Living in a van is still a dream for some, but for others it’s a reality they cherish dearly. Since the turn of the decade more and more people have turned their back on a traditional bricks and mortar home in pursuit of the Van Life. But what has fueled this desire for life on wheels?
Here’s the deal:
The Van Life movement can largely be attributed to Foster Huntington, or more specifically the hashtag #vanlife…
People were living out of vans long before the advent of Instagram, but this photo-sharing app made it look beautiful, and people took notice. Huntington started sharing his version of life on the road in California back in 2011, when Instagram was taking off, and frequently used #vanlife to tag his photos.
Want to know the best part?
He’s now got a million followers and even has a book coming out soon called… you guessed it, Van Life.
Now there are countless Instagram accounts documenting van life, along with YouTube channels, Facebook pages, Snapchat accounts, Twitter feeds, the list just goes on. What this proves is that the Van Life movement is growing exponentially, with apps coming out aimed specifically at van lifers and online guides on how to convert vans into mini homes.
Is it a sign that people are turning their back on modern life?
Not entirely, but Van Life holds dear a few key principles that people are beginning to switch on to. Things like self-sufficiency, reducing your footprint on the planet, and connecting with nature. For surfers, hikers, snowboarders, and generally anyone who enjoys activities in the outdoors it’s a way to enjoy more of the things you hold dear.
So, why should you be part of the Van Life movement?
At its heart it represents a switch to a simpler and purer way of life, a way that gives you the freedom to focus your life on the things that are most important to you. Of course it’s not for everyone, some people wouldn’t give up the home comforts they’ve grown so fond of… but wait, what if your van looked like this!
Now, more than ever, for the wanderers, the adventurers, whose of you that can’t help but stare out the window when you’re stuck in an office, dreaming of riding waves, mountain trekking, river fishing, the van life is calling…
It’s time to get serious!
With so many resources out there to help you get started, starting your own van life is becoming simpler than ever. Here are just a few of the online resources that will answer many of your questions about how to prepare and overcome any pitfalls along the way:
Your go-to resource for all things van life, the Vanual is an exhaustive guide that walks you through creating your ideal van and answers the many questions new van lifers have on their mind.
Need some gear for your van? These guys specialize in customizing vans and share their knowledge of the best equipment to create your home on wheels!
Señor Vanholio has gone to the effort of compiling a comprehensive list of the best podcasts offering guidance and advice that all van lifers should hear, all shared for free!
An all-encompassing campsite locator app that caters for both tent campers and van lifers, with reviews and an active community to get up-to-the-minute advice from!
And that’s just the start!
There are so many van life resources out there that all your questions can be answered, you just need to do a little searching. If you ready to become a van lifer now is the time…
Featured image: @travisburkephotography via Instagram