{"id":149055,"date":"2019-10-29T12:00:53","date_gmt":"2019-10-29T16:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/?p=149055"},"modified":"2024-06-17T18:47:11","modified_gmt":"2024-06-17T22:47:11","slug":"campervan-life-traveling-working-remotely-digital-nomad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/telecommuting-survival\/campervan-life-traveling-working-remotely-digital-nomad\/","title":{"rendered":"Campervan Life: Traveling and Working Remotely as a Digital Nomad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Updated March 2024<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual Vocations contributor and millennial digital nomad, Eric Schad, outlines his best campervan life tips for traveling and working remotely as a digital nomad.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campervan life isn’t new, but it\u2019s certainly become a lifestyle more accepted by millennials. Only 25 years ago, Saturday Night Live<\/em> presented a take on van life that always gives me a chuckle. Chris Farley portrayed a motivational speaker named <\/span>Matt Foley<\/span><\/a>, who famously told his subjects that they\u2019d end up in a “van down by the river” if they didn\u2019t change their ways.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To the Baby Boomer generation<\/a> and even later generations, the thought of living in a van was synonymous with failure. Today, it\u2019s becoming more and more common, especially for digital nomads and seasonal workers searching for new experiences while building their resumes. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

“Van life” has amassed huge followings on both Instagram and Pinterest, endearing the lifestyle to young professionals and adventure seekers. But like many other types of alternative lifestyles, campervan life has its rockstar side as well as its drawbacks. Before you set out on the road, here\u2019s everything you wanted to know about working and living in a campervan.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Choosing Your Campervan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most pivotal aspects of campervan life is <\/span>choosing the right van<\/span><\/a>. Several factors play into this decision including your level of minimalism, desire for extra features, and practicality. In addition, you\u2019ll want to make sure your van has been recently serviced and is free of mechanical defects and flaws. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A visit to a trusted mechanic should put your mind at ease and uncover any potential problems that would deter you from purchasing the campervan.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Another often overlooked aspect of van life is whether to purchase a prefabricated campervan or build your own. Prefabricated vans are more expensive, ranging from $10,000 to six figures. However, these vans are professional quality and provide many of the features you need or want. If you don\u2019t have much faith in your carpentry or electrical skills, this is the obvious choice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although building or retrofitting a van may seem like a nuisance, it gives you the opportunity to design every facet of the campervan without compromising. For the best results, purchase a cargo van or work van that acts as a blank canvas. Once you\u2019ve found one that\u2019s mechanically and cosmetically up to your standards, a carpenter and electrician can help you draw sketches and blueprints. If you\u2019re a jack of all trades, you can do this on your own, but don\u2019t attempt any projects you don\u2019t feel confident about.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are numerous digital nomad lifestyle myths circulating. Learn what\u2019s truth vs. fiction from a veteran digital nomad.<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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Must-Have Features for Your Campervan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because you work and live in your van, you\u2019ll need some extras whether you\u2019re buying a prefab van or retrofitting a van on your own. Here\u2019s a breakdown of must-have specs for both living and working.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living Features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n