The Reality of Van Life on Social Media

After my experience of being a van life youtuber, I came to the conclusion that it’s really not possible to not make something on youtube look better than it really is without making it extremely boring. Many people think that they want or like creators who show all sides of their lifestyle accurately. No they don’t. Van life and travel vlogs are entertainment. They're enjoyable to watch because they allow us to dream of a life we don’t have or can’t have. If you were to see what van life was actually like the majority of the time for anyone who’s not rich and not working or who’s income doesn’t come from making their life into a “reality” tv show so people can live vicariously through them, you’d yawn and move onto the next video.
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» IG: / annas_analysis
» website: annasanalysis....

[@AnnasAnalysis]

For those who think this was just a "me problem" because I did everything wrong- there have been sooo many comments on this video from people who have done van life or are doing it and have experienced many of the things I talked about in this video. I don’t want anyone to take this video as hate towards any other influencers and I know people aren’t idiots and know social media is just showing the highlights but I think being a youtuber gives a person a whole different perspective into just how true that is. When I made vlogs in the van, it was always on days where I had planned to do something that would make it interesting (they still never turned out that interesting though). Whenever I’ve filmed what I’ve eaten in a day, I’ve always planned ahead of time what I would eat to make it interesting. I don’t think that’s wrong to do.. but I began to feel like what I was sharing wasn’t real even though being authentic is one of the most important things for me and I never felt like I was glamorizing anything I did (I definitely wasn’t, my videos were never very well made lol- hope no one cringed as much while watching my clips in this video as I did). Over time I came to the conclusion that it’s really not possible to not make something on youtube look better than it really is without making it extremely boring. Many people think that they want or like creators who show all sides of their lifestyle accurately. No they don’t. Van life and travel vlogs are entertainment. They’re enjoyable to watch because they allow us to dream of a life we don’t have or can’t have. If you were to see what van life was actually like the majority of the time for anyone who’s not rich and not working or who’s income doesn’t come from making their life into a “reality” tv show so people can live vicariously through them, you’d yawn and move onto the next video. Van life allows people to do amazing things but the physical act of being and living in a van is not fun. The less luxuries you have, the less fun it is. Overall it’s a challenging way to live. I could make this video an hour longer going over things that are hard about van life but that’s pointless because no ones gonna listen me talk for that long. If someone were to ask me which van lifers I think are genuine and which aren’t, I wouldn’t be able to answer that (but I will say that if I had to guess, my first picks for most genuine probably wouldn’t be the ones who pose in bikinis in every other thumbnail). It’s really hard to tell who actually loves the way they’re living and who pretends to because they are scared of the criticism and hate they’ll receive for bringing up their struggles after hiding them for a long time or is worried about their income plummeting once they have to change their content. It’s really hard to tell if someone is super happy or pretending to be because they haven’t posted in a while and need to get a new vlog up so they have to maintain a facade while the cameras on. And it’s impossible to know what activities people would do and places they would go if they weren’t making money from showing their lives. Since doing van life, I literally haven’t watched any van life creators (or any vloggers in general) because I realized through my own experience of vlogging that it’s so easy for even the least scummy of people to start doing things just for content. And it’s cool when people make beautiful videos showing the most amazing parts of their lives, I like watching those types of videos every now and then, but when you feel yourself starting to compare your life to what you see of theirs, it’s really important to take a step back and remember that everyone's life is more boring than how they show it on the internet. I’m interested to hear your opinions on the topic, especially those of you who live or have lived in a vehicle. Have any of the hardships you’ve experienced in your travels come as a surprise? Have there been times when you felt like you were the only one struggling because everyone online seemed to have so much fun all the time? Have there been times where you questioned your decision and felt like you needed a break or wanted to end your journey? Those who are no longer in their vans, what made you move on to the next stage of your life? Those who want to do van life, I hope you really take all the downsides of living in a van into consideration before jumping into it with sunsets on the beach and driving through national parks being the only things on your minds! There’s always a little bad in the good... and good in the bad. All the hardships you experience will hopefully only benefit you and help you grow so if you know that there’s no way to prepare for or know about all the tough times you’ll have until they’re happening- but you’re as excited for those as you are for the instagram worthy moments- then I think that’s the best mindset to have going into it! If you’d like to see the videos I still have up of my travels, here are links to my van tour and van build and in the descriptions in each of those you can find links to a few unlisted van videos. How I Converted a Van Into an Off Grid Camper For Under $3,000: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYrGdWiOf7Otoa8 My 1997 Chevy Gladiator Van Tour: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKmYfmSoZdh1d8k

[@stephanie2533]

So happy to see you back. I enjoy your channel because you're authentic and share similar values to my own. I lived in a van in a temperate climate for about half a year and a car in a very hot and cold climate for about a year. I still car camp when I travel, if there's no affordable airbnb. I'd say the down sides are, the anxiety of being ordered to move in the middle of the night by cops, guards, locals... Its illegal to sleep in a vehicle most places, so you risk getting a criminal record... The prejudicial stigma of tiny-"homelessness", from family, friends, strangers... Being woken by break-ins, loud vehicles, drunk partiers... Having to undress in a cramped space and pee in a cup during a freezing downpour at night, multiple times... Finding a place to poo early in the morning... Health problems ranging from back pain, dehydration, to thyroid and blood pressure issues... Suboptimal nutrition when relying on limited availability of easy to prepare foods... Environmental toxins from poor air quality (fuel emissions, carbon dioxide build-up, off-gassing, mildew, ammonia)… Insufficient and poor quality sleep... Driving fatigue... Emotional exhaustion from a lack of personal space... Reduced productivity due to inaccessible tools and appropriate work space... Laundry inconveniences, rashes from musty towels that never fully dry... There were times when my only option was to buy cleaner clothing from a thrift shop... Having a collision potentially results in temporary homelessness... Initially I did it to escape a bad relationship and reduce spending during a time of underemployment, but it ended up being more expensive than modest accommodation, due to the massive increase in fuel and food costs. I considered buying a van again, but it will be cheaper to build a cabin, so that's what I've been working towards... Very challenging physically though... And dangerous... But satisfying.

[@Santor-]

FYI, the most popular tv show in Norway is a "slowtv" show, called minute by minute, 24/7 show. Perhaps you could start a new youtube trend?

[@pumpuppthevolume]

omg u have a cat ...I saw from your website ....I demand a long cat video pls

[@prakaashmeenaa]

I was waiting for your videos, please keep making 'em. You are one of those rare people on KZbin who are ACTUALLY sensible and talk about reality and truth and THAT HELPS! so please keep uploading videos more often, thanks!

[@alphawiley5042]

A fully equipped van is an emergency tent on wheels for a worse case scenario like a wild fire or hurricane or any other disaster situation and should be treated as that and not a place to live full time

[@TheParedster]

WOW, at last, someone from KZbin who is no money-hungry and brave enough to speak the truth. My respect goes to you girl.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Was about to say the same!

[@blakethebigfathamste]

I think she is incredible and not disagreeing with you... but ironically her most profitable video ever 😂

[@arnowisp6244]

"No money hungry" Looks at ads.

[@annabobanaasmr8411]

@@arnowisp6244 wouldn't really say money hungry, it's her job. Just like any KZbinr. Are you money hungry for expecting your paycheck after a 9-5?

[@SaintsPurgatory]

If someone is still making content on youtube do you think they're doing it for free? Nope, they're trying to grab that revenue no matter how they can do it.

[@abrahamct6]

well now this just sounds like being homeless with extra steps

[@kit10]

Literally. I had a homeless great uncle who was an OG "vanlifer" before youtube existed living out of a converted school bus in a tropical island. Lived out of it until he died.

[@angelofdeath275]

look at the tiny house shitty trend. this van life and tiny house crap is a slap in the face to poor people barely making ends who are forced to live in a van or a trailer park.

[@sokay2laugh512]

Haaa! Rick and Morty in there?

[@shiptime8108]

It’s homeless chic. $70k-$300k van chugging gas to portray a simple life isn’t simple. It’s like when tiny houses started because they were cheap and now they cost more than a 2,000 sqft home. If you really wanna see something funny look up over landing campers. It’s like a portapotty on wheels for $50k.

[@ApolloTheDerg]

@@shiptime8108 Then there is me in my cheap apartment driving my shitbox OBS 7.3l for camping every so often. Honestly have a good balance of things, my rent is cheap, my ride is reliable and a hobby, I have good internet, and I can be in a tent on a mountain within an hour.

[@deathmetaldownhiller7874]

Man, we did this after high school and vlogging it didn't even pop into our heads. I feel bad for people doing it now feeling like they're obligated to travel for their social media account. I thought the whole point was to disconnect

[@AdRawk]

amen!!!

[@JSession]

Oh the irony

[@ch2821]

Cody Harder YES! Thank you! I think the problem is those that feel the need to post every stinking aspect of their van life on you tube! I know MANY MANY people who live full time in their vans (we are all of the “older population 🤪) and LOVE it! No kids, no huge house to clean, lots of freedom to travel and enjoy different places! Hell, people get lonely and depressed at times living in brick houses.... of course that can happen at times in a van! BUT... in a van... you can drive to. Hangs the scenery to lift your spirits! I think it’s a totally different experience if you are doing it for yourself.....or doing it for KZbin $$$!

[@HurakanC5]

Agree! It's supposed to be an escape, not to make a social media slave out of you!

[@theworldofcami2398]

Totally agree 👍

[@Xsdwolf]

I used to be homeless in my car. The first time I saw van life channels, I knew immediately they left a lot out.

[@D0llbabyAngel]

Seriously being homeless in your car is the worst, I loved when the cops would bang on the window and say you had to leave or worst they arrested you and checked your whole vehicle for the next 2 hours just because sigh fun times.

[@Xsdwolf]

“You can’t sleep on this street” Translation: rich people paid a lot of money to make sure you can’t even park in certain areas for a night’s rest. Bonus points if it’s the only area within a 15 mile radius that you actually feel safe sleeping in.

[@Xsdwolf]

@@D0llbabyAngel I used to sleep with a knife because I’ve had problems. Somehow sleeping in your car, actually makes people more interested in robbing you. It was a heart attack and a half to hold myself back before pulling it out on whoever was banging on my car, just in case I pulled it out on a cop by accident.

[@avatar19822]

I been living in my suv for 7 years now; moved from Los Angeles to Arizona. La was terrible to live in car, but Arizona is a lot better. Cops don’t bother me and it’s much easier to find quiet spots to sleep. I sleep in my driver seat but I’m able to go into deep sleep and dream. Maybe I’m just used to sleeping in the front seat. Sometimes I’ll sleep in middle of desert on weekends to get away from city.

[@pointless132]

If it got to the point where I had to live out of my car, I would continue doing my job as uber driver(hoping that my car doesn't die) and live on a campsite. I only have 1.5 years left until I get my degree and I got pretty close to becoming homeless so I have this backup plan just in case.

[@jennhonor7648]

It sounds like the trick to enjoying living in a van is to not make videos about it!!

[@ch2821]

Jenn Honor THATS IT EXACTLY! 😊👍

[@tailorslow7917]

🤣🤣🤣

[@paigen4883]

Yup exactly- they’re lying to themselves and their viewers. Viewers need to realize that they’re making a living solely FROM the videos theyre watching- it’s just not realistic

[@takisz3987]

Exactly! It's like taking videos and photos of everything instead of living the moment. I bet if those same people were doing the same thing without having to "show cool" they would have loved it really... with bad times and good times. Of course you HAVE to be a lonely traveller in soul.

[@jalo7289]

but making videos is fun and a creative distraction. everyone is diffrent taking picture isn’t bad!!

[@nickieisknittingtoomuch]

I go to the bathroom too much to live in a van...

[@zk-dm8iv]

I feel anxious even when I travel for a long distance in my car or in a bus cuz I cant go to the bathroom every time I wanted to and when u r travelling through a bus many times u have to go to the gas station bathroom's which are disgusting and imagine being on ur period in a van

[@sunnysamaroo7610]

mood, i be drinking the full 8 glasses of water a day

[@nikkiboucher8972]

Lol same

[@brendonperkins8349]

Remember rat race. Poop out the window but lookout for the cops.

[@TheTrueReiniat]

Just pee on bottles, not that hard, unless you're a lady, in that case youll need ziplock bags. I used to deliver long distances for a local shipping company.

[@valeriestiles2779]

not to mention the fact that if your car breaks down, you are essentially homeless if you have to bring it into a shop... happened to me twice wooo

[@ragejinraver]

Don't worry all they have to do is call mommy and daddy to send them more of their trust fund money

[@timbroski4487]

most things are quite easy to fix after taking a small course about basic automotive engineering

[@wkb9683]

@@timbroski4487 👍🏼👍🏼

[@JupiterOverland]

I have auto insurance that covers hotel rooms if my vehicle is in the shop.

[@theresaclark4422]

@@JupiterOverland which insurance is this sounds cool

[@Michael-zp9kl]

After years of van life, having a desk is one of my most appreciated luxuries.

[@Iris_Collins]

@Kira• My most appreciated item in my apartment, bar none, is the toilet... living in an RV in the stix for 10 years was normal at the time, but not having a proper toilet SUCKED.

[@stayoutofthecitys]

Mine would be having a bathroom

[@Iris_Collins]

@@stayoutofthecitys So would mine.

[@michelleobrien6996]

I've lived in substandard accommodation in the past, so for me.. luxury is a bedroom with a built in wardrobe - OMG it's the best! I also marvel at accommodation which stays dry in a downpour. 🌧️

[@frumpusnumpus]

Let's unpack that... OK? There's a reason these things were invented and humans took to tables and chairs immediately! If it wasn't nice to have it, the market would have died immediately after it was created. They can keep their van. 😂

[@deckert618]

I did it back in the 80s & 90s when we called it "being homeless".

[@rogerelzenga4465]

Times have changed my friend....

[@Cody_Ramer]

Cameron Martin not impossible. People nowadays spend a lot of money on things they don't need and lifestyle compared to 40-50 years ago.

[@jimmym3352]

@Cameron Martin I was able to save on $30,000, though that was 15 years ago. I do actually make more than 50 now, but that could change. There is the fear my industry will never recover. My place of business is still not open. The fear is that I may never work again and have to depend upon the government for my survival. It's not a pleasant thought. I'm one of those weirdos who enjoys working hard.

[@MaxHarrison]

Did you live in a VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER?

[@Origina1saltine]

@@MaxHarrison i make this joke a lot and thank you. its seems no one enjoys it.

[@jackpremiumaccount]

Do anything you want in life without showing it to anyone and then you'll realize if you like it or not.

[@lmprdks1]

That's so 20th century! lol

[@DivaEsquire]

This all day.

[@Quasiguambo]

I find it difficult to digest this sentence, because I don't show anyone anything... and I work all the time. I can't imagine showing everyone my daily life. It would be such a waste of everyone's time.. hm.

[@Orynae]

Well sure, ideally, but certain activities are waaaaay less affordable if you aren't monetizing them.

[@Dorfl62]

This person is talking about the privileged morons that feel the need to show everyone everything..

[@celifacejones]

I have been flirting with the idea of van life for about 6 months and this made me realize that it would be a great summer trip/vacation but definitely not a lifestyle change I want to make.

[@youronlinemom262]

celifacejones that’s the same thing I figured out. I have a converted mini van for weekend trips but I prefer my little home for my day to day routine of working from home. But I’m still glad I did it because I know what it would take to live in one if I ever became homeless.

[@stevencasale1589]

Why dont toi plan the vacation/trip, and if you really enjoy it and can see yourself living it, then make the jump. There are different strokes for different folks, and maybe you'd really adapt well to this way of living.

[@mariemai2902]

I lived in a Toyota land cruiser for 1.5 and I can tell you every struggle is worth it. the freedom you experience by waking up in the morning and you can choose where you go at any give moment is worth all the struggle.

[@Eric-pk6gp]

celifacejones that’s so true. I’ve been doing mad research on the idea of van life and figured for me it’s more of a 3 month summer vacation trip than a lifestyle

[@JitsIntoTheSunset]

@@stevencasale1589 Solid advice!

[@DrewPicklesTheDark]

"Van Life" always struck me as the "ripped jeans" of lifestyles.

[@personontheinternet304]

Completely inconvenient, pointless and most importantly just for show. Like your analogy.

[@drawnwithlove3499]

This is both accurate in description and aesthetic

[@evecarrington562]

That's such a great way to describe it. It's a stupid fad that lots of people watching the KZbinrs and Instagramers got sucked into. There's nothing glamours about this lifestyle. For the truth of what it's like living in a van or RV full time, watch the KZbin channel "Little House off Grid". This guy tells the truth about how hard van/RV life really is.

[@letitrip1998]

I literally never laughed at the accuracy of something 😂😂😂

[@tylersoto7465]

It's like going on a summer vacation in a RV with your family and cousins aunt and uncle all in one RV for a few weeks it's a pain in the ass to deal with 🤦

[@jonathangsjohansen7759]

“It’s important not to expect travelling will fix all of your personal issues.” That was a much-needed slap to the face for me personally.

[@t4txt4tn69]

Yes, but the distractions. Lol.

[@bellamoulou]

Therapy will tho :)

[@bellamoulou]

Matt Dredge I feel you. The worst feeing (from experience) is when you’ve taken yourself on a soul-searching exertion, you’re overlooking a beautiful landscape and you feel absolute nothing towards it. That’s when the penny drops that if you don’t do something about it (internally) you’re going to feel that forever.

[@sarahton270]

@@bellamoulou totally agree.. At my short travel in October I remember some days enjoying nothing at least. (sometime I really enjoy it.. But I was very depressed at this time, I just can't do all things I wanted too)

[@iwantabiscuitplz]

Omg me too haha

[@norcaldeemichaels]

She covered most of the bases, but one biggie, of all the things that would suck about being in a van, being really sick would be near the top. Having food poisoning or a bad stomach virus, where you need to be near a bathroom and a kitchen without the burden of needing to move every day or two or rely on someone to make runs to the store for meds or food really makes one appreciate having their own structure on their own piece of land.

[@lletnahc08]

This has always been the first thing I think about

[@AnnasAnalysis]

true! wish i would have mentioned it but thankfully i didnt experience it so i didnt think of it while making the vid

[@rosieballister7994]

This. I live in a van and had food poising recently. It was one of the worst things ever, I'm so glad it wasn't anything more serious. It was like 10pm at night as well and I still had to figure out where I was going to (illegally) sleep, all while making a trip to the public toilet every 5 minutes with people less than 10 metres away who could probably hear everything. Not fun.

[@p.chuckmoralesesquire3965]

hahaha exactly, hey guys lets go a different country or state where we're not used to the food and spend all day shtting in a bag next to each other. Sound fun ?

[@a64738]

Yeah getting sick can be really bad if you do not have toilet, even if you have toilet it will eventually need to be emptied.

[@Antony_Oscar]

I don't know why I'm watching this; I never want to live in a van. But I'm still watching.

[@holaholahophop]

To see if they die at the end.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

Curiosity is a very healthy thing.

[@Introvertsan]

Curiosity

[@addieh5791]

I wanted to live in a bus until this video... 😢

[@tylersoto7465]

Its alot better to live a van life in a video game like the Sims lol

[@TheGuitologist]

This is not just about van life. This applies to life in general. It is never the way it looks on TV, and everyone should find someone to spend their time with who realize this and are ok with it.

[@brialyn337]

💜💜💜

[@brialyn337]

I want my best friend back

[@christinamerritt9669]

Exactly..my sink sponge stinks in my sticks and bricks. The ac has broken the fridge has broken my car has had alternator broke needed breaks throttle body timing chains exhaust manifold then I had to go on a job I hated side happens in a van or apartment or house or RV. You can get fired from your job too. Idk I get it and yet I don't

[@aslmad1]

@@christinamerritt9669 either make sure your sponge 🧽 is clean and dry after each use and it won’t stink. It’s unhealthy to wash with a stinky sponge! It’s dirty! A dish cloth dries quicker

[@laurieg673]

Huh? Life isn't like it is on TV? Crap, my life has deceived me.

[@gonzalosanchez6387]

Just for the record, nothing in life is like Instagram and social media

[@denisebarakahlawrence6412]

REPEAT!!

[@beareroflife]

Exactly

[@rayray2528]

@ yeah and when u live in a third world country and have to work for the food and have no friends or relatives cause u are poor and constantly worry about your college fee and try so hard to study when u don't actually like the educational system and constantly worry about your looks and try to find solutions to the millions of problems that u have everyday ...yeah my life is not boring at all...it's exausting and I would give anything to have a normal first World life...but then the voice at thr back of my head goes " it's so boring atleast this isn't".

@@rayray2528 nah third world problem are the same as first world problems. everyone faces them when they try to make changes. like you said your live gets tiring after awhile. that gets boring as well routine is mostly what i am talking about most routines even the tiring ones are boring to people looking in.

[@aledianin]

Exactly! Some complains in this video just sound like someone that never worked. Ok, some days you don't want to make videos but you have to! Try working 8 to 6 and you'll understand that you don't want to do a lot of stuff. That's like. Pros and cons to everything. And then I feel this video is just another one trying to get views like the others. And no problems at all. That's life!

[@alexiswinter6948]

Looking for a Wal-Mart parkig lot at 2am is so adventurous and romantic.

[@AnnasAnalysis]

and walking in to use the bathroom at around that same time- one of the things i miss the most!

[@Rhinoch8]

"hey look i know mechanic repairs, grease and dirt is so hot "

[@brandonbarnes8997]

Me going to planet fitness to shit and shower when I lived in a van.

[@chrisl8277]

I was wondering why there were so many RVs at my local Wal-Mart.

[@AnnasAnalysis]

@@DocScience2 there are countless comments on this video from others who've done van life or are currently doing van life saying they've experienced so many of the things listed in the video. they weren't just problems i had. your comment makes me guess you've never lived in a van before so i'm not sure why you think some of the solutions are so easy. Like where would i have put a composting toilet in a van i cant even stand up in? And i couldnt afford a van i could stand up in. doing this solo is satisfying for some people. if you wanna say that the problems i experienced (that sooo many others did as well) are mostly self created, go live in a van for a couple months or years and then come back and tell me how perfect your experience was all the time.

[@franklinlucaslima]

“Your problems follow you wherever you are” That’s worth a tattoo

[@AudreyAndPenelope]

“Wherever You Go, There You Are” Jon Kabat-Zinn

[@sonyav3]

😂

[@p.chuckmoralesesquire3965]

i felt like i was milking and betraying my mostly working class pay piggie audience who could never afford to travel to keep my lifestyle afloat

[@everydaybiker]

The busiest have the saying "everywhere you turn, there you are"

[@thorgefalk3575]

nothing is worth a tattoo lol

[@maenad1231]

What it says: “Van life” What I see: “Voluntary Homelessness”

[@abbreviatedalex2418]

If you're doing "van life" because you can't afford rent, that's not exactly VOLUNTARY homelessness, now is it.

[@ThePeacePlant]

Nothing wrong with that. The base of being normal isnt what everybody else does and in this case is having a apartment or house

[@angelofdeath275]

with mommy and daddy to bail them out

[@virginblythe]

Being able to go anywhere you want and see beautiful things ‘cheaply’, it is incredibly freeing. Went on a month long drive. Now I want to save up for a better suited vehicle and do it again, going different places

[@insekta1701]

@@virginblythe I went to school and got my Class A CDL and drove 18-wheelers for 4 years. I was able to take mini vacations by finding truck stops near interesting places, rent a car or get and Uber/Lyft and go places for the day and stay in hotels or my truck (2, 100 gallon diesel ta JF’s and back up batteries means you have AC, heat, and electricity 24/7 while parked!). It’s a kick ass way to travel around the United States and make about $45-55k per year doing it. Most national carriers will allow you take home time anywhere and I got see some good places out west by asking for home time in Reno, Nevada and rent a car and to Lake Tahoe and come other places. I would come back home to my Peterbilt 579 at the truck stop parking area and have my ‘room’ and showers, restaurants etc near to my truck. It’s a pretty kick ass lifestyle, but due to weather and hauling loads that can weigh 79,000 lbs up and down mountains or driving in snow and ice, it’s not for the faint hearted. If you want to adventure and getting paid the same time, I suggest trucking.

[@cailin5309]

I’ve been asking myself this so much lately - “would this person still be doing this if they weren’t making a social media post from it?”

[@89shiella]

That is how I actually selfcheck haha. If there's a trip or concert I wanna go to that's costly, I'd ask myself If I still would want to do it if I can't share it on social media.

[@legojenn]

Thanks for writing that. I was trying to figure out why I like some social media characters and have a visceral reaction to others who make similar videos. I think this is what at its core.

[@Te3time]

99% of the ppl I actively follow don't make much or any money off of their social media cause they're the ppl who post things they're passionate about without being forced to in any way

[@scarlett9750]

I’ll do it tho. It’s fun. But not live in van life forever. Prob just use these vans travel in short period of time. We had jobs.

[@skyhope5105]

My reason is different. I havent done van life but as a viewer... I'm tempted by the idea of not being bound in one place. As I have worked seasonal work in hotels and restaurants imagine how tempting it is to have freedom to work anywhere. See views and not take planes for it. Not having to pay rent and in any area of the country. But something deep down holds me back. Its my gut sending me signals. And not the coffee im drinking right now.

[@danielphasey9073]

Thank you. This is brilliant advice. I remember my first night in my van in NZ. I lay in the back with the door open overlooking the ocean thinking this is perfect. I was so relaxed I fell asleep in utter contentment. When I woke I was covered head to toe in sand fly bites that burst and scabbed and itched like crazy for the next three weeks. Nobody put that on you tube! Life was hard. Wonderful but hard. People need to know this before they set out.

[@zezezep]

Yeah, mossies and flies as well!

[@a.k.6544]

Oh hell the sand flies, been there, I can relate... but NZ worth it nevertheless

[@arikakarin2323]

you sleep with the door open? well

[@treacherousjslither6920]

Ugh

[@thenativebrookie]

Get into backpacking. Then you’ll realize everything you own is a luxury.

[@taegiseoktrash8874]

I went backpacking for a month back in 2011, before then I thought "ah I would love to go backpacking for an entire year"... After 1 month I was more than sick of it - I definitely wanted to do it again but not longer than 2-3 weeks (though I never ended up doing it again, but I haven't really been on holiday since then so)

[@thenativebrookie]

BTS Nev at least you tried it so now you know

[@krajca666]

yeah exactly ... have been doing backpacking for last year. Have around 100l in 2 backpacks and still half of it almost never really use I just have to carry it(like medical kit). Gonna try vanlife when I'm back in europe.

[@taegiseoktrash8874]

@@krajca666 wait how do you carry both backpacks :O

[@lamoinette23]

@@taegiseoktrash8874 you can carry one on your back and wear one on your front. usually the smaller one on the front.

[@Flying_Spaghetti_Monster]

7:47 when you are like: "how did she get these muscles?" and then it turns out, this isn't her arm.

[@basiert]

Damn I didn´t know what I was seeing for like 10 seconds

[@evecarrington562]

@@basiert No joke! I was freaked out too!

[@VoidHeart1]

I was like: is she mutated or what? Before realizing her leg

[@gracemorrison2555]

I literally had the same thought😭😂

[@chlo_xo333]

THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT TOO

[@nataliasmetanina219]

Nah, I think having a van with a bed to escape the city for weekends is a cool thing, but living in it all the time...

[@Rebecca-ld9mu]

Yes! I travel often and thought about getting a small RV but the cost and logistics of it wouldn't work for me. I don't want to live in it 24/7 and it wouldn't make sense to drive an RV several states away when I could fly and rent a car. I think if I do end up getting a van one day I'd get a minivan, take out the seats, and put in a twin mattress for shorter "camping" trips.

[@imafujosjinoshame6428]

Rebecca sameeee! I love road trips so i want a van with some storage, a comfy bed, wifi (not necessary), and maybe a mini fridge but a cooler can replace that lol. It doesnt HAVE to be super expensive if youre not gonna live in it 24/7

[@VicDeeveTV]

That’s my plan😇..living in van is really hard

[@vanhygge9635]

best van life video !! thank you

[@0xsergy]

Anyone who thinks vanlife is cool should try it. Definitely appeals to some folk but not all. I can see setting up an RV in the forest as a Homebase though, and living out of one location for a few weeks. You can then do smaller roadtrips and the like on a bicycle/motorbike.

[@katie8881]

I used to LOVE "travel content" in the form of blogs, vlogs, and social media. It was like a drug. I kept a running list of all of the beautiful places I wanted to visit someday. Eventually, I realized that when I saw a beautiful, skinny, rich (yet "jobless") woman on a pristine beach, the ache in my heart was not for the beach. What I really wanted was to be beautiful, skinny, rich, and liberated from my 9-5 job. That's when I had to cut myself off. I don't go on social media anymore and the ONLY travel content I ingest are wordy blogs that have pictures without the author or with an author who doesn't look like a supermodel. I freaking love travel. I love meeting people from all over the world. I love struggling to survive with rudimentary foreign language phrases. I love self-guided walking tours around cities until my feet ache. I love the clean gulps of relieving air when I finally make it to the view point. Cutting out the idealistic, curated travel content did wonders for my mental health. Thanks for your honesty!

[@kathrynortt364]

Have you thought about making your own vlogs?? You sound like a journalist (just by the flow of your words in this comment)

[@ricardorodriguez-mi2zv]

Waoo the best point of view around...

[@aldrinlimos5159]

If that's true, then I'd recommend people like Iohan Gueorguiev or Foresty Forest, since you can see their journey more, instead of seeing some glamorous feast and a tour through a city's tourist district. It's honestly a lot more interesting to see someone travel for 5 years with no knowledge of Spanish or Arabic but still get by just by talking to people, instead of an overly produced vlog where it looks like the host put on multiple layers of makeup before recording.

[@debrajol3585]

Aldrin Limos Foresty Forest is my absolute favorite and hes up in the arctic circle lately. Real life, cookin and photographing the climbs to the summits. As we all sit in lockdown or what I refer to as temporary House Arrest 😂 binge watching Foresty Forest is just plain goodness. And he films his downside stuff too. Definitely a ‘real’ channel.

[@YourNaturalHairbyLoreen]

Thumbs up! I think you're speaking for a lot of people out there! If you're ever interested in a raw travel story about a young woman who traveled 300 days without using any money. Check out www.lovesharetravel.org you might enjoy it...

[@safia9536]

She didn't even mention the bugs. I have ants in my car if I leave any types of food for just hours!

[@Zestyclose-Big3127]

To be fair where I'm from my family deals with that everyday in their actual house anyway

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

@@Zestyclose-Big3127 Yeah same here. Depending where you live, could be fleas, ticks, gnats, roaches, mice .... pretty universal problem ...

[@ryananchors1967]

Been living in a van 4.5 years full time and not a glamorous 60k sprinter and still never had bugs lol

[@evecarrington562]

They never mention the rats and roaches either! If you're parked in the outdoors, rats will chew through the wiring. I saw a KZbin "Carolyn's RVLife" where she caught a rat as big as Mikey Friggin' Mouse in her RV. Most KZbinrs want to look successful and happy so they never tell the truth about this lifestyle.

[@tylersoto7465]

If you spray peppermint smelly stuff on stuff it keeps bugs out or a few pieces of cedar wood or oil

[@JarredSutherland]

I think the easiest way to determine if you can live "van life" is to see if you can just camp for a week in the cold or hot. Making all meals yourself, washing dishes, etc.

[@claytonlynch6288]

It's almost like when something becomes a Job it automatically kind of sucks

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

All too true. Never turn your hobby into your job. You will always regret it.

[@mihriyam4078]

Facts

[@jebziffel2929]

Even having a girlfriend gets to be a job.

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

@@jebziffel2929 Mate. They are a 'job'. It's ALL hard work and mind games with GF's. Oneofmy friends once said "If trees had Vag!na's, women would be the loneliest people on the planet." LOL

[@miidysama9908]

@@bicanoo_magic3452 Yes I'd also want to fuck inanimate objects that cannot relate to me emotionally. If you and your friend think women are nothing but manipulative high maintenance machines you can easily replace with trees you might do us all a favor by doing so lmaoo 💀💀💀

[@MylingCyrus]

Van life to me is like camping forever. I can't camp forever.

[@ThesexyMrX]

its more like choosing to be homeless.

[@joshhernandez5069]

@@ThesexyMrX BEST COMMENT ON KZbin!!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@aimes2011]

ThesexyMrX They aren’t homeless. Their home just happens to have wheels.

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

DementorsKiss weak

[@Mike-oz4cv]

It’s much easier than camping (assuming you mean on foot or bicycle). You are much less weight and volume restricted and can even bring a second cooking pot and several sets of clothing without worrying about weight. You can have 10 or even 20 liters of water, solar power, a sleeping place which is warmer and quieter inside than outside and so on and so forth.

[@aintitso6310]

That was the most well-thought-out, un-biased, un-filtered, honest, and inclusive analysis of van life I could have ever expected to find. Amazing.

[@breem2999]

Agreed! After watching this, I was recommended the documentary "Reality of #vanlife" (which has 1M views, done by a man that does not live the van life and is more about Instagram than living van life) which misses the mark completely, and this video was way more informative and entertaining.

[@daveshore8671]

“Inclusive” smh? I hope we can leave that word in 2019 ..... but yes it was well thought out. And clear.

[@pantsenfuego9986]

Ignorant comment, you’re gushing. Experience is entirely subjective criteria, this content could not possibly be objective.

[@jollydove6314]

Wrong, both the author of this video and comment was biased before this video

[@StopProject2025]

I lived the van life. It was called being a homeless kid. This is just WASPS glamping.

[@selving.1td]

Damn, people love recreational homelessness, think camping or backpacking Wanna go into the specifics on why but I’m less than qualified

[@Te3time]

@@selving.1td I don't see how camping qualifies but I've never been camping

[@selving.1td]

@@Te3time here’s about the only thing I know about camping, there’s a spectrum which ranges from log cabin and a cooler to sleeping bags and (maybe) a cooler

[@headintheclouds7905]

@@selving.1td yeah but I don't think that really counts as recreational homelessness because it's very little time people do it to live like that vs just taking a week off the grid

[@paytonthornberry1382]

@@selving.1td That's a horrible take.

[@sinki19841984]

TL;DR: Don't live for social media.

[@ibelong2u]

I've been on a RV-binge for the last couple of days, with KZbin reommendations fueling my frenzy. This video has completely shattered my delusional expectations back to reality. Thank you for sharing this. Your video is eye-opening not just about van life, but the reality of social media and influencers in general - where the attempt to entertain and increase views tends to conceal the truth.

[@Snarge22]

I've found it fascinating as well, and this video really knocks some holes in the image one sees so much on other vanlife videos. I think the reality for so many younger people is they still need to earn a living. For the vanlife you-tubers I can see this being a trap. For others working at a job at a fixed location I can see where they really need some kind of permanent parking location. For the older retired set there isn't the pressures of working a full time job, and often still have a sticks & bricks home for a base. That is not a full timer. Anyway, I can see how the fun could really take a hit if one is not adequately prepared.

[@grandmaster-grouch]

agreed I like yourself have been in a binge but my delusions are different. Ive ridden a motorcycle across the united states several times over. i have very good understanding of living on the road. its dangerous and you are truly in the mercy of your environment. when you are a stranger to all lands, its almost impossible to know absolutely if your mere presence is welcomed or not. you must have a well developed sense for danger living a van life. and you have to trust your ability to do what it takes to survive. these things i consider dearly as my wife and I sincerely entertain the van life. good luck!

[@JD-zd8tm]

An RV is not the same as a van . I would imagine an RV is more comfortable

[@VanLifeByTheRiver]

There is a tremendous (huge) amount of truth being told in this video. With that said, traveling full time in a van (small RV) is an amazing life so full of peace and beauty. However, I say this living in a particular high end van with all the comforts of home. Doing this lifestyle any other way (bare bones van) would drastically change my perspective on just how rewarding and enjoyable living this way is. When I watch many of these van life videos, there are gaping holes I see in their presentation. Particularly, everyday practical aspects and issues that directly relate to comfort. So, I don’t watch these with the mindset that I am watching a documentary. These are FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. Done correctly, though, you can have those insanely beautiful views out the side/front doors of your van AND live in great comfort and security. It can be done.

[@pfzht]

Imagine taking out loans to live alt-homeless on cam because it's a fad that pays on a video site.

[@iwantabiscuitplz]

The reminder that if you're a travel vlogger you'll be filming every beautiful thing you see while not actually living the experience fully was sobering

[@srabaniduttaroy6273]

You said it mate! I wanted someone to put words to this feeling that i had. Filming takes the fun out... so true

[@wsudance85]

The perils of turning your identity into a product

[@techdrillstack5165]

Genius!

[@wsudance85]

@@techdrillstack5165 the real genius is the the level of deception and denial.

[@christina9841]

I've thought about getting a van just to have as an emergency home in case something happens... or in case I need to travel for some reason, but the thought of living in it alone, as a female is very scary... kudos to you, brave one.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

You could join a caravan. They even have women's only ones. Check out the cheaprvliving channel and forum. Lots of ladies do it, and they don't have to travel alone. Or even deal much with guys if they don't want to.

[@christina9841]

@@dingfeldersmurfalot4560 Thank you, I've never heard of anything like that, I will look into it!

[@Yosemite2003]

Do it! Always nice to have a back up plan!

[@DrewPicklesTheDark]

Get a gun.

[@carbonatedPigeon]

Dude, I know. When she was talking about her experience, I was like " How did you not die" lmao

[@RedFo0t]

From what i have experienced. The people who truly thrive living the van life, are people who do not start living in their van just to live in their van. They live in their van so that they can do what they love. Like rafting guides, professional climbers, trail guides, surfing or climbing instructors, mountain bikers and what not. I think you have to truly love the outside lifestyle for van life to work. Non of those people live in their van because they just feel like living in their van, they have a passion about something that living in the van allows them to do everyday. People need to go on a month long trip living out of their tent before randomly saying "that looks so freeing and fun"

[@2dawgsmiked684]

It seems so obvious, but it's really not. Damn good point.

[@RedFo0t]

@Nala McAnd i think that is awesome! Although people who want to go live out of their vehicle should know that it is more similar to camping full time. A big thing for me during this video was when she was talking about her hands being cold in the morning. That's just a basic thing to know if you have ever done a large scale camping/hiking trip. So if you do not enjoy being in the elements and uncomfortable to an extent, maybe van life is not for you.

[@Ajhill]

I was about to write something similar. When I was 19ish. My parents kicked me out of my house. I pretty much lived in my van, because I couldn't afford to rent an apartment at the time. I didn't have thousands of dollars to convert my van. So my van life was way different from the #vanlife lifestyle.

[@ghostinc7]

having been forced to live in a vehicle a few times over my life. It is kinda sad to me to see the elderly people who do it. I couldn't imagine being that old and having to worry about crapping in a bucket at night. then have to sleep in that small space afterward.

[@davidwhite7789]

You could not be so far from the truth.Living out of your vehicle for some is simply a means to an end,for others,they're weekend warriors that love to surf,but for the most of us it's about being truly free and having the ability to enjoy life as it was intended to be....free!

[@panglima]

Why the hell I'm watching this? I don't even have money to buy a van.

[@Fallenfantasy174]

Or even driving lessons in my case.

[@sandranoisewater6093]

I am bored, so I watch🤣

[@samilc]

I dont even care about van life yet here I am lol

[@shivur5073]

I cant afford a phone fast enough to even load a picture of a van

[@autumnmanuever]

Lol same here, I'm just like "Naa, I don't wanna buy a van, which I can't afford anyway.

[@milocross9693]

this video talked me out of van life. i had seriously been considering it for a number of months now, and i hadn't thought about some of these things. your point about traveling wearing you down hit home. sometimes i DO just want to go home and sit around for a few days to recharge, and the idea of not having any space to do that is exhausting to say the least.

[@Miguel-ve1lh]

Dont let this video stop you from doing what you wanna do man, you only have one chance..

[@berylsavanah9508]

I feel like doing this vanlife needs to be like once in a while. If maybe you're taking a vacation just to get away from life and just chill. At least for me that's what I think. But permanently... I personally can't do it

[@MM-Iconoclast]

Maybe travel (cheap travel), but keep your home base. If/when I travelled for more than a month and had my own place I sublet it. This paid for most of my daily expenses (cheap lodging, food) while on the road. All I had to have money for was air/bus fare.

[@ErikaWolf93]

Thats the issue. A lot of people are used to comfort.

[@NameName-yj7lp]

You shoukd try it for like a weekend not like Yknow a LIFE

[@chadvlassis9275]

Van life isn’t easy at all. I recommend taking on seasonal jobs in National Parks while living the van life. I saved all my cash while doing so. Great way to truly get ahead in life while living rent free in a van. Just a thought

[@roselynnredwood6252]

Such a great tip, thank you Chad!

[@dudeoutdoors6441]

Currently vanning, and his advice is spot on. Well done.

[@JD-zd8tm]

So where do you take a shower and get necessities?

[@chadvlassis9275]

JD hey there, I should have elaborated on the subject. When working inside National Parks, they provide housing and meals. Most Parks have Resorts inside of the park. I was a waiter in Yellowstone for 3 years and Shenandoah for 4 years. Both provide housing and meals while employed

[@milkapeismilky5464]

Nat Parks jobs are a great option to explore!

[@raisyahumaira5602]

“No one wants to see someone sweeping their floor in real time with no music playing” Unless its asmr

[@alana1119]

Yessss I need this video in my life

[@safe-keeper1042]

Norwegian TV producers: "write that down, write that down!"

[@CreatureFeatureProd]

Oh man you guys obviously haven’t watched Twin Peaks The Return

[@CatherineSTodd]

@UCBzGoyNrZEehn0g36RC8_vA wrote: "Unless its asmr" Huh? ASMR: Description: Autonomous sensory meridian response, sometimes auto sensory meridian response, is a tingling sensation that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. A pleasant form of paresthesia, it has been compared with auditory-tactile synesthesia and may overlap with frisson. ASMR signifies the subjective experience of "low-grade euphoria" characterized by "a combination of positive feelings and a distinct static-like tingling sensation on the skin". It is most commonly triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli, and less commonly by intentional attention control.[1][8] A genre of videos which intend to stimulate ASMR has emerged, of which over 13 million are published on KZbin.[9] Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASMR

[@jebziffel2929]

You gotta have something wrong if you think sweeping your floor, with no music track already even, is the thing that makes people want to throw money at because of your cinematography talents, stay at home.

[@hydnumm9219]

The only reason I'm getting a van to live in is so I can easily escape my abusive parents when I come out as gay.

[@zeeenno]

I don't know your life, but I just want to say that you need to do what is best for you and coming out to abusive parents while dependent on them usually is not the best thing to do. One of my friends in high school came out to his family and his mom literally poured gasoline all over his room and set it on fire... in her own home! I'm just saying this because there's a lot of messaging out there that everyone should come out as soon as possible. But, if coming out to your parents endangers yourself, waiting until you are not dependent on them is probably the best thing to do. If necessary, cutting abusive family out your life entirely is the only way to live your own life. In that case, they do not need to know anything about you. You do not owe them anything. I also urge you to look up any LGBTQ shelters or resources in your area. I'm just a stranger wishing you the best

[@river6952]

This is literally my exact plan.I want to save money and buy a van to live in when in financially independent. There are 2 options when I come out:1.my parents don't accept me and I cut them out(most likely)2.They accept me but i still move into a van.happy ending(very unlikely)

[@mayarina6]

Keep your head up buddy. Life has so much more to offer :) good luck

[@patriceofmind6096]

Same I’m trying to escape a abusive mom. Van life is looking really good

[@donalddarko5807]

I hope Juliet's message got to them soon enough

[@lorindevine9244]

Anna, I did van life for 18 months and this is the most accurate reflection of my own experience I have ever seen. Thank you so much for doing this video!

[@kadafi4lyf]

suggestion from someone who lived in a van for a year: if you're thinking about it, rent a van for a month first then see how you feel. dont just spend all your money on something you might get sick of

[@4wardnthought234]

Spend two nights in a row in a van. You'll NEVER want to do it again.

[@codylee.w]

Thankyou for such a great tip, we will be doing this!

[@Quasiguambo]

Eh.. for work I've spent nights in rows in a small van, with zero amenities... in the snow.. I always have the required warmth gear in my van just in case the need arises (the idea of paying for a hotel for myself when I'm working is ... laughable, lol) - Given that experience... I am extremely stoked at the idea of converting a luton or boxtruck, and if that's got a kitchen area and bathroom... I've seen conversations that are basically apartments... I'm hyped for that. The problems this lady talks about - as important as this video is, I don't want to minimise that at all... As someone who never even considered van living as a social media thing.. but purely as rent saving, and definitely with insulation and modcons - i'm not put off at all. It's so feesible it's crazy. The only downside is parking locations - which would be more of an issue in a luton/ boxtruck.. but hey, if i'm in the middle of nowhere... nothings stopping me driving on, and I have had the exact same issue with my shitty little van already. Ups and downs of course. But if i'm reducing my monthly costs by half or more, then i'm open to it.

[@Debrajoy]

Very good advice, what would be even a cheaper way would be to find a friend with a van and swap vehicles for a month! I loved living in my van! The thing I did not love was not having a shower!

[@johntatman9168]

I'm 70 and one thing I've learned is life is hard. No matter what life you choose it's not always going to be easy and this lifestyle is no different. I do understand that those watching need to realize what you've said and I'm certain many only see the upside and think that's everday life on the road. One piece of advice is do your homework before choosing this or any other lifestyle. It's not always a bed of roses!.

[@patriciaking7892]

John Tatman, my thoughts exactly 💯.

[@webbtrekker534]

I'm 74 and would like to try it for a while. I did live on my sailboat for 10 years back in the 1970's and '80's so I have a good idea of what to expect from small spaces and living "ad hock" so to speak. Later in life I had a job that had me traveling all over the country almost continuously but I never got to see anything because you were either at work, at the airport or driving someplace else. I'd like to travel more now while I'm still fit enough to do so. You only go around once!

[@musicofnote1]

I guess I'm the spring-chicken here @just 66. But I'm retired with a degenerative neurological condition. Being retired allows me to pick up and go whenever I want. So I bought a used van, designed it myself, made tons of mistakes, it cost me 30% more than I budgeted and if I were to do it again, I at least know what I'd do differently = personal learning and growth, even at my advanced age. AND - I go for 4-20 days at a time - usually in Switzerland, Germany or France. Sometimes by myself, usually with my dog, sometimes with my wife and dog together. But ... I wouldn't really consider actually living long-term in the van because every one of the "little points" you ticked off, I've experienced. Sometimes during longer trips, just one night in a hotel is such a relaxer, such a tension reliever. And since I do actually come home to a "normal" apartment with all it's comforts, almost as soon as I'm home, I start planning the next 4-20 day adventure. But that's me and how i tick. Just nice to hear some "reality" to the topic. Good job!

[@johncasey5594]

I am 50 and I feel I have lived charmed life. I have made a very successful 30+ year career out of a childhood computer programming hobby. A lot of these van life people are these new Millennials who have been brainwashed by Liberal education system indoctrination. I don't want to work for the man at a dead end job where I am not appreciated, which I get, but choosing this life and thinking it is a win, I dunno. I go to work to play and they throw lots of money at me. As a matter of fact, the last 5 years I have worked full time from home. You can beat the system and have a good life without going to such extremes.

[@mytinyketolife6797]

@@johncasey5594 follow your passion is the best advice. I wish I knew that when I was 18. But now 62 travel has always been my passion so this fits the bill nicely. If you want to watch the news all day van life may not be for you.

[@sunnybluesky440]

Everything, I mean EVERYTHING she said here is the absolute honest truth. Take it from a 15 year full time traveler and 18 year van lifer. I will say that it is a very beautiful, strange and uncertain life but it is one that I have to live. Excellent video!

[@bien.mp4]

how do you time travel

[@izzychambers6278]

Ved Ivanov no human owes society anything. If that’s how someone wants to live their life, they are allowed to.

[@henrikpetersson3463]

@@victoriouswillisorius5362 What are the "real results" you speak of? Modern society is just an empty machinery where people pretend that they are doing something important but ends up spending most of their life producing, selling and consuming pointless garbage that contributes nothing of value.

[@henrikpetersson3463]

@@victoriouswillisorius5362 And for what reason? What is the point? You sure assume a lot about someone based on the home they choose live in. Travelling in a van does not exclude the possibility to do any of those things you mentioned. Not that there's any obligation to do so.

[@abrotherinchrist]

@@henrikpetersson3463 True, but finding the time to do so after you've spent all day researching where to park is kinda hard. On the other hand, what we consider "progress" isn't really all that it is cracked up to be. Life is a rat race either way you look at it. I've only found solace in One thing.

[@b.w.22]

I think “vans” like these are neat and perfect for a weekend getaway, eg. leaving the place where you actually keep your things. But choosing a vehicle like that to “live” in is ignoring the decades of design of RV’s or campers which are built for that purpose. It may not be sexy, but a 70’s RV can be had for way less than $10k. While building our house, we lived in a 70’s Airstream that was perfect until it got below 32f. If you’re starting your new career as “vanlife traveling youtuber,” well ok - I guess get the right props. If you’re thinking it’d be cool to live on the move or posted-up at a different place every month, look into an older Winnebago and fix it up. Better still, an Airstream towed by a pickup or station wagon so you can plant it somewhere and still use your car.

[@moreglutesmoredudes9974]

I will live with my van in the city for the majority of the time, so an RV is really a bad idea. It's not stealthy at all and doesn't fit into parking spaces. They're also a lot more expensive and you can't customize them as well.

[@b.w.22]

@@moreglutesmoredudes9974 - I think your plans kinda dictate what you’ll need, like firm following function. If you need to stay in an urban environment, for sure a smaller vehicle that’s stealthy and manageable is where it’s at and I’d say just put a lot of thought into your systems. Even so, there are the “class A” or whatever van-based RV’s that could be made stealthy and no matter what I’d look into how they went about making things fit and work. Really, I was talking about the lifestyle that so many “van life” channels portray: parked on some cliff top or in some woods. If one is interested in a nomad type life, why cram yourself into a van when there are vehicles and trailers designed and engineered to work well and are super affordable? A friend of my Dad’s bought a $4000 old Winnebago towing an old Camry and has been everywhere in it, using the car to check out a different area every week or so and doing this maybe six months out of the year. He came out here to WV for a bit and I really came to see the merits of his rig and how his lifestyle was about almost anything but his RV. It was just a home-base fir eating and sleeping during his adventures.

[@doodoodoodle]

@@b.w.22 to be honest I get your point to a degree, before I got my van, I wanted an airstream or a little scat camper... but I ended up being lucky enough to get my hands on a cool "conversion" style van. Its an old girl, but I love her. It's a class B camper van, an 89 ford dearborn. It's got red and white interior, so it feels really retro lol. To be honest it's pretty freaking big for a van (high top, 4 captains chairs with small table, kitchen, futon couch/bed, toilet). I'll probably change the layout and add more storage in the future though lol. it was more meant for a weekend getaway (like most small campers). Besides getting excited, I guess my point is camper vans have existed for awhile (even back to the 60s with the old vws I think.... Winnebagos?) My main pro for the van isn't even just the stealth factor, but the fact she has a little pep in her step too, and I can go places that may not be accessible to an rv. Ooooh also it's probably cheaper for parking and camping too, especially at like concerts or something like that (not sure). With an RV you're more restricted to where you can set up camp per se

[@b.w.22]

@@doodoodoodle - When my partner and I were visiting the UK, for the Scotland part of the trip she found this gal that rented old 70’s VW camper-vans and we had literally the best time driving around in it and “camping” where we could in it. I say “camping” because mostly we’d stay at like RV parks that had bathrooms and showers and such for people like us or backpackers who could set-up tents in a grassy area. It was funny to be among these pretty serious “caravans” where people had satellite TV’s and whatever while our little van took-up one eighth of the space we were parked at. Even so, every last person would come chat us up and tell stories of their VW van days while everywhere we drove, people waved and honked. It was wild and so crazy fun. Which is all to say that I not only get the love you have for your rig but that it’s just what I’d want too, like exactly. The VW was super, but it was just a bit too small for two, let alone four which it could technically sleep. With something a bit larger and more comfortable like what you’ve got, an excursion for a month would be no problem. It’d definitely be a lot easier to drive and park as well and is just the sort of thing that would work for a person like me with a home-base to venture from and to keep the rest of my things. But to live out of? That’s a tougher sell, especially if you hope to convince another person to join you! I think where your rig shines is that you could still tow something like an airstream safari with it for longer-term adventures.

[@leviathanesque]

i'm planning on starting van life in the next six months or so, and every few months i come back to this video for a reality check. it's a good honest assessment of what to look out for and what to be prepared for, and it makes for a great anchor when my head gets too high up in the clouds about how AWESOME life on the road is going to be.

[@ch2821]

mae and just remember..... life is not perfect IN a van or IN a brick house! Your life will be what YOU make it no matter where you are! This girl has some good points, but remember.... she was 18, out on her own, no life skills under her belt. She was stressed, scared and psychologically not prepared for it, hence... the hives! Her perspective is from an 18 year old vlogger’s view.... where everything she posted above was in reference to those that make their living via KZbin! ALL of them HAVE the added stress of having to film every second of every day..... so they catch “good marketable footage” which sadly.... makes them miss out on the “beauty of the moment”! I know many many van dwellers who yes, experience normal things like loneliness and have had to address new issues that relate to living in a van.... BUT, they LOVE it, they LOVE the freedom, and they KNOW that just as many struggles and hurdles would have been faced in a brick house.

[@George.Andrews.]

I'm 60 I love my van and the fact that I can do two months work a year to live and how I have time to rest properly and that leads to feeling like exercising and that keeps me fit and that makes me feel confident . A house will kill you if you're not careful I don't need a fridge or solar panels or a hot shower . I love it but I live where we hardly get a frost and because I keep healthy I swim all year in the sea. I don't want a house on wheels I keep it very simple I am home free.

[@vandogtrailer6701]

Mae- you should definitely do some trial runs to understand what you're getting in to. I'm not discouraging it. I'm going to do it for about a year. But I've owned my van for two years already. I've crossed the country several times over the years, and done up to three weeks at a time in my current van. I've probably logged about 70+ nights in it in a combination of gas stations, camp grounds, truck stops, rest centers, and 24hr gyms. The more you move, as I've done on my road trips, the more expensive it it getting gas, etc. The less you move, the less you are experiencing "van life" as you're imagining it. If you're out in the country or a park you are really just camping with a higher quality tent. Lots of dirt, not much life support. Wait until it rains- lots of mud and nowhere to go. It's great for a few days, then you'll want a real shower. If you're outside a Walmart, then you're outside a Walmart and basically feeling homeless. Even outside a 24 hr gym--my preferred place with a real toilet and shower--you still won't feel glamourous. Bottom line: do some real trips and look at what things really cost and how you want to spend your time. There's a reason why the rich folks buy a $250k bus and pay rent at RV parks. Regular van life is a different experience.

[@MissSchnickfitzel]

Its cool as long as you are resistant to natures forces and the cold in general.

[@JupiterOverland]

Just because you are van living doesn't mean you have to vlog. It's far more enjoyable if you aren't vlogging for money.

[@a64738]

The whole point with having a "mobile home" in form of sailboat and camper van is for me the freedom. If you HAVE to do it for a living you loose that freedom and is essentially trapped in a spall space that you can move...

[@SH-to8sh]

Exactly. when your hobby becomes your work you can no longer enjoy it

[@rangemog21]

We are living in a fast changing world, having all one owns is on wheels , has a plus.....

[@ShaferHart]

@Xanatos Wolfe LOL! That's disgusting and if everyone lived that way we'll soon have a health crisis in our hands. It's easy to overlook but running sewage it's up there in the top 10 human inventions of all time, and you idiots are choosing to live _without_ it as if it was a badge of honor lol.

[@ellafaie]

Funny enough there's an episode of American Dad that explains that very well lol

[@zacsimillion]

Ding ding ding

[@brinicole2999]

This is why I dislike social media. You only see what people choose to show you. It's not realistic EVER lol

[@africaisacontinent2149]

True that

[@nicolatoyloy3313]

b n I agree! That’s why I never bat an eye at what ppl are showing off.

[@chrislaymon3476]

And reality tv...same exact crap. Just there for entertainment and views.

[@therickpound]

Everyone fakes social media, it’s been proven time and time again...instant self gratification does not come from being average or bland. Though most are.

[@benjaminstalcup]

It’s no different than real life, we share what we can handle criticism or comments or “advice “ about. The more you care about people, the more they open up to you. But if you aren’t really friends with them, don’t expect to know the intimate details of their lives. It’s not deceptive, you are just operating under the assumption that if you don’t know someone’s trouble that it doesn’t exist. 🤔 Every has problems. It’s good to keep that in mind during every human interaction, and be kind.

[@manuman5319]

So social medias are full of lies?? Imagine my shock

[@glb8406]

Ahhh adoro questo commento!!!

[@sipnsurf00]

"Mom???? DAD???? My van broke down. Can you send the butler over in the Lexus and give us a jump and a new AmEx card? Miffy chewed mine up. Life is good on the road. It's hard, but we'll get by. "

[@ZRaden]

Actually .. if you really want to be floored.. check out emma and bec. They blew their engine, then asked the viewers to pay for it. And ... viewers did. Like .. WTF

[@christinafidance340]

Wow!

[@oksanakan967]

@@ZRaden Eamon and Bec are so annoying

[@mikepierce2824]

Lmao

[@martinswaine2140]

U want the butler to give you a jump in back of a lexus🔞🚾🌋🐇🐇🐇🐇👏👋👇👆😎😭🙆🙅😷😘😍

[@annalund712]

How do you all of these #vanlife youtubers think homeless people feel? I'm sure it's nice to tryout a trendy lifestyle... but of course the lack of routine and instability causes burn out and mental health issues. I hope this #vanlife brings more consciousness to those that HAVE to live a highly mobile life because they have no where else to be. Thank you for highlighting all of the struggles, these are not just issues that privileged millennials in #vanlife culture face, but struggles for millions of folks across this country with housing instability.

[@MrAnarchris]

anna, thank you for stating this. i have been living in the back of a shortbed dodge pickup truck/working full time for two yrs. its been mostly hell. i will not go to a homeless shelter, or be anywhere around those people. i like being sober and self reliant. rent seems stupid to me, paying some one elses mortgage to live normally . it is really difficult

[@selty]

Yeah its just really fake and out of touch to promote living in a van without showing the reality. Living out of your car isn't a luxurious, alternative lifestyle for those going through that. It's a circumstance they didnt choose to be in. I'd like for these channels to acknowledge that privilege.

[@ItsAsparageese]

This this this this THIS, comment it louder for the people in the back omg

[@andrewpaul7441]

Yep. This makes me think how low down and discusting this country had become at the hands of the government and big business. Make America...……….Lol.

[@chanaluria7955]

Cancer pushed me out of my apartment and into my SUV. I'm patient and grateful I'm not dead or on the street. I am only able to work at minimum wage jobs right now which isn't enough to move back indoors or get a van with a bathroom and kitchenette. When I'm not at work I'm restricting water intake and planning activity on bathroom access... there's nearly zero at night. I have external batteries plugged into my car when I drive just to keep my phone from dying because it's my alarm clock for work starting at 7 AM. There are many adaptations and sacrifices that must be made, yet I see it's so much worse for some! Thanks for putting out that this isn't all glamour!

[@stephenmc123456]

I have lived in an rv travel trailer almost 2 years and I have to say it is MUCH easier than the way van life looks. You have a stove, heat, ac and all amenities built in, unlike these vans. I would not last one month in vanlife.

[@squalobike]

Rvs are as big as small new york's apartment. And if you have grid connection for water and electricity it's no different than a small apartment. I've lived like that for a year and a half. The big hassle is moving these big polistyrene boxes..

[@lostmartyr6828]

Carl some are not as fancy and easy. Also if youre not hauling it at least every month then you arent living that life.

[@Sheltonism]

HONESTY is so under-valued in our culture today. Thank you. I've never been tempted to do the van thing, and this isn't just a van life issue, but your honesty and integrity are noted.

[@timothyraven1672]

I've been living out of a SUV for several years. More than 15. One thing you have failed to mention, beyond the sacrifice that is involved that should make people think twice about this lifestyle, is that many local governments are now creating statute and code that has made it illeagal to live in a vehicle. You can expect, on almost a daily basis, a visit from law enforcement if you are anywhere near a populated area. Unless you have learned to become very stealthy... I used to live out of my SUV, work all summer and travel to Central and South America in the winter. Eventually I bought a piece of land but quickly found out how FREE America really is. When you not only have to get permission, but pay for that permission to so much as dig a whole for a fence post on your own land and your told you cannot live in your own RV on your own land for more than 14 days in a calendar year... Are you living in a FREE nation? Good luck out there kids... Peace and health always....

[@rcppop3090]

Timothy Raven 😂 this is hilarious. I know exactly what you mean. Such a bunch of BS.

[@murray8958]

You got that right! Freedom in the US (or anywhere) is a joke! An illusion. They can take your house and land even if you 100% own it since you have to pay taxes on it every damn year.

[@NorthernKitty]

This is actually all the more reason people SHOULD live out of a vehicle (or on the streets) for some period of time in their lives. To understand what freedoms they keep giving up for convenience or even simply to improve neighborhood asthetics. And to constantly challenge the laws that are stripping us of a natural existence. Realize that a stray cat has more rights to freedom than you do. You can't just find a place outside to make shelter, hunt for your food or even travel across certain boundaries without paying someone a fee. Though mankind survived hundreds of thousands of years without money, we have artificially and arbitrarily made it impossible to survive without it now.

[@NorthernKitty]

By the way, there is a way to get around the codes that make it "illegal to live in a vehicle", but doesn't necessarily make it much easier to find a place to park for the night. Find out what modifications are necessary in your state to register your vehicle as a class B motorhome and make them. Usually, that's simply providing a source of 110v power, a safe heating source independent from the engine, a cooking appliance (hot plate or camping stove usually suffices), a method of refrigeration (small dorm fridge on inverter would suffice), potable water (sometimes requires a small sink with faucet, easily improvised), and a septic disposal system (a cartridge portable toilet may suffice). Some states are more lenient than others, but these are all things you probably would want to set up anyway. That said, it only prevents them for ticketing/fining you for living out of it. It doesn't help much when the argument is, "you're not allowed to park an RV here."

[@_6079SMITH]

Yip, your land of the so called free is a monumental lie...

[@ladygreensleeves901]

I’m so glad I didn’t have social media until after college

[@erica4748]

Same

[@abookhoarder7802]

We are blessed 😉 Sorry kids but it's the truth.

[@angelofdeath275]

consider yourself lucky, its brainwashing millions of kids into not owning property pretending thats fulfilling, ignoring the fact the same people pushing this are in fact from generational wealth and families with a home. developers are always looking to buy up property, easiest way to do that is brainwash people into giving it up

[@CoinsAndCapsaicin]

@@angelofdeath275 yes. Developers are pushing the van lifestyle to young kids. Sure bud.

[@angelofdeath275]

@@CoinsAndCapsaicin sorry thinking is hard for you. car companies in the beginning pushed a car lifestyle, this is no different.

[@TheMediatorOfChaos]

I haven't seen a single van-life person convincingly pull off being actually poor.

[@baquajoe]

Try kombi life channel, the start up videos

[@charleschristianson2730]

I've seen tons of broke-ass dudes living in school busses....hell, I'm one of them, and I wouldn't want it any other way!

[@joewander5398]

I live in a van and spend less than 600 usd a month on everything.

[@guillermotaylor6506]

you havnt seen too many van-life people then. I have worked in hostels in mexico and colombia for over 5 years, and I have seen hundreds of them, and most of them are really happy

[@stanleyj.anthony3341]

Seen in LA where people stay inside vehicle because they cannot afford rental fee. So, that is a genuine van life? Without skinny girl or fancy mini apartment van. If people post their van life to social media, that is influencer (they say)...meanwhile some people that really have no choice but to stay inside vehicles is HOMELESS??

[@iuliaionelapetcu1411]

This sounds like liiiiterallll hell for someone like me. I like stability, safety and regularity. Yayy for being ordinary.

[@safe-keeper1042]

Sort of relevant life hack, since you talk about sleeping in the cold: I've been taught by experienced survivalists/adventurers that you're not supposed to protect yourself from the cold with many layers of blankets, comforters and so on, but lie in a sleeping bag with only one layer of warm clothing, preferrably full-body thermal underwear, and to do a mild work-out like push-ups or jumping jacks before you get in the sleeping bag. That way your body warmth heats the interior of the sleeping bag, and you won't be as cold. Whether it works for *really* cold environments, I couldn't tell you, but it makes sense to me.

[@ch2821]

Midgard Eagle yes! OR..... buy the “right” sleeping bag if you don’t have a heater In your van..... they sell them for 30+below.... if they work in Alaska... they should work anywhere!

[@HikerBikerMoter]

Theyre not mountaineers/hiker/bushwacker types but professional tourists, so they font don't know about thermals & other hiker techniques ;)

[@Nadia-ox1kf]

Yup! Just like wearing thick sock with tight shoes will make your feet cold. You need some air in between to keep the warmth. Basically insulation.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

Layering is actually pretty much the answer to everything. You can get through cold pretty easily if you layer properly. The main thing is not to sweat.

[@ashlynwanderer]

too tight of layers won't warm you, air pockets are key.

[@scott952]

when being homeless seems like a better option than crippling debt the veil is lifted off of the financial situation we're in

[@punchinface123]

Theres a difference between being homeless and building the hardest touring vessel that can comfortably house a couple and their dog. Trust. I personally never chose between a home and a van, I just have both.

[@topcheese2889]

Spend less than u make and you’ll be fine

[@topcheese2889]

KARMIC EVOLUTION TAROT STARSEED yes this is true but sometimes people become homeless cause they want to dear

[@topcheese2889]

INDIGO STARSEED TAROT it’s not that harsh

[@viomomo]

@@topcheese2889 It kinda is. I became homeless at 16 due to my dad and his abusive ex. I'm fine now, but no amount of "spending less" would've kept me in a home lol. That's a very odd and shallow view of how the world works.

[@prometheus7504]

as a child my father and I were homeless for much of my child hood. We lived in vans, campers, cars etc etc . It is no way to raise a child. I assure you there was nothing even remotely glamorous about it.

[@CrystalMouse1]

jack duncan same. In Alaska too. I still have nightmares of rummaging through endless bags and waking up in a puddle of condensation cuz it was negative 20 out.

[@lukeytron]

Can I ask, was this due to some addiction? Or was he just a man trying to survive, with his son? You don't have to answer if you don't want to, I am just curious about the lived experience of people different to me.

[@mrteacher1315]

Actually, there is a full stack developer who travels full time with his family in a van plus a trailer throughout US. I think they homeschool their kids.

[@prometheus7504]

@@mrteacher1315 I am happy that it works for them. I reckon its a matter of the level of money put into it.

[@prometheus7504]

@@lukeytron my Dad had mental issues

[@loganthesaint]

Hey I did this in my truck, I called it being homeless, but hey whatever floats your boat.

[@xoticslife9496]

"Not to expect that travel will solve all your personal issues"

[@Sunshinemind22]

plus creepy people can recognize where you live 🥴 people shouldn’t really ever post photos w their license plates.. very unsafe

[@AnnasAnalysis]

jill right- especially those who have very distinct vans! That’s something I was kind of worried but luckily nothing happened

[@jingshang6254]

I’m so amazed by how mature your opinions are and how nicely you express them. Don’t worry about people getting offended. Honesty can be hurtful sometimes but you deserve to have your opinions and people deserve to hear them. Keep going!

[@jmarie1719]

Jing Shang EXACTLY!..... I love when people keep it real and honest. ❤️

[@GoTocco]

I traveled for 10 years on a bus singing in a rock band and there nothing glamorous about it. We did get laid a lot though. Then I traveled for 3 years all over the world staying in hostels. It can be exhausting. I’m so glad I wasn’t vlogging about. I was too busy living it myself to explain it on a video to complete strangers. Maybe I’m selfish but I’m more interested in living the moment rather than act like it. There were good and bad times, met a lot of cool people, saw lots of beautiful places, but have grown to appreciate staying in one place for a while. I’ve been living in Cancun for years now. Love it here. Home.

[@MM-Iconoclast]

What was the name of your band?

[@GoTocco]

@@MM-Iconoclast Skyfish

[@MM-Iconoclast]

@@GoTocco Thanks for sharing. Cool blue skoolie!

[@ms.rosann]

Don't forget the most important thing about living on the road, it's so damn dangerous and everything that you own seems to get ruined and so dirty it's unbelievable how your shoes get worn out and your jackets and everything that you have is basically beat up and you always feel dirty...I don't care what anybody says it's the truth. You're also constantly cleaning and wiping everything down and spraying perfume in your vehicle to make it smell nice and trust me , your truck will never be the same.

[@bowrudder899]

Someone needs to design their floor plan around a bath tub.

[@SwampDweller67]

@bowrudder agreed ... shoooooo!

[@thomasr1051]

It's crazy how much we filter out reality online. Really appreciated this honest look at living in a van or being a creator online.

[@maddyal6260]

I decided to live in a van because my work is so spread out and I am always on the move. I was sick of sleeping in a tent out of my car and it was really nice to have a place to cook and sleep when it's raining. The van life transition was so easy for me as I was already nomadic and it actually increased my quality of life. I guess people who are used to living in an apartment in one place would find it a lot harder.

[@daynarenee9830]

I agree. Personally, the thing she said about normal day to day things being more difficult so many people have a hard time doing it Is interesting to me bc before covid i was camping in my car and working and i actually quite liked that aspect. However, I did wish I had more room sometimes. So honestly i think it's about expectation and how much you want the same stuff you have in a house. Her van build would be PERFECT for me though. Aah I love it

[@StephyDS]

What's your profession? I'm looking for something more nomadic...

[@nanetha13]

To each his own. Guess it all depends on the perspective of the person. Seems that all the negative things discussed here can be worked out. Well, it's really not for everybody.

[@jakeeames725]

What do you do for work?

[@noodles.dumplings.kimchi2878]

That's the life of a traveling nurse. Some of us can't keep or afford to keep switching homes. So living in a car is the best option.

[@jack8465]

Why does every 'youtube creator' always seem like they're on the verge of a major breakdown

[@Pleebian94]

They hide their actual emotional states and put on a fake persona for the views and KZbin monetization. Actually feel bad for most people addicted to Social Media.

[@holyyolyeternally8665]

Millennials trip out on the difficult... if they had to live in the woods as a pioneer... they would have died... 18... that says it all!!!

[@lexibat8762]

When i started living in a van, it was a step up in life for me. Prior to the van, my arthritic, senior, shepherd-mix and i had a bike & a bike trailer and a tent, when we were lucky. My pup's arthritis is so bad in her front paws, she'd start limping after walking around the block. Sometimes, between a bike trailer being stolen, or bike tires going flat, we'd be forced to walk, and she would literally just drop, eventually. We'd be stuck in that spot for 6-24 hours.... However long it took for the swelling in her joints to go down enough for us to continue hunting for an unlocked shopping cart, or trekking across town to borrow a wagon-- ANYTHING with wheels to get my canine friend off of her feet! When our tent and everything we owned was packed onto my back and into the "trunk" of the bike trailer, i would stack all of our folded tarps, sleeping bags, and blankets into the trailer, which left enough room room for her to sit, sideways, on top. She weighs about 60lbs. When we would pack up our entire camp and travel, i was sometimes pushing, pulling, and pedalling over 200lbs around the city! As the homeless populations increased across the country, more conflicts and issues arose, which resulted in being allowed to camp in fewer and fewer places, for shorter amounts of time. We were constantly having to "move." I'd never been so toned and buff in my life! I enjoyed flexing my biceps like a body builder, & i got a kick out of people's surprised reactions when they saw how this little 100 waif of a girl could lift and carry heavy items as well as a man twice my size! But, mostly, our life was HARD. Really, REALLY, HARD! We lost everything we "Master-level experiences for master level souls!" times, it became a minor frustration, rather than a devastating trauma. Housed people's attitudes toward the houseless were getting worse and worse. The reasons for the growing anti-homeless sentiment were understandable, but the way we were treated on a daily basis, day after day, was incomprehensible to me. I came to dread any and every human interaction. Life was HARD! A friend of ours had received an apartment from a V.A. program. My dog and i were allowed to stay overnight there 2 nights out of every week, which we took full advantage of! It was a neighbor of his who took such pity on us, observing our weekly visits-- the skinny girl with her gimp old dog, arriving dirty, exhausted, starving, soaked, & freezing! Maneuvering a bike, a packed trailer, and a good-sized dog onto the elevator... And leaving again 48 hours later, full and rested, warmed and nearly dry, hooking the bike and trailer up, tucking blankets, sleeping bags, and tarps over the dog, bundling myself up against the winter cold, and pedalling away in the rain... oh, we made such a pathetic sight!-- that he gifted us with a used minivan! So, almost 40yrs old, I finally learned how to drive. Suddenly, we could get across town in MINUTES, instead of DAYS! My pup could ride with the heat blowing full blast on her paws! Our belongings could be safely locked up! I no longer had to enter stores carrying a large backpack. We stayed dry when it rained. We could stop somewhere for the night, and go to sleep after only the few minutes it took to crawl in back and close the curtains. Our life became so much easier, in so many ways! What i mean is that, the truth of van life, or any life, is entirely dependent upon individual perceptions and judgements, upon the life you're comparing it against! Thanks for reading this very long comment!

[@dmtstar3109]

💜💚

[@GrimReapiN]

This way of thinking is missing in the USA.

[@kikik5266]

I think that is kinda what she is saying. If van life is a huge transformation where you lose conviences that you dont think about eveyday, be prepared for that reality. If it's a step up then it's different. I'm so glad your life was transformed by the love someone else chose to show you and your poor dog. As a sufferer of arthritis since my 20s and now in my 40s it's like no other pain really.

[@gabrielleg.n.7489]

I hope your poor pup is doing okay and I wish you all the Best! 🐕😊

[@Mark-yb1sp]

Lexi Bat Could you write a little more next time?

[@codycast]

I’ve never watched “van life” videos but I didn’t realize they’re so cheesy and “over produced”. Like drone shots of the van driving? That comes off as sooo fake. Like they stop. Fly the drone up to get a shot of it driving. Park. Land the drone. Etc. Or color grading? Really? I figured it was just people living in a van traveling around and recording their experiences. I hate when stuff gets over produced like it’s a TV show and there is a crew

[@aimes2011]

codycast They usually fly the drone from the passenger seat, I think. At least I think that’s what Eamon and Bec do. Still more work than I would put into it. The ones that get me are the shots of people “sleeping” and then just waking up on camera. Like, I know you just got out of bed, set up the camera, and went back to bed to pretend you were sleeping. But that’s not just van lifers. I’ve seen so many vloggers do that in their apartments. Or the hikers who set their camera on the ground to record themselves walking away, just to walk back and get the camera and then cut that part out of the final video. It makes for some cool shots and I’m all for it if you want to walk extra like that. But all I can think of is nope. That’s too much work for me.

[@codycast]

Amy Oxford exactly. When I see stuff like that I just can’t get into it. Not when it’s supposed to be some “real life” doc.

[@aimes2011]

codycast Well, that’s not exactly was I was saying, but okay. I mean, I can still watch the videos, it’s just funny to me the lengths some people will go to to get the shot they want. The drones don’t bother me at all. I love drone footage and if they want to fly it from their passenger seat while driving, that’s cool. The sleeping one just makes me roll my eyes. And the hiking one just reminds me why I’m not a KZbinr. Cause I don’t have time for that level of commitment in my life, lol. If I’m going to backpack for 2000 miles, I’m not adding superfluous miles just so my followers can see me walk away from the camera. But again, my philosophy is you do you, boo boo.

[@ShaferHart]

@@aimes2011 yep, that's a youtuber thing. So fake.

[@bilirubinator]

«color grading» aka basic editing is so mind blowing to you? What the fuck do you think you are watching in other vidoes?

[@BackpackingWithWoodglue]

I'm a Backpacking KZbinr, and I see the same thing happening in Backpacking videos. I can go on a miserable, devastating backpacking trip. Get lost, get kicked off trail by a ranger and still put out a video mixed with amazing music and slo-mo shots showing how easy it is without talking about permits or gear requirements. This brings people to the same trail the next weekend, not knowing if their dog is allowed, where to park or where to get the permit to park, not having a permit to be on the trail, not having the right gear to deal with the cold / snow or heat / lack of water, etc. Just as in glamorous Van Life videos, glamorous backpacking videos are downright misleading. In backpacking, this can be dangerous to the viewers. ~woodglue

[@cuckoophendula8211]

This fits with a new concept I started to think about: If it's dull and boring, chances are it's true

[@chronobot2001]

It would be awful to get sick while doing the van life thing. Imagine getting food poisoning.

[@PartyUpLive]

Oddly enough, my biggest fear is getting stranded in the middle of nowhere bc of car trouble. I know there are ways around it but getting stranded on a long trip or breaking down has always been a fear of mine.

[@greatdaneacdc]

Get food poisoning anywhere sucks!

[@germyw]

@@greatdaneacdc Sucks sooo much more when you don't have a toilet with plumbing.

[@flowandflowandflowsomemore4597]

That happened to me. Me and my partner got the flu and were sleeping in a Walmart parking lot in Denver. Not very glamours that day haha

[@WitchyPoo411]

Try the Flu. That's entertaining..😎

[@Alexardelean89]

Van life sounds awful. Unless it’s just for a week or more vacation. Also the fakeness of social media makes people try it because they were mislead pisses me off.

[@ThesexyMrX]

They are homeless. It is awful. You don't want to end up there.

[@hobbyelectronics6630]

I think you hit the nail on the head.

[@zacsimillion]

Van? Try living in a Hyundai Tiburon for a month.

[@Arbiteroflife]

It's irritating because it was not as glamorous as it was portrayed to be.

[@magsteel9891]

@@zacsimillion oh that must have been awful... My son had one of those. I was under it a lot. Not a great car.

[@waggytail289]

I've owned my van for 19 years and have a fair amount of travelling and living experience in the UK and western Europe. I appreciate your perspective in this video because it is realistic and truthful. I wonder how many people would pursue this way of life if no-one could watch them? A fundamental human need is to receive attention from others, to gain some form of approval and to feel validated by that approval. This human need is met on a superficial level by social media. The point was made that many KZbinrs end up becoming a character that is simply designed to meet the needs of their audience and consequently become lost in creating an image and content that supplies a demand for that character/life-stlye. Most people try "vanlife" because it is an escape from a previous life that wasn't meeting a variety of human needs and even toxic to those needs. But, what happens is they then create a new artificial way of life that simply introduces a new set of demands that can become unsustainable or toxic in different ways. My advice to anyone wanting to try "vanlife" is to do it quietly for at least a year. Tell no-one. Keep it simple. Travel slowly. Connect with your environment and other authentic people. Read. Think. Relax. Then, see how you feel about yourself, the van and life. I hope it works for you. Joe (UK)

[@FaithandNova]

I love how you said it, it's true social media is full of ppl acting. Putting on personas to please ppl who honestly don't care for them.

[@comedianmattrossey]

VERY SPOT ON!!!!

[@MikeMaileFoolishBehavior]

"How many people would pursue this way of life if it wasn't for people watching them?" Too true.

[@MyNameIsHoward]

well put , i´ve been van life in Europe for five months and think you,re spot on

[@souljourneylifesadventures2412]

I just bought my Promaster 3500 ext with a high roof today. I'm having it converted over the next 12 weeks and hitting to road. This is really happening!! WOW The last few weeks I have been getting rid of things that I won't need and don't care to store. Family and friends are holding things that I'm afraid will get ruined in storage in the Florida heat. I'm sitting here listening to videos as I search for items needed and more ideas for the build. I'm open to ideas about the build from anyone who has been a van lifer! I don't plan to have a channel, but will post videos for my family and friends to be able to keep up with my travels. I've experienced every emotion possible...fear about being lonely, safe, capable. Am I crazy for selling my house? In the end, I don't feel like I'm getting enough out of life. I always thought I would do this kind of thing with a partner, but alas, he hasn't shown up and I'm ready to go.

[@Sudor82]

that’s what happens when you are depending on views and likes to make ends meet. suddenly spare time and vacation morph into a 9 to 5 job and you can‘t enjoy spare time and that vacation-feeling anymore. you are not living the dream, you are working it. back in the days your boss demanded on paperwork and presentations. now you have random people demanding fresh and unique content. what’s the difference?

[@Adrenalean767]

The difference is huge.very huge.

[@malikbrathwaite3708]

These people are all white, young and seem to have money. They travel around the country with out money? Their parents give them everything. They plan on using their looks to get famous and when it doesn't work they stop van life imo.

[@iChefTheImpossible]

I’m 6’4 pretty sure it is not for me.

[@plainjane7276]

😲

[@krom26]

a double decker bus would be a better fit for you. : )

[@Scrambler85]

Ford transit van is 6'9" interior hight and I'm 6'4"😉

[@murray8958]

I know right! I'm 6'3 and lived 3 yrs in a normal van ( no raised roof) and still to this day I catch myself walking thru doorways hunched over lol

[@monkvegeta-thepursuerofpea7217]

I'm 6'. So fu*k you. LMAO

[@fromatic2]

van life sounds like a mid-life crisis for young people XD

[@Cernunnnos]

It's a response to the ridiculous state of the job and housing markets.

[@b3h8t1n]

It's not. Its last resort once you lose your house

[@zephyr2278]

My generation will experience a mid life crisis much sooner in their life because of the current housing and job markets

[@Stressymessy]

Van life isn't a mid-life crisis, its the act of maybe not quitting the rat race, but taking a step away from it for most people. Regardless of age, it is a wonderfully challenging experience which I think everyone should try! Like she says, it isn't always perfect and beautiful but it still helps you get perspective on what is really important to you.

[@harrykuheim6107]

They will all Vote for Bernie to bail them out of the consequences of their silly choices...

[@H20fanatic20]

I still am buying my bus..was homeless and wasn’t home secure for the majority of my life. I’m definitely going to do this, appreciate the realism, but it didn’t scare me off 😂

[@AnnasAnalysis]

thats good! i didnt want to scare anyone off hahah- just make sure people know what to expect as much as possible :)

[@exil3dlivecom]

When you are homeless, a van, bus or any auto is a castle.

[@JitsIntoTheSunset]

Best of luck with the bus!! That's so cool!

[@foreverhilaryy]

H20fanatic20 same lol it’s all about balance. Traveling every single day of course will burn you out. But so will staying hidden in a house for an entire week.

[@FaithandNova]

@@exil3dlivecom exactly

[@davidmangan8064]

Outside the KZbin part the "van life" is what it is like to be a truck driver, just without the fun stuff and sleeping in or relaxing. Also you have less options for parking over night.

[@BigSonnyTV]

One of the most if not THE most honest video I’ve ever seen.

[@dudebrodude4388]

Wait til you see my video about the realities of being in the gay adult movie industry

[@CINRZ]

Always made me giggle watching wealthy van lifers, we had to do that shit out of necessity 😂

[@maurawittler2708]

Lol..right!? I should have made a "vlog" about living in my jeep with my dog and bf traveling the states! Cant belive these people talk about thier van life..i live in a tiny home tree house now and the struggle is similar..and I didn't do it because it was "cool" only because thats what was affordable for me. The only thing I can agree with is yes sometimes I get bored..despite there probaly is a million things I could work on lol

[@evecarrington562]

I love the people who live in a souped up trailer and call it a Tiny House. IT'S A DANG TRAILER! People have been living in mobile homes for years and all of a sudden there's a Tiny House movement. They call it a Tiny House because they don't want to be called Trailer Trash.

[@deanVetUk]

i love honest and gutsy people. you had nothing to gain from taking the time and making the emotional effort to write these words and edit them into the video but you did it to help others. Well for me in my position, it was very helpful, thanks.

[@94nolo]

You're such a simp! She has 1.3 million views on this video. She had plenty to gain from this video. 😂💵💰 And that's not me discrediting her struggles, but what you've said about them is completely wrong.

[@stardropboy]

i can’t be the only one that even when it was romanticized, never found van life appealing at all

[@pernicketymind]

Same

[@wil.d_sage]

I find it appealing for a 2 week vacation and even thats pushing it. To live in a van for years?? No thanks

[@NameName-yj7lp]

@@wil.d_sage YES like Yknow a super cute vacation to travel for like a week

[@berylsavanah9508]

Exactly. Like that getaway trip for probably 4 days or a week. Months, years. Not for me

[@chemicalleak5131]

maybe for a couple days if u go camping or go to a different city and dont wanna pay for a hotel, or if its a last resort choice between sleeping in a van and sleeping on the streets. but livin in one for weeks/months/years for fun? no thanks

[@adrian-linisteanghel750]

Hello, I’ve experienced homelessness for the majority of my life party due to parents dying at a young age and no one really noticing my situation. When I first learned people purposely lived in cars I was very confused and taken aback. It was a forgien concept for me. I think the reason I was so concerned and confused was because of the points you make about the “small” trials which are actually HUGE deals. I’ll probably have pushback from my homeless peers for even saying this but I think this is really important to bare in mind and you make stellar points. There are elements of my homeless experience that truly are pricessless and I wouldn’t change for the world but for the most part it’s a lot of nuisance and small complex things that can lead me into a mental health crisis. Stability and routine is such a key to good physical health and mental well being too! Weither you end up in a van by choice or less by choice these are solid things to be aware of and consider. I personally am really thankful for you sharing this because there is a huge stigma around homeless humans of course which I’m aware of and this video could help bridge the gap and re humanize those who didn’t really have much choice either. Anddddd I wouldn’t wish those seeking adventure and traveling and those amazing pieces of this life to step blindly into other parts that are challenging. Thank you very much for sharing. I also want to apologize for how timid you sound to push back on the glitz and glammor. You’re brave to make this video and with social media things can escalate quickly. Thank you so much.

[@davidvanniekerk3813]

Adrian. Man u should be white and in ZA and homeless. That is bad. Very bad. If your Father or Mother of grandparents came for the UK (or Ire) you can still go back. If you're Afrikaans (ZA Dutch) your are stuck here.... Jobs is also a problem. Our Economy is grows at 1% pa. and pupulation at 3.5% U know Zimbabwe? OK . So u have to sleep in tree. Like in the Army days. I am sorry to here about your parents. Remember you still have a very fine country!!!!

[@markrottjakob2670]

You will be bored out of your mind if you ever go back to normal living. Modern-day conveniences make people fat and lazy.

[@familybills2908]

mark rottjakob Your comment is odd in response to what he said. You do realize this yes?

[@markrottjakob2670]

Yes I do see that now . Thought I sent chat or attached that to a slightly different Video Yes very odd lol good day

[@mkmr888]

AGREE "Stability and routine is such a key to good physical health and mental well being"

[@Skeptigal1]

Sounds like more of a "social medial influencer" problem than a "van living" problem!

[@gingwhatt]

Sure, part of them - if you're focusing on the last half of the video. But a decent bit were actual van-life problems. Or did you just tune those out so you could make that comment?

[@noroomforspaces]

i honestly agree. she threw a bed in a van and didn't do any plumbing, didn't get a toilet, or apply solar or anything. for 10 grand you can easily buy a small bus and slap some solar panels on it and get a natures head. also if you're mobile, you travel based on season. don't sleep in places it snows? a lot of these complaints are super avoidable. if you can't work remotely, i wouldn't just bank on youtube moneys either. if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

[@aldojansel9439]

Exactly

[@kierreelvord5427]

@Soup Can All it really is different strokes for different folks ya know. Some people can get there life right in a van others can't I mean no one can really judge the next person on how they want to live on life

[@yo5366]

Exactly. I’ve heard of people that live in vans and don’t have social media. They seem much better off

[@emilymcswain]

i’m writing an essay about van life influencers not putting out honest/authentic content and this video is great for my research. thank you!!

[@AnnasAnalysis]

ooh thats awesome! if you want to, could you send it to me after youre done- id love to read it and hear your perspective!

[@miriamhavard7621]

Will you be publishing it online??? I would love to see it when you're done.

[@PartyUpLive]

Please share if possible. Would love to read your work.

[@bruninhamrso]

Please share once done, if you can

[@loa81]

Yes, please do!

[@charlesclimineda8080]

Everything has their negative sides that’s called LIFE . If this video change your desire for a van life then you never wanted to do it for the right reason to begin with 🤷🏽‍♀️.

[@ThePeacePlant]

Exactly. I thought the same thing before I even read your comment

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

Good point. Every single thing we do has an opportunity cost. We could be doing something else ... and maybe we wouldn't like that either!

[@saramaehawley5223]

So true

[@Te3time]

What a horrible comment

[@charlesclimineda8080]

@@mms2855 oh honey you are displaying a lot of inner ugliness. Get well soon.

[@DavidMartin369]

Travel fatigue is real. Constantly finding places to (legally) park if you're staying in a city can weigh on you. Definitely invest in a high top van if you can, staying in your van on bad weather days is much harder if you're constantly having to stoop or sit. If you're considering van life, little "luxuries" like heat and cooling, solar, reliable internet are super important. 3 years into full time van life and I still wouldn't trade it for apartment/house life.

[@mohammadxmodarres]

I did van life full-time for 2.5 years and I absolutely loved it. The only reason I'm not in my VW Bus right now is because I had to move across the country for a new job. Now I'm quarantining with family so I'm fixing my bus again and looking forward to a one month trip. Some thoughts for those considering van life after watching your video ~ 1) Don't be an "influencer." Believe it or not, life requires you to be in the moment -- not looking at it through a filtered lens. Sure, blow up your IG if you like, but don't lose touch the real you. 2) I'd highly recommend not doing it when you're...18?! That's nuts. Do budget airline traveling, hosteling, etc. before navigating to van life. Van life takes time to dive into. I began when I was 27 and loved it on the first day as much as I did on the last. 3) I say #2 because you MUST properly build your van (and have other experiences in your 20s before you jump into this). Nearly all of the problems addressed with the van in this video could have been fixed with a proper build. I bought my van for $5,000. Put $2,000 before my longest trip. I didn't have much cash either. My major learning curve was its mechanics, but otherwise, the build itself turned out pretty freaking awesome. Z-bed pops out, running water, etc. The only limitation I think I'd face now that would bug me out a bit if I wanted to live full-time is not having access to gyms due to covid.

[@karaprice1961]

You found a van for $5,000 and built it for $2,000? That's awesome!!!! Makes me believe I can do it on a budget as well :)

[@ShawnaTheGirl]

I agree with you on point #1 for sure. I did 2 years in my SUV, with no attempts to KZbin it. Even thinking about what would make a good shot for Insta started eating up my mind, so I limited my posts to like once a week. #2, 18 does seem young, but I couldn't really afford to travel much *until* I moved into my van. I was also upper 20's which I think helped me have some more confidence with my situation.

[@hmcsee]

Ignore the man-splaining of when and how vanlife is "right". This is an unbelievable story of a 17 year old who set out with a long term goal, a budget, and stayed within that budget and learned a whole bunch about what worked and what didn't. And saw huge chunks of our country at the same time! That's crazy real-life experience. There's nothing wrong with learning from doing and any age is an ok time to learn. Then to communicate those steps an that plan to other people... it's just some of the best, most marketable experience someone could get. And before college. Unreal.

[@mohammadxmodarres]

@@hmcsee I don't think I undermined her crazy real life experience. I respect her experience (and how she is monetizing this video $$$$), but I simply disagree with what she said and gave my thoughts. In her video, she says that she didn't have the funds to get a $60k Sprinter van converted. Neither did I (or many others). But she spent $10k. So I offered my exact budget and mentioned what can be done with that budget. To do van life without running water...well of course you're gonna hate it. That's a basic necessity. So how about instead of a leaky hand pump, change to a foot pump ($35) and now you can actually use both your hands and control a consistent flow. She later highlighted the lifestyle. Hate producing and editing videos? Then don't do it. I don't like accounting...so I didn't become an accountant. We don't need to do what others do because they are part of the same vanlife community as us. If you think I was being disrespectful to her age (which I apologize if that's what you took from it), my point was that van life requires somewhat of a hard shell that you gain after you do other types of traveling. I can't imagine how mechanics would communicate to an 18 yo v. 40 yo, for example. Or what it would be like sleeping alone in an empty parking lot when you just started driving a few years before. Our society is not giving to inexperience especially for things that could easily get expensive (ie, a moving vehicle pushed to be something it's not) or for doing something that modern society doesn't appreciate (ie sleeping in your car). I also want to mention that just throwing "man splaining" around when it does not actually apply dilutes the very power of that word. It's as outlandish as calling me a racist...for having a differing viewpoint (with helpful information to others) about van life.

[@randomstreetcat7428]

@@ShawnaTheGirl how the fuck not agreeing politely and telling you why he doesnt agree is "mansplaining". You're either a kid or a highly stupid adult. Stop censoring people that you dont agree with. Dumbass.

[@carinamcallister4409]

The smells. I’ve been traveling for 6 years and none of those homes are full size, but I just moved into a camper with my boyfriend for two dogs. All those farts CANNOT be blamed on the dogs XD

[@Mokun413]

Lmao 😂😂😂

[@cindyhernandez5795]

After getting dumped by my fiance (yes the one in my picture that I need to update), I want to escape to the vanlife or trailer life or bus life whatever. Normally, I hate staying in watching movies, playing games, etc. I am not easily tired and prefer to use my tired days laying outside in cool weather conditions. I appreciate you making a realistic and authentic video on van life. This helps me out so much!

[@kathrynortt364]

Waaaaiiit.... imagine being quarantined inside your van 😳

[@Emma-te6mi]

Unless they have showers, fridges and toilets in their vans it's pretty much impossible because public gyms, rec centres and restaurants are closed.

[@michaels-meditations]

I'm stuck in New Zealand in a van. I push shit down my chemical toilet because it's too hard. I have no fridge. No solar. I'm loving it to be honest.

[@PranaYanna]

Katy Ortt there’s lots of videos on this lol

[@benjigirl1971]

Michaels Meditations where are you mate? We are in the Bay of Plenty.

[@michaels-meditations]

@@benjigirl1971 Niccee! Me too, I'm in Waihi Beach at the moment. Hopefully the lockdown is over soon :)

[@Atombender]

90% of van life is pretty girls with wealthy parents.

[@yo5366]

Not at all. Most work almost 80 hours a week to buy a van and don’t get help at all financially.

[@DamonMedekMusic]

90% of youtube comments are people talking out of their butt.

[@bradf.9365]

please provide some kind of data to prove you have ANY clue what you are talking about

[@Chamomile369]

Yup. And they all pretend to live off of their supposed “freelance photography” gigs that they mysteriously never advertise, yet somehow have customers in every city 😂

[@ParaBellum282]

What do you call a van-life youtuber with 46 followers? A Lot Lizard.

[@manonvo8615]

Also I DO wanne see someone spend hours looking for a parking space, I've always wondered about that most. How do you find these places to sleep??? How safe are those places? For how many of them do you need to pay?

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

Funny. I've done the same analysis. The places you can actually park that are 'interesting' seem to be so restricted it becomes enormous pressure. I now know of vans that have INSiDE locks to prevent people from opening your doors at night! WTF? If you are prepared to live in 'nowhere' there's land forever. But if you want a spot by the sea.... well you get that for two hours a day.... if you are lucky!

[@Lexykins2691]

Check out Creativity RV...she shows all that stuff. Does a ton if research.

[@cobberdig]

Those are pretty good questions imo. It's not often talked about well I don't see it talked about much but living in van changes the way you interface with the world and increases the likelihood of being fucked with, encountering violence etc. Not that I would park up in caravan parks or whatever but it's good to acknowledge the risks.

[@ShawnaTheGirl]

I lived in my SUV for 2 years. My strategy was to look for national forest land when in the country, and streets near apartment complexes when in the city. I only ever used Google Maps, as I didn't need a 'real' camp spot (also, I never paid for a parking spot in that time). Walmart and truck stops were used when I was just passing through. I've had 2 different times where someone tried to break in, both near apartments. I think both could have been preventable by not leaving my backpack in the passenger's seat, and rolling the windows up like an inch more....

[@lizsun261]

yes! as someone who genuinely wants to do van life with my future dogs (and not just vlog about it for money), i love seeing mundane things and the bad parts of van life. i want to know what to expect!