All in Road Trip

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.

Slow Travel Is The Mindful Approach to Sustainable and Affordable Exploration

In the fast-paced world of modern travel, where jet-setting to multiple destinations in a short period is often the norm, a counter-culture movement has emerged known as "slow travel." This approach to exploration emphasizes savoring each moment, immersing oneself in local culture, and prioritizing sustainability and affordability. Let's delve into what slow travel is all about and why it's gaining popularity among adventurers, digital nomads, and those seeking a more meaningful travel experience.

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.

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:

Van Life Without a Toilet, Good Idea or Bad?

The famous last words of any van lifer, "Do you need to go number one, or number two?" Living van life is an alluring prospect for many, offering the freedom to roam and explore with a home on wheels. However, one crucial decision that van dwellers often grapple with is whether to include a toilet in their mobile abode. While some embrace the simplicity of van life without a toilet, others find it to be a challenging compromise. Here, we will delve into the pros and cons of living the van life without a toilet and, ultimately trying to convince you, why having a toilet may be a crucial element for a more comfortable and sustainable lifestyle.

The Real Price Tag of Van Life

The romantic notion of living in a van can quickly collide with the reality of budgeting and financial planning if you don't get ahead of it. Embracing the freedom of the open road and the allure of a minimalist lifestyle, is intoxicating, but there are bills you need to pay even when breaking from the conventional life of a house. In this article, we'll delve into the nitty-gritty details of how much van life actually costs, covering both monthly expenses and additional costs that might not be immediately apparent. 

Is Van Life Coming To An End?

Is van life overrated? Maybe. Does that mean you shouldn't give it a try? Definitely not! But, why are those committed to van life quitting the movement? 

In recent years, the allure of van life has captured the imaginations of many adventure seekers looking to break free from the conventional trappings of stationary living. The idea of hitting the open road, living in a compact mobile space, and experiencing the freedom of the nomadic lifestyle has drawn countless individuals into the world of van life. However, as the trend has gained momentum, a surprising phenomenon has emerged – people are increasingly choosing to abandon van life in favor of more traditional housing options. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this shift and delve into the evolving landscape of van life.

Van Life vs. Overlanding, What's The Difference?

Both van life and overlanding have boomed in recent years, but what is the difference? Both use a vehicle, both symbolize freedom, both allow you to reconnect with nature, but there are some major differences to explore the open road. While both involve a mobile existence and a love for exploration, they represent distinct approaches to the nomadic lifestyle, each with its own set of advantages and challenges.

How To Realistically Live Van Life

Living in a van is not just a romanticized notion for free-spirited adventurers; it has become a practical lifestyle choice for many seeking financial freedom, flexibility, and a closer connection to nature. However, successfully transitioning to van life requires careful planning, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the practical aspects of realistically living in a van, from choosing the right vehicle to addressing essential needs.

The Hidden Realities of Van Life

In recent years, the trend of living the van life has captured the imagination of many (including myself since 2016), promising a nomadic lifestyle filled with adventure and freedom. The romantic allure of waking up to breathtaking landscapes, the flexibility to go wherever the road takes you, and the simplicity of a minimalist lifestyle are all appealing aspects of van life. However, before you trade your home for a set of wheels, it's essential to consider the less glamorous side of this lifestyle. In this article, we'll explore why living the van life might not be the idyllic dream it's often portrayed to be.