For many people, the traditional lifestyle of staying put in one place, working 9-5 jobs, and maintaining a stationary home is no longer the ideal way of living. Instead, an increasing number of individuals are looking to embrace the freedom and adventure of Van Life – a lifestyle that involves traveling and living in a van or RV full-time.
But what exactly is Van Life, and how do you get started? In this guide, we’ll take a comprehensive look at what it means to live on the road, and offer some practical tips and advice from experts in the field.
Table of Contents
What is Van Life?
Van Life is a movement that has gained popularity in recent years as a result of people seeking a simpler, more nomadic lifestyle. At its core, Van Life is about freedom, adventure, and living in the moment. It’s a lifestyle that involves traveling from place to place, living in a van or RV full-time, and embracing a minimalist, self-sufficient way of living.
The appeal of Van Life lies in its simplicity and the freedom it offers. Without the burden of a traditional home, bills, and a fixed location, Van Lifers are free to explore the world at their own pace, follow their passions, and live life on their own terms.
Of course, Van Life is not without its challenges. Living in a small space can be difficult, and requires careful planning and organization to make the most of the available space. And while it can be incredibly rewarding, Van Life is not for everyone.
As professional vanlifer and YouTuber Trent & Allie notes, “Van Life is amazing, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It can be tough at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you’re thinking of getting into Van Life, do your research, and make sure you’re up for the challenges that come with it.”
Getting Started with Van Life
If you’re interested in Van Life, the first step is to decide what type of vehicle is right for you. Van Life can be done in anything from a basic cargo van to a luxurious RV – it all depends on your preferences and budget.
As professional Van Lifer and founder of Vanlife Customs, Steve Cole notes, “When it comes to Van Life, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s all about finding a vehicle that meets your needs, whether that’s a basic cargo van or a fully-equipped RV.”
Once you’ve chosen your vehicle, it’s time to start outfitting it for full-time living. This involves everything from installing a bed and storage to setting up a kitchen and bathroom.
As Van Lifer and author of Van Life: Your Home on the Road, Foster Huntington notes, “The key to successful Van Life is organization. You need to make the most of the limited space you have, and that means being intentional about what you bring with you and how you set up your space.”
There are a variety of resources available to help you outfit your van for full-time living, from YouTube tutorials to online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to Van Life. One popular resource is the Van Life App, which offers a comprehensive directory of campsites, parking spots, and other resources for Van Lifers.
Making Money on the Road
One of the biggest challenges of Van Life is how to support yourself financially. While some Van Lifers are able to work remotely or run their own businesses on the road, others must find creative ways to make money while traveling.
As professional Van Lifer and author of Take Risks: One Couple’s Journey to Quit Their Jobs and Hit the Open Road, David and Veronica James notes, “There are a lot of ways to make money on the road, but it requires a bit of creativity and
flexibility. Some Van Lifers work seasonal jobs in national parks, while others do freelance work or start their own online businesses. The key is to be open to different opportunities and to be willing to work hard to make your dreams a reality.”
Another option for making money on the road is to monetize your Van Life experiences through social media. Many Van Lifers have gained large followings on Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms, and are able to make money through sponsorships, advertising, and other partnerships.
As professional Van Lifer and founder of Vanlife Diaries, Jonny Dustow notes, “Social media has been a game-changer for the Van Life community. It’s given people the ability to share their stories and connect with others who are living a similar lifestyle. And for some, it’s even become a source of income.”
Staying Connected on the Road
Another challenge of Van Life is staying connected with loved ones and staying safe on the road. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools and resources available to help Van Lifers stay connected and informed.
One popular option is to invest in a mobile hotspot or satellite internet system, which allows you to stay connected to the internet no matter where you are. Many Van Lifers also use social media and messaging apps to stay in touch with family and friends.
As professional Van Lifer and founder of Vanlife Customs, Steve Cole notes, “Staying connected is key to staying safe and enjoying your time on the road. Whether it’s a mobile hotspot or a satellite internet system, there are plenty of options available to help you stay connected no matter where you are.”
Staying Safe on the Road
Finally, safety is a top concern for anyone living on the road. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner or family, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
One of the most important things you can do is to have a solid emergency plan in place. This includes having a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and other emergency supplies on hand, as well as knowing the location of the nearest hospital and emergency services.
As professional Van Lifer and founder of Vanlife Customs, Steve Cole notes, “Safety should always be your top priority when living on the road. Whether it’s having a solid emergency plan or taking the time to properly maintain your vehicle, there are plenty of steps you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.”
Criticisms of Van Life
While Van Life is a lifestyle that is enjoyed by many, it is not without its critics. Some people argue that Van Life is not a sustainable way of living, both for the environment and for the individuals who choose to live this way.
One of the main criticisms of Van Life is its impact on the environment. Living on the road often means relying on non-renewable resources like gasoline and propane, and some Van Lifers have been accused of leaving behind a significant carbon footprint as they travel from place to place.
As writer and researcher Rebecca Giggs notes in an article for The Atlantic, “Van Life represents a vision of personal freedom and self-sufficiency, but it’s important to remember that these things come at a cost. Living on the road is not a sustainable way of living, both for the environment and for the individuals who choose to live this way.”
Another criticism of Van Life is its impact on local communities. Some Van Lifers have been accused of taking advantage of free camping and parking spots without contributing to the local economy or respecting the natural environment. This has led to tensions between Van Lifers and local residents in some areas.
As journalist and author Brigid Delaney notes in an article for The Guardian, “While Van Life can be a great way to see the world, it’s important to remember that we have a responsibility to the places we visit. We need to be mindful of the impact we have on the environment and on local communities, and strive to be responsible travelers.”
Finally, some people argue that Van Life is not a sustainable way of living in the long term. Living in a small space can be challenging, and some Van Lifers have reported feeling isolated or burnt out after living on the road for an extended period of time.
As writer and Van Lifer Foster Huntington notes in an article for Outside Online, “Van Life is a great way to live in the moment, but it’s not a sustainable way of living in the long term. It’s important to have a plan in place for when Van Life is no longer sustainable, whether that means finding a new place to live or starting a new chapter in your life.”
Conclusion
Van Life is a lifestyle that offers freedom, adventure, and the chance to live life on your own terms. Whether you’re looking to escape the rat race, travel the world, or simply embrace a simpler, more minimal way of living, Van Life offers a unique and rewarding experience.
Of course, Van Life is not without its challenges. Living in a small space can be difficult, and supporting yourself financially on the road can be a challenge. But with careful planning, organization, and a bit of creativity, Van Life can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling way of living.
As professional Van Lifer and founder of Vanlife Diaries, Jonny Dustow notes, “Van Life is about more than just living on the road. It’s about embracing a way of life that’s free, adventurous, and full of possibility. If you’re thinking of getting into Van Life, don’t be afraid to take the leap – you won’t regret it.”
Helpful Resources:
- Vanlife Customs: https://www.vanlifecustoms.com/
- Vanlife Diaries: https://vanlifediaries.com/
- Van Life App: https://vanlifeapp.com/
- Take Risks: One Couple’s Journey to Quit Their Jobs and Hit the Open Road by David and Veronica James
