{
  "id": 19514432,
  "title": "We've spent 10 years living between a sailboat and campervan. People ask us a lot of questions about hygiene and space.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/weve-spent-10-years-living-between-a-sailboat-and-campervan-people",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-11T15:40:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/common-questions-living-between-van-and-boat-hygeine-relationships-answers-2026-11"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For over a decade, Kristin Hanes and her partner have been living between a sailboat and a campervan, an unconventional lifestyle that often sparks curiosity from those around them. They have spent 10 years on the road, and despite the many questions they receive about their unique way of life, they remain undeterred. In this article, we will explore the answers to some of the most common inquiries about their nomadic existence.\n\nOne of the first things people often question is their hygiene. Hanes emphasizes that they shower daily, either by heating water on their camp stove and using a solar shower or by visiting a gym. On their sailboat, they use a solar shower to boil seawater and take saltwater showers. They also mention that they don't let the space constraint deter them from maintaining personal cleanliness.\n\nAnother frequently asked question revolves around their bathroom facilities. Their campervan lacks an on-board bathroom, but they use public restrooms or dig holes following Leave No Trace principles for overnights. Their sailboat has a toilet, but it requires pumping out at marinas or legally discharging at least 3 miles offshore.\n\nHanes also addresses the common concern that they might grow tired of each other due to living in such a confined space. However, she explains that they have set boundaries and have a routine that helps them maintain a healthy relationship. They each have their own activities and hobbies, such as surfing, windsurfing, and working on their own projects.\n\nDespite the challenges of their lifestyle, Hanes admits that there are certain aspects of traditional house living that she misses, such as hot baths, a washer and dryer, and space to entertain friends. To cope with these cravings, she visits hot springs and works on accumulating credit card points to stay in luxurious hotels during her travels.\n\nWhen asked about their long-term plans, Hanes is determined to continue their nomadic lifestyle as long as it brings her happiness. While she currently dreams of having a house or cabin in a permanent location, she is also considering the possibility of renting apartments in various global locations to enjoy some of the comforts of traditional housing while still maintaining the freedom of their current way of life.",
  "summary": "For years, we've lived between a van and a sailboat. Some of the most frequent questions we're asked involve our long-term plans, hygiene, and space.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kristin Hanes and partner have lived between sailboat and campervan for 10 years",
    "Daily showers via solar shower or gym facilities maintain hygiene",
    "Use public restrooms or follow Leave No Trace for bathroom needs"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}