Traveling down the open highway, resting at a different spot every evening, and starting your day with breathtaking scenery — this represents the perfect "van life" aspiration, as promoted by numerous individuals online. Some are drawn to this lifestyle due to their thirst for exploration, choosing to live out of vehicles instead of traditional homes. Meanwhile, others opt for van living because of financial reasons, particularly amidst the current economic challenges affecting many households.
Professional photographer Jack Anstey , aged 32, along with his companion Sarah, who is 28 years old and similarly works as a photographer, reside in their Citroen Relay van. They frequently spend extended periods of time traveling in this mobile home. Scotland but also travelling across Europe – most recently to Norway . “I’ve always had a sense of adventure,” said Jack, though he once led a more “conventional” lifestyle.
“I studied graphic design at university, lived in the Peak District for a while then moved home to Leicester and worked in a design studio for a year and a half. So I’ve done the living in a building, working a job,” he explained. “But I loved capturing moments, places and experiencing new things. Every weekend, I wanted to get away. It started off with Friday night, get in the car and drive to the Lake District or Scotland. Friends and I would drive to Germany for the weekend – meet up on a Friday evening, get there to shoot sunrise, sleep all day, do the same overnight then drive back Sunday for work.”
Initially Jack bedded down in his car, then upgraded to a small van. His adventures lent themselves to sharing on social media, and after building up a following and getting more freelance work, he handed in his notice in 2018, moving into the van full time. A few months later he met Sarah and the pair moved into a larger vehicle. Five years on, they still live in it full-time, storing what they don’t need for particular seasons at Sarah’s parents’ home near Glasgow.
The couple initially chose to fly when they went abroad, sticking to van life in the UK – especially in 2022 when a flurry of mechanical issues saw them spend £13-14,000 on repairs. But since then they’ve gone further afield, including to their dream destination Norway, taking pet cat Nyx and hiking mountains under the Midnight Sun.
'The manner in which we journey provides us with a distinct viewpoint.'
The British duo, Lee and Willow, crossed paths 12 years back when Lee, then 37, was pursuing his studies in Birmingham. Both had a passion for exploration, and Lee was particularly fond of van life. Together, they hatched a grand scheme: purchase an older Volkswagen model, restore it, transport it to the U.S., and embark on a journey across the country. This ambitious project unfolded gradually; during this time, Lee trained as a teacher while Willow enrolled in a mechanics program. Eventually, after refurbishing a 1976 VW Kombi named 'Ruby,' they dispatched it to New York to kick off their expedition.
The intention was to spend 12 months traveling—six months in the U.S., followed by another six in Canada—and afterward return to our normal routines," explained Willow, aged 33. However, things did not go according to plan. As winter approached and temperatures dropped drastically, they opted to move further south. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic left them stranded in Mexico where they lived among dunes with other digital nomads. One pair had embarked on journey across South America via the Pan-American Highway; inspired by this adventure, they chose to follow suit and began heading southward. Throughout their travels, they experienced various activities such as shark diving and witnessing an active volcanic eruption, even managing to adopt two felines en route.
Lee stated, "Our mode of travel has changed. People welcome you into their homes, offering a new viewpoint."
However, it hasn't come without difficulties, ranging from technical problems to finding themselves trapped on opposite ends of the globe during a worldwide health crisis. While some may assume that the pair just "decided to move," pursuing their aspirations took several years of preparation, including strategies to secure financial support for their desired way of life.
Before buying Ruby, they bought and renovated a house that they now rent out, later remortgaging to allow them to buy another small property. “The rent covers the mortgages and any left over is our main income,” explained Lee. The couple also make money by documenting their travels online and via social media, where they’re dubbed The Kombi Chronicles . On top of that, they live cheaply, staying overnight often for free, and do any work to Ruby themselves.
'I picture my sister beside me, relishing the adventures she couldn't have.'
Vanlife is frequently linked with epic journeys and distant destinations. However, this isn’t always the case. At age 24, Jessica Leigh had spent time aboard narrowboats, using her van for weekend escapes. Yet after her 27-year-old sister Steph passed away in July, she made up her mind to fully commit to van life. "Although I've been doing this just a few months, I'm sure it suits me," she stated. "Living on boats taught me how to be self-sufficient over the past couple of years, but vanlife takes it to another level. It allows me to leave anytime without delay, plus getting essentials is considerably simpler."
It’s also an ideal place for her cat Shadow, who accompanies her wherever she goes. "I'm certain that Steph is with me," she mentioned, "I refer to her as my passenger princess and picture her being present, relishing all the adventures she can't participate in herself."
Most of Jess’s time revolves around Wakefield since she oversees the operations at the California Café, located near exit 31 of the M62 motorway. "With my earnings covering all necessary expenses, living in a van remains inexpensive," she explained. "Plus, I have flexible working hours; provided I arrange for someone to fill in for me, I can take time out to travel." Recently, she ventured to Snowdon with her companion, Shadow, who waited in their van while she made the climb. By year-end, Jess aims to visit Whitby and explore the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. She also dreams about traveling through Europe eventually. Her ultimate aspiration is to journey across Spain, fully immersing herself in Spanish culture.
The truth hidden beneath the romantic portrayal
It might seem enchanting—partly due to the picturesque depiction of van living on social platforms. However, it’s not as straightforward as it appears. "Some people think we're incredibly fortunate," Lee mentioned. "Yet, this journey took us 11 years to build—it didn't happen overnight after quitting our jobs and purchasing an RV. A great deal of effort went into ensuring everything was properly set up."
Jack concurred, stating that social media fails to showcase the mundane aspects such as where one will take a shower or how to clean their clothing. He remarked, "We often rely on public showers, swim in rivers, or discreetly bathe beside our van using just a bucket of water when it's dark outside. Many seem to focus only on the vacation part of this experience and overlook the fact that in October, it might pour non-stop for two weeks in Scotland, leaving us confined indoors. This reveals numerous challenges that folks aren't ready to face."
Other practical hurdles involve tasks such as emptying a cassette toilet or monitoring water consumption, noted Jess. "Should something go awry when you're far from civilization, you must be ready," she further stated. "It's important to have several key tools—or at least roadside assistance. However, this is offset by always carrying your home with you. Additionally, it's convenient to have a restroom available at all times."
Considering everything mentioned, will van living last indefinitely? Although Lee and Willow firmly believe they'll never return to the UK, their intention is to purchase land in South America where they aim to establish a campground catering specifically to other van dwellers, alongside setting up a repair shop to assist individuals with maintenance tasks. Similarly, Jack and Sarah intend to settle eventually, though not immediately. "We both realize this phase is extraordinary and uncommon," noted Jack. "Therefore, we have no urge to leave anytime soon. Our focus now is simply enjoying every moment."
How to adopt the 'van life' lifestyle
What is the price of a campervan?
The expense of choosing to live in a van varies significantly based on several factors such as the type of van, its age, and your desired amenities. People often go for compact options like Citroën Berlingo or Renault Kangoo models—sometimes known as mini motorhomes—which might only set you back about $9,000 for an older unit similar to buying a regular car. However, newer versions tend to be pricier, along with larger alternatives. A Volkswagen camper could range from roughly $42,500 upward, potentially reaching over $85,000 for brand-new units. Larger motorhomes may even exceed this price point dramatically. Additionally, costs extend beyond just purchasing; consider expenses related to insurance, upkeep, registration fees, and gas consumption.
Where can they be parked?
In the UK, you cannot simply park your vehicle wherever you like. Similar to all vehicles, you must pay attention to parking regulations and avoid unauthorized areas such as private properties. However, several alternatives do exist: these include recognized campsites, public car parks that permit motorhome stays for the night, along with an increasing number of European-styled " Aires" where parking is allowed without offering the same amenities found at traditional camping grounds.
What is the ease of traveling internationally like?
When traveling with an RV or camper overseas, ensure you have both your passport and a legitimate driver’s license. Similar to the UK, locating permitted camping spots will be necessary. Additionally, securing a reservation for either a ferry or Eurotunnel passage would be essential. For extended European trips following Brexit, remember that UK residents may remain within the Schengen region for no more than 90 days per 180-day period. Should you require staying beyond this limit, applying for a visa becomes mandatory or alternatively, exit the Schengen area for at least 90 days before returning—a practice known among some nomadic travelers as "Schengen-hopping."
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