For the spontaneous, van life might be the best way to travel the world, as it gives them the chance to own their time and be their own guide. Traveling, after all, is about freedom and learning new things along the way. However, fun as it may seem, van-dwelling is not for the fainthearted.

Most travelers can easily get out of their comfort zones, but some might struggle when faced with the challenges of van-dwelling. Sure, van travel is amazing, but living in the vehicle full-time? It’s an entirely different ball game – and it’s not a game, but a lifestyle. Those planning to join the #van life should check out these pain points that might make them realize living in a van is not for them.

10 Loneliness, Most of the Time, Is Not A Friend

Those who want to enter the interesting world of van-dwelling should first try renting an adventure van — and do it alone, at that. This will give them the feel of what it’s like to drive long and without someone to share the experience with. Though there are testimonials against the impression that van-dwelling is lonely, going solo is still a challenge for travelers who are used to trying new things with another, all while driving. Van life is a joyride until homesickness kicks in.

RELATED: These Awesome Travel Vans Will Make You Want To Travel Cross Country Immediately

9 Financial Woes Might Crop Up

Van-dwelling is cheaper than renting a house, but that doesn’t mean it’s economical. Many things might happen while driving and even when just inside the parked vehicle. Primary expenses for van life include fuel, repairs and maintenance, parking, and the usual basic commodities. Van life is enticing for digital nomads, but for those without the luxury to work everywhere, there would be many humps along the way if they dared to try living in a vehicle. Van life is not only for the rich, but it’s safe to have a thick wallet when doing it.

8 What If The Problem Is The Van?

Van life is like moving a studio apartment, and the expected heavy load adds to the stress of the vehicle, even if it’s used to carrying cargo. As such, people should expect some mechanical malfunctions here and there. It’s even trickier if the van is old. However, a well-maintained vehicle would not be a problem, but it’s not a certainty that there would be no hiccups along the way. With that, van-dwellers should at least have basic knowledge of fixing mechanical problems to avoid bleeding more money when there’s an issue every once in a while.

7 It’s Uncomfortable At Times

As stated earlier, travelers are used to getting out of their comfort zones, but that doesn’t mean they are always comfortable. Easy does not mean comfort, after all. Van life does not mean spending the whole day cramped up but living in a limited space is, at times, uncomfortable. Travelers need to adjust their daily lives, like finding the best way to work outdoors. There are a lot of chores to do, too, excluding possible maintenance and repair of the vehicle. In some places, there's also the issue of parking. From the driving to the day-to-day affairs, van life might be challenging for the impatient.

RELATED: Traveling By Camper Van: 12 Photos That'll Give You A Clear Idea Of What To Expect

6 The Pressure To Go Home

Van life is unconventional, and some look at it as a form of getting away — or worse, getting lost. Some van-dwellers might even be pressured by their peers or loved ones to stop and come home. Those who dared to experience van life are probably strong-willed and might not give in to the outside pressure. Lucky for them. The pressure is double for those without a regular job but still choose to just go on and on with their van. But really, is home where the heart is, or where the van leads?

5 Bathroom Issue

Van-dwellers or not, it’s a hot issue when nature calls and there’s no loo. Not all vans are customized to have a toilet. As such, a tight camping/parking plan is needed for van-dwellers who want to start and end their days with a shower and/or a dump. The struggle is real, especially when not even a porta-potty is nearby. Those who plan to be van-dwellers should think thrice, especially if they are particular about the restroom. They want to be sure to plan well before it's toilet, err, too late.

4 The Possibility Of Fatigue

Those who are used to living a comfortable life might be easily fatigued by van life with all the driving, assembly, and such. It’s not a problem for the determined and the patient, but when fatigue kicks in, others might give in to the pressure of going home. Combine the issues of driving and work with the possibility of homesickness for newbie van-dwellers, and it’s a recipe for stress. Van life seems like a carefree lifestyle, but those into it should not let rest become history.

RELATED: Is A Camper Van Trip Better For Couples Or Solo Travelers?

3 Relationship Problems

Some van-dwellers don’t go solo. Some bring their friends for an extended road trip, others with their significant other for a lengthy honeymoon. Whoever the companion, living together in a tight space will surely cause friction. They may be minor, but when they frequently occur, they might cause a bigger problem. Couples, especially, are prone to irritation when trying the van life. Sure, challenges might strengthen a relationship, but van-dwellers should resolve them as soon as possible, as living in a limited space would force them to do so.

2 Maybe It’s Just A Phase

For some people, van life is just a travel option, some sort of an experience, or a bucket-list entry. For others, it’s a way of life, a passion, or a goal. Honestly, it’s not the ideal way to live long-term. The wheels will continue rolling so long as the travel bug is there. If the plan is to live the van life long enough until the van retires, those who plan to build a family should reconsider. For hermits or fine with being solo for a long time, van-dwelling is enticing.

1 Remember: Health Is Wealth

Van life is taxing, so it’s not recommended for those with health issues who want to do it long-term. Medical emergencies might happen while on the road, so van-dwellers should be ready to deal with their health insurance that might encounter hiccups, especially when traveling in a different state, and even more so when abroad. Van-dwelling is not a health risk per se, but campers should always consider the issues that come with it that might complicate their wellbeing. There’s fun in the van, but one's health should always be the priority.