Van life isn’t limited to one type of person. From retirees in RVs to adventurous young couples, families, and a surprising number of solo travelers, people from all walks of life are embracing a mobile lifestyle.
Of course, the (hopefully) once in a lifetime global pandemic event drove many people to embark on bouts of the van life journey out of desperation. However, many people got a bug for the lifestyle and continued to personify the movement even after things returned to “normal”.
One major factor behind its rising appeal is continually expanding internet access in rural areas, which enables remote work, online learning, and digital access to daily needs. This removes the once big and undeniable limitation many have to be tethered near the lifeline of more developed areas.
Where once a remote worker or someone searching for connectivity would require plugging in at a hotel stop, internet cafe (do these still exist?) or installing spotty satellite dishes to chase intermittent signals. Recent technologies becoming more available such as Star Link have made this option much more dependable and readily accessible.
Data from Statista shows that the van-life community grew from 1.9 million in 2020 to 3.1 million in 2022—a jump of more than 63%. These modern incarnations are typically grouped under the digital nomad umbrella, living, traveling, and working from vans, RVs, or other mobile homes adapted for full-time use.
Balancing the allure of freedom focused van life isn’t always easy.
The negative stigma surrounding a nomadic way of life can make it challenging to find welcoming places to rest and replenish resources. Finding steady work is essential to support this minimalist lifestyle, which isn’t without its costs. While van life can cut down on traditional living expenses, maintaining a reliable mobile home (especially when it's an older vehicle) can get expensive. Repairs, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance often offset the budget-friendly appeal, reminding many that freedom on the road still comes with a price. (Freedom costs a buck-O-five).
Many work remotely, run their own businesses, or take on seasonal and freelance gigs. Roughly 9% are currently unemployed, and only about 4% are retired. For most, van life blends travel with remote work, offering the freedom to explore while staying connected—whether for a short stint or as a long-term lifestyle.
Stick with us as we explore this way of life a little more in the weeks ahead...
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