What is the first thing that hits your mind when you hear the term “Van Life.” Do you think that is the best lifestyle of all time? Or do you think you should try it at least once in your lifetime? Well, whatever you think of a nomadic lifestyle, it is never an ideal lifestyle. This is the sad reality. And, of course, there is a reason behind that. First off, it is expensive. Very expensive, in fact. You might wonder how a nomadic lifestyle is more expensive than a normal one.
In a normal lifestyle, you have easy – and sometimes free – access to the basic requirements of life. This includes access to the following essentials:
- Water
- Internet
- Food
- You have a roof over your head.
- Electricity
- You are engaged with the local community, who are always ready to share a helping hand.
Looking at these essentials, you may think these are ‘minute’ things. Well, if you look at it from a nomadic perspective, you will see that these are not for free. As a nomad, you have to pay for all these. The worst-case scenario? You can not even find them. In the wilderness of a jungle, you will barely find electricity. To cook your food, you will have to hew trees. It is laborious and, most importantly, dangerous. You may end up losing your life.
Van Life is a “Glorified Homelessness”
Natasha Scott is a 29-year-old Atlanta-based nomadic lifestyle enthusiast. She has spent years and years in the wilderness. Of course, she has enjoyed every bit of solitude that a van life offers.
She spends the dawn at a beach and ends up her day in a jungle. Out of nowhere, she sees – and enjoys – the ecstasy of mother nature. Likewise, she is “free” to go wherever she wants to go. What she wants to eat is all set for her in no time.
However, there is a flip side to it as well. Things are not easy for her as a nomad. To begin with, she is uncertain about her life. There is no one to look after her if things go south. She has to do everything on her own. Everything.
After 10 years of experience as a nomad, Natasha calls van life a “glorified homelessness.” Fair enough! She ended up becoming homeless after all those years of wandering with no purpose.
So, the next time you think of van life, look at the flip side of the coin. Do not let the sense of freedom go astray. Or, you will end up being a homeless chap in town.