I've been getting this question a lot, so I'm pinning this comment & my response along with it :) I'm currently traveling with some savings I've built up. And since I've started posting consistently, I've been making some money from this channel. My hope is that over the next few months, I can get this to the point where it's my main source of income. It also helps that my living expenses are pretty low living this lifestyle :)
Lots of vanlifers are quiting because they bought into the illusion that making youtube videos would be their only stream of income, and its not as easy as they imagined. Many of them came to realize that they were working 12 hr days creating content and it became an exhausting chore. Please find what you love to do, discover a gift or talent and make a career of it, and it will not feel like a job. This aimless travel lifestyle as a content creator will get old and tiresome. Find your passion and go for it with your whole heart.
@@LizaKay0109 Hey Liza, thanks for the concern! Creating videos has been a passion of mine for 10+ years. So much so that I have a bachelor's degree in film & television and have continued to create videos for fun for many, many years now (many from my teens have been deleted because I was too embarrassed to have them online). Combined with a true love for travel, this is me doing what I love and attempting to make a career of it :)
@@LizaKay0109 Everything gets old if done consistently with no changes - including marriage and living in homes - so what works for one person doesn't work for everybody. Some creators are quitting vanlife after a few years because it was a phase and other creators have been living this life and are still on UA-cam a decade later. No one knows anyone else's journey. All any of us can do is follow our hearts and be open to changing things up when that desire shows up.
@@julia_dutra you tell her!! Its not "aimless travel"... if its so boring and pointless, why is she watching your videos? This IS alot of peoples passion. Follow your dreams and good luck making it big....
*TIP* Don't put your stuff into the dryer in a big clump straight from the washer.. if you give each article of clothes/towels a quick fling or shake individually, then toss in dryer. I guarantee it'll cut your drying time by 3 fourths and they will A lot less likely to be wrinkled when you take them out of the dryer
Ive been doing "van life" for about 6 months. While there are definitely things i miss (unlimited water, internet and in house laundry) you do adjust. People adapt incredibly fast to new situations and it just becomes normal.
@@julia_dutra A 5G capable cell phone can give you internet in most cities/town. You can turn on the wifi hotspot function and it will act like a router and you can connect you're TV/Laptop to it and stream movies. Finding a plan is alittle tricky they tend to limit data and charge alot but I've got a Consumer Cellular data plan for $50-60 a month and so far it seems to be sufficent for watching a movie or two and spending a few hours surfing the web during the workweek. If I spent the weekend in the Van I'd probably need alittle more data.
Cracker Barrel restaurants let you sleep overnight without getting the knock. Truck stops such as Pilot, Loves, T/A etc., allow overnight parking in the front where other cars and vans park. Don’t park in the actual truck parking area. Also the ones I named have excellent showers and most have laundries.
I've stayed at a Cracker Barrel already, it's definitely a great option! Haven't gone with truck stops yet but knowing that they have showers and laundry is great. Thanks for the tip!
I was an over the road trucker for several years. I miss that life some days. Bathrooms: sometimes I'd wake up having to pee, but be parked at the back of the truck stop, it's super cold out, raining, whatever - I had a small bucket for that. I had my cat on the truck with me with me, so I always had kitty litter. I'd put in a plastic bag, throw in some kitty litter, and take care of business.
I have containers for drinkable filtered water, like what you refilled at Walmart. I also have containers for plain old tap water, which is easy to come by, that I use for washing dishes and myself, but that I don't want to drink or cook with. So I use less than ½ gallon/day of filtered water and don't need to fill up often.
Girl get a 'bog in a bag' toilet. It's a tripod fold out stool with a hole in the seat. You put a bag over it and some sawdust or urine gel crystals, and it swells up. Pop it in the trash. Great for emergencies.
You'll be just fine chocolate thunder...the key is to be comfortable when you sleep ...if you sleep well and comfy in your ride then you can handle the rest
I use a old Windex bottle with light soap and water for cleaning dishes and such. I clean the majority off with a paper towel and then spray the light soapie water and wipe with a dish towel. It works so good. I also use it for cleaning my hands. I've been living in my van for 11 years and I lived in my Nissan for 6 years before the van.
Life is short! Everyone's idea of an adventure is different. :) I stumbled across your channel and though we lead two different lives - I'm cheering you on!
You can be comfortable in a car or suv or van if you make a good sleeping surface. I have a chevy express high top. I do fine with a fluffy rug on the floor an air mattress and soft quilts or comfortors for sleeping. I live in a warm climate and do fine with a small fan power station and 12 volt refrigerator. I use black out curtains and can easily move into the drivers seat if i need to relocate from one area to another efficiently. Keep it light simple and convenient. I camp and travel with two tiny toy chuahuas. Were a happy trio.
I'm older and have back issues I was born with. I would need a van where I can stand up and definitely a potty. Even a 5-gallon bucket with a seat and a lid is better than going to a business for me.
Dude this was relaxing to watch,I get soooo paranoid with other van lifers freaking talking loud specially at night ! Like do they not realize people walking by can listen to them? Ick !
The purple pitcher (PPAid) is the best thing I’ve found for going on the go, it’s anatomically perfect for women’s physiology. Combine with a chux pad for additional security catches any splashes and pour into a jug for later disposal. I appreciate your tour and walking us through a day in the life. I am practicing for the day when I can no longer afford to pay rent.
Advantage of being in the States is that are contrasting climates which must make it a better for choosing where to be in certain seasons as you say. In the UK you wouldn't want to be in Scotland in the winter but even in the extreme south it could still be pretty cold.
Very true! There are a few winter "spots" here that I'll be checking out over the next few years that we only have thanks to how big this country is. Can't imagine being limited to such a small area during the cold winters 🥲
I ALWAYS find water spigots near gas filling stations - it's USUALLY free - may need an inline hose filter or filtration pitcher - works well for bulk water (cleaning, bathing & cooking)...
This is a great video. One thing i would say as just an onlooker and never having done van life before, wouldnt it be easier and less stressful on you to find somewhere to park the van so you didnt have to move so much? For example, a public parking lot within a couple minutes walk from the gym, shopping and where you go to do work. Stay there for as long as you can until someone tells you to move. It eliminates being worried about where you are going to sleep that night and spends less gas etc.
Anyone in cold environments I suggest a mr heater propane heater. On low setting it can warm your vehicle, high if it is extremely cold. You will have to crack two windows though. Because it will shut off if the oxygen level gets too low. On low setting a 20 pound tank will last two weeks
I wouldn't do that without a carbon monoxide detector. Even with a window cracked it can be extremely dangerous. I'd recommend a deisel heater for overnight.
That was a great video..So much infomation in it..I'v lived in Charlotte for years and i loved it..I'll be coming down there soon this summer for a while..If ur in ohio feel free to stop in and camp/hang out a few days in my back yard..And we can look over ur van and make sure it keeps running good for you...BeSafe..
I love your channel and your videos. I wish you and success in building this channel. Keep giving us some great videos. you stay safe hydrated and And healthy.
Nice video! You are living a great life! We have something in common; traveling in a Toyota Sienna minivan. We have a 2022 Sienna XSE Hybrid but the big difference is that we tow a 3,000 lb. travel trailer with ours! We bought the van in Jan. 2022 and the TT in Nov. 2022 and since purchase of the RV, we have travelled to 25 states and put almost 16,000 miles on the RV. Our longest road trip was from central FL to Washington state, and back in the summer 2023. We have gathered tons of content and will be posting videos on YT soon documenting our travels. Take care and safe travels!
I live in a mini-van during the workweek and go back to my condo outside of commuting range on the weekend. The secret to camping in the city is stealth. I don't go to the sleeping spot until dusk, I black out all the windows and I have headphones so I can play music movies without making much noise. I also have a 6 am job so I leave the sleeping spot by about 5:30am before alot of people wake up. I like to park on residential streets at night because its quieter and safer and I can park my minivan almost anyhwere if I'm stealthy its alittle harder to park on the really rich streets those people are more picky. If I had to park somewhere for the weekend I might drive alittle more outside of the city to a park or forest.
When I first dreamed of such a life, there were no minivans, no super-stores with gigantic parking lots, national gym memberships, etc. As close as I got was an early 1970's mini pickup (Datsun, Toyota, Mazda, Ford Courier) - mine was a Mazda B1600 with a canopy (topper) and a carpeted plywood platform over the wheels. If I'd stretched out completely it would kick the window out of the canopy lid. ;^) A few nights in the cold, hunting for a bathroom, air mattress deflating, cooking in the rain and the dream didn't excite any more. If it could have worked for me, income would come via street busking or solo lounge gigs - folk music on acoustic guitar was still popular then. Fifty years later, there is still an appeal of van life - not overnighting - but traveling - something more comfortable to rest while on a road trip or to lie down while taking my spouse to a long doctor appointment or shopping. Glad your video came across my recommended feed. Do take care and be safe. Hoping you have a network of friends and fellow travelers to practice community safety. That would have been a real problem for me - a flaming introvert who prefers the mountain top or deep woods experience where not another soul is in sight.
@@julia_dutra Not really, but thank you. Back in that day, us folksters had a few lifestyle heroes - I really liked Woody Guthrie and Arlo Guthrie - tales of travels and singing original songs about their experiences. I remember being impressed by Arlo's rendition of Alice's Restaurant and the City of New Orleans. There was a movie of the same name Alice's Restaurant that depicted some of the life style - albeit a comedy and with drug references which I never did. I was a clean cut kid on the tail-end of the hippy culture. It would never have worked for me because of need for creature comfort and being straight-laced.
Liked your video so much I subscribed. ^_^ I do the library thing too. Visible is great. I was on Mint mobile and they say unlimited data but it is unusable once you reach the cap. On Visible I have never had that happen. One thing I noticed with using Visible as a hotspot is that it only allows one connection at a time. I've been on the road since 2013. Yay van life!
Glad to hear that you've been having a good experience with Visible too! Didn't know that it could only have one connection at a time, but I guess I haven't had the need to test that at all, haha. And wow, 2013! That's super cool!
An interesting and informative video. There seems to be many options for travellers/vanlifers when it comes to getting access to essential things like water, restroom and laundry facilities. As you are currently traveling in cooler places do you ever have issues with things getting damp inside the car from condensation build-up?
I am currently in cooler spots, anywhere between 30-50 at night! Have only had to wipe the windows because of condensation a handful of times. I crack open the back windows while I sleep to avoid that.
I just watched your one video about getting the SUV (what a headache) & then heading out to Zion. Can't believe y'all made such a small space work for 2 for a month!
You are a treasure Julia🌻 Well done. I'm subscribing. You're sweet and calm🌷 Ive been vanlife living for 2.5 decades! During covid i got an oceanfront studio condo in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida yet i live 20x more by living vanlife style. I also have a Toyota Sienna and keep it simple, clean, organized, and it's not difficult and offers a lot of freedom💥 Sending you waves of calm love🎶 Great presentation Julia👍👍
If it doesn't break tour budget at $80 a nite. And rhey're all geoss, thou. S of peep used thwt mattress. IcK. They never was the pillows or spreads. They r speed cleaned to save $, only right once a yr. Noisey air and no open windows. Use a germ spray and neVer use the bedding. Drag in your own.
I’m doing a build rn and getting my van ready because my lease is ending. The goal is to save enough to capitalize on my new business in Dallas. I appreciate the insights. Keep me posted! Subscribed 🥂
I think the weather would be a big issue, especially the heat cars can get so hot. I don’t think I could ever live in my car in the summer. I’d rather be in my car when it’s cold cause I can always bundle up.
Love the video! You should try putting down a layer of dry ice wrapped in some butcher paper at the bottom of your cooler. The ice you pour over it will stay solid and cold for a ridiculous amount of time, especially considering how well insulated that cooler is. A trick I picked up camping one 4th of July. Stay safe out there!
Great video 😊👍🏽💕🇦🇺 Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 Have you thought about tinting your windows ? It will help shield you a little more 👍🏽 it’s like sunglasses for your car 😊
Happy Thanksgiving! The back windows are a bit tinted already; the front windows not so much. I'll have to look into it because it seems like the laws vary from state to state.
Except in some super-sunny states you have to keep the front side windows and of course the windshield untinted, but can tint all you want from the second row back. Dodge even sold a version of their minivan that didn't have windows behind the driver's compartment, just as cargo vans don't. @@julia_dutra
OMG someone else n a 1st gen sienna!! I just started about a month ago in mine. Build is really coming along! Its all ways great to find inspiration from others but very few people use our van so happy to have found this! Peace
Have you seen those collapsable mini washing machines. Very small but it might be useful. Just to was out one or two items would dry fast on a sunny day. I like the mini washer , I think it cleans well. Might save you money.
I think that saves much space for people, using public restrooms. Also a much healthier option. And for food for me i would probably find public food sources such as restaurants to save space for storage and bedding. My ideas might not be conventional, however food goes bad really easily, so snack food stuffs, might be the best option for me.
Honestly...some kind of toilet... even just 4 emergencies is a must and makes the difference between living in your vehicle and merely existing. With all the options, there's no excuse 2 not have one. Like auto insurance....it only takes neading it and not having it once, 2 make you regret not having it.
New subscriber here. I enjoyed your video & your experiences shared. Before I ask any questions, I’ll check out your past videos for info. Stay safe, stay healthy, cheers, Mo in NJ
i use the $50 round amazon single use portable toilet fyi. great footrest and not uncomfortable. ive heard the square seat ones are more comfortable but cant confirm.
I have no shame bringing my gallon workout water jug into planet fitness and refilling it every day before I leave. I also just finally got over my lifelong phobia of using public water fountains... haven't gotten sick yet! Lol
New subscriber, looking forward to seeing your adventures. So excited to see young people living their dreams. Got married, kids, career at a fast pace when I was young. I do enjoy watching vanlife vids. Hubby is 6'6" so vanlife is really not for us! What do you do for income? I will probably go watch some older videos and get some answers.
I would like to get a camper for my truck bed but I'm headed on doing it. But if I knew somebody that I can tag along with that's like-minded and travel all over with the person that would be great.. I definitely bring my best friend my old dog. LOL
'Unlimited' is what you call an 'advertising term of art'. MANY cellphone carriers use the word, but none are truly unlimited. Visible's 'unlimited' hotspot is unlimited up to the 50gb limit. That's why you use public libraries! Hotspot is great, though, isn't it? It's so cool to be able to watch a Netflix movie in your car, or look something up on the Web quickly.
Just looked at my current roaming period... 1.4TB cellular data & 1.12TB hotspot used 😅 And these days, I tend to go to Panera more than public libraries. Love using my hotspot (clearly, as you can tell from those numbers haha) 😊
Wow. 1.2TB of hotspot! You DO love it. And such a nice lady wouldn't lie! 8^) My own plan promised 'unlimited' tethering but warned that it might slow down after 30 gb. When I hit 30 gb it stopped dead for the rest of the month! Maybe Visible is different. I'm gong to give them a try! All the MVNOs cost about the same, but truly unlimited hotspot AND the biggest 4g/5g network, for the same $25/mo., is a good deal! I'll let you know. 8^)
I know it's difficult to find a spot to clean up dishes but try not to dump grey water and bits of washed food scum on commercial parking lot pavement.
A small spray bottle with a mixture of water and vinegar will be easier, faster, and you won't need to run your drinking water low. No need to rinse either. Try it. It's how I washed my dishes while traveling the country in my Prius V for 16 months til June.
Hi julia How do you suport your self doing van life. You look happy living your dream, do you miss your friends ,family or get lonely. Stay safe as long as your happy thats all what counts 😊 Love the gym idea you get to work out and get your shower 🤗
Hi! Currently traveling on savings I built up & making some money from this channel, which I'm hoping will be my main source of income going forward. I don't feel lonely at all, I like being alone and doing my own thing in life :)
@@julia_dutra good for you,I hope you have great adventures. I'm the same love my own company I'm what they say a loner 😂 but I like it that way. Thanks for the reply and enjoy your day 🤗
Be glad you went south, lol. Virginia is freaking cold right now! I love Charlotte! There is so much to see and do there. This was the first video of yours I've seen. I'm going to subscribe and watch your adventures unfold. Stay safe!
Hi. I’m new subscriber Thanks for the iOverlander tip and great suggestions on how and where to get things done lol. I’ve just sold my house and bought an older conversion van. Going over it mechanically and cleaning it up and will be heading out on the road soon. I’m retired long haul Trucker and looking forward to this new adventure. Maybe see you out there. 👍🏻✌🏻
What do you do exactly to make money? I'm always impressed with today's youth, stepping out on their own to be independent on their own terms.
I've been getting this question a lot, so I'm pinning this comment & my response along with it :) I'm currently traveling with some savings I've built up. And since I've started posting consistently, I've been making some money from this channel. My hope is that over the next few months, I can get this to the point where it's my main source of income. It also helps that my living expenses are pretty low living this lifestyle :)
Lots of vanlifers are quiting because they bought into the illusion that making youtube videos would be their only stream of income, and its not as easy as they imagined. Many of them came to realize that they were working 12 hr days creating content and it became an exhausting chore. Please find what you love to do, discover a gift or talent and make a career of it, and it will not feel like a job. This aimless travel lifestyle as a content creator will get old and tiresome. Find your passion and go for it with your whole heart.
@@LizaKay0109 Hey Liza, thanks for the concern! Creating videos has been a passion of mine for 10+ years. So much so that I have a bachelor's degree in film & television and have continued to create videos for fun for many, many years now (many from my teens have been deleted because I was too embarrassed to have them online). Combined with a true love for travel, this is me doing what I love and attempting to make a career of it :)
@@LizaKay0109 Everything gets old if done consistently with no changes - including marriage and living in homes - so what works for one person doesn't work for everybody. Some creators are quitting vanlife after a few years because it was a phase and other creators have been living this life and are still on UA-cam a decade later. No one knows anyone else's journey. All any of us can do is follow our hearts and be open to changing things up when that desire shows up.
@@julia_dutra you tell her!! Its not "aimless travel"... if its so boring and pointless, why is she watching your videos? This IS alot of peoples passion. Follow your dreams and good luck making it big....
Collect the melted ice water to boil for the dishes. Save your water a little bit.
*TIP* Don't put your stuff into the dryer in a big clump straight from the washer.. if you give each article of clothes/towels a quick fling or shake individually, then toss in dryer. I guarantee it'll cut your drying time by 3 fourths and they will A lot less likely to be wrinkled when you take them out of the dryer
Dry towels and jeans separate from the light things Use the extracter .When warm dry outside.
@@Warmfireandtea what's an extractor???
She didn't have a stiffed dryer. They will fluff just fine
you sound like my wife !!!!
That’s a good tip. I’ll definitely try that.
Ive been doing "van life" for about 6 months. While there are definitely things i miss (unlimited water, internet and in house laundry) you do adjust. People adapt incredibly fast to new situations and it just becomes normal.
Agreed! I definitely notice myself getting more and more comfortable each day.
@@julia_dutra A 5G capable cell phone can give you internet in most cities/town. You can turn on the wifi hotspot function and it will act like a router and you can connect you're TV/Laptop to it and stream movies. Finding a plan is alittle tricky they tend to limit data and charge alot but I've got a Consumer Cellular data plan for $50-60 a month and so far it seems to be sufficent for watching a movie or two and spending a few hours surfing the web during the workweek. If I spent the weekend in the Van I'd probably need alittle more data.
Cracker Barrel restaurants let you sleep overnight without getting the knock. Truck stops such as Pilot, Loves, T/A etc., allow overnight parking in the front where other cars and vans park. Don’t park in the actual truck parking area. Also the ones I named have excellent showers and most have laundries.
I've stayed at a Cracker Barrel already, it's definitely a great option! Haven't gone with truck stops yet but knowing that they have showers and laundry is great. Thanks for the tip!
Yeah if you want to pay $16 for a shower😂
I was an over the road trucker for several years. I miss that life some days.
Bathrooms: sometimes I'd wake up having to pee, but be parked at the back of the truck stop, it's super cold out, raining, whatever - I had a small bucket for that. I had my cat on the truck with me with me, so I always had kitty litter. I'd put in a plastic bag, throw in some kitty litter, and take care of business.
I have containers for drinkable filtered water, like what you refilled at Walmart. I also have containers for plain old tap water, which is easy to come by, that I use for washing dishes and myself, but that I don't want to drink or cook with. So I use less than ½ gallon/day of filtered water and don't need to fill up often.
Girl get a 'bog in a bag' toilet. It's a tripod fold out stool with a hole in the seat. You put a bag over it and some sawdust or urine gel crystals, and it swells up. Pop it in the trash. Great for emergencies.
Absolutely. It works. I've used only gel and it's amazing.
I like the sound of that way better than the trash bag and a 5 gallon bucket
I can’t believe this about to be my life I am nervous but exited at the same time I am sharing my journey as well you seem so cool and down to earth
I'm excited for you!! Enjoy it, maybe we'll see each other out on the road ✌🏼
It's scary but you can do it! I'm 6 months in and you adapt quickly (it can be very scary at first but you'll be a pro in no time!)
You'll be just fine chocolate thunder...the key is to be comfortable when you sleep ...if you sleep well and comfy in your ride then you can handle the rest
Are you warm?
I’m in Spartanburg SC, and it’s cold!!!🥶
Exc
You Americans adapt so well to situations. I'm Australian. Ive adapted because I've had to. But I haven't done it with the same positive outlook.
I use a old Windex bottle with light soap and water for cleaning dishes and such. I clean the majority off with a paper towel and then spray the light soapie water and wipe with a dish towel. It works so good. I also use it for cleaning my hands. I've been living in my van for 11 years and I lived in my Nissan for 6 years before the van.
Maybe you should consider a backup plan with the bathroom situation just in case you get sick and cant leave your car.
One of the more genuine down to earth videos. Thanks, wish you the best
Life is short! Everyone's idea of an adventure is different. :) I stumbled across your channel and though we lead two different lives - I'm cheering you on!
I'm so glad you came to my area and have had a good experience. Enjoy the season.
I live in SWVA. It’s beautiful here
You can be comfortable in a car or suv or van if you make a good sleeping surface. I have a chevy express high top. I do fine with a fluffy rug on the floor an air mattress and soft quilts or comfortors for sleeping. I live in a warm climate and do fine with a small fan power station and 12 volt refrigerator. I use black out curtains and can easily move into the drivers seat if i need to relocate from one area to another efficiently. Keep it light simple and convenient. I camp and travel with two tiny toy chuahuas. Were a happy trio.
I'm older and have back issues I was born with. I would need a van where I can stand up and definitely a potty. Even a 5-gallon bucket with a seat and a lid is better than going to a business for me.
Dude this was relaxing to watch,I get soooo paranoid with other van lifers freaking talking loud specially at night ! Like do they not realize people walking by can listen to them? Ick !
I love how cozy your van looks!
The purple pitcher (PPAid) is the best thing I’ve found for going on the go, it’s anatomically perfect for women’s physiology. Combine with a chux pad for additional security catches any splashes and pour into a jug for later disposal. I appreciate your tour and walking us through a day in the life. I am practicing for the day when I can no longer afford to pay rent.
Thanks for the look into your day. Be well little one.❤
You can use the water from you cooler to wash up, wash dishes etc instead of dumping it out. That gives the ice a double use with less waist.
Bacteria in the water. I wouldn't wash dishes with it. But, it's useful for other things. Good tip! Thanks for being conservative!✌️❤️
~ 🦋
Waste!
Noooi.
Nice video I like how you explain it. Specially because your simple. Best of luck and stay safe 💜
I wish you the best shorty, and hope you can get yourself into a better situation.
Advantage of being in the States is that are contrasting climates which must make it a better for choosing where to be in certain seasons as you say. In the UK you wouldn't want to be in Scotland in the winter but even in the extreme south it could still be pretty cold.
Very true! There are a few winter "spots" here that I'll be checking out over the next few years that we only have thanks to how big this country is. Can't imagine being limited to such a small area during the cold winters 🥲
Julia, you can look online for springs where you can fill your water. The best water!!
Thanks for walking us through your day!! You are making this work and doing a great job!!🙂
Happy Thanksgiving. I always enjoy day in the life of folks that live out of their vehicle. You seem to be more and more comfortable in van life.
Happy Thanksgiving! :)
Awesome video! If you’re ever in Charlotte again and need a recharging spot you’re always welcome. Have a great year and stay safe!
I ALWAYS find water spigots near gas filling stations - it's USUALLY free - may need an inline hose filter or filtration pitcher - works well for bulk water (cleaning, bathing & cooking)...
This is a great video. One thing i would say as just an onlooker and never having done van life before, wouldnt it be easier and less stressful on you to find somewhere to park the van so you didnt have to move so much? For example, a public parking lot within a couple minutes walk from the gym, shopping and where you go to do work. Stay there for as long as you can until someone tells you to move. It eliminates being worried about where you are going to sleep that night and spends less gas etc.
Here because I love anybody living the van life and always love to support the smaller channels and watch you grow 🧡
The fact that you are doing this in the East is so rad! Awesome vibe and great content.
Anyone in cold environments I suggest a mr heater propane heater. On low setting it can warm your vehicle, high if it is extremely cold. You will have to crack two windows though. Because it will shut off if the oxygen level gets too low. On low setting a 20 pound tank will last two weeks
I wouldn't do that without a carbon monoxide detector. Even with a window cracked it can be extremely dangerous. I'd recommend a deisel heater for overnight.
That was a great video..So much infomation in it..I'v lived in Charlotte for years and i loved it..I'll be coming down there soon this summer for a while..If ur in ohio feel free to stop in and camp/hang out a few days in my back yard..And we can look over ur van and make sure it keeps running good for you...BeSafe..
I would love to try this!!! I'm a big stealth camping follower! Frederick from South Carolina!!!
I love your channel and your videos. I wish you and success in building this channel. Keep giving us some great videos. you stay safe hydrated and And healthy.
Nice video! You are living a great life! We have something in common; traveling in a Toyota Sienna minivan. We have a 2022 Sienna XSE Hybrid but the big difference is that we tow a 3,000 lb. travel trailer with ours! We bought the van in Jan. 2022 and the TT in Nov. 2022 and since purchase of the RV, we have travelled to 25 states and put almost 16,000 miles on the RV. Our longest road trip was from central FL to Washington state, and back in the summer 2023. We have gathered tons of content and will be posting videos on YT soon documenting our travels. Take care and safe travels!
I live in a mini-van during the workweek and go back to my condo outside of commuting range on the weekend. The secret to camping in the city is stealth. I don't go to the sleeping spot until dusk, I black out all the windows and I have headphones so I can play music movies without making much noise. I also have a 6 am job so I leave the sleeping spot by about 5:30am before alot of people wake up. I like to park on residential streets at night because its quieter and safer and I can park my minivan almost anyhwere if I'm stealthy its alittle harder to park on the really rich streets those people are more picky. If I had to park somewhere for the weekend I might drive alittle more outside of the city to a park or forest.
Motivating, thanks for your video! I learned a bit
Great video! Enjoy & safe travels!!
When I first dreamed of such a life, there were no minivans, no super-stores with gigantic parking lots, national gym memberships, etc. As close as I got was an early 1970's mini pickup (Datsun, Toyota, Mazda, Ford Courier) - mine was a Mazda B1600 with a canopy (topper) and a carpeted plywood platform over the wheels. If I'd stretched out completely it would kick the window out of the canopy lid. ;^) A few nights in the cold, hunting for a bathroom, air mattress deflating, cooking in the rain and the dream didn't excite any more. If it could have worked for me, income would come via street busking or solo lounge gigs - folk music on acoustic guitar was still popular then. Fifty years later, there is still an appeal of van life - not overnighting - but traveling - something more comfortable to rest while on a road trip or to lie down while taking my spouse to a long doctor appointment or shopping. Glad your video came across my recommended feed. Do take care and be safe. Hoping you have a network of friends and fellow travelers to practice community safety. That would have been a real problem for me - a flaming introvert who prefers the mountain top or deep woods experience where not another soul is in sight.
You were one of the pioneers for this kind of lifestyle, respect
@@julia_dutra Not really, but thank you. Back in that day, us folksters had a few lifestyle heroes - I really liked Woody Guthrie and Arlo Guthrie - tales of travels and singing original songs about their experiences. I remember being impressed by Arlo's rendition of Alice's Restaurant and the City of New Orleans. There was a movie of the same name Alice's Restaurant that depicted some of the life style - albeit a comedy and with drug references which I never did. I was a clean cut kid on the tail-end of the hippy culture. It would never have worked for me because of need for creature comfort and being straight-laced.
*Situational awareness is your friend*
Liked your video so much I subscribed. ^_^ I do the library thing too. Visible is great. I was on Mint mobile and they say unlimited data but it is unusable once you reach the cap. On Visible I have never had that happen. One thing I noticed with using Visible as a hotspot is that it only allows one connection at a time. I've been on the road since 2013. Yay van life!
Glad to hear that you've been having a good experience with Visible too! Didn't know that it could only have one connection at a time, but I guess I haven't had the need to test that at all, haha. And wow, 2013! That's super cool!
Best of luck and be safe . Our prayers are with you from California 🙏
Thank you!
An interesting and informative video. There seems to be many options for travellers/vanlifers when it comes to getting access to essential things like water, restroom and laundry facilities.
As you are currently traveling in cooler places do you ever have issues with things getting damp inside the car from condensation build-up?
I am currently in cooler spots, anywhere between 30-50 at night! Have only had to wipe the windows because of condensation a handful of times. I crack open the back windows while I sleep to avoid that.
@smallpocketbigworld a fan will help with the condensation issue as well.
Adventure of a lifetime:) Good luck. I did a similar thing, but out of a sedan and only for a month visiting national parks. But I TOTALLY feel you.
I just watched your one video about getting the SUV (what a headache) & then heading out to Zion. Can't believe y'all made such a small space work for 2 for a month!
@@julia_dutra that means a lot to me thank you!!
I just came across your channel and love how down to earth and realistic your content was. Keep safe and enjoy the journey
super cute and nice van
You do you girly. Ima thinking sleeping in my van as trail see how I like it🌻
You are a treasure Julia🌻
Well done.
I'm subscribing.
You're sweet and calm🌷
Ive been vanlife living for 2.5 decades!
During covid i got an oceanfront studio condo in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida yet i live 20x more by living vanlife style.
I also have a Toyota Sienna and keep it simple, clean, organized, and it's not difficult and offers a lot of freedom💥
Sending you waves of calm love🎶
Great presentation Julia👍👍
I love Granola & a nice thick greek yogurt. I also love to add fresh berries. Parfait style is my jam.
Good luck your van life julia
Visible is verizon. I've used it for 2 n 1/2 years. It is a great option. Glad I came across your video. Safe travels. From AZ, a big hello. 😊
Also road tip, you can always find a hotel for a bathroom usually and clean!!!
If it doesn't break tour budget at $80 a nite.
And rhey're all geoss, thou. S of peep used thwt mattress. IcK. They never was the pillows or spreads. They r speed cleaned to save $, only right once a yr. Noisey air and no open windows.
Use a germ spray and neVer use the bedding. Drag in your own.
@@Warmfireandtea nooo I mean simply a free clean bathroom to use if needed. Every hotel has an open bathroom for public use just fyi!
@@WarmfireandteaHe's talking about a restroom in the lobby area not renting a room
You were in my neck of the woods at Shenandoah National Park. I love living here, its a gorgeous area.
Awesome video!
I’m doing a build rn and getting my van ready because my lease is ending. The goal is to save enough to capitalize on my new business in Dallas. I appreciate the insights. Keep me posted! Subscribed 🥂
Thank you for the video. Nice van and routine. Enjoy life. Stay blessed.
I really enjoyed your video. I’m like you, I don’t want to bother anyone else. I’m currently in a studio Apt. I really like it!
Happy to have found your channel ❤
I think the weather would be a big issue, especially the heat cars can get so hot. I don’t think I could ever live in my car in the summer. I’d rather be in my car when it’s cold cause I can always bundle up.
I looooove this video!!!
Loved this Video, liked and subscribed...more,🤩 please!
Love the video! You should try putting down a layer of dry ice wrapped in some butcher paper at the bottom of your cooler. The ice you pour over it will stay solid and cold for a ridiculous amount of time, especially considering how well insulated that cooler is. A trick I picked up camping one 4th of July. Stay safe out there!
Florida has nice tropical, warm weather😏🏝🏞🛣
Enjoyed this. Ty!
Great video 😊👍🏽💕🇦🇺
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
Have you thought about tinting your windows ? It will help shield you a little more 👍🏽 it’s like sunglasses for your car 😊
Happy Thanksgiving! The back windows are a bit tinted already; the front windows not so much. I'll have to look into it because it seems like the laws vary from state to state.
Except in some super-sunny states you have to keep the front side windows and of course the windshield untinted, but can tint all you want from the second row back. Dodge even sold a version of their minivan that didn't have windows behind the driver's compartment, just as cargo vans don't. @@julia_dutra
Get reflexic covers for all you windows for privacy. You cant tint windshield windows.
OMG someone else n a 1st gen sienna!! I just started about a month ago in mine. Build is really coming along! Its all ways great to find inspiration from others but very few people use our van so happy to have found this! Peace
Hey young lady, a little suggestion get your self a dish container to save on water. You can get one at the dollar store
❤
Have you seen those collapsable mini washing machines. Very small but it might be useful. Just to was out one or two items would dry fast on a sunny day. I like the mini washer , I think it cleans well. Might save you money.
where do you find those?
I"m glad you shower 6 times a week, I've always wondered about some van lifers how often they shower.
Depends on the person! I've also had to go days, here and there, without showering because I wasn't near a gym.
"i dont have anything to .. manipulate the weather in here" 😂 idk why but that made me laugh
I think that saves much space for people, using public restrooms. Also a much healthier option. And for food for me i would probably find public food sources such as restaurants to save space for storage and bedding. My ideas might not be conventional, however food goes bad really easily, so snack food stuffs, might be the best option for me.
I liked the video as soon as you hit that Im clean transition
One of the best and cleanest place to use the bathroom is office buildings. Usually if they have around 3 to 5 stories there is one on every floor.
This is awesome video stay safe out there.
Honestly...some kind of toilet... even just 4 emergencies is a must and makes the difference between living in your vehicle and merely existing. With all the options, there's no excuse 2 not have one. Like auto insurance....it only takes neading it and not having it once, 2 make you regret not having it.
Hi there just stumbled across this video very interesting great content looking forward to seeing the next episode safe travels
I live in my Sienna too. ‘01. Awesome life.
easier said than done, right? ahhaha ... love it Julia! keep us posted
New subscriber here. I enjoyed your video & your experiences shared. Before I ask any questions, I’ll check out your past videos for info. Stay safe, stay healthy, cheers, Mo in NJ
Awesome video! Love it
Why not a bucket / toilet seat with kitty litter ?? Crazy not to have any way to toilet .
i use the $50 round amazon single use portable toilet fyi. great footrest and not uncomfortable. ive heard the square seat ones are more comfortable but cant confirm.
Security advice: don't give away your locations or web tools that you use in the future.
Keep going Julia. Blessings 🎉
I have no shame bringing my gallon workout water jug into planet fitness and refilling it every day before I leave. I also just finally got over my lifelong phobia of using public water fountains... haven't gotten sick yet! Lol
New subscriber, looking forward to seeing your adventures. So excited to see young people living their dreams. Got married, kids, career at a fast pace when I was young. I do enjoy watching vanlife vids. Hubby is 6'6" so vanlife is really not for us! What do you do for income? I will probably go watch some older videos and get some answers.
Welcome! Glad I can bring you along on this journey. Currently traveling with savings I've built up and making a bit through this channel :)
I would like to get a camper for my truck bed but I'm headed on doing it. But if I knew somebody that I can tag along with that's like-minded and travel all over with the person that would be great.. I definitely bring my best friend my old dog. LOL
I live in my car. Tint is amazing on the windows
'Unlimited' is what you call an 'advertising term of art'. MANY cellphone carriers use the word, but none are truly unlimited. Visible's 'unlimited' hotspot is unlimited up to the 50gb limit. That's why you use public libraries! Hotspot is great, though, isn't it? It's so cool to be able to watch a Netflix movie in your car, or look something up on the Web quickly.
Just looked at my current roaming period... 1.4TB cellular data & 1.12TB hotspot used 😅 And these days, I tend to go to Panera more than public libraries. Love using my hotspot (clearly, as you can tell from those numbers haha) 😊
Wow. 1.2TB of hotspot! You DO love it. And such a nice lady wouldn't lie! 8^)
My own plan promised 'unlimited' tethering but warned that it might slow down after 30 gb. When I hit 30 gb it stopped dead for the rest of the month! Maybe Visible is different. I'm gong to give them a try! All the MVNOs cost about the same, but truly unlimited hotspot AND the biggest 4g/5g network, for the same $25/mo., is a good deal!
I'll let you know. 8^)
You are so adorable Julia!
I know it's difficult to find a spot to clean up dishes but try not to dump grey water and bits of washed food scum on commercial parking lot pavement.
A small spray bottle with a mixture of water and vinegar will be easier, faster, and you won't need to run your drinking water low. No need to rinse either. Try it. It's how I washed my dishes while traveling the country in my Prius V for 16 months til June.
Hi julia
How do you suport your self doing van life.
You look happy living your dream, do you miss your friends ,family or get lonely.
Stay safe as long as your happy thats all what counts 😊
Love the gym idea you get to work out and get your shower 🤗
Hi! Currently traveling on savings I built up & making some money from this channel, which I'm hoping will be my main source of income going forward. I don't feel lonely at all, I like being alone and doing my own thing in life :)
@@julia_dutra good for you,I hope you have great adventures.
I'm the same love my own company I'm what they say a loner 😂 but I like it that way.
Thanks for the reply and enjoy your day 🤗
Be glad you went south, lol. Virginia is freaking cold right now! I love Charlotte! There is so much to see and do there. This was the first video of yours I've seen. I'm going to subscribe and watch your adventures unfold. Stay safe!
Yup! I just keep heading further & further south to avoid those 30-degree days haha. Thanks for subscribing! :)
The hub. Charlotte is a major airplane hub .
Stay safe!
I really enjoyed this video. You explain well and are calm which i appreciate cause so many youtubers are loud and fake as hell lmao
Go and checkout Vogel State Park in Blairsville Georgia. Everything that you need is in town and there's campsites and showers are $1.
Hi. I’m new subscriber Thanks for the iOverlander tip and great suggestions on how and where to get things done lol. I’ve just sold my house and bought an older conversion van. Going over it mechanically and cleaning it up and will be heading out on the road soon. I’m retired long haul Trucker and looking forward to this new adventure. Maybe see you out there. 👍🏻✌🏻
Awesome! Have fun & good luck on your adventure! See you on the road 😁✌🏼
🚛💨💨 lol
The only mini van I could handle living in for a few weeks is no longer made, a mid 70's to 80's VW (Kombi/Vanagon/T2) Westphalia!!