van life... a bad idea, right?

[@joolbits]

Hi Julia, I'm Julia! It sounds like you're feeling drained from all the travel. I can relate - I love solo traveling and frequently take extended trips alone, but it can be tiring after awhile. The constant change of scenery and lack of routine catches up. What's helped me is to stay put in one spot for a week or two, rather than moving around so much. It lets me recharge and appreciate where I'm at, without that pressure to see it all. Maybe give that a try next? The excitement will still be there later. For now, be kind to yourself and take it easy. Wishing you moments of rest as you continue on your journey! 🚙🐈

[@theloveyourfacegal2773]

Maybe take an online college course or one near the free land & travel around there. Your a bright girl, you maybe need a few things to focus seriously on so you can still feel like your moving forward in other areas of your life. 😊

[@gryffyleelee]

I'm sure the decision fatigue and lack of stability catches up with you. I hope to do van life but I think I would still keep a home base to avoid that burnout. And I love that idea of making little home bases where you stay for a week or two along the way.

[@no_worries_van]

You should do P’s for papas dance with Maui 😂

[@tombradydid9114]

When i was doing van life i started buying land on almost every state i visited and adding wells and septic tanks and for a while i used them as pit stops and i slep there on th land then i started building properties there to put on airbnb. Now i have 20 airbnb's and i make a lot of money on them. U could do the same and other vanlifers too.

[@ManlyBurp]

I appreciate your honesty. You may be saving some people from leaping head first into a lifestyle that isn't suitable for them. There are many harsh realities that aren't realized until you're out there doing it.

[@Fun_Sized_Gigi]

Love that you are planning on van life in the east coast. I see a lot of people out west. The east coast has some beautiful lands and the mountains are breathtaking. I hope you enjoy.

[@kristinaciminillo9908]

I have the birdhouse plates and bowls that match that jar! 🐦 ❤ 🐦 ❤ 🐦 ❤ 🐦 ❤

[@Hope_Yang]

Sending you a big warm hug, Julia! ❤️ Do what you gotta do to make you feel happy and safe! 💗

[@justjudy7320]

I always make a habit of leaving secondhand items outside to give the energy of the original owners a chance to dissipate. Not long ago I bought a second-hand pair of men's sandals with the intention of using them in the garden. After being outside for a week or so I brought them in put them on adjusted them so that they fit and then put them up on the shelf by the door. Two nights later while standing at the kitchen counter I heard a substantial noise buying me and when I walked around the island counter and look down on the floor in front of the door was that pair of sandals sitting side-by-side in perfect aligned position to be put on. I knew that it was done deliberately because there's no way that they would have fallen from 4 1/2 feet and landed in perfect position. At least one of them would have been caddywhompus turned upside down or sideways but no they were in perfect position. The empathic medium in me ask who are you and I heard the name Fred. Little while later and meditation I hooked up with Fred and had little chat😂 I told him he was welcome to be my guard ghost and so I hung the sandals outside on the fence next to the door. Everything on the planet has a vibrational frequency especially well used secondhand items😂😂

[@Chrissy-Stormgal]

Just broke my heart.. There are still many people that are doing van life but also there are many that I watch that have either stopped van life completely or they are part time van lifers now. Maybe a suggestion to van life close to your family. You could stay somewhere beautiful that you can stay for a week or more that isn't far from your family.. Somewhere that you can just park in the mountains and relax and hang out. Just make sure you have everything you need so you don't have to worry about water, gas, food .. If you constantly travel you're going to keep stressing yourself out. Just stop, park, cook, hike relax.. and the mountains are cooler! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@niccilefevre]

Yeah what Ive kinda gathered from other lifers, and my dad (who got drafted after hs and ended up a hippie nomad most of the time until he was 50. In the 90s we lived in an rv when I was a baby lol) is that this its not meant to be permanent, you know? Its like an adventure, eventually you probably want to go home or put down roots somewhere. If I ever get to I want to use it as a way to scope out potential home locations.

[@mommygarcia9137]

Hey pretty lady ! You are soooo right items at thrift stores are second hand why are they so expensive !! Thanks for being so truthful about vanlife !!

[@EatPrayVan]

I think exploring the NE is a beautiful idea. I think paving the way for Vanlife in the NE would be something unexpected and worth watching, and helpful to others. I hear NY and PA has public lands but you have to get a permit ahead of time. I dunno it’s worth a little research. I love small NE towns (I’m from NY) So maybe you stay at more Cracker Barrel’s and Walmarts. But oh my god the NE in the fall, can’t wait to see those videos! Your Vanlife is your Vanlife. It doesn’t have to look like what you see on IG nor does it have to be in West. So make your Vanlife something you love, so what it’s part time? Enjoy your family and enjoy your beautiful van. Ok that’s all I got, hope that was helpful.

[@Tstac2006]

I love your shelf of books!!! I need to figure out a way to shelve some books in my van (which I don't have yet lol)

[@dianeschmiane]

I don't follow #vanlife on Instagram, but I do here on KZbin, and I feel like most of the van lifers I watch have talked about how challenging it can be. That said, great job, Julia, pointing out the difficulties, very helpful for those thinking about getting into it. I gotta say, the heat with your kitty has to probably be one of the biggest challenges of all, but that stroller seems like a good solution. I'm with you on thrifting, so much fun!

[@jasonjones5213]

Love the video, gives people something to think about.

[@campingvanlife]

Love your videos. You don't need makeup. You have natural beauty.

[@craigdarby9533]

Owning a house and establishing a family in and contributing to the local community is very rewarding.

[@JuliaBrooke]

That’s definitely the direction I’m heading it… I just hope the housing market drops because rural homes in VA are going for $400k+ with 8% interest rates it’s out of control🥲🥲

[@craigdarby9533]

@@JuliaBrooke Definitely not a good time to be a buyer right now. The higher interest rates may start driving prices down, but a lot of homeowners are waiting to sell, because they don't want to swap their low rate for the higher rate on the new place they want. So that's keeping inventory low and prices up. Use this time to save up a big down payment. Might want to look into WV, little less pricey and still close to VA.

[@nancylee3780]

You’re channel is so enjoyable! I love your editing style and your funny mannerisms 🥰

[@Ladiofthewoods]

Advice...take your time. Rest, relax and figure out what is right for you. While there are definitely negatives to van life there are many who successfully, happily live it daily or have transitioned to an off road life while still enjoying travel. Working part-time while traveling would also help defray overhead costs and help keep you busy. There are summer jobs working on organic farms that might interest you as a way to travel, have community and earn a little money as well. Look into Good Food Jobs if that sounds interesting to you. As for the mascara there are some natural, organic, plant based options out there you might try. I am allergic to perfumes. Pretty much any and all the perfumes we typically encounter daily can send me into anaphylaxis. (A few times resulting in trips to the emergency room.)

[@ShyJohns-y2w]

I love your videos, maybe you can try traveling in the van once every month or every few months as a vacation, wishing you happiness and comfort ❤️

[@Bhdp7406shd-yr2ji]

I hope you don’t feel bad about expressing the downsides of vanlife to your viewers! You’re keeping it real and I can only imagine how difficult it must be to find parking on the daily. I really appreciate your videos and I sincerely wish that you would take it nice and easy. Recharge and take a break if you need to! Btw my mom also has allergies to mascara. Have you tried the Clinique mascara? I also suggest switching out your mascara often like once a month because mascaras dry out quickly and that could be causing your eye irritation.

[@JuliaBrooke]

Thank you and no I haven’t I’ll check it out! I just got a waterproof one because I heard they’re better for people with mascara allergies and it already feels much better (not perfect) but a big relief!😊❤️

[@Mikalatraveller]

Look for a hypoallergenic mascara - game changer!

[@kelleyjerred8032]

I agree with you.

[@nataliajust]

No judgments, just sending you love and support ❤❤❤ I got what you mean and I just hope your heart finds the balance you’re looking for ❤❤❤

[@glenvehmeier9417]

I love your videos and voice your vans awesome plus time to get ac fixed it's still hot

[@stephaniekunce5192]

I hope that you can find a peaceful place near your family. It is hard being away from everyone. When I got married we moved from St.Louis to Los Angeles with my husband's job. I loved living in CA. So much to do and see. We moved back a little over a year later. I realized how much I wanted to be near family and friends. I have to give you credit for doing this solo. Not certain that I could.

[@OL-mb6qe]

Ah, you were in my town! How cool. Yeah that particular thrift store is ridiculous. Did you drive down Main St? I know there used to be a couple antique shops. I haven’t been down there in awhile.

[@kristinaciminillo9908]

OMG I have that Garden picture frame too! 😍 😂 💐 I also get my stuff from thrift stores. Only the best will do! 🎉

[@JuliaBrooke]

OMG REALLY ITS SO CUTE😭❤️

[@TheAbandonedAccount7]

I'm going to be in blue ridge in less than two weeks for a music festival!!

[@robertplantcirca1973]

The blue dress makes your blue eyes pop!! So pretty

[@Mz.GlamzBeauty]

Thanks for being real an honest I wanna do van life I just need to figure everything out

[@TravelSoMuch]

Sounds like you have no problem with the tiny living aspect, but the constant moving (and associated costs) are what stresses you out, right? Have you considered temporary jobs? Some places, like camps, parks, conference centers, farms, hostels, etc. will let you park on their property a few weeks/months at a time if you work or volunteer with them... and a lot of them usually provide meals too, which saves on expenses and decision fatigue! Might be something worth considering. Let me know if you want help finding work like this.

[@katekaos]

I love your honesty. Van life is not easy for sure!! Or for everyone. 😆 thanks for keeping it real!!!

[@douglashoward5738]

What happened to the cool breeze AC you had in previous videos? Maybe when your experiencing isolation reach out to family and friends. Have them fly out and meet you for a visit.😊

[@iamfree3260]

Hey!I thought up have lots of solar power ?!maybe u could write a schedule?or hang around one area and get use to it so U don't have to look for campsites ?or do sleath camping in smaller vehicle?go to cooler weather areas?

[@yvettehatrak787]

Julia❤ So happy to see you back!! You were missed. The hope was that your time away and off the road would give you what you needed, but girl, you are really going through it!! Your honesty about vanlife is appreciated, especially in a space that overglamourizes the experience; yet, so much of the mental stress and emotional aerobics you state as specific to vanlife or in fact just...life!!! Adulthood is all about juggling the logistics, the annoying logistics- taxes, mortgage payments, home maintenance, car problems, work, co-workers, the unexpected, so we can really enjoy that 25% of magic. That percentage does increase over time. Just don't be too quick to blame situational or geographic circumstances for all your stress and unhappiness. Take them all away, and you are still left with YOU, who you are, and how you handle life's roadblocks and rollercoaster. Love you, love Maui, and the time off did do you some good, you physically look so different, really really healthy. Hang in there!!!

[@vickieyoung7122]

Who says anyone has to do anything full-time forever ?. I would miss your videos but you need to live your life in a way that makes you happy...who knows what the next chapter will bring ?.

[@blupoppy608]

great video...loved the blue dress :) hugs to Maui

[@JuliaBrooke]

Thank you!🐱💙

[@bruce237]

10:32 So cute!

[@JohnSaxon-vw5vi]

I love second hand shops because it’s where I get my second hand books 📚 love your honesty for a amazing young woman please stay safe and healthy and prayers and blessings for you and your family and your cat 🐈‍⬛ love your Aussie family friend John ❤❤❤❤

[@RebelScum312]

You could talk about whatever's on your mind & going on with you anytime & it doesn't have to have a point or even make sense all of the time. Here for you because you're interesting & open & friendly, you have excellent taste in editing, style & music, & I love girls that are readers & adventurers. Maybe combine travelling with a book (or any stories you like from tv, movies, whatever)/art/cats/life experience club, it doesn't always have to be a driving video to get my view, although it was very nice to go down the backroads into small town Virginia this time & took me back to my own ventures there. Don't give up, you're really really good at this short format storytelling & sharing, & maybe you just need to find some partners to explore the east coast with or just to drop in & visit along the way so you can get the feeling of comradery you had with Madilynn & the comfort of your family support system. It doesn't have to always be a Sunday upload either, change the structure, change the schedule, change your point of view, change your mind, wherever the muse & your heart takes you. In the words of the great George Harrison, "if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there."

[@JuliaBrooke]

I love the quote, thank you for the advice and thank you for continuing to watch my videos🥹💙🙏🏼

[@RebelScum312]

@@JuliaBrooke 💛🙏

[@ShadeTreeKennyT]

Julia, your discussion on van life was informative and honest. I appreciate hearing about all aspects of life on the road, As a side note, I finally got a notification that my van is scheduled for production!

[@katekaos]

I used to live by train tracks. It definitely is irritating if they’re blowing the horn randomly throughout the night. 😤

[@lisafalleroni1012]

you listed several including my number 1 concern being the maintenance on the van and where my animals and i would stay while that was happening. another i have had is control of temperatures. i appreciate your transparency. i also see now the van is for sale so maybe you have retired from van life?

[@emelialevin0421]

You can rent out your van for like a moving Airbnb and make them stay in Virginia there’s a web sight that rents ‘‘em out for like 1,000 dollars per week

[@ruebennomura9143]

Hey Julia you are ok and good tip on van life

[@dayakkeninjalchanel]

it's exciting to have an adventure so I want to go there sis 😍

[@Doug5O2]

Greetings from Guatemala 🇬🇹 Central America. ¡Saludos!

[@aprils.360]

Going to thrift stores is like treasure hunting 😍

[@JuliaBrooke]

Exactly!!😭🕰️🪞❤️

[@MEASURETWICE]

I had no clue you could get tired if you have an eye allergy to mascara. I always feel tired when I'm wearing makeup and never realised😅

[@timrodatz1274]

Your still young slow down enjoy the life what we have left, keep moving every other day or couple days that's going to cost on gas, tires, wear and tear more breaks downs, and you end up seeing everything in no time. I'd recommend slowing down live life get enough food and water to last you, find a place near with creek, stream, rivers, lake to bathe. I get my Disability fingers crossed next month and a van that's what I'm doing, use to drive a Truck for a living all 48 states. You can still make KZbin videos

[@Blackberrybold729]

Your video's title be like Olivia's new song :seeing him tonight is a bad idea right? Song name:bad idea💡

[@vanventuresofjesus]

I agree Julia, it's so stressful and you have to be constantly planning. I've recently started my vanlife channel and I'd be extremely grateful if any of yall could check it out. ❤THANKS

[@ikindred]

Most van lifers with YT channels seem to travel just for content which can be draining and overwhelming but on the other hand, they need content to stay relevant and make money. It's a terrible cycle.

[@Dtp249]

Hi , do you still make payments on the van? And if I may ask how much did the van cost? Ty!

[@niccilefevre]

It was 40 and she modded it for I think around 9 extra. Theres another video about it and she has the build here too.

[@muliadiadi1002]

No,you cant do anything in your Van enjoy your life stay safe❤

[@grouper3059]

So $2000. a month, what if your van is paid for? What is the cost? Appreciate your honest comments!

[@wadelewis9260]

I know this video is a little old but do you still have your van and would you want to sale it if so?

[@aaronriedel5372]

Good video!

[@richarddennis1453]

If you give up Van life you would definitely be missed 😊

[@niccilefevre]

I think the thing about van life or living out of an rv or whatever (specifically in our culture. I think it would be way different if the society as a whole was mobile) is that its a way to have some adventures, see lots of places and experience things you wouldnt have, and possibly scoping out a location for a forever home, but its probably not meant to be permanent. Oh also you forgot that if you lived in a apt, in most cases youd still need to get a car. Like fr my stupid car is as much as an apt plus I have to pay for an apt 🤣🤣😭😭. Mine was 35 (I traded in another I hadnt paid off yet) so I really kinda wish id have just found a nice van instead, but thats just my regerts 🤣 But I agree, you probably should take a longer break somewhere, and you def sound lonely :( Maybe go do a trip to your families and stay on their property? Or just finding a nice little place and really exploring it and meeting locals for a bit? All the luck for you girl

[@robinw285]

Love how Maui has a safe stroller to see everything and go with you everywhere. For your plant, in addition to watering it, consider a $1 spray water bottle from the dollar tree to spray its leafs. I can see it being a little isolated, but love the little library town you went to. Be safe and stay well ❤

[@outdoor_spirituality]

I can see a lot of people who are "van campers/travelers" seem to ask those questions, do not want to be rude but if those people do not feel like to live like they do, sell the van and move somewhere you would love to live or go other places where you would find happiness. I can only dream of to live in a van or somewhere "wild" in a forest. For me life is not easy since 2022, where I got 10% chance of surviving and of course 90% of passing away. I LOST EVERYTHING apart from my family they are all still alive, I lost work, car, place to live, pretty much everything still recovering from the accident (almost recovered), hoping I will be able to travel a lot again, I actually kind of hate to sit in one place, wanna travel other places even if it is only few streets away (streets I have not seen yet), though my dream is to constantly travel outside the cities to some remote places, forests, beaches, etc. Wanna enjoy this life on earth till my last breath as then I am not sure what and if there will be something next.

[@Mrfreak_YT]

Hey we are here on the journey with you do what ever makes you happy and make sure you keep that beautiful smile on your face say hi to maui for me

[@fredricjulien8738]

You don't have to be on the road all the time Julia. I'd still be a subscriber even if you chose to go thrift shopping every vlog. 🤩 Looks like you found some pretty cool stuff like that gift for your sister and that $1.00 picture frame was so cool. Yeah, I like seeing you take us to see different places out west, but I know your anxiety and stress levels go up when you're alone and so far from home. Take it one day at a time and you'll decide when you're ready to get back on the road to long distance travel. Here's a quote I saw the other day and it immediately made me think of you "So many books, so little time." You and Maui have a wonderful week.

[@JuliaBrooke]

Haha, the book quote is the truest thing I’ve ever heard! 😂 thanks Fredric🙏🏼📖

[@audriebarrera]

Hahha omg i get sleepy with mascara too!!

[@gerredstallings465]

Van life isn't for me even though I've never done it if i had to downsize i could handle being at camp site living in a 5th wheel hooked up to power be sides rent and food i don't get to see my family much anymore if u feel overwhelmed at times i know the feeling

[@CharissaYoder]

I always enjoy watching her videos, however, out of all of the van life KZbinrs I watch, she does seem to lack direction the most..like she's in a limbo, going through the vanlife motions, searching for something but never finding it. Maybe more stability is what she needs in her life right now, not the constant moving around and stressing that van life brings. I hope, whether that be van life or another alternative lifestyle, that she finds what she is looking for and feels happy, fulfilled, and safe!

[@makeithappen9027]

Direction?But which van lifers have direction?

[@Blackbarbie386]

❤❤❤❤❤ I love your channel ❤️ ♥️ 💕

[@ThatGirlLib]

What happened to her portable a/c? 👀

[@JuliaBrooke]

I still have it and was using it during the heat of the day but my one 100ah battery is not enough to charge it consistently all day and night (when the sun goes down so does the ac lmao) 😂 I still stand behind the product and love it though! My electrical set up just needs an upgrade⚡️

[@deshawniskeng-mixedmediatv]

❤❤❤

[@romeoaparicio47]

❤

[@no_worries_van]

Yeah the $1 price on the back and they wanna bump it to $3?! 😮

[@iamfree3260]

Couldn't U charge ur Jackey at a cafe ?

[@JackThomas-d2v]

You look really beautiful and I love the video ❤

[@BigAirPete]

😍

[@syedjavedahmad9719]

On a temporary basis van life is fun. Long-term that is not normal lifestyle. You are crammed in a limited small space. That is my opinion.

[@zvjerka2]

It’s best for you to stay with your family,then you can go back on the road again in summer time for few months,you are so young to do this full time,just my opinion

[@dampeter9131]

Your so beautiful, so how come you and Madeleine decided to go your separate ways?

[@makeithappen9027]

Ppl staying in vans seem so stressed and parking rules etc but why cnt they speak up against that law? the queen doesn't own the land.

[@197countries]

Very cute today too❤️🧡💚 i deffinely live💋

[@197countries]

Actually deffinely love💚🧡❤️

[@iamfree3260]

I thought it'll be simple , the essentials r just shower , which do U HV a nice solar one?! Food? And ew poop And water I guess it's extra than living in a house. More rubbish trips but less heavy? And water trips, but exercise ? But why should we exercise?fairies don't have too!

[@Erica-wy8zx]

You have the least obnoxious background music ever.🌻

[@JuliaBrooke]

For a second I thought this said “most” and my heart dropped IM SO GLAD I RE-READ IT😭😭❤️💕❤️ thank you!!

[@crazy_spirit_of_a_life529]

Superbe ❤

[@jackryan2135]

Bad idea in the US, have to be mad as a hatter. Easy in Australia.

[@makeithappen9027]

Why is it easier there ?Alice is from Australia lol in the book so wouldn't mad better be in Aus too lol

[@iamfree3260]

Y dont U sleep outside the car ?cooler or on top ur can lol

[@iamfree3260]

I watched ame van life and she's quite real ABT it I think all of them r ?! I almost puked when she showed hair in shower drains...... It's so wrong but if it's our own we don't care as much so I feel kinda bad and wrong for feeling we!

[@iamfree3260]

I'm so surprised U use plates in a camper van, it's already stressful to wash plates in a noise , because dirty water splashes on face sometimes too. Solution: get very content so we don't have to eat , and if U have to use paper plates ?! Eat less, need to toliet less too! Garbage in garbage out, food isn't natural ..... Ppl eat when they r depressed and sad. When I'm super happy I never feel like eating. 🎉

[@RR-ro4rb]

Take care you self and carefully my dear ....so cute cat..... My dream want camping and travel together whit you nice to meet you from Malaysia my dear

[@danofiremano]

If the lifestyle isn't what you want it to be, there's nothing wrong with change. I for one would miss seeing your pretty face if you stopped making videos!

[@BetterDays_Now]

I thought you bought a house ?

[@tufailahamad6473]

Maui is not doing such extra as he did in last video . i love maui please explore him more and one you look more fresh , energetic than the last one ,must have taken rest.😎

[@jar407]

cute red dress

[@kyletmanfre]

Virginia looks beautiful.It could just be you though

[@jenniferrose9884]

It’s ok sweetheart. Be with your family. Your love of ornate china is an indication that you need to nest in a home. Maybe you can strike a better balance because you are great on camera. Do what you love and the money will follow. You love antiquing and thrifting. Maybe you can make your channel about a store? Most young people need to socialize and I think the isolation on the road is unnatural for your age. You will be fine,

[@ziadkhalil6740]

FREE FREE PALESTINE

[@Deekers2020]

To me, It sounds like you are bored. Maybe start traveling with others and form a “tribe”.

[@denisebrogan4364]

Instead of mascara try dying yr lashes.

[@vanlifeuncensored]

Of course you'd listen to that garbage music 😂

[@ShamimJahuri]

My 👀eyes.shamim👄❗🤰🤱

[@crazyroadlovers3380]

Awsome visual 🎉❤ julia . ford company Vehicle know. Family value feeling 😊😊

[@NeilCWCampbell]

❤