14 Comments
User's avatar
The Algebra of Life's avatar

Planet Fitness Black Card is a pretty great van-life hack too, especially when book docking. The bathrooms, showers, parking (they are often 24 hr), and wifi (can sometimes even reach the van) are almost worth the $30 price alone. A single membership can be shared with a partner, and they have locations all over the map.

Donetta Dalman's avatar

That is definitely a great tip! As James mentioned, we have talked about doing that and just haven't yet. I definitely think it's a great plan! Thanks for sharing that!

Road Life Adventure's avatar

Thanks for that. We have talked about doing this and probably will soon.

Our Unscripted Miles's avatar

Love this practical breakdown. When you're living out of a vehicle full-time, the best moments are almost always the unscripted ones you didn't have to pay a premium for. Thanks for sharing these realistic ways to keep the miles rolling!

Donetta Dalman's avatar

Thanks so much! Yes, we’ve had some of the best experiences with things that weren’t even on our itinerary! Just happened upon them along the journey! :) Thanks for reading!

Road Life Adventure's avatar

Thank you, we appreciate it, but Donetta deserves all the credit. She's the sharpest tool in our shed. 😝

Steve Overby's avatar

Great tips even if you're not a full-time traveler. We have Capital One card and I think one through Marriott that builds points for discounts at their hotels which are quite a few under that umbrella. Not sure about elsewhere but our Goodwill has senior discounts on Wednesdays and I think military discount another day.

Donetta Dalman's avatar

Those rewards systems are great aren't they! Watching for discount days is another great tip! Thanks for sharing that!

Road Life Adventure's avatar

Agreed! It's amazing when you figure out how to work 'the system,' how it can benefit you. We also did that with our Hilton Vacation Club (formerly Diamond Resorts) by doing presentations that paid us in points. We amassed 30,000+ in a short time, allowing us to stay in places like Estes Park, CO, for six weeks, all for free.

Donetta Dalman's avatar

Oooh I didn't even think to include our time share in those tips. We did benefit a lot for awhile there didn't we! 🙌

Lu Kindblade, Kindwind's avatar

Great advice for both travel life AND stationary life!

Donetta Dalman's avatar

Thanks! Hope it can help lots of people save!

Road Life Adventure's avatar

So true! Thank you.