate has a headache, it's not the best time to blast music. Try to take personal calls outside, and use headphones when on Zoom calls.
Check-In Regularly
Communication is key. Have regular check-ins to discuss any grievances and praise each other when things are going well. Be open and honest about your feelings and respect each other's needs. This will help to prevent any negative feelings or tension from building up.
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Staying positive
Sharing a small space with a partner can be challenging. Here are some tips for staying positive when living or travelling in a campervan as a couple:
Be Kind to Each Other
Even when you're annoyed, try to be kind. When you share a small space, it's easy to get on each other's nerves. Before you snap at your partner, pause and consider whether the issue is worth treating them unkindly. Chances are, your partner is only annoying you because you're tired, hungry, or stressed. Choosing to ignore minor annoyances will become a habit over time, and your relationship will be happier and stronger for it.
Engage in Positive Touch
Positive touch, such as holding hands or snuggling, releases chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin, which promote feelings of calmness and happiness and encourage bonding. Make time for positive touch every day, as it can be more powerful than words and helps you feel connected without having to verbalize your feelings.
Respect Each Other's "Small Space Deal Breakers"
Figure out what your partner's pet peeves are in a small space and respect them. For example, if your partner can't stand dirty dishes left out, make sure to put them away promptly. By eliminating these triggers, you can avoid unnecessary arguments and create a more harmonious living environment.
Understand That Bad Days Are Inevitable
Camper life can amplify emotions, and bad days will happen. Try to be extra kind and supportive when your partner is having a bad day to avoid both of you getting pulled into a negative spiral. Remember that the close quarters can make it easy to pick up on each other's moods, so actively work to keep things positive.
Talk About Your Feelings
When you're living and travelling in a camper, you're constantly together, so it's essential to be open about your feelings. Check in with each other regularly, actively listen to each other's concerns, and work through issues as they arise. Laughter is also an essential tool when sharing a small space. Don't take things too seriously, and try to laugh off minor inconveniences.
Give Each Other Space
While you may enjoy each other's company, alone time is also important. Find ways to spend time apart, even when you're in close quarters. Go for walks or hikes separately, or do activities near each other but without interacting. Having some independence can help you feel more positive when you are together.
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Interacting with others
With Your Partner
If you're staying in a camper with your partner, it's important to remember that living in close quarters can be challenging for your relationship. To ensure harmony, consider the following:
- Give each other space: Spending time apart, even while doing activities together, can help maintain a sense of independence and reduce friction.
- Play to your strengths: Divide tasks according to your strengths and interests. For example, one person might handle meal planning and cooking while the other manages outdoor equipment and vehicle maintenance.
- Stay positive: Avoid bickering and make a conscious effort to be appreciative of each other's contributions, no matter how big or small.
With Fellow Campers
When interacting with fellow campers, it's essential to foster an inclusive and respectful environment. Here are some ways to achieve this:
- Be mindful of language: Avoid using language that demeans or excludes others based on their gender, racial identity, sexual orientation, or other social identities.
- Cultivate curiosity: If you hear campers using hurtful or exclusionary language, ask questions about their intent. This approach encourages reflection without judgment.
- Create inclusive spaces: Work with campers to establish group agreements or a "cabin constitution" that emphasizes respect and inclusivity.
- Value differences: Affirm and celebrate the hobbies, interests, and backgrounds that make each camper unique.
- Ensure safety: If you witness or become aware of exclusionary behaviour, take the targeted camper aside, offer comfort, and do what is necessary to help them feel safe again.
With the Local Community
Interacting with the local community can enhance your camper stay and create memorable connections. Here are some ways to engage:
- Be friendly and approachable: Whether you're parked at a campsite or exploring a new town, strike up conversations with fellow travellers and locals.
- Invite others: If you meet interesting people on your travels, consider inviting them back to your camper for a cup of tea or a meal.
- Seek out community events: Participate in local events or activities that allow you to connect with others and experience the culture of the area.
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Alone time activities
- Board games: Bring a selection of board games to play together, such as chess, checkers, Scrabble, or Monopoly. These can provide hours of entertainment and allow you to connect and bond with your camping partner.
- Card games: A simple deck of cards can lead to hours of fun. Teach each other different games, such as poker, blackjack, or rummy.
- Hiking: Explore the area around your campsite by going on hikes together. Make sure to bring a map and plan your route in advance to avoid getting lost.
- Nature photography: Capture the beauty of your surroundings by taking photos of the landscape, wildlife, and each other. This can be a fun way to document your camping trip and create lasting memories.
- Stargazing: Spend an evening gazing at the night sky and trying to identify constellations. You can download star-gazing apps on your phone to help you locate and learn about different stars and planets.
- Campfire stories: Take turns telling stories around the campfire, whether they are true stories from your own lives or made-up ghost stories to spook each other.
Remember to prioritise safety at all times, especially if you are camping in a remote location. It is important to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Bring essential supplies, such as a first-aid kit, flashlights, and adequate food and water.
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Organisational tips
Staying in a camper van with a group of people requires a lot of organisation to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are some organisational tips to keep in mind:
Minimise your belongings
Take only what you need. This is a crucial lesson in van life and will help you let go of material items that are not necessary. Identify the belongings you use often, as these are likely the most useful things to keep. If you only use something every few weeks, you probably don't need to bring it. This will help create more space and a less cramped environment.
Have a designated spot for everything
In a small space, it's important to keep things organised and ensure everything has a place. This will prevent items from floating around the van and getting in the way. Keep necessary items accessible and pack away things you may not need as often. For example, keep toiletries and a yoga mat within easy reach, while storing snow chains in a less accessible area if you rarely need them.
Get creative with your space
Maximise the use of your space by incorporating multi-purpose features. For example, steps can hold shoes, and the space under seats can be used for storage. Build smaller compartments within cabinets or drawers to fit more items, or incorporate shelves or hooks on walls or doors to hang items.
Utilise outdoor storage
Consider installing a cargo carrier to save space inside the van. These can hold seasonal items or clothing you don't need frequent access to. You can also install fresh and grey water tanks underneath the van to save room inside. Additionally, attach outdoor gear like spare tires, gas canisters, and traction pads to the outside of the van.
Stay tidy and clean regularly
It's easy for things to fall out of place in a camper van, especially when you're constantly on the move. Get into the habit of cleaning up right away to avoid a buildup of mess and stress. Set aside a specific timeframe each day or every few days to organise and pick up your space.
By following these tips, you can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone staying in the camper van, regardless of gender.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a boy and a girl can share a camper. In fact, truck campers are ideal for families with children as they can be parked in the driveways of family members, allowing for convenient and enjoyable visits without being house guests.
While there are no inherent safety concerns, it is important to establish clear rules and boundaries to ensure the comfort and safety of all parties involved.
It is essential to respect privacy, especially when changing clothes or taking showers. Separate accommodations and designated areas for male and female adults and youth should be provided whenever possible.
Sharing a camper can foster a sense of closeness and strengthen family bonds. It also encourages children to spend more time outdoors, exploring nature and engaging in activities away from electronic devices.