Choosing the Open Road: The Pros, Cons, and Resources of Van Life
In recent years, there has been a marked surge in the popularity of an unconventional lifestyle choice – living in a van, popularly referred to as “Van Life”. This growing movement is characterized by individuals, couples, or families who choose to downsize their living space and swap stationary homes for the mobility of a van. This lifestyle is synonymous with freedom, adventure, and the desire to shirk the traditional societal norms of a stationary home. However, like any lifestyle choice, Van Life has its pros and cons, specifically in the financial and housing aspects.
What is Van Life?
“Van Life,” as it’s popularly referred to, is a social and cultural phenomenon that involves individuals or groups choosing to live full-time or part-time in their vans or other similar types of vehicles. It is a lifestyle characterized by freedom, minimalism, mobility, and a deep connection to nature and the world at large. The concept of Van Life transcends the mere act of living in a van—it represents a choice to live unconventionally, valuing experiences over possessions and embracing the open road as a constant companion.
The roots of Van Life can be traced back to the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 70s, but it has gained significant traction in recent years due to social media. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have allowed “vanlifers” to share their experiences and lifestyles, leading to an increase in its popularity.
The van, in the context of Van Life, is more than just a vehicle—it’s a home. It’s often modified and retrofitted to include basic living amenities such as a bed, a small kitchen area, storage for clothes and other items, and sometimes, a portable toilet or shower. Each van is unique and is typically designed and set up according to the personal needs and preferences of its inhabitants.
People who embrace Van Life are often driven by a variety of motivations. Some seek the freedom to travel and explore without the constraints of a fixed location. Others are drawn to the idea of simplifying their lives, getting rid of unnecessary belongings, and focusing on the essential aspects of living. There are those who take up Van Life to escape high rents or mortgage payments, and yet others who do so for the environmental benefits of a smaller living footprint.
However, Van Life is not just about romantic sunsets and waking up in beautiful locations—it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as dealing with vehicle maintenance, finding safe and legal parking spots, lack of access to regular utilities, and dealing with confined living spaces.
In essence, Van Life is a lifestyle choice that trades the traditional comfort of a stationary home for the excitement and unpredictability of life on the road. It’s about valuing the journey as much as the destination, and embracing a way of life that prioritizes experiences, freedom, and exploration over material possessions and societal conventions.
Financial Pros and Cons of Van Life
Pros
- Lower Living Expenses: Traditional living expenses such as rent, mortgages, or property taxes are non-existent in Van Life. Reduced utility bills (electricity, water, internet) also contribute to lower overall monthly expenses.
- Less Consumerism: Living in a small space naturally limits the amount of stuff you can own. This often results in less spending on non-essential items, fostering more mindful and economical consumer behavior.
- Opportunity to Work Remotely: Van Life supports location independence, which can open up opportunities for remote work, freelance gigs, or seasonal jobs across different locations, providing more diverse income streams.
Cons
- Upfront Costs: The initial cost of buying a van and converting it into a liveable space can be substantial, which could require significant savings or a loan. The cost varies widely depending on the type of van, its condition, and the level of comfort you desire.
- Maintenance and Unexpected Expenses: Vans require regular maintenance, and unexpected breakdowns can lead to hefty repair bills. Regular oil changes, tire replacements, and other maintenance costs also add up over time.
- Cost of Living on the Road: Daily expenses like fuel, campsite fees, laundromats, and mobile data plans can add up. Plus, cooking can be more challenging on the road, which might increase the frequency of eating out and thereby food expenses.
Housing Pros and Cons of Van Life
Pros
- Mobility and Freedom: You can wake up to a beach view one day and a mountain landscape the next. This freedom to change your scenery as you wish is a huge draw for many people.
- Simplicity and Minimalism: Living in a small space can help streamline life and eliminate clutter. It encourages you to own only what you need and treasure those things more.
- Connection to Nature: Van Life often means spending a lot of time outdoors and in beautiful natural settings. This lifestyle encourages a deeper connection to nature and a greater appreciation for the environment.
Cons
- Limited Space: Vans offer significantly less space than traditional houses, which means limited personal space and storage. It requires careful organization and constant decluttering.
- Lack of Amenities: Unless you have a high-end, custom-built van, you may have to make do without certain luxuries like a full bathroom, a large kitchen, or a laundry room.
- Legal Restrictions and Safety Concerns: There are laws and regulations around where you can park and sleep, which vary from place to place. It can sometimes be challenging to find a safe and legal spot to park overnight. Additionally, depending on the location, safety can be a concern.
The Van Life lifestyle offers a unique blend of benefits and challenges. It can offer an enriched, simplified life, with a strong sense of freedom and connection to nature, while also presenting hurdles such as limited space, variable living costs, and the necessity for careful planning and constant adaptability.
Resources for Van Life Hardships
The rise of the Van Life movement has also seen the emergence of various resources designed to help make this unique lifestyle more manageable. Here are some resources that can be of immense help:
Mobile Apps and Websites:
Park4Night, Campendium, and iOverlander: These apps provide community-based resources for finding places to park overnight, campgrounds, and other amenities.
GasBuddy: This is an excellent resource to find the cheapest gas stations along your route.
The Dyrt: This app provides a comprehensive list of campgrounds and RV parks, along with user reviews.
AllStays: It’s an app providing information on RV parks, campgrounds, rest stops, and other services for van lifers.
Hipcamp: This is an online resource to find and book unique camping experiences, often in private and offbeat locations.
Online Communities:
There are several online forums and social media groups where van lifers share their experiences, tips, and tricks, and offer support to one another. Websites like Reddit (r/vandwellers), and social media platforms like Facebook have dedicated groups for van lifers.
Conversion Resources:
For those looking to convert a van into a livable space, websites like FarOutRide, The Vanual, and YouTube channels like ‘Van Dog Traveller‘ offer free detailed guides and tips.
Mail Forwarding Services:
Services like Escapees Mail Service or USPS’s General Delivery service help those on the road to receive their mail anywhere in the country.
Remote Work Platforms:
Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer opportunities for remote work, allowing van lifers to maintain an income while on the road.
RV Clubs and Associations:
Joining clubs like Escapees RV Club or Good Sam Club can provide benefits like discounted campsite rates, roadside assistance, and community support.
Roadside Assistance Programs:
Programs like AAA (Triple-A) in the U.S. provide emergency roadside assistance, which can be a lifesaver in case of breakdowns or other vehicular issues.
Health Insurance for Travelers:
There are specific insurance plans like World Nomads and SafetyWing designed for people who travel extensively, covering a range of medical services.
These resources can go a long way in assisting van lifers, helping them navigate through the challenges, and enhancing their overall experience. It’s important to remember that while Van Life can certainly have its hardships, there is a vast community and numerous resources available to offer assistance and support.
Conclusion
Van Life is a unique lifestyle that is becoming increasingly popular, offering a sense of freedom and adventure that can’t be found in traditional living arrangements. It’s a lifestyle that encourages simplicity, flexibility, and a deep connection with nature and the world around us. However, it also presents its own set of challenges, including a significant initial financial outlay, potentially high variable costs, and limitations in living space and utilities. As with any lifestyle choice, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before choosing to embark on the Van Life journey. Regardless of its challenges, Van Life continues to thrive, offering a viable alternative for those seeking a life less ordinary.
