When I first decided to write about my travels, this was the first subject that came to mind. Many of my best road trips have involved sleeping in the car – in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. I have met many other travellers who have done the same, including some who have lived in their cars for a year or more.

And yet, I am sure the idea of sleeping in one’s car is foreign to many people. To them, it might seem uncomfortable, cheap, crazy, or simply hilarious. I am here to tell you why I like it so much, how it can enhance your trip, as well as share tips on how to make it as enjoyable as possible.

Size matters

I envy those who convert a van into a mobile home; kitted-out with a pull-out bed, storage for food, clothes, and utensils, plus they have space for cooking. On my road trips, I commonly had hatchback cars, which aren’t very spacious. Cooking had to be done outside, and the sleeping area consisted of the back seats lowered down the same level as the boot. It was often snug, at best, although I always managed to fit in (my height is 5’11”, or 180cm, and your height may dictate your options).

I had the relative luxury of a wagon for my trips around the West and North of Australia – the single longest time I’ve spent on the road, and the extra leg room and storage space was a godsend. While on a two-week trip around British Columbia, I hired a large van, and my partner brought a double airbed – without doubt the comfiest sleeping arrangements I have had while sleeping in a vehicle.

A campervan or motorhome are tempting for the space they offer. But that same quality makes it slightly less appealing to me, because there are less options to park up for the night. A regular-sized car has allowed me to find many convenient spots to sleep – the more inconspicuous the vehicle, the less likely they are to attract attention and cause disturbance.

Be responsible

Sleeping in the car is a little controversial in some areas – it is either frowned upon, prohibited, or possibly illegal. That’s often the case in national parks, which is understandable when they’re protecting beautiful, pristine, untouched environments. Tourists have been known to overcrowd and damage scenic destinations. If travellers aren’t tidying up after themselves, and making a lot of noise, it’s natural they attract criticism. Sadly, they ruin it for the rest of us, who are more conscious of our surroundings.

However, I don’t think all travellers that sleep in the car are detrimental to the environment. Furthermore, local residents aren’t necessarily cleaner, or more considerate of their surroundings.

By sleeping in my car, I want to maximise the enjoyment of the trip – and I am conscious to do it responsibly.

Benefits

For me, the clear and obvious benefits are waking up in beautiful destinations – next to a beautiful lake, under a towering mountain, or in full view of the sunrise over the ocean. It might be the foot of a mountain you’d hiked up that day – revelling at the height, and achievement of having conquered it. If driving at night, it is possible to surprise yourself by driving to a beach or lake in darkness, then – when waking up – enjoy the sun rise over the water. Sleeping in the car almost guarantees seeing the sunset everyday (barring strong clouds). It’s a great way to connect with nature.

Other benefits range from the convenience of sleeping whenever you feel like resting, which is helpful when you’re on a lengthy road trip. Or if you’re short on time, it offers flexibility to see more, as you don’t have to travel to and from your accommodation. The fresh air, the bright stars at night, and escaping the noise of urban centres are all reasons to embrace life on the road.

Drawbacks

There are downsides. For most (and me) comfort can be a problem. The first night always takes adjustment, if you’re used to a very good mattress. No amount of bedding can replace the feeling. But if you do it right, it’s not dissimilar to camping – and you are less likely to have a stick or a rock in your back. I do now appreciate breaking up a long road trip with a night or two in a bed. Yet strangely, on those nights, I always miss being outdoors.

Facilities can be a problem. There are ways round this, though. For showers, swimming pools are a great replacement. It’s never been more important to have a shower before getting in the pool, mind. A swim is a great way to get over the fatigue of sitting in a car, too. Many countries that are used to travellers have public restrooms on roadsides. You will have to be more thoughtful with the type of food you carry, as fresh goods expire more quickly, but it’s certainly possible to eat well on the road.

Tips

I’m not a fan of planning everything, as spontaneity adds to the excitement of travelling. Exploring by its very nature implies discovery of the unknown – I like to keep aspects of the trip open to impulse, it makes me feel free. You will likely decide a route beforehand, though, and it helps to think about where you could sleep each night before it gets dark. There is a knack to finding an appropriate resting place, which is hard to explain, but it will come with experience.

There are times when you will discover a perfect place without much work – a public car park without restrictions, a designated rest area, or a quiet layby in a rural area. Other nights, you won’t be so lucky, and you will have to work for your rest, which can be frustrating or worrying. Be patient and use reason.

Be prepared to improvise. If there is nothing obvious, look for quiet spots away from a main road. Searching in the dark might be daunting, especially if it is getting late. On the other hand, in the darkness, you can judge if you are likely to be disturbed through the night. If there is little to no traffic, you can be more flexible where you park.

Always ensure your car is off the road, and be careful not to block any routes, for your safety and convenience – no one likes to be disturbed and told to move during the night. Do be prepared to wake up unexpectedly, even if you are in a safe spot. On more than one occasion, I have been woken up by the police, but they were only checking that I was okay.

Inventory

Essential: A vehicle, a small petrol can with emergency fuel, water, food, a portable cooker, pans, cutlery, rubbish and recycling bags, toilet paper, a map or GPS, spare wheel, a jack, sleeping mat, blanket, sleeping bag, a pillow or cushion, a torch.

Please feel free to let me know what items you take on your road trips, as well as ideas for making sleeping in a car as enjoyable and comfortable as possible! I would also love to hear about the best places you have slept in a vehicle while on the road!