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Is “Van Life” Actually the Right Term? (Travel vs Dwelling)

Romany Pirates

2,775 views

What exactly is “van life”?

We’ve realised that phrase can mean completely different things to completely different people. So in this video, we’re looking at the difference between van travel and van dwelling — because after 14 years of travelling in vans, we know which one we are.

For us, there’s a big difference between using a van as your way of travelling, exploring and experiencing different places, and using a van as a way of life while staying relatively static.

We talk about what those differences actually look like, why the two are so often lumped together under the same “van life” label, and where we think we fit.

We’re not saying one is better than the other — just that perhaps we’ve been using one phrase to describe two very different lifestyles.

So… are we van lifers, van travellers, or something else entirely?

If you love travel, adventure or are curious about life on the open road you’re in the right place

If you would like to buy us a coffee ☕️ or a custard cream its ❤️

http://buymeacoffee.com/RomanyPirates

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📧 Contact Email: romanypirates@gmail.com

Write Your Own Story. ❤️

#VanTravel #VanLife #CampervanTravel

20 Comments

@kathyhatch8982 2 days ago

I’m planning for retirement and van ‘travel’ will be my new lifestyle when I do. Your channel is so real - you both are very honest about your lifestyle. If anyone says that you romanticize it, they cannot be a regular viewer.
I appreciate the honesty you both bring to the subject but also your passion for your lifestyle. I have only been able to do ‘van life’ (travel) during vacations but I absolutely love those times on the road. I can’t wait to be done with the rat race and do it full time!
I’m in the States, but still value the experiences you share here and your insights. 👍

@fidrummond5823 1 day ago

I think we are Coddiwompling meaning ‘to travel in a purposeful manner toward a vague,-as-yet-unknown, or unspecified destination’. I think it sums us up beautifully. I’m definitely a coddiwomple.. much love. Fi

@AndreaSladen 2 days ago

Absolutely LOVE the lack of discrimination you guys show towards every single person who lives in a house/van/boat/cave!!! You're truly wonderful people right through to your core! KWYOS guys! xxxxxxx

@CarolineWilliamson-r6k 2 days ago

I want to brave further out as that's why I got my van xx you guys are an inspiration

@christinaseaton9044 2 days ago

In the last year I have slept in my car, lived in a small tent, sofa hopped, occasional travelodge, been lent a campervan and now saved up for a £1600 static which is on a farm (rent free) where I work part time. This too will not be forever. I've wanted to convert a transit van but the costs involved in break downs/repairs/new engines! just seems too much to take on.
I didn't choose this, it chose me, but I have adapted and now fully embrace the freedom that no bricks gives me.
(knocking 60 :)

@TarotRomance 2 days ago

There’s only one way of life, and that’s your own! 🎶👍

@TheHuntersStar 2 days ago

Hey guys, I've watched alot of van builds but recently been watching more vanlifers/dwellers which is how I came across you's.

I'm choosing to be a van dweller by choice, I want a career change to start working in the construction industry so it's best to have a mobile home to source work easier. There is places that offer long term contracts which is what I want so I'll more than likely be getting myself on a campsite and then go off to different places on weekends.

As where I want to work is the opposite end if the country I ain't keeping my apartment I'm currently renting as it costs around £950pcm to rent/maintain. And I'm not going down south to pay another man's mortgage so being a van dweller is the next best option for me.

I'm currently a truck driver so I'm used to staying out 4/5 nights a week so I think living in a more spacious van that's made to how I want it will be great. Nervous but looking forward to it 🙂

@LLcatlover 2 days ago (edited)

Through necessity, I've been parked on a garage forecourt for 6 weeks, getting work done on my van after an accident.
I'm told it'll be 3 months before the last part comes, and 2 months to have it fitted.
I'm very fortunate that the garage owner and staff have been extremely kind to me, plus, being on a small industrial estate, people know me now. There's a gym here, so I have regular exercise, toilet and shower facilities. Staying still has meant I've gotten to know the area very well, and ir's a beautiful little village.

But, I've got itchy feet...😅

@vivienpilling1062 2 days ago

Hi guys....my friend moved into a van through the cost of living n more freedom...he mostly dwells on a field . My other friend lives on a canal boat 60ft...I've been on holiday with her many times and learned so much about how they live and their community...its lovely really but can be hard work as you get older...so different from living in a house. When she comes to mine l always say...have a wee before you go haha save your toilet. 😅. I think it's a lovely way and everyone should be kind to each other ❤. I think it's lack of knowledge when people judge . Accepting others for them not what they have or where they live...does my head in lol. I dress nice..wear make up n live in a nice bungalow n l get judged thinking I'm stuck up but I'm the most down to earth person you could meet but I've had alot of life experiences. Keep being you ❤❤❤❤xxxx

@CarolineWilliamson-r6k 2 days ago

The weather looks lovely,I've just come back from Costa brava and flew from Barcelona and they've had terrible floods x

@Lupintimmins 2 days ago

Hi guys, hope you’re all well. I’ve got a couple of weeks to catch up on.
We lost our oldest chihuahua who was identical to Daisy almost 2 weeks ago and I couldn’t bring myself to watch her for a little while. He was almost 18 so he had a good long life.
I’m back now though as I missed you.

@paganmoon8540 2 days ago (edited)

We are static, in a bus not a van, on a landshare, so move occasionally. I did it for more freedom, lower living costs, which give us more freedom and a better lifestyle. I did buy wanting to travel, but my autistic son can't cope with so much change, so we move to a new town and get to really know the area.

@topcat2603 2 days ago

Interesting 🤔

@phoenix-_-1983 2 days ago

call it what yah want

@BadgerWoods-qy3kn 2 days ago

Hi guys so on the topic of van dwelling which I do four days a week while I work but even that I don’t stay anywhere more than one day, but I do do van travel on my three days off mainly around Cornwall but not exclusive

@platinum-n7u 2 days ago

I enjoy your videos because you seem to have different adventures most days by travelling round. If you were static, that wouldn't happen. I wouldn't watch someone living in a house because it would be boring.

@margaretnicol3423 2 days ago

I think one of the problems and why people in vans are becoming so unpopular is the mess they leave behind. Not yourselves, obviously, but those who don't care and who don't know the countryside code.

@Jamienomore 2 days ago

It wouldn't be any use to you, but, a number of People bought Car Roof Tents. There are many different types at various Prices and I have watched a number of their Videos. The thing I like about them is, when they want to take a break/Holiday instead of paying for Hotels, they use their Car Roof Tents. ❤

@CampervanVentures 2 days ago

Hello guys. Whilst watching you two muse, I couldn't help wondering what all the tattoos actually are. The only one I can make out is the music one. Can you, at some time, do a vlog about what tattoos are all about. Why do people, Emma, have tattoos on their back that they will never see themselves? Do you ever regret having a tattoo? Why do tattoos sometimes stop at the wrist. Why do some just have one leg or arm done, amd not the other? Do they itch? So many questions ..........

@Kermit-Si 2 days ago

Hi guys, we're into October now, and we will soon be putting the clocks back. Christmas is just over 11 weeks away.
Will you still be in Spain? Or have you not planned that far ahead? 👍🐸