10 years ago van life wasn't possible for 99% of our population. 2020 is a different story - van life is trending and definitely livable thanks to the great invention of WiFi hot spots! You see van life all over Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. RV dealers across the nation are completely out of stock for Class B RVs. Purchasing a van sight unseen is pretty much the norm in 2020! Although 2020 is not a normal year, COVID-19 has forced a majority of our nation to work from home. It has opened people's eyes to see they can work from pretty much anywhere as long as there is WiFi connection. Twenty-Twenty, the year of the pandemic, isn't so bad since it made van life more possible for many Americans! If you are curious about van life check out my Top 5 Reasons to Choose Van Life!
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Van Life
Freedom
Travel
Nature
Balance Between Work & Play
Personal Growth
1. Freedom
I am confident when I say almost all van lifers would agree freedom is one of the top reasons they choose this nomadic lifestyle. The ability to just get up and go whenever or wherever you please is just so appealing. There is something about not being tied down to a mortgage, office job, or any other life-changing obligation that just makes life seem better.
That freedom opens up the door of possibilities whether that's starting your own travel company or even working on your 9-5 remotely and practicing photography during your lunch break! The ability to focus on your true priorities puts freedom at Number 1. on our Top 5 Reasons to Choose Van Life list.
2. Travel
If you are considering van life you obviously have a passion for travel! Travel brings
the soul happiness and keeps the mind sharp! Forbes Magazine spoke with Dr. Mehmet OZ, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon, who reported health benefits from travel like: reduced stress, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, and can increase productivity, creativity, and happiness!
A home on wheels allows you to explore anywhere in the country. You can even drive to those hard to get spots that the normal traveler may not be able to experience. Imagine waking up and opening your back van doors to the sunrise on Rialto Beach in Washington or on top of a mountain in Colorado! Van life means the travel never has to stop which makes it Number 2. on our Top 5 Reasons to Choose Van Life list.
3. Nature
Most travelers usually stay in a hotel/AirB&B which is very relaxing and comfortable because you have all your belongings, plumbing, and all the appliances you may need! Other travelers may go the camping route which will not be as comfortable due to less room, less/no plumbing, and little to no appliances for cooking. However, the views will beat any hotel or AirB&B since a tent can be set up in the mountains, forests, beaches, etc.
Camper vans take a combination of the pros from both hotels/AirB&Bs and camping. Camper vans hold all of your belongings, provide bathrooms/showers, and cooking appliances. Plus they can be parked almost anywhere a tent can be pitched! This means you can open your van doors to amazing mountain views while cooking an omelet for breakfast! The incredible views a camper van can provide puts nature as Number 3. on our Top 5 Reasons to Choose Van Life list.
4. Balance Between Work and Play
The U.S. Travel Association did a 2018 study on the number of vacation days
Americans used in a year. The survey revealed 52% of Americans had unused vacation days by the end of the year. On average people only used 8 of their 17.2 vacation days. The survey indicated people just don't feel comfortable taking the time as they may be replaced or they just have too much work to take the time!
Millennials and Generation Zs are changing the game. Studies show travel is a high priority for the younger generations and they are more inclined to take their vacation days. In order to attract new talent, HR promotes work, life balance. I believe the ability to work from wherever you want and still get your work done is the perfect balance of work and play!
The largest reason why van life has become so popular is the ability to work from your van using WiFi hot spots. That job could be a freelance photographer, writer, or even a corporate 9-5 position if it allows for remote work! Being able to work full time from your van brings the balance of work and play to Number 4. on our Top 5 Reasons to Choose Van Life list.
5. Personal Growth
Living in a van is not for everyone, the small spaces and nomad lifestyle may be too uncomfortable for some people. I look at the small corridors as a challenge that comes with many lessons. It teaches you to become a minimalist, makes you conscious of your total consumption, and keeps you on a strict budget. These are all great life lessons that will make me and my partner stronger!
I also look at this lifestyle as an opportunity for my boyfriend and I's relationship to become stronger. There will be frustrating times when we get a flat tire or the battery dies and it will test our patience. In the end, we will collaborate and come up with creative solutions because the van is our home! These life lessons bring personal growth to Number 5. on our Top 5 Reasons to Choose Van Life list.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Van Life Conclusion
2020 has been a crazy year and there are still a ton of unknowns but I do know one thing for sure. Van life is more possible for many Americans. WiFi hot spots and the ability to work from wherever make it easier to take on the van lifestyle. If you are thinking about van life, consider these Top 5 Reasons to Choose Van Life!
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