Have you ever dreamed of living on the open road, experiencing new adventures, and waking up to a new view every day? If so, Vanlife might be the perfect lifestyle for you. Vanlife is a unique lifestyle that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves living in a van and traveling the world. The idea of living on the open road, experiencing new adventures, and waking up to a new view every day has drawn many people, especially millennials and Gen Zers.
Vanlife is a lifestyle that involves living in a van and traveling the world made popular in the United States by Gen Zers and Millennials looking for a different kind of lifestyle. It offers a level of freedom, adventure, and sustainability that is hard to match in any other lifestyle.
In this blog post, we'll explore what Vanlife is, its benefits, challenges, and everything you need to know about starting this lifestyle.
Enjoying a campfire with friends while vanlifing in Baja, Mexico. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
1) Benefits of Vanlife:
Vanlife offers a level of freedom and adventure that is hard to match in any other lifestyle. You have the ability to explore new places, connect with nature, and meet new people. Vanlife can also be an affordable way to travel and live on the road, as you eliminate the costs of traditional housing and can cook your meals instead of eating out all the time while you travel. Another attractive reason some chose Vanlife is to minimize your environmental footprint by living a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.
Pros:
Freedom to travel: With vanlife, you have the freedom to travel wherever and whenever you want. You're not tied down to one location or a set schedule.
Cost-effective: Vanlife can be a cost-effective way to live as you can save money on rent, utilities, and other expenses associated with living in a traditional home.
Connection with nature: Living in a van allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level. You can wake up to beautiful views, go on hikes, and explore new places.
Minimalistic lifestyle: Vanlife encourages a minimalistic lifestyle where you only keep what you need. This can lead to a simpler and more fulfilling life.
Sustainability: Vanlife can be a sustainable way of living as you are using fewer resources and producing less waste.
Cons:
Limited space: Living in a van means you have limited space to store your belongings, which can be challenging for some people.
Lack of privacy: Vanlife can be a social lifestyle, but it can also be challenging to find privacy and personal space.
Weather concerns: Depending on the type of van and the climate you're in, weather can be a challenge. Extreme temperatures or bad weather can make vanlife uncomfortable or difficult.
Maintenance and upkeep: Living in a van requires ongoing maintenance and upkeep, including regular cleaning, vehicle maintenance, and repairs.
Limited amenities: Vanlife often means giving up some of the amenities that come with living in a traditional home, such as a full kitchen or bathroom.
2) Types of Vans:
Choosing the right van is a crucial step in starting Vanlife, but the options an be overwhelming. There are several types of vans to consider, such as cargo vans, passenger vans, and camper vans. Cargo vans offer the most customization options, while passenger vans have more windows but less headroom. Additionally, you need to ask yourself do you want a DIY project, or do you want a camper van that comes pre-built with amenities such as cabinets, toilet, and more. Regardless of your price point, here is a list of vans you will need to chose from:
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: This is a popular choice for vanlife due to its size and versatility. The Sprinter is available in various sizes and can be customized to fit different needs. Some are 4x4.
Ford Transit: The Transit is another popular van for vanlife due to its affordability and customization options. It's available in different lengths, heights, and configurations. Few come in 4x4.
Volkswagen Transporter: The Transporter, also known as the VW bus, is a classic option for vanlife. It has a distinctive style and is popular for its reliability and charm.
Ram ProMaster: The ProMaster is a front-wheel-drive van that offers ample space and high roof options. It's also popular for its fuel efficiency and maneuverability. ProMasters do not come in 4x4, but they are the widest option.
3) Vanlife Design:
Designing the interior of your van is another important aspect of Vanlife. You'll need to make it comfortable and functional for living on the road. Many Vanlifers opt for minimalistic designs that maximize space, while others go for a cozy, homey feel with plenty of plants and decor. Built-in beds and storage, fold-down tables, and solar panels are some of the most popular design elements in Vanlife.
There are several places to find vanlife designs, including:
Pinterest: Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration and ideas for vanlife designs. You can search for specific keywords such as "vanlife design" or "van conversion" to find images and inspiration.
Instagram: Instagram is another great platform to find vanlife designs. You can search for hashtags such as #vanlife, #vanconversion, or #vanbuild to find images and inspiration from other vanlifers.
YouTube: YouTube is a great resource for vanlife designs and van conversions. Many vanlifers have created videos showing their conversion process, which can provide inspiration and ideas for your own van conversion.
Vanlife trade shows: Attending a vanlife trade show is an excellent way to see vanlife designs in person and speak to experts in the industry. Some popular vanlife trade shows include the Vanlife Diaries Gathering and the Adventure Van Expo.
4) Financial Considerations:
Vanlife can be an affordable way to travel and live on the road, but it's important to have a solid financial plan in place. You'll need to consider expenses such as gas, food, and camping fees, as well as the initial cost of buying and converting a van. Some Vanlifers choose to work remotely or pick up odd jobs along the way to supplement their income, while others save up before hitting the road.
Some rules of thumb I have have created after living on the road since 2016:
Campsites are $25 a night
Food is roughly $30-40 a day
Utilities such as propane and water are $50 a month
If you drive a lot, gas will be $400 a month
Something in your van will break every year, it will be roughly $500 to fix, sometimes more, sometimes less
5) Vanlife Destinations
There are many popular destinations for vanlife in the United States. Some of the most popular destinations include:
National Parks: The United States is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the world, and many vanlifers choose to explore these parks on their travels. Some of the most popular national parks for vanlife include Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park.
Pacific Northwest: The Pacific Northwest is a popular destination for vanlife due to its stunning natural beauty and mild climate. Popular destinations in the region include Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, as well as outdoor destinations like Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park.
California: California is a popular destination for vanlife due to its diverse landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities. Popular destinations include San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, as well as outdoor destinations like Yosemite National Park and Big Sur.
Southwest: The Southwest is known for its stunning desert landscapes and unique rock formations. Popular destinations include Sedona, Zion National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park.
Rocky Mountains: The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States. Popular destinations include Denver, Salt Lake City, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
East Coast: The East Coast offers a different kind of vanlife experience, with historic cities, charming towns, and beautiful beaches. Popular destinations include New York City, Washington D.C., and Charleston, as well as outdoor destinations like the Appalachian Trail and Acadia National Park.
Overall, the United States offers a wide variety of destinations for vanlife, from national parks and outdoor destinations to cities and charming towns. Whatever your interests, there's a vanlife destination in the United States that's perfect for you.
6) Safety and Security:
Vanlife safety is an important consideration for anyone planning to live on the road. While vanlife can be a rewarding and exciting experience, it also comes with unique safety challenges. Here are some tips for staying safe while living in a van:
Secure your van: One of the most important steps you can take to stay safe while living in a van is to ensure your van is secure. This includes installing locks on all doors and windows, as well as investing in an alarm system or security cameras.
Practice situational awareness: It's important to be aware of your surroundings at all times while living in a van. This means staying alert when parking in unfamiliar areas, and being mindful of potential threats such as theft or vandalism.
Choose safe parking spots: When parking your van, try to choose well-lit, populated areas that are less likely to attract criminals. Many vanlifers also choose to park in campgrounds or RV parks, which offer additional security and amenities. The best places to camp are BLM land and National Forest Land.
Install carbon monoxide detectors: Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk for vanlifers who use propane heaters or cook inside their van. Installing carbon monoxide detectors can help alert you to potential danger.
Practice fire safety: Living in a van means being mindful of fire safety. This includes using caution when cooking with open flames, and ensuring your van is equipped with a fire extinguisher. Moreover, if you plan on having a campfire, make sure to full extinguish the campfire before going to sleep.
Be prepared for emergencies: It's important to have a plan in case of an emergency, such as a medical issue or vehicle breakdown. This includes having a first aid kit on hand, as well as a list of emergency contacts and a plan for getting help.
Overall, staying safe while living in a van requires a combination of vigilance, preparation, and common sense. By taking steps to secure your van, practice situational awareness, and be prepared for emergencies, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding vanlife experience.
7) Challenges of Vanlife:
While vanlife can be an exciting and rewarding experience, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some of the most common challenges of vanlife:
Limited space: One of the biggest challenges of vanlife is the limited amount of space. Living in a van means downsizing your possessions and living in a small space, which can be a difficult adjustment for some people. I suggest listening to the Minimalist Podcast
Lack of amenities: Living in a van means sacrificing many of the amenities of a traditional home, such as a shower or toilet. While some vanlifers choose to install these amenities in their vans, others rely on public facilities or outdoor showers (rivers and lakes are great to shower in).
Maintenance and repairs: Maintaining and repairing a van can be a challenge, especially if you're not mechanically inclined. Vanlifers must stay on top of routine maintenance and be prepared for unexpected repairs.
Climate control: Depending on where you're traveling, staying comfortable in a van can be a challenge. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can make vanlife uncomfortable.
Safety concerns: As with any form of travel, safety is a concern for vanlifers. Living in a van requires a certain level of vigilance and awareness to stay safe on the road.
Loneliness and social isolation: Living in a van can be a solitary experience, and some vanlifers struggle with feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Finding places to park: Finding a safe and legal place to park a van can be a challenge, especially in urban areas. Many vanlifers rely on apps, like ioverlander) and websites to find safe and legal places to park overnight. To help with this, I wrote a full blog on how to find parking in a van.
Despite these challenges, many vanlifers find the lifestyle to be incredibly rewarding. By embracing minimalism, living in the moment, and experiencing the world in a unique way, vanlifers are able to create a lifestyle that is truly their own.
Camping in the BLM land of Alabama Hills, CA. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
In conclusion, Vanlife is an exciting lifestyle that allows you to explore new places, connect with nature, and live a more sustainable and affordable lifestyle. While it's not without its challenges, the benefits of Vanlife are numerous. If you're considering starting your own Vanlife journey, there are many resources available to help you get started. Check out some of our other Vanlife blogs below to learn more about this unique lifestyle and get tips and inspiration for your own adventure on the open road.
