Living in a van isn’t for everyone, but many are embracing van life

Van life is the king of alternative lifestyles if you ask us. With comfort, adventure, and freedom, you can travel uniquely without breaking the bank. While van life is not the only way to travel with freedom, there are many ways that it stands above the rest. Out of the many great points towards van life, these are the highlights that bring it to the top of our list. Guest Posters Bailey (Aussie) and Denise (Dutchy) of Two with a View elaborate. They have lived in two self-built campervans, each for over a year. 

1. Home Away From Home

Van life can provide that homely feeling no matter where you go. When travelling to a hotel or motel, you will always miss something. Travelling with a camper van means your home comes with you. Your wardrobe, bed, kitchen and closet will be right where you park it making a more comfortable experience. Plus, it is much easier to delve into the community from a car park rather than sitting many floors up in a tall building.

2. Freedom

Living in a van can provide an overwhelming amount of freedom. You have a home that can move almost anywhere that the road can take you. Travelling in a camper van will allow you to make any number of choices throughout every single day. You can travel far and wide, carving your way from one town to the next, or simply park up for a longer period. Whether you prefer to be merged into the social scenery or alone amongst nature, you will find the freedom to decide where to stay. If you wish to visit the city, take a hike, or sit peacefully by the coast, you can! For some, this can even become overwhelming, with an uncapped number of choices to be made. 

3. Accessibility 

When travelling more traditionally, you may be limited in options to stay. With a van, you will find that there are countless options for campsites, both paid and free. While backpacking or hotel/motel stays can be a great experience, you are generally limited to more developed areas. A camper tears down those restrictions when you can get almost anywhere that you want to go. Even in the most remote areas, you will find suitable parking spaces making your destination more accessible.

4. Savings

Van life makes living on a budget easier. A camper is limited in space though it offers a personal hotel, restaurant, and transport in one. When you no longer have to outsource, you’ll be able to travel in style while sticking to your budget.

No longer, will you have space for loads of unnecessary stuff. You will need to become satisfied with less and stop adding more to the collection. A camper should have a kitchen, meaning you can cook your meals to avoid expensive restaurants along the way. There is no need for taxis or car rentals while leaving your hometown. You have your transport while you drive your home around. Of course, there may be some exceptions such as city centres and extremely remote areas. Overall, you will be able to save a lot by becoming more self-sufficient.

5. People

Delving into van life is not for everyone. It can be quite a courageous step, that can allow you to meet new people, that you may not have met otherwise. Being a van dweller will mean you always have something interesting to talk about, especially with other van lifers. Often, the people that you meet on the road have a similar mindset and be on a similar path. This is a good way to strike up a conversation and make new friends. When you are parked at a campsite or cross paths with others, you may receive invitations for dinner, drinks or a nice campfire. This can be a great way to make friends while sharing stories and experiences.

6. Sustainability

Inside Van Life

While living and travelling smaller, you can easily reduce your footprint. If you want to do better for our planet then van life should be high on your list of living and travel options. When you reduce the space that you live in, you will inevitably reduce your environmental impact. Of course, your home is on wheels meaning you’re more inclined to drive often, though this is counteracted in many ways. With less space, you’ll acquire less material stuff, pushing you to be more aware of your possessions and purchases. Energy usage will quickly be reduced when you can efficiently maintain the smaller room’s temperature. Most campers can easily become more self-sufficient, relying on solar and other alternative energies to power their daily needs. This can be a huge point to reduce your environmental footprint.

7. Nature

Van life can be a great escape from the bricks and mortar that we’ve grown to rely on. A chance to get outside and experience nature in full. The confined space of a van will inevitably push you outside more often. You’ll be inclined to leave the door open, to receive the fresh air and feel the extra space. When parking at a campsite, relying on the weather and living your life outdoors more often, you’ll begin to pay attention to the great outdoors. Even if you aren’t looking for nature, van life will make you find it.

READ MORE: How to Plan, Prepare and Pack for a Hike

8. Mental Peace

The mentality that you find while travelling freely will be a pleasant surprise. It’s always nice to get out of the rush, experience some peace and clear your mind. This is exactly what van life can offer. When you are living on the road, it is much easier to become creative or pursue personal goals. With a bit of time and space, you can focus without the stress of a traditional lifestyle. With this, you may find yourself feeling calmer, sleeping better, and becoming more productive. Van life can create mental peace.

9. Appreciation of the Things You Have

Living smaller makes for a greater appreciation of the things that you have. You are more likely to be aware of your possessions, as well as the experiences that you gain. Van life is minimal, and you are more likely to get outside to feel the sun and sit in the breeze. These are the things that you will grow to appreciate. You’ll be pushed to live with less stuff, which can be a very valuable challenge. Once you are satisfied with less, you can begin to appreciate the important things in life. The people, the relationships, and the experience that you’ve gained.

10. Inspiration

With everything listed above, you’ll be sure to find inspiration. Whether you’re making something, looking for something or trying to change something, this lifestyle will have something to teach you. Through the people you meet, the places you go, and the stories that you hear, you will find inspiration.

Are You Ready for Van Life?

Van life has so much to offer, the way of life, ease of movement, and savings that come naturally. When you get a chance to step out of the mainstream lifestyle, you may find a way to brighten your life with a clearer mind and a greater connection to nature.

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