Is the Thrilling Van Life Lifestyle for You?

In Michele Lamelin’s article, “The New American Dream,” the phenomenon of #vanlife is explored, capturing the spirit of adventure and freedom that comes with living on the road. This lifestyle, embraced by a growing number of people, is more than just a trend; it represents a shift in how we perceive the American Dream.
Traditionally, the American Dream has been synonymous with owning a home and having a stable, conventional life. However, for many, this dream has evolved into something more fluid and mobile, symbolized by the hashtag #vanlife.
Living in a van allows individuals to connect deeply with nature, reduce their environmental footprint, and embrace minimalism. The #vanlife community is diverse, comprising everyone from young digital nomads to retired couples seeking a simpler way of living. Their stories often highlight a desire to escape the constraints of traditional living, opting instead for a life filled with travel, exploration, and personal growth.
Lamelin’s article delves into the motivations behind this lifestyle choice, sharing personal anecdotes and practical insights from those who have made the transition. For many, the allure lies in the ability to wake up in new, breathtaking locations, from secluded beaches to majestic mountains, every single day. This freedom and flexibility are at the core of the new American Dream, reflecting a desire for experiences over possessions.
The article also addresses the challenges of #vanlife, such as finding reliable internet connectivity, dealing with limited space, and maintaining a steady income on the road. Despite these hurdles, the #vanlife community remains passionate about their choice, finding creative solutions and forming supportive networks to help each other out.
We invite you to read “The New American Dream” and reflect on what this lifestyle means to you. Do you have a #vanlife story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your comments below after voting, email your story to asjstaff@adventuresportsjournal.com, or tag us on Instagram @asjmag and use the hashtag #asjmag. Your stories and insights will contribute to our next issue, where we will explore this evolving concept of the American Dream even further.
Join the conversation and be part of a community that values adventure, simplicity, and the boundless opportunities that come with life on the open road.
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Main Photo: Freedom Vans founder Tom Doran and partner, Kyleigh Rogers, take life to the road in their Sprinter van with pups, Cleo and Moby (Devon Balet Photography).
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I have an 87 Westphalia and I sleep in it 3 days a week for work and then it’s awesome when we go on paddling trip. Don’t know how I did without my Westy 🙂
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Helping my son build out his 2010 sprinter.
That’s great! Send us pics and let us know how it goes. 🙂