How to Live the Dream: Things Every Van Lifer Needs to Know

by Kristine Hudson

Are you bored with living in the city, going to work, and never seeing anything outside of your house or office? Do you feel like the walls are closing in on you? Do you finally want to say “goodbye” to the city streets and “hello” to the open road? Everywhere on social media, you see breath-taking pictures of people who have launched themselves into van living with complete success. They seem to live the ultimate lives of freedom, rebellion, and careless, peaceful existence. Are you ready to join them? Van Life is a lifestyle associated with freedom. With four wheels on the road at all times, you can go anywhere and do anything. No more stuffy conference rooms. No more waiting. And in many cases, no idea what to do next! In her debut publication, Kristine Hudson guides her audience from the wishful thinking stages, through the various levels of preparation required to put the key in the ignition and leave your “stationary home” behind. Here are just a few of the things that “Every Van Lifer Needs to ” ✓ Whether van life is right for you- a look into balancing the reality with the dream ✓ Creating an environment of health and wellness no matter where you go ✓ How to choose your new home… and how to make it your new haven on wheels ✓ What you’ll need to prepare for life on the road ✓ How to plan your new lifestyle and secrets to transitioning to road life ✓ Storage solutions to maximize your space ✓ Planning a budget ...and much, much more!
Take a second to imagine how badly you want to hit the road… then think of how ready you feel! No matter how deeply you wish to delve into the #vanlife lifestyle, author Kristine Hudson has tips that will help you become more prepared and confident about your plans. If you’re ready to leave behind all of the noise, clutter, and frustrations of the stationary lifestyle and explore the country from a van, skoolie, or RV pick up your copy today by clicking the BUY NOW button at the top of this page.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2020

Reviews

[Linda]

I have no interest in living in a van or camping, yet I was draw to this book! The author gives lots of advice to help a potential van lifer, as well as a complete list of resources at the end of the book. Much thought was given to daily life on the road such as what exactly to pack, where to pick up materials while on the road, and how to purchase and set up your van (camper) before you set off on your journey. I felt very satisfied after reading this book and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about taking adventures via a different way of life than most of us are used to.

[Jerry Walch]

If you are thinking about becoming a van lifer or are new to the van lifer lifestyle, this book is a must read for you. Living life on the road as a van life can be a wonderful way to live one’s life, but it can turn into a living nightmare for the unprepared and/or for those who don’t prepare. Often, more often than not in fact, what someone considering becoming a van lifer wants isn’t the same as what they need. In fact, more often than not, having everything they want in the way of a van doesn’t provide them with everything they need. This book will help you distinguish wants from need and will help you select and equip a van that will meet all your needs.

 Unlike with many books of this type, all the links in the resources section actually work. The resource section of this book is worth the cost of the book by itself because it adds hundreds of pages of must have information to a very short and concise book.

 Over the last fifty-plus years I have custom-built a handful of vans and I can say with no equivocation that I wish that I had had this book and these resources when I built my first van. That was back in the dark ages and the wonderful world of home computers and the information superhighway weren’t even dreams yet. Today I have two vans sitting in one of my vehicle sheds, one equipped for the highway and one equipped for very rugged off-road travel.

 If you are contemplating a van life style, you need to have this book in your library.

[Louise]

On choosing this non fiction book, I knew what I was getting into from the start. This lifestyle has always been an interesting one to me but I know it'll never happen mmainly because I have regular doctor's appointments and such due to having MS and I'm not ready enough otherwise to leave everything else behind. I love camping and staying weekends in RVs so I have an inkling at least.

This book is written in a way that it's very simple yet fully detailed. Each chapter focuses on a specific thing and nothing is too long or too short. This book talks about everything from van choice depending on your needs, cost of things you would like to have inside, issues you might experience and issues you definitely will have, budgetting and planning ahead. There's even a resource section at the end with links you can check out for even more details. It's really well thought out. It doesn't turn corners; it goes in full detail.

If I had illusions of just finding a van, no matter which, leave everything behind and start the van life... which I really didn't because it needs work, seriously... but if I had, I've been enlightened for sure.

It's the first of this style I have read and I don't think I'll read anything else about van life. As I said, I know the lifestyle isn't for me anyway, but I consider this book to be a must have for anyone that have an interest in it on a more serious level than I do.

[Paul]

Whether by choice or necessity, hopping in a van and traveling the highways and byways of America is becoming an increasingly popular choice. This book attempts to give the details.

If you are traveling solo, a Volkswagen bus might be your vehicle of choice. If children and/or pets are included, something bigger will be needed. Do you want a vehicle that is "move-in ready," or, are you ready to do some re-habbing? Where do you go to find out how to rehab an old school bus? Whatever vehicle you choose, high mileage is acceptable, as long as a mechanic goes through it from front to back, and approves of it. Learn some basic auto maintenance on your vehicle. If possible, get a paper copy of the repair manual. Rest assured, your vehicle will break down, at the most inconvenient place and time.

Do you need creature comforts, like an actual mattress, stove and/or toilet, or, are you OK with "roughing it"? You will have only a certain amount of storage space in your vehicle, so make every inch count. Figure out some sort of power source, in order to charge up your cellphone and/or laptop. Set a financial budget, and stick to it like glue. Resist the temptation to eat in a restaurant every day. Do you have one of those "remote" jobs that can be done on a laptop from anywhere? If so, that can be a good way to make some money while you are on the road. When your vehicle is all ready, and everything is packed, try a short -term trip, for a long weekend, or an entire week. Better to fix any glitches now, instead of later.

This is an excellent book that is very easy to understand. It belongs on whatever electronic device you are taking on your Grand Excursion. It is very much worth reading.

[Thomas Robert]

As a non-fiction book this is probably one of my favourite reads - and I’m not looking to live in a van just yet!

The authors flow of words is comforting as at no point did I not understand what she was saying or trying to get across.

The structure of the sections and chapters throughout the book are well thought of and ideal. No one section I found was too long or too short - they were just right.

Although it’s an informative book I found the authors input of experiences she has had with her own van to be comical. At some points it had me really laughing out loud.

I found that these personal experiences coming after detailed information created a great image and picture in the mind of what it’s like in real life.

The authors use of lists, charts and tables are great at helping to visualise in one place the importance of specific things. Without it I don’t think I would have taken those sections in as much as I have done.

I would like to try and pick apart the book and find parts that I think could be improved but that would be extremely hard.

It’s made a fiction fanatic (who NEVER reads non-fiction) really enjoy reading all about different van types, budgeting, what to expect on the road and the reality of what it’s like to live in a van.

This is a highly recommended book for all, even if living in a van is not on the cards.

[Raghav]

Things Every Van Lifer Needs to Know stands true to its title. It is less of a travel book, and more an exhaustive guide into every aspect of living and traveling in a van.

I do admire that Kristine goes in-dept about everything, from the type of trailers and getting mentally prepared to food, budgeting, emergencies, and whatnot.

However, the book lacks a personal touch. It reads like a really long, informative, no doubt, blog post. I would have much-loved if, time and again, Kristine shared personal anecdotes that would have made the book less “academic” in its disposition. There is some “advice from the road,” but it’s too late in the book.

Kristine does have a chapter at the end that is packed with resources and links, which certainly adds to the appeal of the book.

The book can also do with some editing. I came across sentences that can be simplified, repeated information, and the occasional typo or writing error.

Now, I do not plan to leave my daily comforts and start living in a van any time soon. Still, as someone who writes about travel for a living, it is a lifestyle that intrigues me. So, when I do decide to take it up, I shall undoubtedly pick up Things Every Van Lifer Needs to Know, for sure.

Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathleen Van Lierop]

When I saw this book on the BookSirens website, I immediately wanted to read the book due to the
subject. However perhaps, I expected too much from "How To Live The Dream", so it hasn't brought me what I expected.

However the book was written very clear and in short chapters, which I really like! I learned more about the nomadic lifestyle in the 21st. century.

The author and the book inspired me because it was clearly stated that dreams should not be followed just like that. Dreams do have a cost and everything has to be planned extremely well!


"How To Live The Dream" is special because due to the clearly defined chapters. It also has beautiful pictures and an amazing cover. I certainly would recommend "How To Live The Dream - Things Every Van Lifer Needs To know". That's why I give this book a 4 star on 5 rating.

I received an advanced copy for free thanks to BookSirens. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kay]

Before I read this, I had no idea there was such a thing as a van life style. I had pictured, probably from some movie, a guy living in a van, one step above homelessness, down by the river. I guess he wasn't doing it right. This book is interesting because it takes one through the options and things to think about for a van lifestyle or even for something slightly bigger such as a modified school bus aka skoolies. This is a good how-to without dictating to anyone plus there's a good list at the end of further resources and experiences on the internet. This book discusses mechanical problems, hygiene, budget, keeping things from rolling around loose in a moving vehicle, and other essential things to think about. I enjoyed reading this because I'm not going to do this. My rating is 4 stars.

[Jamie Bee]

The Keys to LIving a Van Life

Have you ever just considered packing it all in and traveling around in a van? If so, this is the book that you will want to have as you plan this particular dream. It is chock-full of practical information about making this a reality. The author even helps you figure out whether this would be a good life for you. The information after the introductory section is very down to earth and helps you consider all the ramifications of living that sort of a nomadic life. If this is an interest of yours, pick this book up.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[David]

Not bad. I was looking for a little bit more depth and some discussion of more technical problems like plumbing and electricity. I thought this might be more accurately titled: Is van life right for you? The bulk of the discussion is about actually living the life, but it is pretty basic and suffers from some Captain Obvious inclusions.

[Caitlin Nikolai]

A thorough pre-launch book for anyone interested in van life. Although I don't plan to go buy a van anytime soon (I bought the book for research), this book made good points for someone to stop and consider before even buying the van. I thought it was well developed, well researched, and well written. It really did make me want to go buy a van and join #VanLife!

[Daniel Verderese]

This book could’ve been a blog post with some links. I can’t believe how good the reviews are and that I actually paid money for this book

[Anne Rogers]

I picked this up because I have a campervan, and I think many of us with vans wonder from time to time what it might be to go full-time.

Firstly I'll mention that my campervan and I are in the UK and this book is American. It's therefore directed at Americans who are contemplating the full-time life, but it still has some interesting points for those of us reading it on the other side of the Atlantic. Right in the first chapter, for example, there are some useful and just-as-relevant-in-the-UK questions, such as ‘What deep, burning need in your life will van living satisfy, and are you prepared to make a significant number of sacrifices to find that lifestyle?’ On the other hand, the author also says ‘consider the option of not living in a van’. And there are elements in the book for those who aren’t full-time in their vans, but still have vans and for whom, like me, they’re an important part of their lives.

As well as talking about the freedoms of van living, it also talks about some of the limitations, responsibilities and realities. I like this balance. The elements on health are sensible too, and not especially US specific, and cover both physical and mental health matters.

The book also points out that living in a van can still be expensive, and it covers breaking down potential budgets both for build and living costs. It has sections on earning a living while being on the road, and it's definitely realistic and not just rosy in its approach. There are some nice black and white photos throughout, which help break up the text.

Written by someone who’s been there and done it – starting with short trips, the practical sections are interspersed with biographical anecdotes which are interesting and relatable!

I'd say this is a good read for anyone, on either side of the Atlantic, who is considering a long trip, or long term living, in a van.

This review is based on an advance copy which I was sent free. The opinions above are mine, and I was not asked to write a positive review.

[kasia]

great book. definitely a bit niche, so for sure not for everyone. but is a good reality check, which is always important. get you excited about van life, but also reminds you that its not all glitz and glam