WHY DO I LIVE IN A VAN?? (benefits of living in a van) / Van life travel vlog
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- I get asked all the time about why I live in a van and why I decided on a van versus other RVs. The simple fact is that living in a van has some huge benefits especially the way that I like to travel with my van life travel vlog and showing my day in the van life videos. Mobility. Simple living. Minimalism. I travel solo in my van all around North America and so far, I like this van much better than the Class C I had. So let's chat about those benefits and why I choose to live in a van.
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★ My Story
Hi, I'm Amber and in May 2017 I started full time RV living. I started this nomadic journey after selling my house and all my belongings to pursue this crazy dream of traveling full time in an RV and creating incredible memories.
After 1 year of traveling, I sold my 26 foot Winnebago Class C RV for a more nimble Class B van on a Promaster 2500 chassis. Now in my 4th year of RVing in my camper van, I'm still loving this RV lifestyle and being a digital nomad. I almost always boondock in nature and really enjoy that off grid living.
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A rainy day on the beach is still better than a sunny day in a cubicle.
Love ❤️
Dog’s so cute and funny getting the jacket on.
I've been watching your blogs for a few months now and I'm now hooked on your daily videos. I just wanted to let you know how much I love your personality, warmth, honesty and your openness about your lifestyle. I live in England and have learnt so much from you about vanlife, the USA and also how to be a really decent human being. "Success is the other side of your fears" - I love your attitude to life. Keep doing what you're doing. You're actually such an inspiration to others and its just a pleasure to follow you on your travels 😊❤
Mentorship solves the 1 big problem in research: you don't know what you don't know! Haven't looked at your program yet but I'm certain you cover areas that are not even thought of because of your experience. For that I'm already grateful! Thank you!😺
Love your videos Amber! I’ve been a digital nomad for five years. Not having a physical address was a huge problem for my employer. I bought a condo a year into my travels but the HOA’s were high and I was hardly ever home. I also hated moving all my things each time I came home. It was great to have a home base because sometimes work was so busy I just needed to sit and focus and not worry about Internet and water. I ended up buying a deeded RV lot at Chateau Chaperall in Colorado. Now I can come and go as I need without moving my things, it’s secure and protected, A tiny house or any house on land can easily be robbed, destroyed or squared on if you’re not living there full-time, I didn’t want that stress. Here I have a community that I love and I have an actual, real address. Not all deeded RV lots allow full-time living, many are restricted to 180 days but full-time, year round living is allowed at Chateau Chaperall and OMG Colorado is so beautiful!
Amen.amen.amen. thank you.
First time watching and OMG Lilly is adorable.
Great info Amber! Loved the sit down and chat and totally feeling the blue and pink background lights. Looking forward to seeing you on the road someday!
Yay! Thank you! Let's get in touch so we can meet-up. I'm going to email you.
The “settling down” thing made me laugh. I think we are the most “settled” when we’re happy and I’m enjoying watching you and Lily discover the things that make you happy. It’s a big world out there, and we have a huge beautiful country right here too. Keep Story Chasing! ❤️🚐🐾
Hi amber. Love you and lily. Followed you here for awhile. Love these videod. Keep on keepin on. Thank you. You are duch a delight.
Great video Amber! Thumbs up on your "more freedom" message. I was not aware of the height restriction point you made (good to know). You are living the life most folks only dream of and you are an inspiration. I too have a five year plan (likely sooner) to transition to a nomadic lifestyle with a van or similar. Thank you for a great video and keep on truckin!
It feels like your videos have reached a whole new level of awesomeness. Self confidence and happiness looks good on you.
You took a risk and didn't look back - awesome! The American dream is an endless cycle of struggling to pay a mortgage you can't afford, as you go to a job you don't like, but you must keep in order to afford the house and the car that you are also paying on to commute to your job. Life is short and there is more to life than money. I resigned from a tenured university professor position five years ago. Seeking a slower pace and different quality of life, I moved to a small southern town. It's amazing how little I truly need. I am also a minimalist, and have regained my physical and emotional health. Keep looking forward and never look back!
I’m inspired Barb. Still a prof for now...
Amber, you are so comfortable speaking into the camera, and because of that it feels like your actually speaking to me ( us ) live and in the moment. Today 3/1/2021 is when I came across this video.
I felt at home with you and knew I was going to subscribe, like and get a bell notification. I enjoyed this vid your home and pup🐕.
I appreciated the realisticness of your explanation of how cold it was when you woke up.
I look forward to going back to your beginning posts and getting to know you and nomadic living. From Los Angeles , CA. Keep on trucking or rolling friend.
Really enjoy your show.
I miss the sound of the rain in a van.
Had to stop living the nomad way so I could take care of my mom.
I really cherish the time I got to spend with her till she passed away.
Now I live in an A frame home on 12 acres
Love your mindset, brilliantly explained in your video. Good luck.🙏
Love your videos so inspiring ❤
Have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy it
Good for you!!!
You are one of the happiest people I can think of & that makes me smile! 🥰
You exude what many people are longing for.
I really enjoy following your journey with sweet Lilly in your Van. So glad to see that your heart is soaring now after your split with your fellow. Relationships have some positive aspects (& heart wrenching negatives!), but freedom, peace & contentment are better! 👏
Comfortability is a new word for me!
I sold my condo last October and bought the Class C my mother and daughter thought I should have, rather than the Class B I really wanted. I've been in my RV full time since October, and yup, I've started hunting for a Class B, lol. I should have gone with my first want and not caved to family pressure. I live on Vancouver island in BC in Canada and I want to go off exploring the northern regions of the Island and my Class C, although beautiful, has awful clearance for gravel roads, etc. etc. Ah well, I we live and learn🥰 Thanks for setting such a great example😊
You're so welcome Michelle. Hehe..you sound like me. You'll figure it out. That area is so so so beautiful.
Peace… Shalom… Salam... Namaste and Thank You for All that you are doing to Heal our Mother Earth 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ☮️❤️
Breakfast looks good! Love your videos
Yes it looked very yummy I had to replay it 👍
I really enjoyed this video! I love my Promaster for all of the reasons that you stated. And you are glowing, so whatever you are doing, keep on doing it!
Strangely your color looks better with just the blue lighting.
Always choose JOY! You are awesome.
Yes! Thank you!
I know that there are single people living in larger RVs but I’m with you, a smaller vehicle seems way easier. Backing up, parking, driving BLM lands, etc. I think you’ve chosen just right, imho...and Lily approved too! 🐾 Keep Story Chasing Amber, I’m enjoying tagging along. 👍❤️
We have a 1700 sq ft house now in Maryland. We are actively working with a realtor in Tennessee to purchase land with no restrictions. Our plan to to set up a pavilion with full hook ups on it. Sell our house in Maryland and use Tennessee as home base. We have family in Maryland, Tennessee and Florida. When we do settle down it will be at our home base in Tennessee. No tiny home for us. The plan will be to enclose our pavilion and just live out of the Fifth Wheel inside the barn/ closed in pavilion. We are paying as we go so that we won't have any payments when we go full time.
If you get the chance Magnolia Beach in Texas is very nice. I just left that area heading to AZ. Thank you for sharing
Looking to be nomadic in 2 years, told hubby we HAVE to rent a hotel room once a month so I can soak in a bathtub and shave my legs..... lol. But we are looking forward to it once he retires
Just a thought, when I sleep in the cold, I sleep with a hat that covers my ears. It helps keep me so much warmer. Give it a try, I hope it helps keep you warmer. 😊
I really enjoyed this video. I'm sorry you weren't able to enjoy the terrific campsite you snagged. The rain really looked nasty. Stay safe and happy!
I love watching your videos..you are such a breath of fresh air.
So glad to see you doing some traveling. There’s so much of this country to see and to see all these RVers who stay west of the Rockys is so sad. When we had the Sprinter Vans, we traveled the country over. Yes, keep an eye on the weather for sure. Certain areas at certain times of the year need to be avoided, but all in all, it’s a big country. What we found helpful was to check out each state in advance to see what they had that we might want to see and do. Then we could adjust our time in each state as we traveled through. Have fun, and I hope the coming week doesn’t prove to be too bad for you. Look forward to your next video and how you handled the weather.
I don't know if this is an idea worth considering but instead of a tiny house how about a small plot of land? Its undeveloped and thus after the price of the land is paid you only have a small (hopefully small) property tax to pay. The land being undeveloped means its cheaper on the taxes. Then all you have to do is park your rig there and live out of your RV. You could have like a shipping container or other structures which aren't technically developed on the land. It would be cheap and simple.
Great info as always Amber. :)
You are spot on Amber! I am 6 months into my full time RV lifestyle. I did a ton of research on every class of RV before deciding on and purchasing my class B van. You absolutely give up some comfortability but the freedom is unmatched. Everything in life requires tradeoffs so you have to decide what's important to you. I still question this lifestyle almost every day because it does present some unique challenges. That said - I stick with it because those challenges are opportunities for growth. And quite frankly, I know no other way in our society to get this level of freedom.
@Steve JK. I’m researching Vanlife too. Interested in knowing what van/class b you are living in.
Couldn't agree more with you about consumerism. I was cleaning my house & dusting all my accumulated stuff while watching you Live on Saturday. I think I need to start my 5 year game plan soon. I need more freedom!!
Lilly's rain coat is so 😍
Great points on the van choice.
Don't "settle"... until you are completely ready. You'll know if the time is right... when the time is right.
Get your self a hotwater bottle with a lambs wool cover. They stay warm for hours. I put it behind my back when sitting & find I don’t need to use my heater.
Yes, the Van is the way to go. Love your background lights.
Yes this kind of life interest me but when I will do it not sure. Although I love viewing videos of people who live their life like yours so I am going to sub you too. God bless you & keep you safe on your journeys. 😊👍🚙💝
I love your term of "golden handcuffs" - it makes sense! Keep doing what you love Amber! :)
Yes! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your story. I can totally relate to the "freedom" concept. I just bought my first van after owning a Class C for 3 years. I needed the ease of mobility as well as the savings on gas. Would love to have you as a guest on my Yappy Hour livestream (Thursdays at 8pm EST) sometime.
you should try international travel in your van! think you would love it
That would be cool! I want to, but my little dog is getting old and doesn't do well when I leave and not sure about flying her even in the cabin so I might have to wait until she passes. :(
I love Lily! I find your videos very helpful and inspiring. My husband and I are planning to start full time van life after we retire next January and can’t wait. Thank you!
That is awesome!
What kind of van are you looking at getting? I’m in the market too and retire soon.
I keep changing my mind but currently the Coachmen Beyond is at the top of my list. It's a bit longer than would be ideal for parking but there's two of us and dogs so we probably need the extra room
I love your van an how it looks inside! I like it better than an rv. Love that I can live my dreams thru you. I'm 59 an disabled an if I had the money I would be out there traveling. Love how you actually help us feel like we are there too! You are looking slimmer on your videos girl. I like you whatever size you are. It makes me so mad when people say things about your weight! You do you boo. People like that are either jealous or low self-esteem. Take care an keep Story-Chasing.😘
Totally understand. We too came to the coast for some boondocking. Nope. Staying in a rv park until it ends
Hey Amber, could you please do a video on how you like or dislike Xscapers, and Harvest Host, and Thousand Trails. Thanks a bunch! Keep chasing
Grt8 your able to travel & enjoy life while your healthly. Those Hymer units are too expensive for most of us. Definitely around your 50s one cant stand the winters. Buy a small place in Arizona then bug out when it gets too hot. Gas is on the uptick, pricey to be on the road full time. A lot only rv travel part time, too many crowds. Lilly is fortunate to have a mom like you. Keep chasing stories, love the title.
I really like this video because I'm in the research stage and do not have a rv yet! Good tips and suggestions. Thanks & Blessings ~Sidney Anne
Can’t believe it’s been 3 yrs since you got your van! I remember when your first video popped up with the picture of your van. I always wanted to buy a class C but decided to get a van after watching your channel.
I know!!
@Sandra P. Wondering what kind of van you got. I’m doing my research & ready to purchase on. I just can’t wait!!!
Janis Mink haven’t gotten one yet. Have to sell my house first. 99% sure I’ll get a Coachmen Beyond because it has a sofa in the back that converts to a bed. Have back issues so sofa is a must have. They offer a white interior option too which is what I want.
So true about filling space. I had a big house and you tend to fill all the spaces. Now retired and in small condo and I love not having a bunch of stuff.
Hi Amber our weather has been all over the place very hot, humid and wet all in the same week. We would be on the road at the moment however I had an issue with an eye around around about the time you spoke of yours, mine however has turned out to be a little more sinister, so everything is on hold at the moment,. I am just going to tag along with you on your journey be happy stay safe cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🦘
Barry Watler 😊 I hope your eye is okay Barry!
I thought I was the only weirdo that puts cinnamon in their coffee lol.Grinding whole cloves and cinnamon sticks with coffee beans is tasty also.
Hi Amber, great video! If you were to choose a van/rv today, would you make the same choice or have you seen some models that you would prefer now?
It makes sense that a van would provide more options for where you can go. We have a class C and it does limit the places we can go. We travel with a disabled elder so this is our best option for now.
Lol I just noticed that you change your background setting/ location in the. van. 👏
Great video :)
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi Amber! I enjoyed your video very much. Thank you for it! I understand your reticence regarding truck campers and height and I wonder what is your opinion is regarding pop-up truck campers. Stay well. :)
Just found your channel. Like it a lot. I wonder how you make a living now (income)?
Where is your favorite places to park? Parking lots, campgrounds, or BLM? Is it a combination?
Good morning Amber! I thought I was the only one who talks to my dog as if she is a human LOL Though rainy and cold, there is that view out of your van ;-) FREEDOM...that's the key word here
You too!! Hey...when you live alone you have to talk to someone. Do you tell Sugar you're sorry too for things? lol I do.
@@storychasing Yep, all the time LOL And during work WebEx meetings, I mute myself and ask her "what do you think co-worker" and she always says "woof" aka YES! lmao ;-)
Trade offs...you are so wise.
I like my 15-19 mpg in my Roadtrek Simplicity compared to my 6-9 mpg in my old Jayco Greyhawk class C. Have fun on the East coast.
I do like to see your videos but this one was a commercial for your corse, which I assume cost money to join. I’m just saying.
🏁Emergency instructions🏁Cold & Rainey for one week- Insert key and drive away!😂
Good points! Especially with width in construction zones. That gives me the heebie jeebies in a car!
Sweet doggie.
I’ve definitely fallen into the downsizing and minimize lifestyle. Working towards it takes a lot of effort. We have to finish our careers because I can’t work remote in my job and it’s the only thing I know how to do 🤷🏼♂️. Hopefully 5 years to go. We won’t do a van because we honestly looked. It won’t work. We’re looking at a B+ on a Ford van and I can make it 4wd 😊. We’re looking forward to it.
I want to sign up for your bootcamp mentorship but I am not ready right now to make the leap. I think its about a year off. Should I wait to to the bootcamp now or should I wait until I am closer to pulling the trigger?
I would love to start this journey. Just can’t afford it right now and my credit history i ugly . 😫😫😫😫
EVERYONE says "I just cant afford it right now" .
Even a tiny home is a big maintenance and tax expense. My desert land taxes just went up again 100% and I can't even get there without 4WD. It looks good on paper and on the map, but there are no homes for miles because the roads are full of washes.
Nice to have a home base...but you still would have to pay the taxes on the land..plus when you leave ur place you still would worry is everything ok..like people breaking into it..if its out of town and no neighbors to give ya a call....
Lilly is so cute she's ❄️ cold
She needs warn cocoa with marshmallows along with you ♥️
What about a B+ is that also more restrictive? or the same as a C? I am seriously considering going full time for a couple years. Not sure what kind of rig to get
A update of questions or challenges faceed by your former students...text, emails, & phone updates?👍
Class C limits where you can go and where you can park.
You make it sound so amazing. I hate clutter and spending money on things you just look at and don’t use . Lol
What do you do about income? To be able to live that kind of life
My wife and I are thinking about selling everything can you please tell me how you make enough income to live this kind of like style?
Way to go eating that healthy food!
I don’t think u were nuts
I'd live in a van if I could but I'm pretty sure my wife would leave me lol
Keep up the great work:)
You look so pretty in the blue light! And love your healthy b reakfast! It makes me hungry! 're minimalist tiny home! Good for you! It's always a process to change our thinking but you are well on your way. Somebody like Nomadic fanatic filled his house full of stuff! 😔 chase the dream!
Why not buy electric blanket? They dont use much electricity. You move around way to much to benefit from anything but a van
Gbenro Oduyela 😊 I'd have to turn the inverter on which I don't do at night because it drains the batteries and also I'd have to store the blanket somewhere in such a tiny space. Lastly, I just don't need it that often. Thanks for the advice though on it.
Is your lemon water cold, warm, or hot?
Ginny McKee 😊 It's cold.
horrible company...of course they will treat you well as long as you give up your life to them...good for you being smarter than them...
🙂👍🙂👍🙂👍
Why do you live in a van? Because it's cosy. 😆
This was extremely informative and has really give me pause as to which RV I would want. Thank you for sharing.
I agree on the van vs space and comfort. After all what good is limited comfort? Kevin introduced the Storyteller and I love the Beast model. This one has a shower and a few other creature comforts without the limits of a larger profile vehicle. The downside is the price of all those amenities. It’s nice there are options available. Little Lily in her raincoat is so cute. She didn’t seem to mind the rain. Back to work and the gold cuffs.
@Ramina I’m researching Vanlife & am settling around the ST Classic. I do like the Beast but it’s a bit ostentatious for me! One of my daughters live in NYC. And my stick & bricks has a HOA that doesn’t allow RV. Hoping the white of Classic will help blend in. Anyway, are you happy with your ST? Thanks
@@janismink4282 Hi Janis, Did you mean to post the comment to Amber? I don't have an ST Classic. Maybe repost to Amber for her comment on the classic?
Oh it was someone named Kevin you were referring to. Sorry!
i live vicariously through you.. great vlog today!!
Glad you enjoyed!
Have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy it