From the redwood forests of California to the sandy beaches of Florida, people seek the freedom that nature can bring. Through the recent Covid-19 pandemic and the evolution of the social media platform “Tik Tok,” a new way of living came into the spotlight. This nomadic lifestyle is called “Van Life” and highlights the benefits to living simply while surrounding yourself in the comfort of the outdoors.
There are multiple benefits of van life that include being more eco-friendly, reducing stress while introducing a more adventurous and optimistic personality as well as saving money and eliminating financial struggles.
While many people point out that living out of a van can increase carbon emissions, they fail to see the more advantageous side to this way of life. When done correctly, vanlife can save thousands of pounds of waste. When traveling and living in nothing more than, essentially, a large box, people learn that they don’t need a lot to live. After living in a van, most people find that they are more conscious of the waste they produce, and what they are sending out into the world. “There’s no need to overshop or overspend when you know you don’t really have the room anymore,” says Andrew Krosofyski, a writer for GreenMatters.
One of the most important factors of vanlife is the introduction of an adventurous and optimistic personality. As the human work ethic increases in strength and becomes more stressful for students, adults and even kids, the yearning for the feeling of freedom becomes so much more important to our lives. Many studies show that being in nature can increase your level of happiness and reduce your level of stress. An article by Emily Schroeter about the benefits of living on the road states that many people live for that feeling of freedom and that it is one of the main reasons she chose to pursue road life. “…it’s all about the freedom they gain from vanlife, even if that freedom means something different to each person,” she explains.
With other beneficial traits like having a healthy lifestyle and personality, you can find that exploring new places everyday via hikes, and other adventurous activities can grow your strength mentally and physically.
For many people, vanlife is a very financially sound option of living and can help them get back on their feet. The cost of this lifestyle can vary tremendously from one person to the next depending on what they believe is essential for living. For example, while people on a budget may not feel the need to install a toilet or shower in their van, others might think it is imperative that they do so. For some, vanlife is just throwing a mattress in the back of a car and winging it, but for others it can be renovating a whole campervan equipped with that of a house. “The good news is that with proper planning, van life can cost as much or as little as you want it to,” says Kristin Bor, owner of the Bearfoot Theory Outdoor Blog.
Another important aspect of vanlife to take into consideration is the costs of mechanics and appliances. While it certainly costs less to maintain a van than a house, there can still be lots that go wrong ranging from a popped tire to an engine breakdown.
Although vanlife is a very good way to increase your quality of life, there are also many people who focus on the slight downsides to the way of living. Vanlife can be a dangerous lifestyle considering the fact that you take your house everywhere with you. It is very easy to be a target for robbers if you don’t take the right steps in ensuring your safety. One very effective way to guarantee safety is an alarm system. Installing an alarm system will be able to alert you while you are sleeping, or away from the van, of any impending threats. Another important step in protecting yourself when on the road, is to not advertise the fact that you live out of a car. For example, depending on the type of van or car, try not to open sliding doors or doors leading to the main living space of your car.
Regardless of the dangers that come with living out of a van, traveling and having a free lifestyle is a huge factor to a happy and healthy life. With the stress that students and staff at HHS experience, it is important to consider ways to make your life matter to you. Participating in vanlife can enhance your life with long lasting memories, and a freedom that can last a lifetime.
