Freedom on Four Wheels: Welcome to Van Life
Over the past five years, one trend has been booming like never before: Van Life.
Before we dive in, let me say—I’m not a full-time Van Lifer, but I’ve had plenty of chances to experience the freedom that comes with life on four wheels.
My most recent adventure? Last summer in Portugal, cruising along the coast in a converted Fiat Ducato.
This article isn’t here to convince you one way or another. Instead, I want to give you some insights into the trend—maybe spark some inspiration, or help you figure out early if this lifestyle isn’t for you.
You’ve probably seen the videos, read the blog posts, or listened to interviews with people living part of the year in their van, transformed into both home and office.
Yes, the trend has exploded—but the truth is, Van Life has been around for decades. Americans were among the first to embrace this lifestyle, but now thousands around the world are taking the leap.
Living in a van, even for a few weeks, definitely isn’t for everyone. Forget the comforts of home. Forget space. Forget luxury.
Van Life is pure minimalism and adaptability.
Of course, there are sacrifices—but there’s one thing that keeps people coming back: freedom.
Freedom to sleep in stunning places without booking a hotel.
Freedom to work remotely with jaw-dropping views.
Freedom to move, explore, and live without boundaries.
So, who is the typical Van Lifer?
You’ll find freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, content creators—mostly millennials. The largest age group is 35–44, followed closely by the 25–34 crowd.
The most popular vans?
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Fiat Ducato
Ford Transit
Volkswagen Westfalia Campervan
These vehicles are usually converted in 3 to 12 months—either by the owners themselves or specialized companies.
According to stats from ThriveMyWay:
51% of Van Lifers live in their van full time.
Only 36% live alone; 44% share the experience with a partner or friend.
The most common way to take a shower? A gym membership.
39% use public restrooms, and 35% have built-in bathrooms.
But how do they work from a van?
For those who can afford it, the go-to option is Starlink—Elon Musk’s satellite internet system that connects you from virtually anywhere using a portable dish.
Feeling inspired yet?
Many countries are now seeing a huge influx of vans on their roads and cities. But the infrastructure isn’t quite ready for this nomadic wave.
Some Van Lifers get fined for parking in unauthorized areas or (rightfully so) for leaving trash behind. But the community has adapted—with tons of apps now helping travelers find safe, legal places to stay.
The most popular app? Park4Night.
Still, Van Life isn’t for everyone. It can be exhausting and stressful if you're not naturally flexible or ready to deal with unexpected situations.
But if you’re curious and want to try it out, companies like Escape Campervans, Outdoorsy, and Yescapa offer rentals of fully converted vans—or even private owners who rent out their vans like an Airbnb on wheels.
And here’s something else to consider:
Traveling in a van, especially in countries where you’d usually need to rent a car anyway, can save you a lot of money on hotels.
In the end, it’s up to you—will you taste the freedom of life on the road, or stick with the comfort of four solid walls?
One thing’s for sure: Van Life isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a real movement, and it’s opening up countless business opportunities around this growing community.
To those of you about to hit the road—safe travels and good vibes!
