All tagged van life

The Actual Costs of Starting Vanlife

Vanlife has captured the imagination of many adventurers, offering a unique blend of freedom, mobility, and simplicity. However, like any lifestyle change, beginning vanlife requires careful planning, especially when it comes to costs. I can say, after building two vans myself, estimating the costs can be tricky. So, I put this article together, based on my last eight years of living vanlife to help you get a realistic idea of what it costs to start living vanlife.

Van Life and Hiking Go Hand in Hand

You don’t need much to go for a hike, which is perfect for van life. Toss on a pair of shoes, ideally something a bit sturdy, and head out for a walk in the woods, desert, mountains, where ever your van is parked. I’ve lived on the road for 8 years now, in a van, focused on getting outside as much as possible to snap pretty photographs and reflect upon the question, “Why am I here?”

Searching For Flatwater To Kayak Along Highway 395

We had a crazy idea, let’s road trip down Highway 395 in our self-converted van (watch the video tour of our dodge promaster 2500) with kayaks and explore as many bodies of water as possible. We only had a week, so how much could we cram into a single outing? We were not sure, but we wanted to try. So, would five bodies of water be too many, ten? Now, I’ll admit neither of us are good at kayaking, heck we can barely get in the kayaks without flipping, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that we committed to the idea and have loads of fun along the way.

Did we succeed? Kind of.

Van Life vs RV Life, Which Lifestyle Is Better

In the ever-changing landscape of adventure travel, where the open road calls and exploration becomes a way of life, you have two options while living on the road: van life or RV life. Growing up as a kid, I spent every holiday in an RV somewhere around the United States or Mexico, but when I graduated college, reality slapped me in the face that living solo in an RV was, well, extra. I didn’t need all that space, so, I built out my own van and lived full-time on the road for seven years. Now, however, I have a committed girlfriend and dog, so van life isn’t ideal anymore.

Should You Van Life in Residential Neighborhoods

Living the van life offers a unique blend of freedom and simplicity. It’s a lifestyle that appeals to those seeking adventure and minimalism. However, when it comes to parking and living in residential neighborhoods, there are several factors to consider. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of van life in residential neighborhoods, the legal implications, key things to look out for, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of this lifestyle choice.

Why Van Life Is Still Growing In Popularity

In recent years, van life has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating the imaginations of many seeking freedom and adventure. The appeal of living on the road, with the ability to travel wherever the heart desires, has led to an explosion of interest in this nomadic lifestyle. But as trends come and go, the question arises: is van life still popular? The answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why.

Four Tips to Becoming a Full-Time Traveler

Are you tired of the 9-to-5 grind, yearning for adventure and the freedom to explore the world on your own terms? If the idea of becoming a full-time traveler is calling to you, you're not alone. More and more people are embracing the nomadic lifestyle, trading cubicles for sunsets, and routines for new horizons. While it may seem like a dream, it's entirely possible with the right approach. Here are four tips to help you on your journey to becoming a full-time traveler.

How to Deal with Travel Fatigue as a Solo Adventure Traveler

Traveling solo on an adventure-filled journey is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. The freedom to explore new places at your own pace, the thrill of discovering uncharted territories, and the personal growth that comes from navigating the world independently are just a few of the many benefits. However, long-term solo travel also comes with its challenges, one of which is travel fatigue. Understanding what travel fatigue is and knowing effective ways to overcome it can make your adventure much more enjoyable and sustainable.

Let Traveling Be Your Continued Education

Travel is often regarded as a leisure activity, called vacation, that serves as a chance to escape the routines of daily life and experience new destinations. But, what if it didn't? Instead, what if you took it as an opportunity to be your classroom? A dynamic classroom that offers valuable lessons, enriching experiences, and personal growth. With eight years of endless travel under my belt, I wanted to take this opportunity to explore how travel can be a classroom where one gains real life insights into history, culture, geography, and oneself.

Everything You Need to Know About Van Life

Van life has captured the imaginations of adventure seekers, minimalists, and freedom lovers alike. The idea of hitting the open road with your home on wheels offers unparalleled freedom and a unique way to explore the world. If you're considering diving into the van life lifestyle, here's everything you need to know to get started and thrive on the road.

I Wish I Knew This About Van Life Before I Started 7 Years Ago

Seven years ago I bought my first van for $3500, which didn't last too long. A transmission here, a few electrical issues there, and the costs of repairing the van kept adding up, quickly, putting a damper on my nomadic van life dreams. That's what I get for buying a 16-year-old van with over 100k miles on it, but I was also broke at the time. While the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 with the Tiara conversion got the job done, I wish I had known a few things before I committed to life on the road and pursuing the idealized van life craze. 

10 Steps to Becoming a Van Lifer

Every curve has a story and each horizon invites new possibilities while living on the road. A journey that beckons the adventurous spirit, the nomad, a simple life. For those contemplating the shift from weekend warrior to full-time van life, this guide serves as a roadmap, blending practical insights with the allure of the nomadic lifestyle.

The Hardest Parts of Van Life

Van life has become a popular lifestyle choice for those seeking adventure, freedom, and a break from the conventional. The romantic allure of the open road, coupled with the idea of living in a compact mobile space, has captivated many individuals. However, behind the Instagram-worthy pictures and the apparent simplicity of van life, there lies a reality that involves overcoming numerous challenges. In this article, we'll delve into the hardest parts of van life, shedding light on the less glamorous aspects of this nomadic lifestyle.

Jobs You Can (Actually) Do While Traveling And Living Van Life

The allure of van life, with its freedom to roam and explore, has led many individuals to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. However, sustaining van life requires a source of income that accommodates the challenges of life on the road. In this article, we'll explore the various jobs that align with van life, focusing on work-life balance, the choice between fully remote and seasonal jobs, and a comprehensive list of practical employment options.

7 Reasons Van Life is Overrated

Van life has gained significant popularity in recent years, with many individuals trading in traditional housing for the freedom of the open road. The allure of living in a compact, mobile space and exploring new destinations has captivated the imaginations of adventure seekers. However, amidst the romanticized images of sunsets and picturesque landscapes, there are aspects of van life that often go overlooked. Actually, the majority of difficulties living van life has are never talked about, so we feel it is time. In this article, we will explore seven reasons why van life may be overrated.

How to Steer Clear of the Seven Most Common Van Life Mistakes

Outside of getting stuck in sand, because our vans are less capable than we think, van life isn't as straight forward as it seems. Actually, embarking on the van life journey is a thrilling adventure, offering freedom, flexibility, and a unique connection with the world, but, to ensure a smooth ride on this nomadic road, it's crucial to be aware of common pitfalls that many new van lifers encounter. So, that is my goal with this article, filling you in on the common mistakes, and mishaps, most new van lifers make. There really isn't a need to repeat history here, but if you feel inclined, I guess you should just stop reading. Without further ado, here are the seven most common van life mistakes: