If you said you never had an interest or at least a mild curiosity when it comes to traveling around the country and living full-time in a van, we'd have to say that we wouldn't believe you. This nomadic style of life is one that has become a reality for many people in the U.S. and other countries where hitting the road is synonymous with being free from society's norms, breaking the chain that is a monotonous and basic routine, and having the chance to travel while working. When a flexcation (a working vacation with flexible work hours) just isn't enough and the need to spend more time on the road rather than at home comes about, the traveling van life might be just what you're looking for.
Obviously, there are some legitimate concerns and issues to address before one simply buys a van (for example, what type of van should you purchase?) and hits the open road. Luckily, we've done our research to find out from others what it's actually like to live a permanent travel life. Whether you're deciding if this type of lifestyle is right for you or just have a mild interest in it, these are the most frequently asked questions of those who have committed.
How Do You Go About Doing A Van Build?
The best advice when it comes to tackling a van build is to not get too caught up in comparing what your van could be to the extravagant and luxurious builds that are all over social media and YouTube. If something like that is your goal, then take the time to research it carefully and, if nothing else, consult a professional or get in touch with someone who has actually done it to ask for advice and guidance.
The van life community is a fairly open and friendly one, and many people have blogs or videos about how to do exactly this. Consult all of the research before impulsively purchasing a vehicle with an expert-level build in mind.
Where Do You Park When It's Time To Settle In For The Night?
There are several options when it comes to parking somewhere for the night and while the destinations differ, the same rules always apply - and, for the most part, the rules you follow are usually more important than where you're parked. Free campsites, for starters, are a great place to set up shop for the night.
If a campsite isn't an option, Republic of Durable Goods recommends 'stealth' camping, which means parking in an inconspicuous place for the night, such as a residential or commercial area that's out of the way. When it comes to stealth camping, always make sure that you're not trespassing, arrive later on in the day or at night, be sure to leave early, and once you're parked, don't get out of the van.
How Does One Make Money While Traveling So Much?
This answer varies based on who you talk to and if they happen to have a job already that can travel with them. For others, their income might come from social media and being sponsored by various brands or products.
Others might make some income based on their social media or YouTube followings, becoming affiliates and making a living that way. For those who have a job that travels, these are often conducive to travel sites, blogging, photography, and basically any WFH position that requires only an internet connection.
Where Do You Shower And Use The Bathroom?
There's often a bit of puzzlement when it comes to where people use the bathroom and take showers while they're living in their vans. Some van builds are hefty enough to support some type of shower and bathroom situation similar to that of an RV, while others lack the basic needs such as water. In that case, the use of campsites - once again - can be used for their public restroom facilities and showers.
For something a little more private, some people will pay for a day pass at a pool facility to use the actual facilities while they're there. Another option that's a bit more luxurious and indulgent is to spend a couple of nights in a hotel per week. This is a viable option considering the only overheads of living in an RV are paying for some kind of cell phone service, paying for gas, and any potential maintenance that needs to be done on the van.