Van Life - Woman Living in a Van for 3 Years to Save Money & Travel the World

L.J. has been living in her vintage 1977 GMC Vandura camper van conversion for 3 years while working a 9-5 job in HR. She bought the van for just $500 and enjoys the van life because it allows her to save money and live on a budget, but mostly she loves the freedom of parking wherever she wants, and of being able to travel on weekends.

She's recently quit her job and is planning to travel for a year in the van, and overseas to the Philippines and Indonesia.

We love how simple L.J.'s van is — no power, no heat, just the basics like a bed, a swivel seat, a cooler, and some books. She makes the lifestyle look easy although she does splurge during a couple of the coldest winter months to sublet an apartment.

Thanks for watching!

Mat & Danielle

PS thank you to all of our Patrons who support us so generously and a very special thank you to our backbone supporters: The Burgess Family.

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COMMENTS
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VIDEO CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.

Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives

Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives

[ambycakes]

I'm honestly glad more people are starting to find alternative ways to living and not just settling for having insane amount of bills because we're told we should

[crystalace]

Happiness is living your personal dream
Not fulfilling the expectations of others.
..this seems so relaxing and stress free

[garym]

I see nothing wrong with this lifestyle...shes not hurting anyone and she works and she is mortgage free...and if she is happy that's all that matters....thumbs up!

[rickynewman]

takes courage to live the van life, she deserves respect, FREEDOM!

[mikedempsey]

This women is smart. The power of time off is a life changer. I have worked a number of 5 year stints as a college prof & have taken 1-2 years off inbetween to travel. 42 countries so far. I got lucky & got a teaching position In London for a university in the USA at athier London campus & taught for 3 years, , , EVERY weekend I took a trip around Europe.Russia, and Ukraine were my favs. I am presently in the process of a van build. Now that I am retired I want to experience western USA for a few years. Living in an RV is liberating. Good luck to you young lady! ;-)

[SloanZurnToto]

I admire and respect your choice to live in a van.
Most people live their lives like a repetitive computer program, doing the same things every day, get up, eat breakfast, drive to work, spend 8 hours as a slave to make enough money to pay the bills, mortgage etc., drive home from work in traffic, get all stressed out, get home, make dinner, watch tv, go to
A very sad existence.
You are living a free life, a minimalist life, a simple life is the best way to live.
Bravo.

[BeeWildHomestead]

Wow I am going through the same transition, I just bought a van for $275 and plan to convert it and live in it part time for a year or two traveling the summer months and every weekend. While I work my 9-5. If all goes well I want to eventually live in it full time. Everything she said is exactly how I feel and I went through something similar when I was 15. Love her story 💕💚

[RobertLinthicum]

I love everything about this. I also respect that you have done so well with this van for the money. These posh van conversions one sees on Youtube are one thing, creativity and making due are another.

[TrustingYourProcess]

I think I have watched this video a hundred times because it gives me the confidence that this lifestyle is doable. I am moving into my van like her and keeping a day job. It feels a little strange doing this lifestyle but it calls me. A little nervous about what others will think but still moving forward.

[ginnylorenz]

Dear L.J., How wonderful to see someone who is creating the life she wants and needs to live. You are a lovely inspiration. Thank you for sharing with us. Love from San Diego, CA.

[NoProGoPronto]

She got the best deal in the world on that van. It's beautiful and very cozy. Way to go L.J.! You're living an awesome life. 👍🏽😃

[susannichols]

I really liked the way this was filmed. Excellent interview and to be able to see natural living in the van rather than a tour. Not to knock the tours though, I like those too, just this was really awesome.

[julzmio]

Love the fact that she does both...9/5 job but also the van life! I wish there were community out there of people that live this life style. Like small area like fields where u can park and live just like a community. Then u move again to join an other one and so on... how cool!

[loreneknight]

Wow...what you have discovered in your young life is HUGE! You are brave, free, joyful & an adventurer!!! What more could we ever aspire to? I admire YOU.

[gene]

It's ok to live a life others don't understand --- unknown

[Steven-rpzo]

I love this girl and her free spirit but I really hope she is safe and careful! Victoria BC seems reasonably safe for the most part. There are parts of California and BC Mexico where you DO NOT want to go out camping like this by yourself. Be free and have fun but NEVER be naive. It is a jungle out there folks, act accordingly!

[se]

This is YOUR life, live it the way you want too!

[vadiveeswarannadarajan]

Working as an HR and leading a van lifestyle is really inspirational. She taught me live as you like

[bobthebob]

I love the way you look at breaking life, living and working situations up in to segments. Good luck to you, wish I was that brave.

[barbaraaspengen]

You are enjoying your life thats GREAT you go Girl keep on having FUN when you get old you will have lots of nice memories for yourself