I went ahead and bought a van. It is a passenger van but I plan to modify it somewhat so that I can live in it. I did have to go into debt to buy it which I didn’t really want to do but the vans I saw that I could purchase outright just were not very good. After trading in my Camry I have a debt of $2750 on this van, a 2000 GMC Safari. I would like to have that debt paid off by the end of the year.
Ever since reading Blue Highways: A Journey into America in high school I have wanted to take a road trip across the country and visit all the 48 contiguous states. I still probably won’t be able to do that this year due to limited funds and other obligations but I hope to make at least one long road trip and visit a few of the states I haven’t been to yet. I’ll keep you updated as my plans develop.
Let the next chapter begin. So happy to hear about the new acquisition and I hope it turns out to be everything you need in a rolling home. Looking forward to hearing about your next adventures. I’ve got room in my driveway if your travels find you in the area.
Thanks. I think I’ll make it through there sometime this year.
Wow – you’re doing it! It sounds like Man vs. Debt 2.0 😉 It should make for some great material. Can’t wait to hear how the changes go.
I know it may or may not be fun for other people who are actually living like it, but I have always dreamed of living in a van, being one with nature, and just drive across the United States. Maybe that will be a possibility for me someday when my kids are all grown up, I can finally chase after my dream. By the by, I am excited to hear about your adventures in your van soon!
Best of luck and great memories on your new adventure. Are you traveling and living in the van on your own? Can you tell us what kind of job or how you will support yourself while you live and drive around our beautiful country. All the very best, Scott
Everyone – Thanks for the positive comments.
Scott – I will be doing this as a solo adventure. I’ll be supporting myself with my blogging and mystery shopping. And I’ll probably come up with some other forms of income.
Hi Andy, any update on trips or the van? Best to travel when this country is warm and the days are long. Once the winter comes it will be tough to camp out in the van because of the cold. Hope all is well with you!
I’ve done one hiking trip in the van and I was living in it for about a month. It has gotten too hot since then to live in the van. If I didn’t have to be in Missouri I could go to a cooler climate, but for now I am delaying living in the van. My new plan is to start a cross country trip starting around August 15th.