Van life is buzzword that has been circulating a lot lately, especially through social media. It’s a social movement being adopted by people looking for more freedom in their everyday lives. Though living the van life might look different to everyone, the basic premise is a modern day nomadic lifestyle with the freedom to make it whatever you’d like it to be (while usually living out of a van). Instagram is full of #vanlife posts depicting idyllic scenery and tons of adventure, making it seem like a dream escape for those looking to take the road less travelled. However, it’s a huge adjustment for most and requires a lot of careful planning before jumping in. Whether you’re looking for an escape on the weekends, or something a bit more permanent, we have some tips to help you start living your best van life.
Picking The Right Van
When you think van life you probably imagine a refurbished VW bus (otherwise known as a kombi). However, there are several viable options for mobile homes – it all depends on what you need. The VW is a classic, and for good reason. They’re multifunctional and there are many on the market that are ready to live in. Another great option is the Roadtrek. These Class B motorhomes were made specifically for life on the road, and are a great option for anyone considering van life for the long term.
Live Your Best Van Life
Be Realistic
Instagram makes everything look easy, including living the van life. But be honest with yourself – how are you going to make it work? Be realistic about your finances, what you’ll be able to live without, and how long you’ll be able to be on the road. Here is a great 6 month RV budget worksheet that will a sense of life as a full-time RVer. The best thing about van life is that it is entirely your own, so do whatever you need to make it work for you. There are tons of articles and feeds depicting the “ideal” van life, but don’t base your expectations on the experiences of others. The only way to really live your best van life is to live it your way.
Do your Research
Where is the van life going to take you? It’ll take a lot of careful planning to make sure you get the most out of your experience. After you’ve found the perfect van, it’s time to decide on your destination(s). Maybe you’re headed to Osheaga later this summer, and Montreal is the final destination of your road trip. Decide on your route, and start looking into events happenings along the way. Depending on how long you plan to travel for, you might be able to hit a few festivals during your travels.For example,why not try to check out Ottawa’s Bluesfest before arriving to Montreal? While you can’t do it all, you’ll get so much more out of the experience if you take advantage of local happenings. Check out shows and more Events in Ottawa here.
New Age Technology for your Auto-Insurance
Companies are now making more use of Telematics than ever— which is an essential part of road trips nowadays. What they do, is monitor a vehicle with GPS using smartphones or physical devices plugged into the vehicle to record speed, distance, braking, acceleration, among others. This technology is used to provide insight into a driver’s behavior behind the wheel as well as information regarding the car’s need for maintenance. A number of car insurance companies give drivers an upfront discount on their premium just for signing up for a telematics program. If the data shows that they’re safe drivers, the discount may increase up to 15% upon renewal of the policy. Another use of telematics lies in pay-per-mile policies, which base premiums on vehicle usage. If you don’t drive often or have short commutes, this kind of policy could help you save on your car insurance. How much you save will depend on the kind of monitoring program you sign up for with your auto insurer!
Money, Money, Money
One of the most appealing things about van life is the relatively lower costs of living (or travelling). However, you still need to consider your sources of income before taking off on your adventure. Any seasoned van lifer will tell you the importance of saving up and having enough incase things go wrong (which, lets be honest, they probably will). If you’re considering a more permanent lifestyle, it’s important to look into how you’ll be able to make money while you’re mobile. Whether it’s staying in a certain area for extended periods of time and working contract jobs, or working remotely if your profession permits – discover your options! Remote work hubs are popping up around the world – providing workspaces for digital nomads. Miami is one city that has a reputation for great co-working spaces and a “nomad friendly” community. For networking and more Events in Miami, click here!
Check out more Events near Me for more travel inspiration!
By: Chelsea Cottrell
Chelsea writes for Chillwall on fun events, fashion, lifestyle near me and around the world.
