10 YEARS Total of Living the VAN LIFE...My Family's Story

[@FG-yl3oj]

If anyone didn't catch it, she says "you stop thinking month to month when you're not paying rent." I felt that in my soul.

[@drivingbro]

I paid waymore living in a camper van than living in a cheap apartment, van life was like atleast 7-8k a month for everything. Apartment is like 5-6K. Here in Sweden you can buy apartments with only 2-4K rent

[@drivingbro]

@@darrellee4953 im sure you can live cheaper but i had to pay for fuel, propane to heat the van (it was not summer), taxes, insurance, camping fees (couldnt always find free parking spot, and sometimes to empty grey water or toilet). Also i wanted to eat more expensive food for some reason. I calculated it to be around 7k dollars a month usually. It was a fun experience and i get to see alot but i was miserable, even thoni had a big fully integrated camper van with loads of space big panoramic windows, full kitchen with oven, 100L+ fresh/grey water tanks and separate toilet with big shower.

[@quirkyblackenby]

@@darrellee4953the difference is you have to pay rent forever but you can eventually pay off a car

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

TAG you're it!!! I want to try something different and new! Make your own Nomad Tag video using the following questions, upload here to KZbin, and add #nomadtag in the title! I will compile all of the videos into a playlist for people to view and learn from! There are no rules about how long or what type of nomadic living or how you did it to be part of the tag. Hop on your phone camera or laptop, doesn't have to be fancy, and spill the tea! The goal is for there to be many different perspectives together in one easy to find place for people to learn from! :) 1.Who are you? 2.What is your main mode of travel? 3.When did you start living this lifestyle? 4.Where have you been and what are some of your favorite places to be a nomad? 5.Why did you start living this way? 6.How did you start living this way? 7.What have been some challenges? 8.What was something unexpected that you learned or did because of living this way? 9.What are the pros of living this way? 10.What advice would you give someone who wants to live a nomadic lifestyle and is just starting out? Thanks for watching! Here is the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL3ZdI2klNmMJ5AoHDhIIACNN7XcocTmUV&si=iEotTt8YwZBRucre

[@ev_blue]

Probably the best breakdown of van life I've seen. Really like your family Loui.

[@lagunn327]

I love that you all have your own space and do your own thing BUT you are together❤️

[@jrcrandall8548]

I love that you actually truly care about letting people know they are not alone

[@rrhopewell]

You 3 are awesome. The fact that you can say when your sick of it just move back in a home/apartment just shows all aspects of van life. Honesty. I pray that God will continue to bless all 3 of your journeys.

[@martinforrester8249]

Hi Loui, I've just subscribed to your channel after watching you and foresty forest travelling together. I admire your adventurous spirit. I'm an oldtimer Englishman who yearns for this sort of existence.Its too late for me now, but following you and others like you, fulfills my needs. Look forward to more adventures with you.

[@metaglypto]

Like you, I started watching Loui through Foresty. Not sure of your age and condition, but I am 70, two fused ankles, needing surgery for a herniated disk, and possibly two more surgeries after that. I am not quite ready to say, "no more camping". Are you sure you are? I know that day will come eventually, but for me for now, I keep looking forward to my next camping trip, my next hot spring, my next first. Anyway, for now anyway, we get to keep seeing the green grass, instead of turning it green.

[@BaileyM-co7eb]

I loved this! It was nice hearing your fam's different experiences. I wish I have a family member who was willing to do this with me.

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

This community is your family too!! 🥰

[@NewLife-qj9mx]

This is true

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

This is why it's important to find a community. Anything is possible through law of attracti, law of assumption,

[@veeemit9719]

Thank you all for doing this vlog, and whether you are stationary or on the road, we always want to see you guys, so please don’t be strangers😊

[@SunnyIlha]

The absolute coolest family thing EVER!! Like, *permanent* family vacation! People wait years, and save money all up in the rat race stuck at work 50-65 hours a week, ending up with only two weeks of time off just to do this once every few years! Family camping *couldn't* get any better*than* this! My wishlist right now is to go to Baja Calif Sur on the road.

[@reestyfarts]

We left the Bay Area for the same reason. If any of you are in southern Nevada you are welcome to use our dishwasher/laundry/spare bath/bedroom.

[@kikox8902]

Loui bringing back the golden age of KZbin 🙌🏾

[@wildnaturalista]

Van life is definitely like my plan C because I just think it's so sufficient. One of my fears is that if my car needs a repair or I get in an accident, there goes my home! I applaud you three for succeeding in your van life journeys and I wish you all safety and happiness.

[@goesintite]

I would say, stash your cash. Cash is your security or, sense of security.

[@onibioh]

Everything has risks.

[@goesintite]

@@onibioh I guess I shouldn't have assumed peeps would know I meant "in the bank but, lots of it"

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

Plz watch videos on unlocking negative beliefs. Law of Attraction Law of assumption

[@mikefranks4528]

This is the most real talk that I've seen about real van lifers and those that went back from it to apartment life. Great discussion...things to consider.

[@Eyesis_1]

Thanks for sharing your family-wide nomad experiences. This is so cool.

[@jeffhouse2031]

NOT full time nomad, however wanted to drop a few comments. Plan on being more nomad once retire in a few years. Have done a lot of long vacations (this year was from OH to AK and back) living out of my truck, and many many weekends locally (Have 3 Natl Forest w/i 2.5hr drive). I watch many creators here on YT and over time have been building out my equipment for future full time me with the neat stuff I see others using that help me build out. To any and all who aspire to be more nomadic I say, just get started. Work with what you have (myself = Tacoma with a topper) and start going shorter trips, and learning the ropes for yourself as well as field testing (and upgrading) the equipment you are using. Again, use what you have for now, and every--or every other--pay run buy something to add to your set up. Over time, you will accumulate more conveniences. Thanks to all who create and have contributed to my knowledge, as well as hope for all who start getting out and start exploring the world around you. Lastly, keep up the good work Miss Louie.

[@awalktowardsglory]

This is great information, and great advice. I am also on my way to that lifestyle in my Jeep XJ.

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

Great advice!!

[@jessk0429]

Love this! I agree you don’t have to start big. I started in a Prius and loved it!

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

I feel like Priuses or such an under rated car living vehicle!! I WISH I had that gas mileage!

[@petrabutler3463]

Love your Family. I wish I was brave enough to sell up and live the life you do. Love all your videos. ❤ I am Petra, a German living in the Uk. Bought my little camper Sparkie two months ago so haven’t really travelled in it yet but can’t wait to have my weekend life in it. Weekends for now and then who knows. ☺️

[@chaebaker3012]

This was a great conversation. This is good info for just living in general.

[@wandajohnson1505]

I’ve watched countless van life videos and this one by far was most realistic. I truly enjoyed each family member’s perspective. Although some of my family members don’t agree with living in a van I plan to do so part time first in the future. I’m inspired. 😊

[@michellel6596]

Loved the family viewpoints, and esp loved the little Loui & Alex clips!

[@bessienash583]

I love this video. As a nomad, I like minimizing. I was becoming a hoarder when I lived in sticks and bricks. Filling every corner. Less is best.

[@kemi1486]

This was sooo good! You all look at ease out there in nature🌳.

[@veeemit9719]

What a great vlog! You three just rock.😊

[@AprilAdventuring]

I haven't even finished yet, but this is a stunning short movie! You've been an inspiration, Loui! It's been incredible watching your growth and getting this glimpse into your journey.

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

🥰 Thank you April! I am so grateful that our story is being well received!!

[@DrLWesthuizen]

Great information awesome hearing all the answers - I am alone and 70 soon and my gift from "me to me" is my camper van and living life to the fullest till my last day on mother earth. #nomadtag

[@ljtaylo1312]

Thank you for sharing. I love your family.

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

We love you too!! 💗

[@tinacordell4208]

Thank you so much for your stories and honesty. 😊

[@frankh.5378]

There is no replacement for financial freedom. Your family is smarter than many who are financially living in a jailcell who cannot get out of debt. Great video and a wonderful family. Stay healthy and safe!

[@Macskinny76]

I agree with you on how expensive things have gotten, and I surely don't see your reasoning behind it all as any kind of pity. I like the fact that it's a family thing that everyone is taking, I'd luv to do RV life, just based off on how I am and being a veteran and having to live on the East Coast, things aren't that great as far as renting goes. If I can find somewhere to trade my car in for an RV, I'd definitely do it. But, I don't know where to even start.

[@dallastrujillo7540]

I’m in the same spot!

[@KaiExploresLife]

This was so informative. I love the different perspectives. I wish your mom had a KZbin channel. I don’t have Instagram or Facebook anymore. But I would love to see her past van life travels.

[@calicotux]

She used to have one, haven’t seen them lately. I truly enjoyed her perspectives. Go back through Loui’s older videos when they traveled together and when they first moved to Alaska, you’ll get to know her. Plus Loui used to put her channel name on there

[@KaiExploresLife]

@@calicotux Thank you. I will do that.

[@carolinagirl53]

She has one "Out seeking Rainbows "

[@KaiExploresLife]

@@carolinagirl53 Thank you 😊

[@JKART-do5jc]

I am an artist and that has been the hardest to give up. Have tools and workspace, do sculpture. When I have lived on the road that is what I miss so I end up going back to my small nest. I know about the burden of things. But, I have really enjoyed the road for 45 yrs off and on. I have always been alone on the road. Love experiencing all the different places. Thanks for sharing this. Enjoyed it. Oh, the one thing I miss is a bathroom with a shower.

[@cruzangurl33]

I love seeing you all together! It makes my heart happy! 😂

[@thepokernomad3033]

Oh wow! This is by far the best video of the year! The whole family vanlife/nomadic lifestyle and yall love it! I am a van lifer as well, and I'm so intrigued by this, and I hope one day I can meet all of you guys on the road one day! Keep on rocking the free world! 🤘🏾 #loveit #vanlife #nomadiclife 🚐💨

[@jeantriplett8478]

The main challenge for me would be not having a flushing toilet.....I think I could live without a lot but not that. Love your family and your amicable interchange with each other. I am a new viewer and subscriber but am looking forward to following you in future. Thank you.

[@jessicastachniak6485]

This was a great video! Your family is so awesome and supportive. I appreciate all the insight.

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

Thanks for watching!

[@SuperClare]

You are a blessed woman Louie. Such a dynamic family! Very informative video. ❤️❤️❤️

[@SmileSQN]

Love- I AM A RESIDENCE OF PLANET EARTH☺

[@MARTI20DAT]

i loved this video. i hope other nomads participate with their responses, because i'd love to watch those vids, too!

[@jonesnbones]

I'm a rural homesteader but love the nomad lifestyle as well ❤

[@user-mb4se6km5p]

My van name is mini, I am a West Coast mountain nomad, been doing it since may21, straight outta 209 baby lol. I never knew how much I love nature,it's crazy.

[@AbAmerigo]

You're so lucky you have such an amazing family, This was an inspirational video for me, and Thank you very much for sharing that.

[@lylewollenhaupt7424]

Found your channel through Foresty Forest and stayed for the insightful stories. Keep living happy and free!

[@fredmac1000]

Thank you 🙏

[@kit3182]

So good to see where it all started! Can’t wait until y’all can update on your land. Loved seeing y’all make the trails and planing out your homes! Keep loving life!✨✨✨

[@shanec.7105]

Alex has very good observations, views, insights.

[@NatureRach]

Loved watching this video and hearing each of your individual insights! I’m the odd one out in my family - the only one who likes to travel and spend time outdoors. I’m so inspired by (and envious of) your family’s collective sense of adventure, curiosity and adaptability!

[@Goldibabyyy]

I loved your video!You and your family are so wholesome.All of your humor individually,& calm energy made me subscribe!I used to live in Anchorage,Alaska for 7 years when I was younger and I fell in love with it.I’ve lived in the city for awhile and don’t necessarily like it,& as I’ve grown older it seems too chaotic.I plan on doing city life in an apartment for the next 3 years,living on the outskirts this time around.I am planning to visit Alaska again and stay for about a week to see if the feeling is still the same,and if I could live there again.If so that will be my next big move to transition into nomadic life.Alaska showed me parts of Gods creation that I’ve never seen before,from the Aurora Borealis to wild life,it’s paradise.God bless your journey as you traverse!😊

[@panchosproduce]

I would ❤ this vid a million times if i could! THANK YOU & your beautiful nomadic fam! Wow just, thank you- finally ready to pull the trigger after hearing your stories! ❤❤❤

[@SqueakyWheelMakesNoise]

I ended up living in a vehicle for some of the same reasons. I used to be a volunteer firefighter. But ended up hurting my back and needing back surgery. Ended up needing to be put on disability as well. So i started living out of a van then when i got my backpay, got a cheap class a rv. I stay in Westport washington now. Its a small fishing/surfing town. Rent is too high and this is the only way i can loving without being on the streets. Not my choice to live like this but its not that bad. It works

[@dannytattooflash]

Wow. What a strong positive young lady who was first talking.

[@sherellealex]

Yawns are so contagious. Everytime Alex yawned I yawned. ☺️☺️

[@dannytattooflash]

I hope you all have healthy and long lives. 🙏

[@Alanc419]

Condolences to your family about Lady. We totally get it, having had pets (family members) all our lives.

[@SunnyIlha]

Maybe Yu guys could together get liveaboard 46' trawler in moorage as a rendezvous "home base" . A Marina has laundry, showers, restaurant & open spaces to relax at. If you have a liveaboard vessel moored, vehicle parking comes with it. You could even kayak & stuff there.

[@michaelcarpenter8789]

Hey Loui, found your content via Steve Wallis. Love your channel, your family is awesome, can't wait to see what's next for you!

[@whereismymind0788]

Really cool life. Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

thanks for your support! 💗

[@belindaknowles7440]

Hey Bex! I’ve missed your videos. It’s nice to see you😊 Great video Loui . It’s interesting hearing the different challenges you three have faced. Thanks for your perspective Alex, too.

[@martykong3592]

:) WOW! THANKS MUCH for sharing, and GREAT Family indeed! I tried an RV, Class C for a while, then decided it was too big and parking was TOUGH, Especially in Bay are to visit at the time, back in a MiniVan, and itching to go again... but tied to family while raising a Grandson as well... so later when he is older or at least done with High School. ALL the BEST and I think you and Family are WONDERFUL! ALL the BEST and Cheers!

[@taterpugz]

I love this! Your family is lovely. I lived just a hair north of Sacramento in 2005 and could not believe how expensive it was...I can't imagine what it's like now.

[@Mrs.KatsCrafting]

Is Alex shy or just doesnt get a chance to talk around you guys. He should do a channel too these were all good tips.

[@alexandersprout7992]

Privacy = Peace

[@SunnyIlha]

I haven't seen this yet. I'm new subscriber. Very good, very informative, illuminating!

[@alexanderweaver7066]

Loui, this was an incredible exercise... Great job! I began the nomadic lifestyle after my wife passed away in 2021. It has been the best decision I have ever made in my life. I truly love living in my van and changing my "backyard" whenever the need hits me. I love the freedom of movement, not being constricted or feel imprisoned by four walls. As your brother, Alex, stated, it's surprising how small a space one can live in. I lived in a nice house in Virginia, gave up all the materialistic stuff I didn't need, and never used. It was there for show. I think your mom stated it that she put stuff in places just to fill the space. I lived in Sacramento in a gym parking lot and after my morning workout I would move to a more open parking lot to spend the day. My journeys into Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Utah and Arizona have been epic. Meeting and making new friends along the way has been truly rewarding. I accepted a housesitting job (rent free) in the San Bernadino mountains from this past December until March 2024 but I am anxious to get back on the road. I plan to live in the New Mexico state parks for a year and explore the Southwest; at a cost of $225 for the one year fee. I am fortunate in that I have a military pension and social security for income. I loved hearing all of your family stories. Videos like this provide great insight to those who are contemplating living the nomadic lifestyle or are facing the inevitable loss of their brick and mortar home.

[@WhiteBirdMustFly2]

Yes, In Central Coast California, the fires from north of us near Santa Cruz area, south in Santa Barbara, added to our own areas fires. Same thing in Southern Oregon near Grants Pass, Ashland and Medford areas were smoked out, as was areas towards the coast from there, we blazing and difficult to breathe while driving.

[@user-fu9vh2ln3h]

🥀Hi! I'm a (The) NYC Aspiring Nomadic, I found this life that has been around longer than my lifetime. And after I had a good amount to do it, though I lost my job 9/2020 working for the city and was an EMT for 13yrs before that etc. I had to move in with the most extremely toxic extended family. Now I'm attempting to find a job in the concrete jungle. I want (no need) to remove myself from... Now 60 in need to Free my Native mixed soul from societal slavery. Cali and NY MATCH for oversized shoeboxes and a robotic hamster wheel to pay for a dwelling you can't enjoy, or find the extra time and money to live and not exist. I can't do it much longer and it's aging, non fulfilling etc. Sanctuary is My Quest, to Joy, Adventure and Serenity as well as Like Minded Humans... Pray for Me? 🙏🏼 To move the outside entities & universe blocks. A New Chapter to Begin. Tag! You're IT.. LOL Blessings All from NYC Aspiring Nomadic..

[@hexhex7220]

oh if only I were young again. I'll just have to live vicariously through your adventures. You're such an inspiration.

[@denisedurant3982]

Very nice the family in the van/vehicle. Stay close to each. Keep the good work and enjoy your lives. 👍🙂🌸

[@saskagopher7319]

Found your channel through FF and spent 20 years in the Yukon single-parenting my family and I absolutely love your family vibe. You are all comfortable with yourselves and as a family and your mom relates so well to you and your brother. Hats off to your mom for a job well done!

[@traild32]

I’d say not everyone just wants to survive. Personally I’ve always been aware of what I can live without. I’m in a 3 bedroom and I need more space. I use to think I’d like to live the nomad life, but just watching everyone’s journey, I kinda realized I don’t like a lot that comes with it. If I had to, I could, but do I want to 🥴 It’s a challenge either way it goes I’ve learned.

[@charitiedyer4]

#FAMILY ❤❤❤

[@eileenbasiloy8803]

I love you’re family story.❤

[@user-bb8tz2kq7y]

Really good Ytube Channel 👍👍👌

[@maryl965]

I discovered your channel a couple of months ago and have been catching up, watching some of your older postings. Just love them all. I especially like this one. Good information and advice, but a highlight for me was watching your family talking, sharing, laughing together. Incredibly heartwarming. Thank you, big time.

[@cami-loo108]

so great to see this!!!

[@onpt4u326]

First time viewer..enjoyed the video. My challenge right now is saving to leave my current lifestyle. I did vanlife and it is freaking AWESOME and wanna go back to it and once I do I'm never going back.

[@CC-eh3rb]

Love listening to your family story. Truly awesome!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@dwalker6868]

Very cool be free and enjoy life on your terms for sure

[@LittleMo777.]

Loved meeting your family! So nice watching y’all interact and seeing the closeness between you ❤️!

[@thomasforbes7621]

You guys have a great family dynamic. Keep creating adventures and living life to fullest because we only have one life to live. Keep going Loui. Much love.

[@cathelinam9064]

Your channel popped up. I would never nomad but I find all points interesting. If I were to buy a vehicle, it would be to visit family in another state and forgo the hotel cost. Stay safe. 😊

[@carolyntolliver1146]

Your mom is so articulate, so interesting, I see where you get it. Great interviews.

[@ronadkins488]

...And the Son as well, I would have liked to hear more of his opinions too💙✔ Suzanne

[@rosalindklinger]

This was so great! I loved hearing the different perspectives and experiences of the three of you. Close-knit family 🥰

[@eustacia9722]

This was amazing I really enjoyed watching you guys. It’s beautiful to see the kids as adults now. Time really does fly.. I love you guys. This was educational and informative super cool. Life is so expensive nowadays and an alternative lifestyle is an amazing option.

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

Love you too Auntie! Thank you for watching!

[@eustacia9722]

@@AdventureTimeLoui love ❤️ you too sweetheart!!

[@crobinson6062]

Wow I simply love this

[@jennyferrios245]

I live in a townhouse and live as minimalist as posible. I have learn from van lifers in youtube to really conserve electric , water and food. But also go out and see a few places and not get stuck in my head. Van life seems provocative but the breakdown of a vehicle home is up there in nomad living and work. But i do admire and love watching vlogs. 🥰

[@MakerMike-yo5rk]

I was forced into the van life after losing my home and becoming disabled, I had my 95 GMC 2500 van that had a travel quest conversion with saved me from insulation and am l8ving in it while doing the upgrades like bed solar and such. Was fortunate when young my dad was military then civil service and we traveled a lot 22 times before I graduated high school lol but I did get to see a lot of the country before Wal-Mart came along lol..

[@HN-oq3gf]

awesome family!!!

[@HomeGrownCountryGirl]

What a cool and lovely family! Great conversations

[@blusaura7409]

Love this !

[@BadgerWolf-19]

I live in Sacramento right now! I'm a state worker and make over 120k and its still a struggle here and Ive cut down to barely anything and its a grind! I thought I saw you somewhere!

[@Cherryvanilla4122]

This was great. I feel like you all kept it real. You all seem so chill and supportive of each other.❤

[@georgemurphy9910]

You go girl you’ll do wonderful I love your condo❤✌️✌️🙏

[@adventureswithadrienne]

9.27.2023 New subbie here! I loved this #nomadtag so much. I will officially be a van lifer come next summer, God willing. I've been into the lifestyle for some years but hadn't taken the plunge just yet. It's coming tho. I am looking forward to checking out your other videos. Stay encouraged and safe fam :)

[@SummerIsGolden23]

Wow , you have a lovely family Ms. Loui! You guys are amazing! So brave and majestic!💗

[@deeblack2847]

This was interesting, I enjoyed the video.

[@dallastrujillo7540]

I’m from Sacramento too! I’m in Portland, OR now. Now just as expensive as everywhere else! I KNOW about HORRIBLE roommates in Sacto. I so wish I could trade my car in for a van. I’m just afraid I won’t be able to afford to fix it up to make it livable. I gotta cat too but I’ve been watching all this Van life stuff on YT for 4 months now and I’m dying to do it!

[@awalktowardsglory]

Thanks for this video. It was very informative. I’m really considering doing this lifestyle in my Jeep XJ. I’m currently paying off debt and am hoping to be free in a couple years.

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

YAY! you got this! I stoked for you!

[@braidedGink]

endless appreciation for your videos loui!! hoping to make a video of my own soon! i also am from northern california & getting pushed out because of the cost of living here

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

Thank you!! I can't wait to watch your video!! It'll be interesting to hear what your experience has been in Nor Cal!

[@janeYS]

you have a cool family. you are so supportive, understanding and accepting of one another. i enjoyed your family dialog.

[@user-hg9po5zm3w]

Nice fam , I want to do this even if is just part time , thank you for the very cool video