If you search the #vanlife hashtag on Instagram, youll be rewarded with more than 7 million images.
Common themes includesunsets over the sea,cozy-looking campfires, andinteriorvandesignsthat could make you drool with longing.
If one things certain about #vanlife, its thatlotsandlotsof dogs are living it.
The Rodriguezes spent a year and a half building out their Sprinter van — which also afforded them time to save up for going on the road. Photo courtesy of Abigail Rodriquez
But what goes on outside those carefully framed pictures?
What does itreallycost to live life on four wheels?
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Just like any other lifestyle, to make it make van life work, youll need to create abudget.
Abigail and Natalie Rodriguezhave been living on the road full-time since February 2019.
Did you know?
you could also curb your finances by spending your time in one of thebest states for van lifers ie.
the ones where life is cheap, the weather is good, and free camping is abundant.
If you purchase acustom van brand new, you could easily be looking at $100,000 or more.
Most of us dont have that kind of cash lying around.
(More on that in a minute.)
With its removable insulation, solar wiring and dual-zone refrigerator, his van has a pretty minimal build.
That is to say, it isnt as fancy as some of the #vanlife eye candy.
But its reliable and well-suited to his needs.
Chow spent $28,000 on the van purchase, but only $2,500 or so on upgrades.
Many vanlifers, including the Rodriguezes, have little in the way of prior construction experience.
They figure it out as they go, considering it part of the adventure.
How do you figure it out?
YouTube University is your friend, wrote Natalie in an email.
There are also several notable websites likeParked in Paradiseoffering DIY-guides galore.
And it does take time to turn a van into a villa if you do it yourself.
Building and rebuilding is an ongoing reality for most vanlifers, so dont expect an effort-free happily ever after.
Expect some maintenance costs the same way you would in ahouse.
But that isnt always the case.
Since beginning their travels, theyve started to earn brand ambassador income through their social media channels.
Of course,saving up that kind of cashis tough, and it takes some tough decision-making.
They also gave up their Comcast internet subscription, restaurant dining habit, and even gaspNetflix.
Its Worth It
Make no mistake: #vanlife takes time, work, and money.
But if its the lifestyle you want, its well worth the effort.
It is absolute freedom and constant education.
I can be bedridden for months at a time, he said.
All of which is to say: if you really want #vanlife, go for it.
Learn more at www.jamiecattanach.com.
Contributor Larissa Runkle contributed to this report.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
