The incredible loneliness of Van-Life, from Maine // Solo Van-Life in 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid

[@karinyaboriskova441]

You have no idea how many of us homebound souls are traveling with you and SO enjoying the sights.

[@Trial-Time-Tammy]

Very well done Justin. You know your mom is always here for you. So proud of you!!

[@jackdawadventures182]

In 4 days I start my nomadic life and am looking forward to the loneliness. After 64 years of life with people always around I need a break to learn to be in my own head and heart. You should be grateful that you are doing it now instead of waiting until the "time is right"...If not now, when?"

[@JustinTheVan]

I am very grateful. Thanks for sharing and hope you enjoy it

[@livingmybestestlife]

Hey, thanks so much for your videos. I have a 2023 Sienna too. I finally got the seats undone to start my build when i noticed the insulation under the carpeting in the recessed area (the area the third row seats fold into) was soaked. Apparently the hatch seal had a leak, even though it looked fine. When I posted online about the leak, someone else checked their 23 Sienna Platinum and their insulation underneath the carpeting was soaked too, so you might want to check underneath the carpeting in that area to ensure you're ok.

[@JustinTheVan]

Oh wow that’s not good. I didn’t notice anything when I took my seats out but I didn’t check too much

[@amyintheairstream]

Sounds like you're just getting your feet under you. In almost 3 years I've never felt lonely - alone, yes (YES!!!), but the life I live is so freeeeeee

[@almusaali]

What you said does reminds of of the year I spend teaching in a remote island where I was isolated from the world. It still consider the best year I’ve spend. The memories and experiences I’ve had it’s something special.

[@jotsingh8917]

"ORDINARY MEN HATE SOLITUDE, BUT THE MASTER MEDITATOR MAKES USE OF IT, EMBRACING HIS ALONENESS, REALIZING HE IS ONE WITH THE WHOLE - LAO TZU, TAO TE CHING

[@JustinTheVan]

That’s awesome

[@msraposo69]

So very wonderful! Thank you for sharing and will look forward to more. 🫶

[@maryrobinson391]

Way to go, justin! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I enjoyed the beautiful imagery of your video footage

[@ABCpdc]

Really well said. Mainly, living on the road forces you to put yourself out there.

[@JustinTheVan]

For sure

[@scottstevens6380]

Thank you. I love your content style.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thanks, I appreciate it

[@Frost-tb9qs]

You’re so brave for doing this alone. Cheers from Massachusetts!

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@martinbparker]

Hope you’ll keep these vlogs going. It will be interesting to see how your van life journey progresses. Glad I was able to catch it just as it’s beginning.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thanks I really appreciate that. My plan is to keep it going

[@borisbadaxe9678]

I've been an over the road truck driver for 34 years, so I know how you feel.

[@meatmachines]

That was an amazing video

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@manie54321]

Thank You for sharing your experience. Good luck 👍

[@HoneyandMe]

Very well explained. One difference, I NEVER feel lonely. Granted, I travel with my dog and cat, so always have company. But, I don't need human interactions. Funny coming form a married mom of 5! lol!

[@juliegrubaugh3962]

Recognize many of your scenes and mushroom pics! I'm in NH and hope you enjoyed our little corner. I am considering getting a Sienna for some winter camping and maybe some trips with my retired friends- still a ways off for me, but I work fully remote. I'm debating trading in my SUV for a Sienna, which I used to drive when I was a soccer mom! I like the idea of the Hybrid, not sure I love the 50k price tag though!

[@JustinTheVan]

It’s an amazing car, but it is expensive. New Hampshire was great

[@ChristianSchaffer]

well said 🙌🏻

[@Fab50VanLife]

Very well said…Being a VanLifer does have its Time of Loneliness. However, rewarding at the same time. 😌

[@JustinTheVan]

Yep exactly

[@ImsunaSong-gw2gs]

That's life in general..no matter what you do.

[@janeukraine]

Please make tutorials for EVERYTHING 🥰

[@JustinTheVan]

I’ve got 2 done so far, probably at least 4 more planned

[@joninewby108]

Id really like to see how you built out the van like in detail plz. I'm trying to build mine and I've no idea how to do the foldable bed/couch! Thanks!

[@JustinTheVan]

The bed video will be out soon, stay tuned

[@Northeast_Vanlifer]

If you’re still in the area, lmk! Always willing to meet up with fellow vanlifers local to me

[@JustinTheVan]

I am not unfortunately, but I do want to meet other vanlifers in the future

[@kathymintexas1556]

As it says in Ecclesiastes, there is a time for all things and I’m presuming there is a time for loneliness and a time for being with friends & family. Solitude can be beautiful, but ultimately, we need connection with people (and our God). Enjoy your time traveling the U.S.A.-there is no other country that has the most diverse landscape and people!

[@karinyaboriskova441]

You're probably too new to vanlife to speak on this topic but the risk of van break-in/theft in trailhead parking lots sure has me worried when I imagine myself doing vanlife.

[@JustinTheVan]

I’ve never parked overnight at a trailhead - just during the day. I park in Washington DC and Chicago regularly and have never had issues. I keep my sunshades up so you can’t see in the van

[@karinyaboriskova441]

@@JustinTheVan After I left that comment, I search YT for vanlife/theft videos and woah, there are plenty. Nomads seem like perfect victims since they all have batteries, solar, camera gear, computers, etc in their vehicle. (thefts happen at trailheads during the day as well, btw)

[@TXMEDRGR]

What kind of work do you do and what kind of graduate program are you in?

[@JustinTheVan]

I’m a Data Scientist and doing a masters in Data Science

[@TXMEDRGR]

@@JustinTheVan Very cool, much respect.

[@RebaFluff]

*life is really lonely.

[@miketybring4700]

Get yourself a dog. awesome company.

[@theinnerdreamer7043]

Maybe get a guitar

[@bidel1lee7]

It's not loneliness....it's called peace and quiet