What are the best resources for vanlife education and community building?

Resources, strategies and examples to help you get involved in the broader vanlife community.

Van life can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging and require a steep learning curve. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help van lifers get started and build a community. Here are some of the best resources for van life education and community building:

Online custom van forums

There are many online forums dedicated to van life where people can ask questions, share their experiences, and connect with other van lifers. Some popular online forums include Reddit's r/vandwellers, the Sprinter-Forum, and the Ford Transit USA Forum.

Vanlife social media

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great places to connect with other van lifers, share photos of your van and travels, and find resources and information about van life. You can search for van life hashtags like #vanlife, #vanlifers, and #homeonwheels to find other van lifers to follow. Keep in mind that tailored photos, and intentional lifestyle framing may in some cases distort the reality of vanlife. Everyone’s experience is unique.

Vanlife blogs and websites

There are many van life blogs and websites that offer advice, resources, and information about van life. Some popular van life blogs include Vanlife Diaries, The Wayward Home, and VanSage.

Van conversion events and meetups

There are many van life events and meetups throughout the year where van lifers can connect, learn from each other, and build community. Some popular events include the National Vanlife Gathering, Vanlife Diaries' Open Roads Fest, and the Tiny House, Simple Living Jamboree.

Vanlife books and podcasts

There are many books and podcasts available on van life that can offer advice, inspiration, and information about van life. Some popular books include "The Vanual" by Zach Both and "Vanlife Companion" by Lonely Planet. Some popular podcasts include "The Van Life Podcast" and "Stories from the Road."

Van life education programs

There are also van life education programs and courses available for those who want to learn more about van life, including building and converting a van, budgeting and finance, and finding remote work. Some popular van life education programs include Vanlife Academy, Vanlife Apprencticeship, and Vanlife Tech.

These are just a few example areas of useful resources that can help van lifers (and future van lifers) can gain knowledge and support for their unique lifestyle and build a community of like-minded individuals who share their passions and experiences. Generally, the community is incredibly supportive and engaging - so be sure to talk to others as much as possible!