What is Van Life Really Like?
Long before the COVID-19 pandemic boosted the profile of “van life” around the world on social media, outdoorsy types turned to campervan and RV travel as a way to make their dream nomadic lifestyle a reality. Some things have changed over the years, like what equipment is recommended for the best van-build, or what design is most coveted, but the core tenets of van life have remained the same. That being said, many still wonder what van life is really like behind the rose-colored glasses of Instagram and YouTube.
This won’t surprise you, since users across social media are increasingly skeptical of van life, but it’s not for everyone — and some people jump the gun on full-time van life before they’re truly ready for it. For those with an itch to try it out, there are ways to dip your toes into the water without investing tens of thousands of dollars into your very own tiny home on wheels.
What is “van life?”
First, it’s helpful to figure out what your definition of “van life” is, since the term is used mostly as a catch-all these days to describe the lifestyle of anyone living, working, and/or traveling in a converted camper van.
What part is most important to you? When it comes to living full-time in a van, there are a lot of questions to consider. Where will you do laundry? Where will you get your mail? How will you store your items, and what will you have to part with before transitioning to living in a van?
For many, the reality of working remotely in a van is becoming increasingly unattainable, with a push for workers to go back to the office — at the very least on a hybrid schedule — for their career. Still, some manage to make it work, especially if they’re independent entrepreneurs.
Over the years, it’s become increasingly obvious that at the core of many van life aspirants’ dreams of nomadic living is the lifestyle’s compatibility with seemingly endless traveling.
The Reality of Full-Time Van Life
People on social media tend to dream loads about all the places they’ll travel once they hop in and start exploring, and then try to romanticize the parts of camper van living that inspire less wanderlust: the cleaning, the mileage, the temperature, the water and food storage.
These are all small parts of living that we sometimes take for granted as renters or homeowners in larger spaces. Once you’re starting out van life, however, you’re much more keenly aware of every cog in the machine that makes your world spin ‘round and ‘round. Still, there is the option to experience van life through a leisurely lens — let’s call it a “van-cation.”
Try Out a Van-cation Instead
Sure, I might be slightly partial to this option, but time and time again I hear from our guests that Vanish was the only way for them to experience the best parts of van life — the back-to-back National Parks, the cozy nights under the stars — without going all-in.
Vanish camper vans offer the option for guests to rent the experience, fully-built and fully-ready for luxury living on the road. We’ve already figured the hard stuff out so you don’t have to think about how you’ll keep food fresh (fridge & freezer), how you’ll sleep comfortably (queen-sized bed), or how you’ll keep clean (shower & toilet). Basically, it’s all fun and no games. Take a closer look at what Vanish camper vans offer in every rental here.