Most of us in the Western world live in a time and place that feels overloaded with distractions and complexities, making the idea of packing up a van and hitting the open road deeply appealing to many.
(UPDATE: Listen to Jeff Wagg's review of this post on Built to Go: A Van Life Podcast.)
The #VanLife movement, once a small community of adventurers and minimalists, has surged in popularity, captivating people with images of endless horizons, cozy van interiors, and a life unbound by routine.
But as the #VanLife trends across social media, the spirit of the movement—adventure, simplicity, and self-discovery—seems to be getting lost in a wave of luxury conversions and RV-like builds. For many, including myself, the heart of VanLife is still about shedding excess, embracing uncertainty, and discovering who you are when you leave behind the noise.
The Essence of True VanLife: Adventure and Freedom
At its core, VanLife isn’t about the van itself. It’s about what the van represents—an opportunity to reconnect with adventure, nature, and yourself. I remember the first time I set out, with a loosely packed van and no solid plan other than to follow the road wherever it led. The freedom to explore without a rigid schedule was intoxicating. Each day was an open book, each destination a new experience waiting to unfold. There’s something profound about waking up to a new landscape—whether it’s the sweeping cliffs of the Pacific Northwest or a quiet desert sunrise—and knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
For many, VanLife offers the chance to break free from the constraints of modern life. The minimalist approach allows for unparalleled flexibility, giving you the freedom to move at your own pace, settle in places that call to you, and leave when you feel the pull of the unknown. It's not about reaching a destination; it’s about the journey, the in-between moments that push you out of your comfort zone and closer to your true self.
Self-Discovery on the Road
Living on the road strips away the layers of comfort and familiarity that define everyday life. Without the distractions of routine, possessions, and constant connection, you’re left to face yourself—your thoughts, your fears, your desires. It’s in this space of quiet and solitude that self-discovery begins. You learn how little you actually need to be happy. You become more aware of what fills your soul and what weighs it down.
VanLife has a way of forcing introspection. When you live in a small space, every decision about what to bring and what to leave behind becomes significant. The same goes for mental clutter—there’s less room for superficial worries, and more space to focus on what really matters. As the miles pass beneath your tires, you start to understand that the journey is just as internal as it is external. VanLife teaches you to live more intentionally, to savour each moment, and to embrace the simplicity of just being.
The Rise of Luxury Builds: Has VanLife Lost Its Way?
In recent years, the pure, minimalist essence of VanLife has been overshadowed by a growing trend of luxury van builds that resemble high-end RVs. Social media feeds are packed with images of gleaming vans outfitted with full kitchens, bathrooms, and plush sleeping areas—designs that often rival traditional homes. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with comfort, these setups can feel more like mobile homes than vessels of adventure.
This shift has diluted the true spirit of VanLife. What was once about embracing the unknown and finding joy in simplicity has, for some, become a pursuit of material perfection. The more elaborate the build, the further it seems to stray from the essence of the movement: living with less, experiencing more, and seeking adventure over luxury.
Why Simplicity and Minimalism Still Matter
The beauty of the original VanLife movement lies in its simplicity. When you commit to living minimally, you’re forced to be more deliberate with your choices. The items you bring into your van—much like the experiences you choose to embrace—must have meaning. Every square inch of space is valuable, so you prioritize what truly serves your needs. But beyond the physical simplicity, there’s a deeper sense of clarity that emerges.
Simplicity on the road translates to fewer responsibilities and fewer distractions. With fewer possessions to maintain or worry about, your energy shifts from what you own to what you experience. You spend more time outdoors, more time being present, and more time connecting with the world around you. Nature, after all, becomes your home. Whether you’re parked at a rugged trailhead, a serene lakeside, or deep in the forest, there’s a profound sense of peace that comes from living so closely connected to the natural world.
How to Stay True to the Spirit of VanLife
For those who long to reconnect with the heart of the movement, staying true to the roots of VanLife means focusing on the essentials—both physically and mentally. Here are a few ways to embrace the minimalist, adventure-driven spirit:
1. Embrace Imperfection – Forget about having the “perfect” van setup. True VanLife is about flexibility, adaptability, and making do with what you have. Some of the best experiences come from the unexpected, and often, the most imperfect moments lead to the greatest memories.
2. Prioritize Experiences Over Things – Rather than investing in the latest gear or accessories, focus on the experiences you want to create. Invest your time in exploring new places, meeting new people, and stepping outside your comfort zone.
3. Travel Light, Live Fully – By packing only the essentials, you’ll find that the fewer things you carry, the more freedom you gain. Living with less doesn’t mean sacrificing—it means making room for what truly matters.
4. Stay Open to the Journey – VanLife is about embracing the unknown and being open to wherever the road takes you. Plans will change, detours will happen, and sometimes you’ll find yourself parked in unexpected places. Let go of rigid expectations and enjoy the flow of the journey.
5. Connect with Nature – The natural world offers a simplicity and clarity that’s often missing in our fast-paced lives. Make it a priority to spend time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, camping, or simply watching the stars from the roof of your van.
Rediscovering the Heart of VanLife
At its essence, VanLife is about adventure, simplicity, and the freedom to discover both the world and yourself. While trends may come and go, the true spirit of the movement lies in living minimally, traveling lightly, and embracing the beauty of the unknown. For those seeking a deeper connection to the original values of VanLife, it’s time to peel back the layers of luxury and rediscover what made this lifestyle so appealing in the first place—freedom, adventure, and a sense of awe for the world around you.
So pack your essentials, trust the road ahead, and remember that the real journey begins not with the perfect van, but with the desire to live simply and fully.
Be sure to visit these find folks online and join them on their #vanlife journeys.
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Listen to Jeff Wagg's review of this article on Built to Go: A Van Life Podcast.
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