I tried van life for 2 weeks and 5 hidden costs revealed how the lifestyle isn't as cheap as I romanticized it to be

Business Insider's author outside the van she rented for two weeks.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

• I spent two weeks traveling around America's west in a camper van.
• Around every corner, I discovered hidden costs like paying for showers and eating out.

Before I embarked on a two-week van trip, I romanticized the lifestyle.

I pictured waking up in breathtaking places, spending weekends isolated in nature, and seeking out spontaneous adventures.

I also pictured a full bank account. I naively assumed that once you had your van and shed unnecessary possessions and the burden of monthly rent, there wouldn't be many other costs to consider.

So when I picked up my rental van from Native Campervans, I figured I wouldn't have many more expenses for the next two weeks aside from the rental itself and gas.

While I found ways to save money on the road, some costs were unavoidable, and I saw how small charges could quickly add up if I ever decided to live in a van full time.