STAY COOL THIS SUMMER

Summer is upon us, and as the temperature rises, it's essential to explore effective strategies for staying cool during your adventures on the road. Maintaining a comfortable and cool environment in your van can significantly enhance the overall experience of van life. Whether you're traveling solo or accompanied by furry companions, ensuring a climate that is both comfortable for you and hospitable to your pets is paramount. Let's dig into some insightful tips and tricks that will not only help you beat the heat but also elevate your van life to new levels of enjoyment and relaxation.

Appliances

Preparing your van to combat the summer heat is essential for a comfortable living space. Equipping your van with the right appliances can be a game-changer. Consider essential items like an air conditioner, roof vent fans, a cabin fan, and reflective window covers to stay cool in the heat. While open windows provide a nice breeze, they can also let in the scorching sun rays.

Minimize heat infiltration by utilizing reflective window covers and blocking out sunlight by covering your windshield and windows. For added comfort and privacy, an insulated cab curtain can be a beneficial addition.

In warmer temperatures, ensuring proper ventilation is key. Crack open the windows for fresh air circulation and utilize roof fans to expel hot air, creating a continuous flow of cool air.

This proactive approach will help maintain a pleasant and well-ventilated environment inside your van during the summer months.

Location

The choice of location can significantly impact your comfort level in combating the heat.

Many van lifers opt to travel North during the summer months to seek cooler climates. Higher elevations, such as mountainous regions, offer relief with cooler evenings, while proximity to oceans or other large bodies of water can help moderate temperatures. Additionally, it's crucial to be mindful of your parking locations and campsites. Seeking out shaded areas can result in a notable temperature difference of 10-15 degrees inside your vehicle. If shade is scarce, setting up an awning can create a cooler oasis, especially in treeless locations like deserts or beaches.

An awning not only provides shade but also helps maintain a comfortable environment where you can unwind and enjoy the scenery.

Ultimately, selecting your location wisely and leveraging shading solutions can greatly enhance your van life experience, allowing you to stay cool and comfortable even in hot weather conditions.

Animals

Our beloved furry companions are like family to us in the world of van life. When we're away from the van and taking our pets to places where they may not be allowed to accompany us, ensuring their safety becomes a top priority. Even though the van's temperature may be regulated, the concern about their well-being lingers in our minds. That nagging fear of "what if something goes wrong?" is a common worry among pet owners on the road.

Fortunately, services like Waggle offer peace of mind by monitoring the temperature and humidity inside your van when you're not around. Waggle ensures that the environment in your van remains within your preferred levels, and you receive instant alerts via text, email, and the Waggle app if any changes occur.

In addition to technology-based solutions, a simple yet effective way to reassure others about your pet's well-being is by creating a clear sign. This sign can indicate that your vehicle maintains a regulated temperature and that your animals have access to water, food, and even their favorite jams playing.

By utilizing these innovative services and thoughtful gestures, you can take proactive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of your furry companions while navigating van life adventures.

Chill Adventures

Beat the heat with exciting cool down strategies!

1. **Waterfall Adventures:** Embark on a waterfall-hopping escapade! Discover various waterfalls along your journey and take a refreshing swim in each one. Whether you plan a special road trip around them or they're conveniently located on your route, waterfall exploration adds an exciting dimension to your travels.

2. **Rooftop Slumber:** Enjoy the cool night breeze by sleeping outdoors. Whether you opt for a sleeping bag or cozy blankets on the roof of your van, resting under the stars as temperatures drop can be a delightful way to stay cool and indulge in some stargazing.

3. **Indoor Escapes:** While outdoor adventures are thrilling, don't overlook the charm of indoor activities that offer the bonus of air conditioning. Consider activities like catching a movie, dining out, exploring local museums, or visiting art installations. Dive into the local culture while escaping the heat, and you might stumble upon hidden treasures in your surroundings.

4. **Cave Exploration:** Discover nature's cooling sanctuaries by seeking out caves. These natural underground wonders maintain a constant cool temperature and harbor stunning geological formations and ecosystems. Look for nearby caves offering guided tours to unearth their mesmerizing beauty and escape the heat in an enchanting setting.

5. **Ice Cream:** Everyone likes a sweet treat every now and then. Indulge in local ice cream parlors or try unique frozen treats in different destinations to cool down and treat yourself during your travels.

These are just a few activities that offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and enjoyment while ensuring you beat the heat and make the most of your journey.