Vanlife is a lifestyle that has become increasingly popular in recent years among young people, as well as among the generation approaching retirement. Although living in a van is not a new or even unusual way of life in many countries, in Italy it is undoubtedly a recent phenomenon that still leaves many people curious or full of skepticism.
Like any lifestyle, vanlife also has its pros and cons, so let’s see together what lies behind today’s much in vogue term, Vanlife.
As mentioned above, the choice to live in a van in many European and non-European countries has been quite common for many years: Germany for example, is one of the European countries where this lifestyle is most popular, also involving many people over 40; in Australia, to go further afield, is the most widely used method of being able to cross the entire state while enjoying its pristine nature to the fullest; in Latin America the vanlife phenomenon is enjoying great success, allowing many young people to learn about the multitude of countries and cultures that make up South America.
Vanlife is a lifestyle that involves living, full-time or part-time, in a van (car used as a living place) or motorhome. There are a wide variety of vehicles, just type in the hashtag #vanbuild to dive into the ocean of options available: from low-roof vans, to buses, to 4×4 cars; from furnishings including a shower, heat and all sorts of conveniences, to the more spartan ones where a bed and a few pots and pans are all you need to live.
Similarly, there are endless types of lives and jobs that people undertake while living in van: we find remote workers, seasonal workers, artists, artisans, photographers…
Although the professions of these people may be very different from each other one can find common and often present characteristics: a desire to make their passion their work, flexible life rhythms, and a propensity for the outdoors.
Vanlife is not only a lifestyle but a real movement. Indeed, it is not only about people who have decided to live in a van, but also represents a set of shared ideas and values that make living in van a thoughtful act with sometimes political implications. For many people, particularly young people, van living allows them to questioning some social paradigms that characterise today’s society: The unstoppable urban hustle and bustle and the idea that only by having “a mortgage, a permanent job, and a stable routine” can one live a happy life are definitely at the top of the list of myths debunked by a nomadic lifestyle like the vanlife one.
It is no coincidence that it is precisely in recent years of great uncertainty and profound transformations in the world of work – especially with the emergence of digital nomadism and the increasing possibilities for remote work – that the vanlife movement has begun to explode, becoming a real trend (this being “fashionable” brings with it some big “cons” which we will see at the end of the article).
But what then motivates so many young people to buy a van, truck it, and hit the road? Let’s look together at some of the possible ‘whys’ of such a lifestyle choice:
● A newfound interest in a deep connection with nature.
● A desire to break free from the urban hustle and bustle and experience freedom of movement and the ability to decide where and how much to stay.
● A reduced cost of daily expenses, thus being able to extend the stay on the trip compared to staying in b&b or hotel.
● The desire to live a life more in line with one’s own rhythm and desires
● An increasingly pervasive interest in minimalist lifestyles that focus on inner well-being rather than possessions.
Like any lifestyle, vanlife has its upsides and downsides; if you are thinking of renting or buying a van and going on an adventure, knowing some of these aspects might help you take that step. So let’s see together at the main pros and cons of van living.
If you are also thinking of embarking on this kind of life on the road and adventure, I’ll leave some final advice here.
If vanlife intrigues you, go for it, give it a try! Maybe start by renting a van for a short time and then approach buying a vehicle; until you try you don’t know. Get informed by watching videos and advice from people already doing this life, or by reading blogs like this one where Francesca and her partner Pablo tell us the “behind the scenes” and adventures of living in Van and the tools to make it possible.
Be inspired by others who, like you, have felt the call to a life on the move.
Wherever you go make sure you leave the place you park cleaner than you found it. It requires little effort but the benefits to the community and nature are enormous.
And remember: what you see on social media is only a small part of people’s lives, like every life there are ups, downs, difficulties and hiccups. Whatever the lifestyle, the solution lies not in what kind of life you live but in how you live it.
In this article you will find 5 books on personal growth that you absolutely must read, write them down so you don’t miss them!
The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly changed our existences, radically disrupting our outlook on life and our priorities. Many economic sectors have experienced losses from
Tropical climate, sunny beaches all year round, good food… if you are thinking of moving to one of the islands of the Canary archipelago,
🇪🇸Viajar solo significa independencia, iniciativa y crecimiento.
Mucha gente intentará transmitirte su miedos o convencerte de que es aburrido.
Pero no te dejes llevar por los prejuicios. Sal de tu zona de confort, descubre nuevos lugares, conoce nuevas culturas y personas que dejarán una huella en tu camino
Es la mejor manera de conocer al mundo y a tí mism@ 🫶🏼
#myfriendin
🇬🇧Travelling solo means independence, initiative, and growth.
Many people will try to pass you their fears to you or convince you that it is boring. But do not get carried away by prejudices. Get out of your comfort zone, discover new places, and meet new cultures and people who will leave a mark on your path.
It is the best way to know the world and yourself.
*****
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May photo dump 🌸
3 países, 5 ciudades y 2 continentes (en la última foto 🫠)
Mil grandes amores ❣️
******
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🇮🇨 Feliz día de Canarias a todos los Canarios 🇮🇨
Tierra y pueblo maravilloso, que te acogen y te incluyen.
Donde la condición de isla desarolla fuerte el sentido de pertenencia junto al orgullo y privilegio para los que han nacido aquí 🫶🏼
Gente que nunca pierde la sonrisa, que sabe disfrutar de la naturaleza y de lo bonito que puede ofrecer.
Gracias Canarias por todo lo que has aportado a mi vida (amistades, fuerza, crecimiento, desconexión y reconexión) y espero seguir creciendo contigo 💙💚
*******
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🇪🇸Mañana es día de Canarias 🫶🏼🇮🇨
Y estaba pensando que sería imposible resumir la belleza de todas las 8 islas en in video 🎞
Pero lo intentamos 💪🏻
Y tú ¿cuantas y cuales islas ha visitado?
Te gustaría descubrir Gran Canaria conmigo? 😃
Entra en mi enlace en bio y selecciona tu excursión con "My Friend in" 🫶🏼💕
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🇬🇧Tomorrow is Canary Islands day 🫶🏼🇮🇨
I was thinking that would be impossible to summarise the beauty of all 8 islands in a video 🎞 but we tried 💪🏻
And you, how many and which islands have you visited?
Would you like to discover Gran Canaria with me? 😃
Enter my link in bio and select your excursion with "My Friend in" 🫶🏼💕
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