As a new #vanlifer, it was imperative for me to make my transition as smooth as possible. I knew there would be obstacles along the way but I didn’t want parking, finding food, fuel, and where to sleep to be one of them. Although I have my book atlas on deck, easy access to phone apps were essential. These 4 essential van life apps to download will change your life.
If a theatrical video version of this blog is more your speed, then I highly encourage you to scroll down to the video below. It just may give you the laugh you need today.
4 Essential Van Life Apps To Download
4 Essential Van Life Apps To Download
Table of Contents
01. Waze
I discovered Waze while living in New York City and believe you – me, I thought it was a game-changer. If you haven’t made the switch from Maps or Google Maps then I would highly encourage you to do so. The Waze app was developed to help the smart driver (that’s us) to take the fastest route, to leaving at the right time, and to sharing daily commutes.
I love this app over the others because it alerts me when the “po-po” (police for those who aren’t down) are in the area. It alerts me when there is roadkill, construction, and when major traffic is ahead. It will then automatically calculator the fast route.
One word: game-changer. <- or is that two words? Who cares. Be sure to download it for any drive you’re embarking. It’ll change your life.
02. Harvest Host
Do you love a good experience and great scenery? Then this app is for you! It is a membership program that provides access to a network of wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and other unique attractions that invite self-contained RVers to visit and stay overnight. My first few nights in the van were spent on a Harvest host property and although the membership fee is $79/ year, it is quite worth it. The platform has over 14,000 hosts within the United States and a few beyond each border.
Harvest Host makes living on the road a bit more exciting due to the fact that you can experience such unique places. My very first experience was on an alpaca farm. Never thought I’d see the day, but I loved it! I learned so much about this interesting animal and its differences from the llama.
If you are interested in getting a membership for your travels, whether you are van lifing it or not, use my code here to get 15% off of your annual membership.
03. iOverlander
iOverlander is the ultimate boondocking app that is widely used throughout the road life community. Their mission is to support the overland exploration of the world while respecting local cultures, people, and environments. Overlanders from around the world contribute their coordinates and advice on each site they’ve stayed. Most of the time, free sites.
I love this app because it has taken my Zion to places I wouldn’t have ventured to otherwise. Like this beachfront site below. I can finally say that I have a beachfront home. For the night at least. So I beg of you, download this app, asapual if you’re ready to go off the beaten path.

04. iExit
Before I left home, our family maintenance man told me to download the iExit app. He said he uses it often when he and his family are RVing.
Welp, I too use it often, now. This app finds you automatically (from your phone’s GPS) then, present your next exits ahead. It even goes as far as telling you which gas station is there and how much the gas is. I’ve veered off into some tasty, off the interstate restaurants because of this app and would highly recommend it. Antoinette approved!
1 Comment
Pingback:Accommodating GUESTS in VAN LIFE | Solo Female LIVING OFF GRID - Off Grid Living
Posted at 01:20h, 17 February[…] 4 Essential Van Life Apps To Download […]