Van Life - Couple Moves From Apartment to Camper Van Full Time
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- Meet Shelby and Simon - a couple of creative wedding photographers from Ontario, Canada who are going to be living in a van, with their dog Champ, for the next 2 years.
After downsizing for months they're finally taking off on their van life adventure and plan to drive across Canada and the US, earning a living along the way as digital nomads (working online) and working as wedding photographers during the summers.
Follow their journey at: / shelbyandsimon
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
![[Re:all TREASURE] EP.6 in 방콕ㅣ🚩 쩡캠의 방콕 투어 빵 마이 와이 👍](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uyFw-nItA_s/mqdefault.jpg)
"A lot of the best memories you make are the ones you never intended to make in the first place." Favorite quote ever.
Alex Smith AGREED
ERIKA DOWDY that sounds way to cheesy
do u still have the van
Meet Shelby and Simon - a couple of creative wedding photographers from Ontario, Canada who are going to be living in a van, with their dog Champ, for the next 2 years.
Also check out their TH-cam channel here: th-cam.com/channels/zOdwGHROHbeJgJgxl0XP8w.html
Van life : why work a hundred times more than you need to in order to pay for a hundred times more than you need !
Stanley Roper I lived out of my van for two years and it was easier done than said.....crazy as it sounds. It was luxurious. Mr Roper... Don't be Mr Roper dude he was negative curmudgeon.
Linuxx Jesus why so hostile ? Living out of a van is easier done than said it is nothing short of luxurious
Exploring Alternatives This plan cost me my wife. She took a bus back across America. Now it's just Winnie (my pit) and I in Colorado. I wish you the best with this. I hope your chick stands beside you when things get tough as they tend to do.
They BOTH seem more than capable of independently holding their own. Not that that aspect is our business :)
Just amazing. Incredible even. A Dodge working past its warranty.
+solobackpacking way way way past it's warranty
They don't make them like that anymore
Its a 1992 i has to burn oil its inevitable all of their engines did
its before the Italians, FIAT, took them over so naturally, it is very reliable.
When you said, "there is now way in hell you are doing this trip without him", the dog. I immediately liked you. Loyalty is a precious virtue. Have a great trip. Happy for both of you.
3SeasonNomad my dog loves me more than himself
I'm happy Champ is coming. Dogs are great teachers on how to live in the moment.
Lots of peoples the Dream house is like huge mansion in some beverly hills are where there is a huge view from the bedroom windo, man, THIS IS MY DREAMHOUSE ~~! A Old Van With Everything I Need To Live Life Happy !
I Love To Travel And This van Would Open A Big Door For Me And My Friends
Incredible!!! You guys are doing what most people want to do.... to break away and be free to a life on their terms . I am working to wards my adventure also...not there yet but, it's coming. You two are great.
+Hercules Thanks for watching and best of luck with your adventure! :)
+Hercules I am with you too shortly!
I keep seeing so many of these vids and I am starting to fall in love with this idea of care free living on a budget but most of all, the traveling and being a free spirit. Thanks for sharing
yeah
@@thesimpledevil4817 u a bit too late
@@AmAr-mr5dw u 3hrs late too lmaoo
@@thesimpledevil4817 I said u late cuz she commented 4 yrs ago
Londa it's a good way to save money. No rent!!🙂
Wow, these guys seem have it pretty much perfect. A really well equipped van, and the ability to keep working on the road. Let the good times roll.
Jonathan B Yeah for sure, they have a pretty amazing set up! Kinda wish we had a bigger van like that now :)
Jonathan Bm
I respect these two so much more than other in a van. They seem to have a better van suited for living, saved money before to last, but still working.
i love these vids...i get to see that there are normal type people living small and it makes me want to do it
Watching these videos make me rethink going through 6 yrs of schooling just to be stuck in a 9-5 job... I'd totally rather be traveling the world gaining experience
Emily Bellerose watch their channel for an honest opinion of what this life is like. It has been very hard for them.
I lived in a van like this for four and half years it was great!!!
but why did you stop doing this?
Pavlo Mishyn I guess it could be eg. Child
Emily Bellerose am ready when you are
that's a really sweet camper van. so much bigger inside that it looks!
Rachel Schell Like the TARDIS
tiamat2009yt Well, it is blue. ;)
You are going to love it, I did it for 25 years, enjoyed every minute of it, now I am retired living in a high mountain Mayan village in Guatemala... for a fourth the cost of USA living.
what an amazing couple. excited to follow their adventures. And for those who told you guys to leave your dog behind as he's too old to travel; that's the worst advice I've ever heard! You guys have the right spirit, he should be by your side on this adventure. Good luck to you both.
chrisengletx Completely agree with you! Thanks for the positive feedback :)
Just stumbled upon you youtube channel. Put a great smile on my face....I have always wanted to do something like what you are doing...I had a eurovan when my kids were small...and now they are grown and gone. You 2 just gave me motivation to get back in gear and pursue my own dream. I am a retired military officer and my last dog's name was Champ! I now have a boxer name Kaos....note to self...never name you dog something that you don't want him to emulate. Finally, I live in Saint Louis Missouri.(St. Charles.) so if you ever decide to head down into the heartland of the US....let me know.
Hey guys, I drove a tractor trailer cross county for six years when I was young. I love what you're doing. Stay safe and Rock On!!
I love this! I am also from Ontario, and love seeing and finding fellow Canadians who are actually doing the "van life". I am so completely in love with wanting to do this, and me and my fiance have went from a huge house, down to a bachelor/studio apartment, and hoping to fully convince my fiance to want to do this full time. I constantly research and watch van life videos and blogs all day. So happy for you both! Enjoy it all
Dogs rule! Your dog is gonna have the time of his life!
I'm glad for them but I'm thrilled for Champ. Dogs don't want to be left behind any more than a child would. Secondly, he is going to have the same experience his owners are. People just don't know dogs. Have a great time, Champ. (I like people but I like Champ more.) Awesome!
+SandiRose27 glad people are down with this, we've been having a hard time convincing friends and family that it's a good idea, I think they just don't want champ to leave.
+Shelby and Simon My old dog did a cross-country trip with me last year, 3 weeks by car and camping. Doing it again this year to celebrate her healing after tumor removal ( not cancer!!!).
+Shelby and Simon If you don't do it now, when would you? Run with it while you're young. Champ will be your sidekick and early morning alarm clock!
+Sandra Nelson Young is better but, old works, too! Just returned from a weekend jaunt with my 14 year old Weim. We love making new friends and epic memories.
SandiRose27 that's right why wouldn't they want to take Champ? People are crazy! Have fun Champ! 😊
It's cool that you guys met up with Shelby and Simon. I've been subbed to their channel for some time now. They are awesome and great photographers and editors too. Happy and safe travels to all! 🚐😃
Exploring Alternatives You found yourself some frontier spirit in a blue van!
Loved them and their van....................
Toni MacTavish Thanks for watching :)
+Exploring Alternatives hello please i plan to move to a campervan, and i really liked tis what type is this?
+Daniel Elijah it's a Class B motorhome based on a 1992 Dodge.
I envy you your youth and the confidence to know that you can live together happily in such a small space.
The very best of luck to you guys.
Wonderful couple with the sweetest dog!! Another job well done!
What a fabulous couple!! I LOVE that they refused to leave their dog behind!!
Great vid! What I don't understand is why anyone would give you guy's thumbs down except that they envy you! I know I do! Hope nothing but good times for you two and your awesome dog!
I did this for two years it was and is the best times of my whole life,I'm 65.....amazing keep on your pony
Just discovered your channel. You guys are awesome! Kudos to you for chasing your dreams...and taking Champ with you. He will be fine! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your videos. Stay safe!
this is going on my bucket list
what a lovely video! really like their story but also want to express my appreciation for the way you guys shot and edited this, its lovely :)
Laura van Langen Thanks so much! It was A LOT of work editing everything but I think I'm really happy with it now. Thanks for watching =)
Yay! Glad you are taking champ. I traveled with my aging Rottweiler. Had to make a ramp for the RV but she loved every minute of it.
Adventures of Mr. Chin Cool, I'm sure they will be happy to hear that :)
I plan on saving money to do something like this in the future; live life to the fullest!
+amartinjoe awesome! Thanks for watching :)
@@ExploringAlternatives any updates on these two people?
wow how time flies I started following them cuz of this video , watched there trip ,and watched them split up , I still watch simon , but only occasional posts from Shelby on her instagram , that trip they took was awesome to say the least , and champ is the best ,take care
5:15 had that Black & Decker coffee machine at my parents house. every morning when I was a kid that thing going off on its built in timer was my warning that dad was about to be awake and soon it was time for me to get up and get ready for school. learned how to make coffee on that thing.
+wysoft isnt it amazing what we remember as kids I am fifty something and I remember bits and peices of my childhood, they come back to me when I hear stories of others childhoods or old commercials or whatnot.
+TheRosa63 yeah, I still remember quite a bit of childhood stuff as if it happened yesterday. I've always felt bad for people who seem to not remember a thing from their childhood with any bit of detail... unless their childhood was horrible, I guess.
actually that thing had one of the best thermos built in, I have never found one that works as well as it did, other than the old classic 40s style steel Thermos units. it would keep the coffee HOT for most of the day, sometimes still warm the next morning. the original broke a few years back, my dad actually managed to order a replacement on eBay, but shortly after the whole machine stopped working.
I think that thing ran for nearly 25 years, every morning. my bedroom was on the top floor and I could still hear the BEEP BEEP BEEP at the end of the brewing cycle, around 5:30am.
This channel is a constant reminder for me to continue to live life on my own terms. Thank you for videos like this. ❤
Great video! I am a van dweller from NYC, who loves your channel! (Love Shelby & Simon's channel, too.) Keep up the amazing work!
So glad for you both have a good time and being you are photographers is a real bonus. Please ,Please make it a habit every so often to check on the venting on the refrigerator if gas and on the gas stove and there connections. . Enjoy your young life.
+drohegda yeah venting is important to us, we have a lot of vent fans and automatic venting setups.
+jeremy dryden yup. first things we installed, and a fire extinguisher. we learnt our lesson with the last van ;)
Meetups!!!! Awesome guys. Im subbed to both channels.
Dan Travels Very cool, thanks for watching Dan :)
Fantastic...so glad you are doing this trip...That`s is living life...yes it might get hard or difficult at times but don`t ever regret your choices....too many ppls are living life without the exciting and great adventure/freedom that this will ever give you.
tkx
Simon wearing a "Simon says" T-shirt ! Haha !
Cool video, as usual ! :)
***** Haha, hadn't even noticed that! Thanks for watching =)
Great video. Best wishes to you all on your adventures! We've full-timed for 18 months and it has been on of the best decisions of our lives. Not without challenge, but highly rewarding.
so you guys are photographer and living in a van.. you guys my life goals :(
I like this couple a lot, they made their own documentary about living in their tiny home. It was very informative.
You two are so lucky, hopefully some day I'll be able to talk my Wife into a tiny house.
aww yeah metoo man
Forgive me if you have already talked about this idea. If you find that empting a black tank is too much trouble you should look into a composting toilet. I use one inside my house as a way to be more green. I like the use of solar panels, I find that a single battery will last a long time when just 12 volt lights and fans are used so your setup should be golden. BTW truck stops have a wide variety of 12 volt stuff. I am sure you already know that.
Always love your videos, so well done... Been following you and Shelby and Simon for some time... Thanks for sharing!
***** Thanks so much for the positive feedback!
Can we just take a moment to appreciate how beautiful these wedding photos are?!
+Zanahoria Love thank you so much!!! check out our website if you want to see more www.shelbyandsimon.com
Hi from Ottawa. I'm so jealous I wish I could do this. Not gonna happen with a 5 year old but man when he's older I can't wait to hit the road. I have 13 years to convince my wife to join me lol
Wow! Amazing how airy & comfortable it looks inside. Hard to believe its a ’92.
Thanks for a great profile. They are a charming, intelligent couple, taking charge of their life.
I really like their big van. They have all the house systems in order, and can really live in it, long term.
Bonus Points for the dog!
Happy Camping
Nice van! It's not feasible for me, but I admire those who actually go the full distance.
I'm so in love with this van!!! I need to find a way to work on the go!
Your videos are great! Wonderful editing - there aren't dull points and it isn't overproduced. The background harmonica music is wonderdul!!
Beautiful van, beautiful plan!
Another great book to read is by William Least Heat Moon, called Blue Highways. Really fun to read. Hard to put down. His journey takes him around the US and he finds unique places left behind after the building of the interstate highway system. Good luck with your travel!
Wow! are they ever ready for their journey. They have covered all the bases.
i owned a rather similar van,,almost exact,,this i lived in for over 10 yrs while accessing work in vancouver,,i am a mechanic and boat builder,,i just wanted to say u have the right van,,nothing beats this model,,
Thanks so much for the interview guys. Really awesome editing work. This is so cool!
+Shelby and Simon Just subbed you......checkout my channel too !
ENJOY....THE SIMPLE LIFE
Shelby and Simon You're very welcome, you were both great!! Thanks again :)
Like that you guys are so open to the misadventures that likely turn into the best adventures in life!
Loved it, looks like they are enjoying it. "...I love people, but I love my dog more." lol
Lucus Kane Haha! Yeah, that's a great quote! Thanks for watching =)
my husband wants to do this for 6 months. We are a family of 4. love this.
Jack Kerouac's legacy still lives on to inspire yet a new generation of vagabonds:-)
Mankind lived for thousands of years as NOMADS. Kerouac didnt do anything special.
@@leelizardwilcox6271 ...But Kerouac knew how to write about it and turn it into a art form...he was much more than just a nomad.
@@davidcrago510 He wasn't particularly skilled or good at writing, he just happened to write about a topic that became very popular in the following decades among a certain demographic.
@@RandomPlaceHolderName ...Of course you are entitled to you're opinion on Kerouac's writing...but there are many established writers...critics...professor's that wouldn't agree with you. And it was Kerouac's skill and talent in his writing that made that topic so popular in the coming decades...it had a giant influence because it was so well done. Just like Charlie Parker...John Coltrane...Miles Davis, influenced so many musician's years later...it was because their playing was so good and on the cutting edge...like Kerouac's writing. But again to each their own.....
@@davidcrago510 It's just counter culture stuff. Had he written his 200 page books about any other subject, no one would know about the man... much like the other beat generation authors. Also, you may want to brush up on your syntax.
"You guys can't live in a camper van." Haha, My girlfriend and I are hearing that a lot lately. We just bought an RV and are in the process of selling off A LOT of our stuff to live full time in our RV. People get way too attached to nice, big, shiny things. Once you let that go, and trade it for life experiences, adventure, and exploring it really becomes quite easy. Who needs a $300 toaster and granite counter tops? Not us. Good luck guys!
+Deif Brett thank you! getting rid of stuff has become an addiction now. downsizing constantly
It looks like fun for a matter of months or perhaps a few years. Go out and see the world. But there is no substitute for financial security and having a place of your own. You are only young for so long.
Good going Simon & Shelby !
Yall have fun & be safe !
ENJOY....THE SIMPLE LIFE
"This is where the poop comes from" *runs away*
I love this guy even though I'm only 1:30 in 👌🏻.
I being a retired mechanic will advise you one tip, preventative maintenance is your best money saver.
Don’t go cheap. Fix it or have it fixed correctly. If one engine belt goes bad, its time to change them all.
The bed would be very close to the ceiling, it seems.?
You seem like really nice people, I wish you well on your adventure.
Kindest Wishes from New Zealand.
The bed is pretty close to the ceiling! It took a while to get used to it but it's really cozy now
Wow!! Amazing.. Just loved the way they are living their life to the fullest!! Gid bless!!
Can you do a video on older folks living tiny?
The best memorys you make are the ones you never intended to...i like that
Great job!!! We were so upset when their first van caught on fire :(
Cruzin Castles I know!!!! What a crazy thing! It's good nobody got hurt.
How do you prevent this thou..is it because of the stove or all the electricity running
Excellent! Looking forward to following along with their travels. The van is perfect!
Interesting but seeing how they went from a bachelor apartment to a 1992 dodge camper and work as wedding photographers during the wedding season gets me thinking there's a different reason for doing this lifestyle other than the allure of 2 years of road tripping.
+Killer2600 They talked about how they have enough money saved up to live the whole 2 years even if everything else (the photography and airbnb gig) fails. They're both responsible adults, with various jobs and projects, they choose to live well below their means and that has allowed them to be able to travel for two years with financial security.
Its amazing what you can afford to do when you don't live you're life trying to impress people with big apartments and expensive cars
You're stretching what was said by quite a bit. It was said they save up enough money to do an entire leg of the trip before they do it; not that they saved up enough for 2 years of road tripping with no income.
And my comment is merely my observation but mind you a very logical one. You don't have to not "impress people with big apartments and expensive cars" to be in small apartments or have cheap cars for a reason.
+Killer2600 You're right, I misunderstood how much they had saved up, my bad
Still, you turned them saying "we wanted to see if we could live on a bachelor apartment and, when we realised we could, we wanted to try to live and travel on a van" into a value judgement of their life choices by implying that they did it out of necessity cause they chose to be wedding photographers among other smaller jobs.
Sadly, this is a common thing when people choose to live simply if they don't come from a super wealthy background. The whole "they're just poor" sentiment is too common if your story is not one of a millionaire that got fed up with office life and decided to live simply
Davidgzmn True it is easy to conclude what was done was out of necessity more than desire (they're just poor) but how often is the case of the person living out of a car one of desire vs one of necessity? Granted this couple isn't in a car but the same logic applies. One has to also ask themselves, if your well off, desire to live simply, and intend on traveling do you buy a used 23 year old dodge camper van or do you splurge on something a tad bigger, newer, and/or more reliable? Keep in mind you're planning on traveling coast to coast in this thing that you will call home for 2 or more years.
Killer2600 Thats the attitude we need to get rid of , the whole "if they can afford it why not go with something bigger/newer/more expensive". The real question is, why should they? If you can travel and live in this camper perfectly fine, why waste more money in a newer/bigger one when that money could instead go towards the trip itself? If you can live perfectly fine in a 1 bedroom apartment why should you get a bigger one?
Were used to being dissatisfied with what we have, used to being told that we should always go with the newer, bigger, more expensive version we can afford, when we could be living a much simpler and less stressful life by living within our means or even way under our means like this couple do.
We are told to be ashamed if our apartments/house is smaller than our peers, to be ashamed if our cellphone if a few years old or if our clothes are not from this season. To be ashamed if we buy a used car or if we don't have a big tv and go have dinner in expensive restaurants.
When we realise that we don't need to keep chasing promotions with more stressful hours so we can buy the newest cars and a big apartment and expensive clothing, then we can truly focus on whats important for us.
It's really quite surprising how little room you really need - as long as you have a table to eat in / use your notebook on.. a bed to sleep in, a kitchen and a bathroom.. what more could you want. There's the great outdoors.. and it's really cozy on a stormy night inside as long as it's well insulated...
The only possible thing you'll really start to miss is a nice long bath ... trust me on this.. I REALLY miss them...
Oh.. P.S. Re mechanical failures.. make sure you're totally paid up with the full package of CAA.. it can save your hide...
I'm more interested in how some people who do these sort of thing have a source of income while travelling. I mean, do they do online job? blogging? marketing? commissions? Or maybe they do work while staying in one place in a restaurant or something?
+StringStorm Here's a link to a video explaining how we make money while traveling in our van: th-cam.com/video/qaQmnTlnnqw/w-d-xo.html
I think Shelby and Simon saved some money and they will also be working as photographers while travelling to earn extra money. Thanks for watching :)
+StringStorm And also something about air bnb from a distance
+StringStorm and that's the rich version of it... Beautiful van but it must be twice more expensive than my whole year trip van included!
+StringStorm They literally explain their work situation within the first 3 minutes of the video.
gambling
Absolutely spot on guys. You are, right now, living the life I have drempt of for many years. Well done I sincerely hope every morning is the beginning of a new and wonderful experience for all 3 of to share. I hope god keeps you safe on the roads and keep you from societies not so desirable element.!!!
Awesome, love this :)
Best camper van I've seen yet! Have fun on your adventures Shelby and Simon!
What a dream . Hope the splitting up thing is just troll lies . Seem a cool couple .
They did break up though. Seemed like their ideal lufe evolved separately and Shelby wanted to stop the nomadic life/vanlife, and Simon wanted to continue vanlife/try boat life.
Good for the both of you. Enjoy yourselves to the fullest!!!!
the most canadian thing i have ever seen? a guy named Simon with a SImon says tshirt on.
I feel happy for the dog too! Not many dogs get the chance to travel across the country like that. With my dogs, I make up for it with fresh Salmon (Omega 3) and walks through the neighborhood.
Do you park it down by the river?
+80hitultracombo if we can find a good spot totally!
+Shelby and Simon Chris Farley would be jealous.
Been a van dweller for 4 years now I think it's the best decision I've ever made I told myself after I graduated High School I was going to travel for a year and go back to college never had the time to go back to college yet I don't regret any of it
Not zombie proof?
I doubt that zombies could get in there.
Paranoid..to much watching garbage
Don't fear mechanical failure worst case scenario you will learn a new skill! Awesome van and great travel plans this is very cool!
Those exhaust gasses from the batteries can not be good for you.
+Brandon Jackson Hydrogen gas?
+Elsuntan
Yes hydrogen and oxygen which means they could explode if not vented properly.
+stan west ^
I think they did vent it properly in the sense they actually stored it in a properly covered wooden box.
I have the same goal to do what these guys are living. I can't wait to get my M109A3 RV conversion done! It was originally "converted" by the previous owner but the way he cut corners and how he set it up kinda sucked and because of that it was cold in the winter (I stayed in it for a year or so in my driveway) so I've gutted it, installed a raised insulated floor, and painted the walls & ceiling. Now I just need to install the basic amenities like water storage & plumbing, A/C & heat (I have a nice propane heater & an 1860's Jewel potbelly wood stove), solar (I currently have a temporary setup from Harbor Freight & two 100 amp deep cycle marine batteries), and a few other things and then I'll be ready to roll. I think a TH-cam channel documenting the rest of the build and my van life is in order.
Here's some pics of the previous setup from when I was staying in my driveway.......
www.imagebam.com/image/22d7a9434203319
does it have a shower ?
+TheTastyChicken Boss Yes there is one in the very back :)
Living simple but LOVING life!
Okay its all cool until the macaroni farts start.
You read my mind
they have fan
and doors and windows
auxiliary trans. cooler, filter and aux oil filter will put off a world of major mech repairs in the future. This van was very prone to over heating. Spare hoses and clamps plus belts will come in handy, as will a decent set of tools. A 25 yr old van needs a little TLC. My van experience was in TX surrounding states.
Life lesson: don't become a wedding photographer.
+purewonka lol
This is awesome. I traveled over 200k miles in a Ford Expedition with my dog and a CAT over 2 years time.... Well, actually she was a CatDog. They both jumped in when they were called, except for Newark, the armpit of the USA. Too scared to even leave the vehicle, like me. Awesome times. and now you have GoGo In-flight Wireless. :)
Not smart to take a 25 year old van across the country hauling all that weight on that shitty engine
The 318/360ci dodge motors are actually incredibly tough and reliable. I have a 1990 dodge B350 camper that I would trust to take across the country. It is all about preventative maintenance. Well maintained = no problem.
I've put 50K miles on it so far, no drama from the engine. She pulls all day long. Check your info.
+JamesJudasPriest: There will be problems with any vehicle that old. Hopefully nothing too serious. But be prepared for the worst because electrical systems deteriorate and water tight seals tend to fail at that age causing all sorts of problems.
Greetings from New Zealand. Well done for making this decision. Hope that your travels are full of happy adventures, and these lead to marvellous memories for the future.
Awesome idea!!! that van must have cost a bright shiney penny . God bless to you both happy, healthy & safe travels
I am getting ready to get something to redo myself. I love the layout of this van. The fact that the bed is up is genius and gives you so much more room! Since this video is quite old I will look to see if you guys are having amazing adventures. The best of luck to you. Go Champ! Oh, I also follow the guy that introduced you. They have some great tips too! Here's to van life!