Tag Van Life Essentials

Van life has been a dream of mine, and I started this adventure with a humble minivan back in 2020. Traveling the US, exploring new places, and living a life of freedom on the road was exhilarating. However, life threw a curveball when my trusty minivan was totaled in New Orleans. This unexpected event turned out to be a blessing in disguise. No one was injured, insurance actually paid me more than I paid for the van, I got to spend time with friends and it pushed me to upgrade my home on wheels.

The Search for the Perfect Van

Finding a new vehicle during the COVID-19 pandemic was no small feat. With supply low and demand high, the search felt like a scavenger hunt. I made countless phone calls and monitored multiple websites, determined to find my next mobile home. After many sleepless nights and persistent efforts, I finally found a Ford Transit about an hour and a half away. With limited options available, I immediately asked them to hold it while I arranged a ride to see it.

A New Beginning With the Ford Transit

The moment I saw the Ford Transit, I knew it was perfect. Previously used as a Home Depot delivery van, it already had walls and a floor installed, making the transition smoother. I wasted no time and bought the van, excited for the new possibilities it presented.

Starting From Scratch: The Empty Van

Here’s a glimpse of the van early on, right after I bought it. It was a blank canvas, waiting for my touch to transform it into a cozy and functional living space.

The empty space felt full of potential, and I couldn’t wait to start building it out. The pre-installed walls and floor were a great head start, but there was still a lot of work to be done to make it truly feel like home.

The Build Begins

In upcoming posts, I’ll share some of building out of the van, including the challenges and triumphs along the way. While my van might not be stylish—it’s built with plywood and 2x1s—it’s perfect for me and my solo travels. It’s definitely comfortable and feels like home. Stay tuned to see how this empty van evolves into my cozy and functional living space.

(Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life blog and my journey.)

Maximizing Savings with Upside: Your Van Life Companion

When it comes to van life, one thing is for certain – every dollar saved can be spent on another unforgettable adventure. This is where Upside shines as a valuable resource for van lifers on the road.

At its core, Upside is a cashback app designed to reward you for everyday purchases you’d make while exploring the open road. Think of it as a friendly companion that provides cash back on daily essentials like gas, groceries, and dining, no matter where your van life journey takes you.

The beauty of Upside lies in its extensive network of over 50,000 participating locations, including gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Whether you’re filling up your van’s tank, stocking up on groceries, or dining out in an unfamiliar town, the opportunity to earn cash back is never far away.

How I Use Upside

In my van life adventures, I’ve found Upside to be a practical tool for saving money on the essentials. Here’s how I make the most of it:

1. Checking for Local Stations: Before fueling up, I open the Upside app to check for nearby gas stations that offer cash back. If the price per gallon aligns with or beats local competition, I make my choice.
2. Comparing to Find the Best Deals: While I appreciate the benefits of Upside, I’m always budget-conscious. If I stumble upon a non-Upside station with better prices, I might skip Upside and go for the savings.
3. Checking Regardless: Even if I plan to refuel at a specific station, I make it a habit to check the Upside app. Sometimes, I’m thrilled to discover that my chosen station is part of the Upside network, resulting in spontaneous savings.

Unlocking Smart Savings for Your Van Life Journey

With Upside, you’re not just taking a journey; you’re making every mile count. By understanding what Upside is and how to use it, you’re empowered to make informed choices that stretch your budget further and help create more memories on your van life adventure.

Visit Upside to start saving!

Ready to Start Saving with Upside?

If you’re as excited as I am about the savings Upside offers on your van life journey, it’s time to take action. Just follow these steps:

1. Download the Upside App: Get started by downloading the Upside app on your smartphone. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices.
2. Sign Up and Explore: After installing the app, sign up and explore the list of participating locations in your area. You might be pleasantly surprised by the cashback opportunities near you.
3. Start Saving: As you travel, remember to use the Upside app to locate and choose gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants that are part of the Upside network. The cashback rewards will add up faster than you think!
4. Share the Savings: Loved your experience with Upside? Share it with fellow van lifers and friends. You can even earn more rewards by referring others to join the Upside community.

Your van life adventure just got more rewarding. Click the link below to download the Upside app now and experience the benefits for yourself:

Visit Upside to start saving!

Remember, every click and download supports my journey, so thank you for your participation!

(Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life blog and my journey.)

Van life is all about embracing the open road and discovering hidden gems along the way. To make this journey more rewarding and hassle-free, I rely on a trusty companion – iOverlander. This incredible app has become an indispensable tool in my van life adventures. In this post, I’ll share how I use iOverlander to find unique places to stay, locate water sources, and manage essential services for my van, making it a must-have resource for fellow travelers.

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One of the most exciting aspects of van life is uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations. With iOverlander, I can explore uncharted territories with ease. The app is a treasure trove of user-generated content, offering details about scenic camping spots, serene lakesides, and breathtaking vistas that conventional travel guides often miss.

How I Use IOverlander:

1. Finding Campsites:
   I use iOverlander to discover unique camping spots. The app provides valuable insights into free campsites, wild camping areas, and paid campgrounds. Each listing includes reviews and ratings from fellow travelers, helping me choose the perfect spot to park for the night.
2. Water Sources:
   Staying hydrated is crucial during van life, and iOverlander makes it simple to locate water sources. I rely on the app to pinpoint nearby taps, public fountains, or places where I can fill my water tanks, ensuring a steady supply of clean water for cooking and washing.
3. Dump Stations:
   Proper waste disposal is a part of responsible van life. iOverlander’s extensive database includes information on dump stations where I can safely empty my gray water tank and dispose of waste, all without impacting the environment.
4. Connectivity:
   Van life doesn’t mean you have to disconnect entirely. I use iOverlander to find spots with good cell signal or free Wi-Fi, allowing me to stay connected with friends, family, and my online community.

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Interaction and Community:

What sets iOverlander apart is its thriving community of like-minded travelers. I can connect with other van lifers, share experiences, and offer insights on the places I’ve explored. It’s a two-way street of knowledge and camaraderie, making every journey richer.

iOverlander is more than just an app; it’s a vital companion for your van life adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just beginning your journey, this tool will open doors to countless adventures and experiences you’ll cherish. Remember that van life is as unique as the individual living it, and iOverlander helps you create a van life story that’s entirely your own.

Check out IOverlander Here

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up iOverlander, plan your next route, and get ready to make unforgettable memories on the open road!