Van life is a unique lifestyle where people adapt small living quarters for a life exploring the wide-open roads, with minimal necessities and a desire to freedom. It can take many forms, from a full-capital RV to a converted van, but there are some common traits to anyone who chooses a van life.

Here are some of the most common aspects of van life:

• • Spontaneity – Living on the road is all about seizing the moment and going with the flow

• • Minimalism – Having a bare-minimum approach to possessions and creature comforts

• • Self-sufficiency – Learning mechanic, carpenter and survival skills for living off the land

• • Adventuring – Exploring new places, meeting new people and immersing yourself in new experiences

• • Sense of Community – Gathering a community of like-minded people for support and guidance along the way

Living life in a van offers plenty of freedom, but it isn’t always easy. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, tight quarters, tough navigation, and the far-too-frequent hunt for safe places to park.

At the end of the day, van life is as rewarding as it is challenging. It’s a great way to dig deeper into the unknown and discover the beauty of the world in a way you can’t find in a hotel room. With the right mindset and a bit of optimism, the van life experience can be one of the most fulfilling adventures of a lifetime.