One of the hottest new lifestyles for anyone who dreams of adventure without the global price tag is van living. Showcased all over Instagram and Pinterest, cute, expertly designed van interiors are becoming more and more common as an alternative to a holiday home or even as a way of saving money by living in a van as opposed to a flat or house. This has resulted in van conversions becoming very popular with people either paying for a professional motorhome conversion or deciding to do it themselves. Another option for athletes and vehicle racers is to look into race van conversions, combining a liveable space with storage for a motorbike. Whichever route prospective van residents choose to take, they must consider the best features to include in their campervan conversions. At the start of the journey from van to home, the somewhat boring but essential features must be added. Once the van has been cleaned and stripped, the owners have to decide whether they will add windows or not. While obviously the van conversion process is significantly complicated by cutting into the outer shell of the van, windows do add natural light and ventilation. Some vans have large doors at the rear end and therefore do not require windows, allowing the conversion to move on to the next steps. Whether a race van conversion or motorhome conversion, the vehicle must be insulated. Without insulation, the van would behave like a steel box with freezing weather in winter and dangerously hot temperatures during the summer months. Insulation regulates the inside temperature and makes life inside more comfortable. Vans also should be fitted with a ventilator, usually fitted in the ceiling. Depending on how long it is going to be away from civilisation, a water tank, fuel tank and possibly green energy sources could be installed. For instance, some campervans have solar panels fitted to the roof to power the devices inside and provide limitless electricity. Once these necessities have been added, the van conversion can become more creative. The walls can be made with many materials, but wood is among the most popular as it gives the interior a clean, bright finish. Many race van conversions incorporate plastic or metals to create a more high-tech interior. Some motorhome conversions have very unique features, such as a van in Finland with artificial grass lining the interior. Wallpaper is not recommended as the heat within the van generally causes the glue to not adhere to the van’s surface. Crafty owners suggest using superglue to attach it if wallpaper is something that will not be compromised on. Another feature of van conversion is the flooring. Many people choose laminate or wooden floorboards. The overall layout of it may not be considered a feature but does have a significant impact on the quality of life inside. It is recommended that the van be designed to fit the specific needs and priorities of the owner. There is also the decision of whether to have a fitted bed or fold-out bed. This can be decided by the space available but also by the desired aesthetic of the vehicle. Race van conversions would tend to go with a fold-out bed to allow for more room to store the vehicle while motorhome conversions try to recreate the feel of a house and therefore the bed is usually fixed and cosy-looking. The layout is also determined by the number of passengers and if they are travelling with children or pets or bikes. Many van conversions incorporate bicycle storage underneath the bed, or smaller bunk beds for children and pets. Obviously, the van has a finite amount of space, and these choices usually have to be made in detriment of others. For example, the addition of bike storage tends to take away the option to have a fitted shower within the van. Some vans have this much-adored feature, but most must rely on water tanks and an attached showerhead to use outside. Ultimately the layout must be personalised to the needs of the residents. Van conversions can be an exciting and affordable way to explore or live off the grid. It has been proven time and time again that these vans can be successful family homes or act as accommodation when travelling for sports or business.