General Van Life

Join van life gatherings and meetups through platforms like Vanlife Diaries or Facebook. Use Meetup to find local events wherever you travel. Choose community-oriented campgrounds over isolated spots when feeling lonely. Volunteer with Workaway, take local classes, maintain video calls with loved ones, or consider traveling with a pet for companionship.

Use mail forwarding services like Escapees for decisions on mail handling and USPS Informed Delivery for digital previews. Opt for paperless delivery of bills and statements. Employ virtual mailbox services with street addresses for packages and arrange general delivery at post offices for temporary mail receipt in planned towns.

Use mail forwarding services like Escapees, Dakota Post, or PostScanMail that provide a permanent address and can forward mail to general delivery at post offices or temporary addresses. For packages, use Amazon lockers, UPS stores, or general delivery at USPS locations. Digitize important documents and opt for paperless billing whenever possible.

Avoid geotagging sensitive locations to prevent overtourism and wait until you've left an area before posting. Share sustainable practices and realistic views of van life. Respect local communities by asking permission before photographing people. Use your platform to support environmental protection and advocate Leave No Trace principles.

Utilize mail forwarding services such as Escapees, Dakota Post, or PostScanMail for a permanent address and mail forwarding. Opt for digital statements and paperless billing. Securely store scanned important documents in encrypted cloud services. Keep essential physical documents in a waterproof, fireproof container, and use a trusted family member's address for packages.

Common reasons for giving up van life include financial strain from unexpected repairs and rising costs, relationship challenges in confined spaces, loneliness despite online communities, logistical fatigue from finding essentials, extreme weather conditions, health issues requiring consistent care, career limitations, and family obligations or completing their van life journey goals.

Select health insurance with nationwide coverage, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans, and consider telehealth for routine consultations. Choose a home base state with favorable insurance, often South Dakota, Texas, or Florida. Keep digital medical records, use apps like GoodRx for prescription discounts, and explore travel medical insurance for international travel.

Create a daily routine for structure, practice mindfulness with apps like Headspace, and maintain social connections through video calls. Engage in van life meetups for support and establish a relaxation space. Spend time in nature, keep a journal to process emotions, and consider online therapy for professional support.

Attend van life meetups found on Meetup.com and Facebook groups, and stay at community-oriented campgrounds for better social opportunities. Use apps like Vanly and iOverlander to locate popular areas. Join local activity groups, volunteer, take classes, and engage in online forums. Keep your outdoor setup inviting and share meals or skills with neighbors.

Maintain health insurance with nationwide coverage or travel insurance with medical benefits. Use telemedicine services for non-emergency consultations. Carry a 90-day supply of prescriptions and keep digital copies of medical records. Research urgent care facilities along your route. Consider a mail-order pharmacy with nationwide delivery. For international travel, investigate international health insurance options.