The Odens, a couple from Arkansas, have been living the ultimate camper lifestyle for the past two years. They sold their house, car, and everything they couldn’t pack into their camper and hit the road to explore the beauty of America. They wake up in a different ecosystem each day based on their whims and Mother Nature’s mood. Their story is a testament to the growing trend of “van life” that has become popular in recent years. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this trend and the pros and cons of this lifestyle.
Following the pandemic, there has been a rise in the popularity of the van life movement. People looking for ways to experience the open road, state parks, and campgrounds have ditched their possessions for a minimalist and spontaneous lifestyle. This trend has shown staying power since; Bankrate.com reported that in the United States, the numbers have increased by 63% in just the last couple of years, with 3.1 million wanderers in 2022, up from 1.9 million in 2020. On the other hand, ThriveMyWay.com, a website for budding online entrepreneurs, puts the number of van lifers considerably lower. Regardless of the exact number, most van lifers take advantage of their ability to work remotely post-pandemic and monetize their content on various social media platforms.
Cody and Kellie Oden’s lifestyle is a testament to the rising van life trend. They ditched their possessions and are now living a life on the road in their camper. Their camper has a full kitchen, a 45-gallon water tank, and a cozy living space. For the Odens, the biggest factor in deciding where to stop is the weather. They often find themselves driving for hours to escape the heat or rain. Their camper has never been an issue for them, as they wanted to be together and have something they could do every day. They have their fair share of disagreements, but being together has made their relationship better.
There are several advantages of the van life lifestyle, such as flexibility, spontaneity, and the ability to be close to nature. People who favor this lifestyle love the freedom and independence that come with it. However, there are some downsides, such as limited living space, maintenance costs, and the lack of a permanent address. Van lifers must be prepared to give up their luxury and privacy as they opt for a less conventional lifestyle.
- Van lifers often rely on social media and sponsorships for income, hence the increased popularity of YouTube channels and Instagram influencers
- Van life is not just for the young generation; it is a lifestyle that appeals to people across all ages
- People have been living the van life for decades, but it became more popular during the pandemic as people looked for less crowded alternatives to traditional vacations
- Van life can be expensive, with the cost of a fully equipped camper ranging from $40,000 to $200,000
The van life lifestyle offers a unique, nomadic way of living that appeals to a lot of people. It comes with its advantages and disadvantages. In the end, it boils down to one’s personal preferences and priorities. However, it is safe to say that the lifestyle is here to stay, with more and more people choosing to ditch their possessions and hit the open road.
The Odens’ story showcases the beauty of van living, with its spontaneous, free-spirited nature, and the ability to explore the world without any restrictions. It is a brave decision to make, but many have found it worthwhile, and it has become a growing trend in recent years. While there are downsides, the sense of freedom that comes with the lifestyle is unparalleled. As the proverbial saying goes, “home is where you park it.”
