Just over a week ago my husband and I started our adventure as Van lifers. We’ve spent the last 4 months renovating a 2002 Dodge Ram Conversion Van into a space we can live in full time as we travel the country.
Related: Why Traveling is Good for the Soul
Related: The Vanlife Adventure Begins
Up until the day we left, it still hadn’t really sunk in what we were getting ourselves into. We quit our jobs, sold a lot of our stuff, and not to mention, had been working on the van for months. But I could never imagine it; never picture what this lifestyle would be like so it hadn’t sunk in yet. In a way, it still hasn’t sunk in that this is my life. Do you ever get this feeling when you stop doing something or start something that it’s always been that way? That’s kind of how this feels.
Being out here, even just a week, already feels like we’ve been doing this a lot longer. I think part of that is because we’ve already done so much in such a short time, not because I’m used to it, at all. We’re definitely still getting used to it and still searching for the balance.
The trip started out in Williston, FL to visit the Cedar, Lakes, Woods, and Gardens botanical gardens. We had to search for somewhere to sleep. At first, we decided on a Winn-Dixie parking lot but it didn’t feel very safe. Eventually, using the website, Freecampsites.net we found a safe place to sleep. That being the first night away from our home and family, not in a hotel, was weird. And it definitely wasn’t like a luxurious camping trip. After that night though, we started getting the hang of it a little more.
So far we’ve slept in 3 Wal-Mart parking lots, a Starbucks parking lot, 2 campsites, a beach parking lot, and a Grocery Depot parking lot. We’ve also discovered that if there’s an RV or Semi-truck there, it’s probably safe to sleep there. Places like Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Camping World, Home Depot, and Cracker Barrel are safe to sleep overnight.
We’re just learning and adjusting. Sleeping in the van or sleeping somewhere new every night hasn’t been that difficult to get used to, it’s just about finding somewhere safe. Once we know where we’re sleeping then we can plan our time accordingly.
There are also things you don’t expect to happen. For example, I’m writing this blog post from the waiting room of Ed’s Tires and Auto Repair Shop in Fayetteville, North Carolina (would not recommend) because last night on the way to watch the Tampa Bay Lightning game at Mellow Mushroom, our van started wobbling around. Now we have to drop a couple hundred dollars on a van repair. I guess better sooner than later right?
We started this trip out in Central Florida, and now we’re making our way up the East Coast, ultimately heading to Washington D.C. for one of my best friend’s graduation. After D.C. we’ll head up to New York and Massachusetts to visit more friends. In July and August, we’re coming back to the Tampa Bay area to see the Dave Matthews Band in concert as well as Taylor Swift. Then we’re starting the second leg of the trip out west to follow the Dave Matthews Band to a few other stops in Colorado and Washington State.
So our trip is really just beginning and I will have some wisdom to share once we get some more miles on the van. We’re only at 800 right now!
If you’ve got questions or anything for us, let me know in the comments below! I’d love to answer any questions or curiosities about van life!
Also, don’t forget to follow FeelinTookish on Facebook and Instagram as we document our travels. We’ll be putting up videos soon too!
Related: Learning to Let Go
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Christina is a twenty-something living with her beagle, Mash, and husband, Nate in their van. She loves traveling, shopping, art, and photography. She’s also a vegetarian, pop-culture enthusiast, book-lover, and Dave Matthews Band fanatic. Catch her somewhere around the country in a converted camper van or at home in Florida for a visit.
truly a wonderful adventure and will look forward to hearing more about tips, tricks, and all the adventures you will be having 🙂
Being on the road has both its pros and cons (that is based on our experience of road trips where we stayed in hotels though…)
It definitely has its ups and downs, that’s for sure. Any kind of travel does. That’s why we’re still figuring out the adjustment.
Wow! Sounds like an adventure for you and your whole family! What are some interesting places you have visited so far?
It really is! So far we’ve been to St. Augustine, FL; Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC; The Outer Banks, NC; Charlottesville, VA and there’s a lot more on the list. So far, I think my favorite was the Outer Banks.
I am so jealous! I really hope to do this one day. I’m glad you addressed the safe sleeping aspect because I seriously never considered this part of van life!
It wasn’t exactly something I’d thought about either prior to starting. But I’d some post about how you always want to get somewhere before dark just to make sure it’s not sketchy. Sometimes it’s hard to do that but you can kind of gauge it based on the area or town.
I would love to do this! Keep sharing because I love to read about your journey.
This is AMAZING. I have so much envy right now! I wish my husband and I had done this when we first got married, instead of buying a money pit of a house. You are an inspiration!
This sounds like a grand adventure. You will see so much. I’m glad you are writing a blog. Have fun
Good for you guys. Iiving the van life for three years. I like not having a mortgage, utility bills and if the neighbors are annoying and loud I can move. I bought a membership to a local fitness club and that’s where I shower workout. Stay with it and you will never want to give up your freedom again, I jumped off the hamster wheel and life is so much better