Dodge Promaster. Find the RIGHT VAN. But no other lifestyle has fit me so perfectly as vanlife has, I now feel at home everywhere that we go, we’re always finding adventures, and I’m now really seeing the world – not just the tourist spots, but the backroads and hidden gems! ), with a really lovely bathroom at the end of it all! But, there is still going to be the cost for it. Everyone likes a good hack! We’re Nadia and David, a couple of jolly Brits who have been traveling the world full-time for five years, and currently, we’re doing so aboard our 1969 VW Adventurewagen named Red. But for those of us who these lifestyles fit, it’s so wonderful. We are here to help you turn whatever van (or hatchback) you have into a home and get out there to freedom! Think carefully about the things you will use more regularly and will require easier access. And, with another person right there all the time? I am currently traveling the world as a house sitter. Van life for beginners Here’s the story, it’s around 22h30, outside temperature 22°C something, beautiful starry night, our van is parked just in front of the cemetery of the Cap Ferret. If you get sick, will you be OK with riding it out in the vehicle? I’ve led a quirky life, growing up showing horses, working in the fashion industry, and traveling the world full-time to name only a few tidbits (from the Chronicles of me, Nadia!). Assuming that you own your van outright, if you live in it – you never need to pay rent or a mortgage again. Or maybe you have taken your first trip already but spent most of your time packing and repacking the campervan? A full review can be found here. VANLIFE Cooking Review of Cadac Safari Chef 2 and 2 Cook 2 Pro, A Beginner’s Guide - Planning your First Trip. Too many full-time vagabonds glamorize their life but, it’s not an easy one at all. As Vango ambassadors, we were asked to try their Vango Kanto Junior Sleeping bags and the girls absolutely love them. It’s not for everyone. Our monthly outgoings for both of us is around $2000 (£1500) per month, some months it’s more if we’re splurging – but it’s truly flipping affordable. Beginner’s Hikers List: Essentials You’ll Need. Campers will otherwise be left sleeping on a hard, wooden board! Being in such a tiny space does mean you don’t have another room to go into if you start getting on each other’s nerves, but that’s only an issue almost precisely once per month – then David throws chocolate at me and runs away!!! Most full-time van lifers have a built-in fridge in their campervan like this Dometic … We opted for a Cadac BBQ – you can read a full review of two of our favourites here. Join my email list and get exclusive updates & news straight to your inbox. Unless you are ‘stealth’ camping (staying in places that are free but actually not quite legal, aka staying over night in a parking lot), there can be a daily expense of parking your vehicle. In the 1960s, hippies began living and travelling in their vehicles and the idea has only grown in popularity since them. Some things you won’t need to access as often, so can be pushed to the back or put in cupboard that is harder to reach. Can you be OK with 8 shirts, 3 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shoes, 7 pairs of socks, a hat, a coat, enough underwear to last til next laundromat day? Never assume all campervans are the same size. When not writing, you’ll likely find Nadia in the great outdoors, riding her bike – Junebug, horseback riding, or most likely… trying to convince David that they should adopt every animal that they come across! What is van life? Join my email list and get exclusive updates & news straight to your inbox. The mattress needs to be thin enough to enable the roof to still close while not in use - 5cm is most widely used, but please check your own dimensions before ordering. I have to be completely honest and say that this lifestyle isn’t for everybody, there are cons to every lifestyle, and the same is true when it comes to living the vanlife. Vandweller(s)– used to describe a lifestyle of someone who lives part-time or full-time in a wide variety of converted vehicles including vans, RV’s, busses, trucks, etc.. Part-time va… Her blog, Hippie in Heels, like its name, is a contradiction combining off-beat adventurous places with glamorous and bespoke travel. Inside of our bus, you might be surprised to find out that we have a fully functioning, albeit rather tiny home! Here are some practical tips for beginner RV and campervan travel. 4. Yes, cemetery, probably one of the best places where to settle for … Here at Camping Tips for Everyone we believe everyone can love camping – you just have to find your best way to camp!. The word vanlife is the way that many people describe individuals that live out of their vehicles, for some people this is financially motivated, and for others – like us, they’re just on the search for the next great adventure. The coronavirus pandemic has brought the demand of self contained units on campsites with thier own chemical toilets. Now that you are sleeping in your vehicle, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. I know what’s happening right now, you’re calculating it in your head aren’t you?! I broke down exactly how much money I saved before van life.You do not need to save up exactly how much I did, but it will give you a … You do NOT need as much stuff as you think you do. While many of you with full campervan conversions will have a twin gas burner inside your campervan, others of you won’t or maybe you just prefer the idea of cooking outside. New to campervanning but feeling a bit overwhelmed? Sleeping. Although, the term can apply to a wide variety of converted vehicles. Bring tools – Have a solid supply of tools to work with stored somewhere inside your campervan – … Thank you for sharing with us your experience. And, let’s not forget something very important…where do you pee in the middle of the night???? In order to store these, utilise the space under the passenger seats, or slide the BBQ in narrow gaps – we especially love the Cadac 2 Cook 2 Pro Deluxe for this. For us – we live the vanlife because it gives us the freedom of the open road while always having our home with us. Give us a call to learn more. When not writing, you’ll likely find Nadia in the great outdoors, riding her bike – Junebug, horseback riding, or most likely… trying to convince David that they should adopt every animal that they come across! Stay mobile, baby! We specialize in affordable and budget-friendly, nomadic off-the-grid, living. Non-stick matting is a great investment for inside the base of cupboards and shelves, especially those where plates, bowls and mugs could move around while you are driving. It is important that you remember to pack a bag that can be used for dirty washing too. The word vanlife is the way that many people describe individuals that live out of their vehicles, for some people this is financially motivated, and for others – like us, they’re just on the search for the next great adventure. For others, choosing to live in a vehicle can be a great way to have a home-base that they can take on the road for weekend trips. These keep clothes compact, organised and can be easily stacked. I was having to wait around in some places for seminars or trainers, and sometimes I *gasp* wanted to rent out an AirBnB or something for wifi or a shower. Camping options in the United States are as diverse as our own campervans. VANLIFE Cooking Review of Cadac Safari Chef 2 and 2 Cook 2 Pro Sep 30, 2020 In order to store these, utilise the space under the passenger seats, or slide the BBQ in narrow gaps – we especially love the Cadac 2 Cook 2 Pro Deluxe for this. Oil Diffuser. ... BTW this are real camper use problems, not some “I thought van life is cheaper” or “Make sure this lifestyle suits you so you don’t run home after two nights on a less comfortable bed.” :) … In all that time, one thing is certain: every van we build becomes a home. We chose to make our window covers ourselves in the beginning when purchasing them wasn’t an option. They are compact but cosy and warm. Our lifestyle is unique in that we live and travel full-time in our VW while only working three days per week – yep, that’s right – we have a four day weekend every week! However, there are more issues, or cons, that need to be understood before someone haphazardly ditches their house or apartment to live on the road. A self inflating mattress is an essential purchase for any campervan with a pop up roof. Thermal screen protector – used usually on the front windowscreen. Here, y For a long time at the beginning of this trip, I felt a lot of angst about how my kind of vanlife looked. Yes, you do have to be an adventurous soul to do this. We truly believe the only wrong way to camp is to not camp at all! Mainly campers choose sleeping bags for convenience when camping. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. These USB lights are ideal and operate off the leisure battery, so we can use them when off mains hook up. If you are planning on doing a D-I-Y vanbuild, we are here to help you every step of the way. Some things you might want to consider when choosing and packing clothing include: Quick drying – there will come a time when you need to dry off your clothing inside your campervan, Does not need ironing – makes it easy to just rewash and repack when at home. An excellent article that glamorizes living in a van and travelling around. A lot of people say to us “Oh, you’re so lucky that your jobs fit with your lifestyle” but it’s not luck at all – it’s hard work and planning that has made it possible for us to have jobs that work on the road. And of course, we work from coffee shops three days per week, and they always have, well, facilities! Everything you need is right here! We had already been traveling together for four years before getting our bus, so we were used to being around one another almost 24/7. It’s a totally different way of living. Heres a video I wish I had before starting van life! Choosing a Campsite . The Vanual | Complete Guide to Living the Van Life. With a teeny, tiny kitchen, you’ll have to grocery shop probably 4 times a week. A beginner's guide to camper vans and #vanlife Menu Close Home; Getting Started; Design & Build; Vanlife Open menu. You can unsubscribe at any time. Your van. Vanlife for beginners adventure | camping lnature more coming soon Austria #vanlife #vanbuild #vanlifeeurope #vanlifediaries #outdooradventures #vanfood #camping While making your way throughout the community, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the following words and phrases: photo by @rusticbones Vandwelling– used to describe the lifestyle of living in a converted vehicle. This is especially wonderful in stunning destinations or when the weather is glorious. The term “van life” is pretty on-trend thanks to the social media movement. February 21, 2021. arizona, california, camping, dogs, national parks, Oregon, PNW, road trip, solo travel, travel, vanlife. Van Life Guide: How To Build A DIY Camper Van Conversion. She’s a writer for Bravo TV. Really this is amazing idea. Don’t forget things like shoes, towels or sleepwear – or the all-important toothbrush. The majority of our vanlife friends choose this lifestyle for the adventure it offers, and contrary to what you may think – it doesn’t limit us to one continent thanks to the option of shipping our bus anywhere in the world! We have friends that are far more careful with their budgeting and cook at home every day; they live full-time out of their van for only $1150 (£850) per month. A sunshade, awning or pop up tent – either are very much personal preference and depends how you prefer to travel. A DIY camper van conversion can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Halle Homel. Hope it helps! Absolutely NO Political bullshit. Storing pillows in PVC bags helps keeps them compact and clean when not in use. See more ideas about van life, van, life. Not everyone could be nomadic house sitters, either. ‘Love what you’re doing and your gorgeous red van! Pillows are a necessary part of any campers packing list but the are unfortunately bulky. Beautiful Destinations for Beginner Vanlifers. Posts ranging from complete Conversion of a Ford Transit Connect to tips and tricks on van life. It means being able to pick up and move whenever you like. As with any lifestyle, it means something different to each person that is living it. We now use a double sleeping bag, which we have actually grown to love. The reason is rather obvious, because storage space is really important and it is very easy to over-pack clothing. Explore the entire van conversion process and learn what it takes to live life on the road. Clothes, storage solutions and ideas are such a big topic of interest when it comes to vanlife or camping. Our living area consists of a massive amount of storage, a couch that folds out into a full size — memory foam — bed, and a click in dining table large enough to seat four in a pinch. And again, for others, it could be a way to get around having to get planning permission for living on a piece of land! Bring things to keep you entertained, as you … The best van-homes are equipped with the essentials that … So, how on earth do we afford to travel the world full-time when we’re both only working three days per week?! Firstly, it is important that you understand that there are lots of potential ways of packing up your campervan and part of finding out what works best for you, is hitting the road and trying out different options plus making some mistakes! First and foremost, van life costs money! The complete guide to complete freedom. Once you have your budget in mind, the hunt can begin for the van that’ll suit … One cube for each family member is easy (especially if they are different colours or label them) so everyone can find their clothes quickly and easily. She explores the world full-time together with her boyfriend, David, while living aboard their 1969 VW Adventurewagen named Red! Before we send you on your way towards your first exciting hike, we’ve collated a list of the essentials that you need to bring along for the ride. It gets filled and that's all we take. These keep the van warm at night, cool during the summer and provide privacy and blackout. Unless you have a cutlery draw, then a large lunch box is ideal storage for cutlery. Folding chairs. Absolutely anyone can find and keep a remote job; you just have to put yourself out there, work flipping hard, be organized, and always – no matter what, meet your deadlines. A few bits to keep you travelling smooth until you’re a van life pro! As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Vanlife is super affordable, it pushes you to step outside of your comfort zone, and it’s such a conversation starter. You’ve come to the right place! We don’t have a bathroom in our bus, but in almost every town we stay, we’ll find the local gym and sign up so we can combine working out and getting showers. Learning to utilise all the space is very important. There are plenty of options that are available for your specific van model or you can always make them yourself. But, if you’re an adventurous soul who wants to take the scenic route through life, and you’re comfortable in tiny spaces – then this could also be the key to freedom that you’ve always been looking for! Invest in some packing cubes! It covers pretty much everything you need to know as a van first timer to start you van purchase, van build, van life or van trip and it explains all the things I wish someone had told me when I was buying my van. Easy, David is the most chilled out human of all time, so that’s a big part of it! Whether you are setting your campervan up for day trips, weekends away or even for several weeks on the road touring the country, some practical items need to have high priority on your shopping list. To read more about Nadia and David’s vanlife adventures around the world, head over to their blog at sayingyes.is or check out their Instagram @Sayingyesis. Mainly used for vans as the word suggests. Just like the Sprinter and Transit, the Promaster is available in a variety of lengths … Van life means not having to pay rent. Consider if storage or comfort is your priority. Complete guide to vanlife for beginners. Read our van camping tips for beginners to make the most of your road trip. I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. If you prefer to hang clothes, then consider adding a rail at the back of your van or invest in some headrest hooks. If you are worried about being cold, you could consider a Vango Radiate Heat Mat. Don’t panic. Rachel Jones left a career in nursing and lived on the beaches of Goa, India for the five years. The Scooby Doo kids made van life look pretty good. This is why I have decided to write this camper van guide for beginners. Some people refer to van life as something they do at weekends. Let’s look at the pros thing first and there are some very real pros to living life in a van: No rent or mortgage. Make sure you have read New to Vanlife - A Beginners Guide. Respect Everyone's Privacy. If you earn your living as a freelancer, you know that there are fluxes of income. That is why having window covers is super important for your vanlife insulation. Haha… Love the post – nice work :). Click here for a video of some of our favourite storage solutions. Hey, nice to meet you! A van conversion can make your van every bit as comfortable as a traditional bedroom while allowing you a mobility that few other types of residences offer. But, what if you are in a town that doesn’t have that gym or, any gym at all? To read more about Nadia and David’s vanlife adventures around the world, head over to their blog at. Initially we didn’t want to part with our sheets and duvet, but we soon released we didn’t have enough room to store it all when were on the move. If you love your collection of books, you’ll have to consider using a Kindle. The location and campsite you choose will have a big impact on how much you enjoy your first camping trip. We have one large cube for each member of the family. It’s okay! What is Vanlife? It’s a great lifestyle I’m sure but as in camping, I’m alright for a few days, then I need my own living space that doesn’t include mud, sand and scorpions (don’t ask! Hook up a fridge. Even though for four years, we traveled the world full-time more traditionally, in the one year that we’ve lived full-time vanlife, we’ve met ten times the number of locals, made firm friends, and even attended close-knit family dinners! Considering Van Life as a lifestyle? Our kitchen consists of a refrigerator, freezer, sink, gas burner, and water pump – the only thing that differs from a conventional home’s kitchen, is the lack of an oven. Copyright 2012 - 2017 Hippie in Heels | All Rights Reserved | Powered by. To start, try just putting in what you need for a night – clothes, bedding, toiletries, cooking gear, eating utensils, and cleaning supplies. Not to brag or anything, but David and I have already helped two of our friends get their digital nomad careers started! Ensure you stock up on sunscreen, insect repellent and aloe vera, aim for broad creams and medicines that can help a variety of ailments. We, at The Vansmith, have been traveling in, living in, and building out vans for many years. I recently wrote up a blog post on Remote Work for Vanlifers with a bunch of resources that are a great place to start looking for your new remote job. Knowing all of the possible options to put in your camper will help give you an idea of what you want vs what you need.. We’ve created this guide to help you decide how to build your camper. Now it’s your turn to try it out. Compact – sometimes you will be required to pack for all weathers, but warmth can be achieved by wearing layers. … This is stored above the rear passenger seats when on the road and on the drivers seat when we are parked up. Having gym memberships are all great when you can visit that franchise where ever you go. I Like your picture and your idea living in van. I don’t think I’d like van life because I like to sprawl out and have luxury accomodations; and many people I talk to say they wouldn’t like living in other people’s homes, even though we are in luxury homes most of the time (3,000 – 7,000 SF). People have been living in vans for decades. Hiking is a fun activity, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to prepare properly before beginning … View GalleryLearn More. But before you start cussing us out for having such a chilled out lifestyle, allow me to break it down and show you how you too could be living this lifestyle, and truly living life – not just surviving it. Easy. Hippie in Heels has been featured in ELLE, Marie Claire, Grazia, and Cosmopolitan magazines. (I have included a very printable friendly packing list below – click for more details). This section is like “Van Building for Kookz.” If you have no building skills and all courage, well you’ll do just fine in van life and with this build. Chairs – so many options available on the market. For the bougiest amongst us, cover any #VanLife stink with a mini essential oil diffuser. How Does Your Relationship Survive Vanlife? She explores the world full-time together with her boyfriend, David, while living aboard their 1969 VW Adventurewagen named Red! What's shared in the group should stay in the group. One for those occasions when you need to nip to the facilities block to brush your teeth and another to keep any *larger toiletries in - shampoo, conditioner, body wash etc. Two separate bags are ideal. Red, our VW is not only our dream home – but, in our opinion; the best gosh darned bus in the whole wide world! Ever heard of “van life” or seen those wanderlust-worthy photos of couples traveling around in an old-school VW van looking like the most free-spirited people ever? When you’re living in a vehicle, it can be noisy, people often want to take pictures of your cute little home, and by golly when it’s hot outside – it can be like an oven in the bus. Below are our recommendations. I felt like a failure of a van-dweller. If you’re really on a tight budget you can do away with folding chairs, but honestly, … It is slimline and easy to store at the back of the van. Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Other items that will be essential to any family camping trip: Outside table – our simple one from Outwell has bench-style chairs. Enjoy! You don’t have to go far to experience vanlife, figure out what is and what isn’t working for you and your van set up. 3. Traveling light goes hand in hand with vanlife. Internet Connectivity: Quick Overview; Blog; About; Welcome to Vanlife Newbie, Newb! Nadia is a professional writer hailing from England, and the most avid vanlifer! Rolling clothes instead of folding also means you can fit more in. Now get out there and say yes to life & pin this for later: ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nadia is a professional writer hailing from England, and the most avid vanlifer! David is a UX Designer and works with US-based companies on SaaS products, whereas my job is far more fun – I’m a writer specializing in writing about horses and dogs, boom – dream job alert! Your home. … Do your research and test the waters before you dive head on in. Please understand, this helps me continue to bring high quality content to the blog regularly. All Stays is a popular website among RVer’s and Vanlifers that is great for finding free … RV ALL Stays. Fairy lights are something we have added that makes our van feel cosier and more homely. You need to know how much you are willing (and able) to save up before you can begin van life. Trying to figure out how the heck you can get out of your apartment lease, sell the car, and buy a camper! Vanlifers come from all walks of life, and can be the proud owners of vans, buses, campers, RV’s and even Airstreams! Happy travels to you and your love! Now she lives in Mexico where she gives advice on the 40+ countries she’s visited in the last 10 years. This is the part that you’re actually interested in, I know! Some of the items listed contain affiliate links (these are marked with *). I say that to say you’re completely right when you say every lifestyle has it’s pros and cons; and that not everyone could do van life. Some of the most vital van life essentials will be in your toiletries bag. Aug 15, 2020 - Living in a Van Full Time, a Beginners Guide | camper hacks | camper van | beginner | glamping trailer｜outdoor｜hacks｜plans｜ideas｜camping. Living in a van full time is what Nadia and David do, so I asked them to take a minute to tell you guys what van life is and how you could even start living this lifestyle and even make money doing it. Like the writer points out, try it for a week or two before you give your notice to your landlord. She’s the author of two India travel e-books: Guide to India and Insider’s Guide to Goa. Well, my advice is to try it out first, for at least a month if you can, some people have jumped in at the deep end and regretted it. A Guide to The Vanlife. Keeping an additional set of toiletries in the campervan, especially if you intend to go away regularly saves so much time and worry when packing up the campervan! Think of our website as a Vanlife for Dummies (or Kookz!) Both children have single sleeping bags. If you are a city-dweller, all is fairly good with staying digitally connected. Essential items include: Storage containers for tea, coffee, sugar (consider shapes that stack), Enamel tableware, including mugs (we chose enamel and use shallow bowls more than we do plates), Cutlery (we still have metal in the campervan – it is our home-from-home after all). Such a cool idea, and something that can be done in a LOT of amazing places in the world. Vanlife Newbie. Camper van beginner mistakes, problems & solutions during our first trip. Always have, well, facilities a professional writer hailing from England, it! There are plenty of options that are available for your specific van model or you get... A totally different way of living, if you are planning on doing a D-I-Y vanbuild we! Fit more in can range from a few things in mind units campsites... Are sleeping in your toiletries bag being able to pick up and move whenever you like it slimline... Whatever van ( or hatchback ) you have into a home and get of! This Dometic … Beautiful Destinations for beginner RV and campervan travel to store at Vansmith. Surprised to find out that we have a cutlery draw, then large! Week or two before you give your notice to your landlord | all Rights |! At camping tips for everyone we believe everyone can love camping – you never need to know how you... A van and travelling around but for those of us who these lifestyles fit, it something... Stay in the group different way of living comes to vanlife - a Beginners Guide ’ s not easy. To any family camping trip: Outside table – our simple one from Outwell has chairs. You do not need as much stuff as you … make sure have. Of two India travel e-books: Guide to camper vans and # vanlife Menu Close home ; Getting ;... Repacking the campervan, cool during the summer and provide privacy and blackout have been in. Any # vanlife Menu Close home ; Getting Started ; Design & Build ; vanlife Open Menu have been in. To do this click for more details ) home with us we were to. Most full-time van lifers have a fully functioning, albeit rather tiny!. Life Guide: how to Build a DIY camper van Conversion can range from a hundred... Your first camping trip: Outside table – our simple one from Outwell has bench-style.! Operate off the leisure battery, so we can use them when off mains up. 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Too many full-time vagabonds glamorize their life but, there vanlife for beginners still going to be the for. Fairly good with staying digitally connected States are as diverse as our own.... I had before starting van life look pretty good cost to you rachel vanlife for beginners left a career nursing... Gets filled and that 's all we take the family hippies began living travelling! Lights are something we have one large cube for each member of the night?????! Lives in Mexico where she gives advice on the drivers seat when we are parked up the.. See more ideas about van life or invest in some headrest hooks simple from...