15 Influencers Reveal Their Favorite Thing About #VanLife

Alex Aronson
·7 min read
Photo credit: silvervanproject - Instagram
Photo credit: silvervanproject - Instagram

From Redbook

Everyone can attest to daydreaming about what life would be like if you sold off your worldly possessions, traded in your car for a van, and hit the open road.

For most people the dream of living a #VanLife is mostly a passing thought, fulfilled by vicariously living through the brightly colored Instagram feeds of our favorite influencers. But for some, this dream is a stellar, adventurous, and unpredictable reality.

We got to chat with 15 #VanLife influencers from all over the world, and they shared their favorite things about living the nomadic dream.

1. New place, new perspective.

Time to get lost in the jungle vibes. 🌿

A post shared by PETER & SHRUTHI 🍕 (@holidayatsee) on Aug 1, 2017 at 7:22am PDT

“Van life is a different experience for everyone. Our favorite thing about living on the road is slow travel. Whether it’s within the U.S. or exploring South America, we love being able to slow down and experience a locals’ perspective of a beautiful place.” - @holidayatsee

2. The beauty of community.

This past year, Mars and I created a Lifebook following a course by Jon and Missy Butcher. Of the many things we accomplished in 2017, creating a Lifebook is probably the most life changing. I can’t emphasize enough what creating a clear vision for every area of your life will do. Yes, I’m free-spirited and live in a van full-time, but being clear on my intentions has made all the difference. It’s made making decisions and saying “no” so much easier. We say yes to what aligns with our goals and no to the things that don’t. It sounds so simple, but before putting it on paper, it was harder for me. Too many people go through life on auto-pilot. If you’ve read this far, I know you understand. For those of us who try to live differently, doubt and fear will definitely try to get in the way. If there is one thing you can do for yourself this year, make a clear vision. Put it to paper. Then look for the open doors every single day..and never, ever give up. 📷:@samistrong

A post shared by VanLife | Mars & Ash Fite (@fitetravels) on Jan 22, 2018 at 11:26am PST

“Our favorite thing(s) about #vanLife are the community we’ve found and getting to experience different places as our backyard! Sometimes they aren’t glamorous, but other times they’re beautiful beyond belief.” - @fitetravels

3. One word: freedom.

Riverfront realestate without a lifetime of debt👌🏼

A post shared by Jess Bonde | Vanlife | Travel (@wildbonde) on Nov 27, 2018 at 2:17pm PST

“My favorite thing would definitely be the freedom. Go wherever, whenever, and do whatever.” - @wildbonde

4. Home is wherever you are.

Let’s get out and soak up that early morning sunshine! We don’t have long before the clouds seal it away and snow starts to fall for the next few days! Not mad about it one bit ❄️

A post shared by The Rosene Family (@rosenesontheroad) on Feb 25, 2019 at 7:18am PST

“Our favorite thing about Van Life is the freedom it allows us to comfortably putt around the Southwest and do all our favorite things - with all of our gear with us for our hobbies, and the comfort of home always with us. It gives us the ability to explore new places, and has introduced us to a new community of amazing people from which we’ve met so many new friends from!” - @rosenesontheroad

5. It’s an open road.

There is quite nothing like it

A post shared by Marco Calara⠀ (@immarcoo) on Nov 20, 2018 at 8:24pm PST

“My favorite thing about #vanlife is I don't plan where to go. You don't wait to get all the details right, you just do them. Most great adventures work that way.” - @immarcoo of calara.ca

6. Live to love.

#GnomadQuestions : "Do you guys make money from Instagram?" - No, we do not make money from Instagram or Facebook. - When we were first prepping to hit the road, we had the idea in our heads (from looking at Instagram) that to be successful on the road you needed thousands of followers, and once you got them companies would come begging to sponsor you. - We took a few steps towards the influencer lifestyle, but we learned very quickly how competitive and fickle that path is and decided that it wasn't worth it for us. - It really is a hustle, and it can be a very insecure one. There's a ton of extremely challenging and time consuming work that goes into it all before you even land a potential sponsorship. Then we found that it doesn't matter how beautiful a piece of writing you may create, the second you throw #sponsored at the beginning or end of a post, more than half of the world instinctively tunes you out. One of our passions is our writing that we share with you all. Why pour our hearts out to you all if you'll look right past us the second you see a specific hashtag? - Don't get us wrong, we see no problem in choosing whatever path you feel fits you best when it comes to pursuing a nomadic lifestyle, just understand the hustle that goes into making it sustainable. It takes a LONG time and a LOT of work to get companies to work with you, and once you make a deal, you have to put in a LOT of effort just to make ends meet. Keep in mind there is an extremely small percentage of people out there who are making enough money from sponsorships to sustain themselves. - In regards to full transparency, we have occasionally accepted free product from time to time - but this is only when WE reach out to a company and not vice versa. We've found ourselves about to buy products we truly love and from companies we deeply believe in and have thought "Well, let's see if they'd be interested in sending us some ______. We know we love them, let's see if we can work together to support them." (We've done this about 3 times in the past 2 years). - What do you think about social media influencers? How do you feel when you see "sponsored" hashtags?

A post shared by Jayme🔹John🔸Nymeria🔹Delilah (@gnomad_home) on Feb 10, 2019 at 10:32am PST

"Our favorite thing about #vanlife is the freedom to pursue the life we truly desire. We can wake up where we want surrounded by nature, we can travel cross-country to visit family, we now have time to work on ourselves since we're not wasting hours of our week commuting to and from work, we can grow our businesses to their greatest potential, and our dogs can roam the countryside, happier than they'd ever been before!" - @gnomad_home and GnomadHome.com

7. Work hard, play hard.

The magic of the holidays is upon us ❄️ We’ve been a bit preoccupied lately but we’re working on a lot of things that we hope to share soon. One of those endeavors is our vanlife and outdoors inspired clothing designs - you can check out the link in our bio for more info on that ⛄️

A post shared by Janine + David + Luna (@_onthehorizon) on Dec 11, 2018 at 8:26am PST

"Hands down, our favorite thing about #vanlife is the freedom it has given us. It allows us to travel efficiently and affordably, and yet still feel a sense of “home” in our rig. We can balance work and still have plenty of time for adventure!" - @_onthehorizon

8. The world is your backyard.

N E V E R S T O P F E E L I N G «la felicidad sólo es real cuando es compartida» Hace 9 años que nos conocimos, quien diría que emprenderíamos este proyecto de vida. Tenemos muchas ganas de volver a la carretera para dar una vueltecita por el mundo. En tan solo 3 semanas volvemos a nuestra casita rodante! La semana que viene vuelven los instastories para compartir con vosotros la camperización de la furgo! Ahora ultimar los detalles finales!! Tenéis ganas de ver los instastories????? Un abrazo familia!!! #vangirls #vanlifediaries #vanlife #vanlifers #campervan #camper #camperizacion #furgosfera #vanlifemovement #vanlifestyle #vanlifemovement #enfurgomolamas #furgoperfecto #adventure #neverstopexploring #backpacker #travelblogger #travelcouples #couple #nature #scoopy #theroadsidecollective @theroadsidecollective @vanclans #vanclan

A post shared by Timeless Life Project (@timelesslifeproject) on Oct 10, 2018 at 2:02am PDT

“Traveling in a van allows us to share this experience with our dogs. #Vanlife allows us to have our house anywhere in the world. We have the opportunity to learn about different cultures, to discover the non-tourist corners of the countries. We have the freedom to live without time, to work wherever we want online or to work in season. Every day we learn languages and learn something new. In #vanlife, problems become challenges. #Vanlife makes us feel alive, and makes us feel happy.” - @timelesslifeproject

9. A dog's paradise.

The last few weeks, I’ve walked hundreds of dogs, cleaned cages, and did what was needed to help the dogs of the campfire find their loved ones. The search continues and I will do what I can to help in the efforts. I can’t imagine losing these two. It pains my heart to even think of it. Everyday, Max and Cooper bring joy to my life. If you are thinking of adopting your next best friend, don’t hesitate. I am so lucky to have them in my life. Grateful. #thisishome

A post shared by Alison Turner (@alisontravels) on Nov 27, 2018 at 1:08pm PST

“#Vanlife gives me the freedom to travel to just about anywhere I want to go. “Homie” the van has all the space I need to live in with my two rescue dogs. After living in a trailer and traveling with a tent for years... having a van allows me to venture on unknown roads on a whim and gives me the added protection of steel walls. As a solo traveler who doesn’t plan ahead, it’s the best adventure mobile for my travel style.” - @alisontravels

10. Nature makes it all worth while.

Morri and Big blue are always ready for a sunset adventure 🐕🌾🧡

A post shared by w i l d w a n d e r e r s (@wildroadwanderers) on Dec 6, 2018 at 1:54am PST

“Living on the road has given us a deeper appreciation for the simple beauty, pleasantness, and serenity that nature can provide for a human. Waking up and watching the sunrise over a new horizon everyday - really makes your soul feel alive and oh so free!” - @wildroadwanderers

11. A never-ending education.

Come see us at the @unitedtinyhouse Festival in Macon, GA from March 1-3! We’ll be hanging out with some rockstars of the tiny community sharin’ all the tiny details. We are also speaking about our debt free journey and mindset — how (and why!) we paid off 100K of debt in 3.5 years and where it led us, so far that is. 🚎💨 . If you’re currently building tiny, off-grid or thinking about it, come see everyone and soak in all the info.! . There will be some amazing hands on workshops, speakers, and of course lots of tiny home and bus tours — We’re joining over 20 other buses including @navigationnowhere @simplyusandabus @midwestwanderers and @little_groundhog — Who else? Reach out! 💛 . We chose to attend this event because of the Tiny House Association’s mission. To date, over $500K of the proceeds from their 11 events have been donated to 70+ different charities, non-profits and causes. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! We’re pumped that the timing worked out for us to be a part of it. . Will we see you there?! It’s our last stop before we head back to the northeast and prep. for the Appalachian Trail!

A post shared by Meag + Ben | Wild Drive Life (@wilddrivelife) on Jan 29, 2019 at 11:53am PST

“Our favorite part of this lifestyle is that it’s wholly designed by us, more so than our lives felt before. This was and is both challenging and empowering. Just as we chose how and when to build our off-grid home, we’ve chosen the contents of our day to day since moving in full-time 14 months ago.

When we pull over for the night or find a spot to stay for a while, we have everything we need to eat, sleep, work, and play. It’s like backpacking, which we love, but a longer term and more sustainable adaptation. #Vanlife and #buslife is what you choose to make of it, so for everyone it’s a little different. We often say it’s as if we’ve gone back to school, in a way, learning about people and places all over the country that we may never have encountered if it wasn’t for this bus we built.” - @wilddrivelife

12. Makes you appreciate your surroundings.

An adventurous breakfast with funny companions, do you wanna join?🐴 This is definitely one of our favourite places in southern Spain. So close to the animals, they give you sooo much love and peace. After waking up first thing you have to do is cuddling a donkey and of course he is curious what you get for breakfast. We let him sniff it, but we didn't share our muesli with him. Oh how much we would like to have this company for breakfast right now. . . . What's your favourite place you have been to on your travels? Where would you love to go back?🌍 . . . #breakfastgoals #donkeys #goodmorning #vwt5 #spain #vanlifespain #nature #wildcamping #travel #vanbuild #vanlife #vanlifediaries #vanlifers #vanlifeeurope #vanconversion #campervan #vwtransporter #homeiswhereyouparkit #homeonwheels #buslife #vanvibes #vancrush #seeyouontheroad #wanderlust #vandwelling #lifeontheroad #projectvanlife #roadtrip #nomadstays #silvervanproject

A post shared by 🌴 Fulltime Vanlife in Europe (@silvervanproject) on Feb 12, 2019 at 12:52am PST

“Our favorite thing about #vanlife is definitely the closeness to nature, to revive this natural connection to mother earth and to feel ourselves every day. This awakens the spirit of adventure and freedom in us.” - @silvervanproject

13. Front yard flexibility.

Our first Camp on Corsica.😍 🌿 Just by luck we found this lonely spot right on the beach. 🌊 Without knowing it’s actually one of the rare surf spots on Corsica called Lumio, and just as we arrived the waves started to pickup and I grabbed my board and gave it a try. 🏄♂️ No one out in the lineup is something I have never experienced before and I had a great session with all the waves just for me 🌊. Sometimes it’s just about being at the right spot at the right time 🙏. • • • • #surfingtrip #vanlifers #vanlifejournal #projectvanlife #surferboy #vandwelling #vanlifeinspiration #campervans #vanlifecaptain #vanboysrule #vandwellinglife #vandweller #skoolielife #outboundliving #openroadlife #skoolieconversion #vanlifedistrict #therollinghome #tinyhousemovement #skoolies #livingsmall #thisisvanlifeing #vanlifemagazine #livebravely #vancrush #vanliving #vanlifecamper #hippyvan #surfermagazine

A post shared by Vanliving•Travel•Photography (@wetravelbybus) on Sep 2, 2018 at 11:29pm PDT

"My favorite thing about #vanlife is the ever changing front yard. On one day you have the house at the lake, on the next day you live in the Mountains. That is unbeatable!" - @wetravelbybus

14. Gone with the wind.

There has been SO much love shown to GV. We are thinking of renting out this beast for other people to experience the magic of living the NZ Summer dream... ° Can we get a 🙋♂️🙋♀️ who would be keen rent her for a few days ??

A post shared by Good Vibrations Campervan 🚙 (@goodvibrations.nz) on Jan 16, 2018 at 10:49pm PST

“Our fav. thing about van life is being able to wing it. Not knowing where your next destination is, just taking the trip day by day and seeing where the wind takes you - the freedom that only a campervan can give you.” - @goodvibrations.nz

15. Connecting with new souls.

*constantly kisses dog on the lips but refuses to share water bottle with husband*

A post shared by Noël Russell (@noel_russ) on Mar 7, 2019 at 1:06pm PST

“I always say that meeting new neighbors is one of the most underrated perks of #vanlife. I can’t count the number of times we’ve connected with kindred souls under the stars in the middle of nowhere. There’s some kind of immediate sense of kinship established in the van community and it’s pretty special. Some of my favorite friends are folks I’ve met out on the road.” - @noel_russ

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