I’ve stated many times in my comment posts on many different blogs and forums that I am not yet living in a van full time.  So, I’m sure you’re thinking: What gives him the right to write about it?  Well, I may not be van living just yet, but I have done on a lot of research about the subject, and I think I have something of value to share, just like other van dwelling blogs.  So, I decided to make a post about what I think fulltime van life really entails and what my plans are for the future.

Van Travel

To begin, I originally came upon the idea of van living and travel as a way to see the things I’ve always wanted to see, but to do it for far less money that a typical travel routine might cost.  I mean if you drive your van somewhere, you’ve got a bed for the night anywhere you go.  Plus, no airfare costs equals a big savings.  Then, there is the fact that you can bring food with you and have a way to prepare it easily.  That’s definitely cheaper than eating out all the time and also healthier for you.  So, I plan to use my van for travel around North America for part of the year and then I will park it somewhere in storage and I hope to live as an expat in another country for part of the year.

Earning Money While Full Time Van Living

Now, I plan to use a van for travel, but many van dwellers use their van to live in fulltime while they stay and work in an expensive city somewhere.  This is really a good plan for earning good money and being able to save a lot of it.  Especially, if your van is fully equipped with a bathroom, shower, stove, etc.  It’s like having a little studio apartment on wheels.  So, these full timers seem to have it down, but are there any disadvantages to trying to stay in the city with your van?  Yes, I think one big one is the need to stay stealthy.  You have to relocate parking spots frequently, stay camofluaged, be quiet, and avoid trouble. 

Other people manage to generate an online income from their van with things like blogging and affiliate marketing, and this can work out well, if you can maintain good internet access when you are out and about.  However, it’s hard to stay focused on your work, when there are so many amazing things to see just out your van door.

My wife and I have been saving for many years and have done a good job with our investment portfolio.  I’m hoping that I won’t have to work much while I’m traveling, but I can pick up the odd contract job now and then if necessary.  Plus, if I spend most of my time either in the van or living in a much cheaper country, my nestegg should go even farther.

Tell me what you think about full time van living and what your plans are for the future, or even what you are doing right now to make the most of your life on the road.