The truth about Van Life

After many years travelling and living full-time in different recreational vehicles, a popular UK video blogger has some wise words for those thinking about hitting the road permanently.

In his latest 'vlog' titled 'Why I quit full time touring’, Andrew Ditton explains the reasons why he's back in 'bricks and mortar' after more than seven years of on-the-road adventures shared with his dog Dougal.

Ditton addresses some of the myths about the social media-driven 'Van Life' movement, which is often portrayed as glamorous and a way to escape the daily grind.

“If you are moving and travelling all the time, it is exhausting,” he explains. “While there are no doubt people who are truly nomadic and can’t let the grass grow under their feet, I don’t think that applies to many of us.

"Some of us do like some sort of stability and space to breathe and get used to our surroundings, and if you are constantly moving at least twice a week which we generally have, it is absolutely exhausting.”

Ditton talks about the importance of finding time to “process” and reflect on your travel experiences including the beauty of your surroundings, rather than constantly rushing to the next spot.

He says travelling full-time in an RV can create a feeling of loneliness from living a life that's very different from others around you.

“Acquaintances and people you know don’t really get it," he says.

There's also the added stress of RV repair businesses not understanding that your vehicle is both transport and permanent home and so can't be off the road for too long.

“It can be frustrating when you get mucked around, when you need repairs or maintenance done to your vehicle," he says.

He says if you’re stranded waiting a week for a part to arrive so your van can be fixed “that can impact your life hugely”.

It's also “annoying and frustrating” when others don’t realise that many full-time travelers need to work and generate an income while on the road.

“So many people perceive your life as one long holiday," he says.

It's also important to have a Plan B. “Have somewhere to go if your van breaks down or if some-one steals it… although sometimes a Plan B doesn’t work out," he says.

“As much as you have this wonderful Instagram image or perception of Van Life or full time touring, it can be quite challenging, it can be hard work. It’s great fun and I wouldn’t stop anyone from doing it, but be aware of these challenges and they can get tiring.”

He also warns against the perils of selling your house before hitting the road, leaving no-where to return if things don't work out.

“This is one thing people don’t think about when they say I’m going to sell up and move into a van. Every part of life has a shelf life, and that includes full-time travelling.

“As much as it’s exciting to think I’m going to go full time touring, I’m going to live in a van, no-one really thinks about the end of it.

“What if we hate it, what if it all goes wrong, what if someone gets very unwell and we have to go home?”

He also touches on the many positive aspects of Van Life.

“I wouldn’t discourage any-one from doing (full-time RV travel). It’s also a good chance to declutter and get rid of all your stuff…

“That’s one thing I’m really grateful to for full time touring, was to learn how little stuff you need to live with."

In the end, he says, caravanning was no longer fun.

“I wanted to stop making it my 24/7 existence and once again rediscover the joy of caravanning.”

Andrew Ditton's tips for full-time travellers

1.    If you're thinking about it, just do it. You'll have amazing experiences...

2.    Rent out your home, don’t sell it, so you’ve always got somewhere to return to if things don't work out

3.    Everything has a 'shelf life'. At some stage you'll have had enough of full-time travel

4.    Slow down, take time to absorb the experiences you’re having

5.    Remember you’re not on holiday if you’re working

6.    Be prepared for the isolation of interacting with people or businesses that don’t 'get it'

7.    Have a Plan B if something happens to you or your vehicle

8.    When it stops being fun, stop travelling