My article on 9/27, Survival Preparation 101: How to Choose the Perfect Bug Out Location advised on how to find your ideal bug out spot, but that was for those seeking a permanent escape property. However, others are attracted to the open road and the freedom it promises, or, due to circumstances beyond their control, some have to live out of their vehicle. This has fueled a growing interest in van life and the nomadic lifestyle. As rent prices soar and homeownership seems more elusive than ever, many people are considering this unconventional way of living. But what are the real pros and cons of van life?
Writer and show host Shonda Sinclair lived the van life from 2021 until early 2024, and on my podcast October 6th, we discussed her time on the road. She provided information only someone who has lived the life would know and can share confidently through experience. If you’re considering van life, listen to the episode on my podcast and review this guide in which we’ll dive into the benefits of van life, the potential downsides of nomadic living, and offer some practical van life tips to help you decide if living in a van is right for you.
Embracing the Van Life Adventure
Benefits of Van Life
Living in a van offers several appealing benefits, especially for those looking for a nomadic lifestyle. One of the primary advantages is the freedom to travel and explore new places at a moment’s notice. The flexibility of van life means you can wake up to a different view every day, from mountain vistas to coastal sunsets. Additionally, the cost savings are significant. With no rent or mortgage, your expenses are mainly fuel and maintenance, which can be far lower than traditional living costs. This lifestyle also encourages minimalism, helping you prioritize what truly matters. You’ll find joy in simplicity and learn to appreciate the little things. Moreover, van life fosters a strong sense of community. The van life community is a vibrant and supportive network, always ready to share tips and stories over a campfire. This supportive network can be invaluable. These benefits make living in a van an enticing choice for those seeking adventure and simplicity.
Van Life Tips for Beginners
Choose Your Van: When selecting your van, consider your budget, desired amenities, and the type of adventures you want to have.
Convert Your Van: Depending on your skills and budget, you may choose to convert the van yourself or hire a professional.
Start your van life journey with meticulous planning of your layout to maximize the limited space you have.
Prioritize multifunctional furniture based on your daily activities.
Plan Your Route: Research potential destinations, consider the seasons, and plan your route accordingly.
Prepare for the Unexpected: Pack essential supplies, including tools, first aid, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency supplies.
Test your van setup with short trips before committing to full-time living to identify what works well and needs adjustment.
Ensure effective water and electricity management by investing in solar panels and a reliable water storage system.
Stay organized with storage bins and racks to keep everything tidy.
Secure a roadside assistance plan for unexpected situations.
Embrace flexibility as plans might change and roads may lead you to unexpected places.
Keep an open mind and enjoy the adventure to smoothen your transition into the nomadic lifestyle.
Challenges of the Nomadic Lifestyle
Downsides of Nomadic Living
The nomadic lifestyle, particularly van life, comes with its share of challenges despite its many perks.
One major downside is the ongoing need to find safe and legal places to park overnight, often leading to stress.
Many regions enforce restrictions on overnight parking, necessitating careful planning and adaptability.
Long Term Vehicle Areas (LVTAs) are available, but only located in California and Arizona, and amenities may vary.
Most sites offer limited facilities, thus visitors are advised to arrive in self-contained vehicles with a wastewater holding tank of at least 10-gallon capacity. Non-self-contained units are only permitted at Mule Mountain, Imperial, and La Posa LTVAs.
Basic amenities such as running water, showers, bathrooms, garbage, and sewage disposal are typically unavailable on-site.
The confined space of a van can lead to feelings of claustrophobia, particularly when bad weather limits outdoor activities.
The absence of a permanent address can complicate receiving mail, voting, and accessing various services.
Balancing work and life can be tough; consistently finding stable internet connections for remote work poses a challenge in isolated areas.
Van life may not meet everyone’s social needs; the transient nature often results in loneliness and missing out on traditional social interactions.
Maintaining a vehicle can be costly and time-consuming, with potential breakdowns disrupting travel plans.
Traveling alone or with children as a single woman has it’s own safety concerns; some consideration must be given to security and self-defense.
These challenges should be carefully considered before embarking on a nomadic lifestyle.
Overcoming Van Life Hurdles
Navigating the challenges of van life requires adaptability and resourcefulness.
Research apps and forums dedicated to van life for information on safe overnight parking spots and community experiences.
Join online and offline van life communities to gain support and practical advice.
Embrace minimalism by prioritizing essential items and utilizing versatile, space-saving solutions to manage limited space.
Maintain social connections by scheduling regular calls with friends and family and engaging with local communities during your travels.
Invest in a mobile hotspot and a booster to improve internet connectivity in remote areas.
Learn basic repair skills and keep a toolkit for minor vehicle maintenance issues.
Schedule regular vehicle check-ups to prevent larger mechanical problems.
Address these challenges proactively to ensure a more seamless and fulfilling nomadic lifestyle.
Sources and Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of van life and the nuances of the nomadic lifestyle, consider exploring these resources:
If you are interested in the nomadic lifestyle and are seeking more info, start with Shonda’s Facebook group, Van Life Pantry – Nomadic Pantry. She also recommended Curt & Snow’s YouTube Channel, a couple that documents their van life as they travel, and Van Life pioneer, Bob Wells.
The trailer for the movie Nomadland is here.
Books and Guides
“Van Life: Your Home on the Road” by Foster Huntington provides a visually stunning exploration of the van life movement with practical tips and inspirations.
“The Practical Nomad: How to Travel Around the World” by Edward Hasbrouck is an excellent resource for those considering long-term travel, offering insightful tips on living and traveling on the road.
Websites and Blogs
Van Life Diaries is a community-driven platform sharing real-life stories and experiences from van lifers around the world.
The Vanual offers a comprehensive guide to the practicalities of van conversion and life on the road.
Podcasts
“The Van Life Podcast” delves into the challenges and triumphs of van living through interviews with individuals who have embraced this lifestyle.
Online Communities
The Reddit Van Life community is a vibrant forum for discussing tips, sharing experiences, and connecting with fellow van dwellers.
Join Facebook groups such as “Van Life” and “Van Dwellers” to engage with a supportive community and access a wealth of information.
YouTube Channels
Channels like Kombi Life and Eamon & Bec offer visual insights and relatable content from their van life adventures.
These resources will provide you with diverse perspectives and practical advice, enriching your journey into the world of van life.
