If you’ve dreamed of traveling the countryside, taking in the sights and going where the wind takes you, then you should consider the van life. Van life or van dwelling is a free and fun lifestyle that combines minimalist living with the joys of extended travel. Living the van life means that you live full-time or part-time in a van. By day, you are on the road, traveling to see the sights and, by night, you are parked or camped on the side of the road or in a campground.

A modern-day gypsy or free spirit

Those who choose to live the van life are often compared to the gypsies or Roma who used to roam across Europe, living and working from their covered wagons – accept they're in modern-day vans. The lifestyle is also similar to the idea of traveling in a mobile home or RV. These travelers spend their vacation time traveling from place to place in a specially designed vehicle that they either rent or own. 

While RVs and mobile homes are still popular, most people who decide to live the van life nowadays choose smaller vehicles to live and travel in. A lot are actual vans, with many spending some time and money to modify the vans to make them more comfortable or easier to live in. The simplest types of modifications made to a van for a van dwelling could be the removal of some of the seats or the installation of modified seats that would allow for more movement or make the interior a bit more spacious. 


Another type of modification could be the inclusion of basic amenities that don't come in a van straight from the assembly line. A van can be modified to have a bed platform, a toilet and maybe a sink, and maybe some sort of kitchen setup and food storage space. There could also be other modifications installed, such as solar panels, that would allow the owner to live even "freer" by keeping them independent and "off the grid".

Aside from vans, other vehicles that can be used or modified for van livings are old mini busses or school buses, SUVs, and even large station wagons. 

The freedom of the open road and a lower cost of living

Van living appeals to those who like to travel for extended periods on a budget. Traveling and living in a van while doing so allows one more control over one's movements. You decide when and where you're going to stop and for how long. Traveling and living in a van also appeals to the budget-conscious traveler because you bring your accommodations with you. With careful planning, you can also save on food and drink, as you can bring your own supplies and prepare your own food.

Van life also suits those who want to live the digital nomad lifestyle. Many people who live the van-life full-time work remotely via the internet, which allows them to support their Van Life lifestyle. This also gives them the freedom to set their own schedules and live the lifestyle they choose, instead of being tied down to one place.