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How to live in a van and travel: Live everywhere, be free and have adventures in a campervan or motorhome
Imagine being able to live wherever you want, travelling the world with everything you need in your own cosy home on wheels
Three years ago I was miserable. I’d sit at my desk every thinking ‘this can’t be it’. I felt like I was missing out, like there was so much more to life than going back and forth to a windowless office building every day feeling unfulfilled, uninspired and fed up.
I needed more. I wanted to explore the world, live in different places, meet different people and let every day be an adventure. I wanted the life I thought might be out there. Maybe you also feel like this from time to time?
My dream was get a van, make it into my full-time travelling home and break away. Off into the sunset. To be free, with the whole of Europe (and possibly beyond) as my garden. So that's what I did.
Now my life is very different. I live where I want, I do what I want, and travel and adventure are part of every day. I am free of my old shackled life. I decide when and where I work, how much I get paid and what I do with the rest of my time.
A van is freedom. It’s the new office. It’s the new home. And no one will be asking for rent
No one told me a life like this was even possible and my experiences over the last three years have exceeded my wildest dreams.
Which brings us to you and this book!
If you're tired of the daily grind, working flat out five days a week and then too deflated or exhausted to live it up at the weekend…
If you yearn to be the Captain of your soul, to live free, travel far and explore what life can truly offer you…
Or if you just want to escape in a campervan for a few weeks or months but don't how to make it happen, or if it's even possible...
Then this book is for you!
On the fringes of beautiful beaches, on high mountain roads and scenic country lanes there's a quiet revolution taking place.
All over the world people are rejecting the confines of urban life, of being hemmed in by other people's expectations and settling for daydreams of what could have been…
"The rise of the Van Dweller is more than a trend, it's a new way of life.”
You can now live anywhere you want. Van life represents a new kind of freedom. It's the new office, it's a life of adventure and it's the ultimate digital nomad experience.
This book will help you to shortcut three years of trial and error, hundreds of experiments, mis-adventures and tens of thousands of miles of experience.
You'll learn why all it takes is a single decision and how to take action and get started.
And once you commit to your new life of freedom this book can be your indispensable guide:
How to know if van life is for you How to get started, key questions to ask to help you pick the right van Practical solutions to the challenges you'll encounter as a van dweller How to get on the road and stay travelling What's life on the road really like, the highs, the lows, and the people you'll meet on the way The truth about Freecamping and how to comfortably live on £10 a day How to make money on the road, working remotely and independent revenue streams How to stay connected while living off the grid and on the road
This book is the result of my three year adventure as a full-time van dweller.
Three years ago I was miserable. I’d sit at my desk every thinking ‘this can’t be it’. I felt like I was missing out, like there was so much more to life than going back and forth to a windowless office building every day feeling unfulfilled, uninspired and fed up.
I needed more. I wanted to explore the world, live in different places, meet different people and let every day be an adventure. I wanted the life I thought might be out there. Maybe you also feel like this from time to time?
My dream was get a van, make it into my full-time travelling home and break away. Off into the sunset. To be free, with the whole of Europe (and possibly beyond) as my garden. So that's what I did.
Now my life is very different. I live where I want, I do what I want, and travel and adventure are part of every day. I am free of my old shackled life. I decide when and where I work, how much I get paid and what I do with the rest of my time.
A van is freedom. It’s the new office. It’s the new home. And no one will be asking for rent
No one told me a life like this was even possible and my experiences over the last three years have exceeded my wildest dreams.
Which brings us to you and this book!
If you're tired of the daily grind, working flat out five days a week and then too deflated or exhausted to live it up at the weekend…
If you yearn to be the Captain of your soul, to live free, travel far and explore what life can truly offer you…
Or if you just want to escape in a campervan for a few weeks or months but don't how to make it happen, or if it's even possible...
Then this book is for you!
On the fringes of beautiful beaches, on high mountain roads and scenic country lanes there's a quiet revolution taking place.
All over the world people are rejecting the confines of urban life, of being hemmed in by other people's expectations and settling for daydreams of what could have been…
"The rise of the Van Dweller is more than a trend, it's a new way of life.”
You can now live anywhere you want. Van life represents a new kind of freedom. It's the new office, it's a life of adventure and it's the ultimate digital nomad experience.
This book will help you to shortcut three years of trial and error, hundreds of experiments, mis-adventures and tens of thousands of miles of experience.
You'll learn why all it takes is a single decision and how to take action and get started.
And once you commit to your new life of freedom this book can be your indispensable guide:
How to know if van life is for you How to get started, key questions to ask to help you pick the right van Practical solutions to the challenges you'll encounter as a van dweller How to get on the road and stay travelling What's life on the road really like, the highs, the lows, and the people you'll meet on the way The truth about Freecamping and how to comfortably live on £10 a day How to make money on the road, working remotely and independent revenue streams How to stay connected while living off the grid and on the road
This book is the result of my three year adventure as a full-time van dweller.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2017
141 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 1, 2021
Partly felt like this should have a tagline 'if you are young and single', and possibly 'male'.
The writing style was quite amateurish, and I got frustrated by all the 'I'll tell you more about this in the chapter on...', but as I got through the book there was lots of interesting information and it was a good first introduction, but feel like I need something a bit more relevant next.
Definitely going to check out the blog though and inspired me to figure things out for myself by watching YouTube etc.
The writing style was quite amateurish, and I got frustrated by all the 'I'll tell you more about this in the chapter on...', but as I got through the book there was lots of interesting information and it was a good first introduction, but feel like I need something a bit more relevant next.
Definitely going to check out the blog though and inspired me to figure things out for myself by watching YouTube etc.
September 1, 2021
I got this as a present for a friend. Her dream is to travel by van so I decided to gift her with some inspiration. Although I never been that attracted to van life, I thought it would be interesting to get some general knowledge about it, so I read it before giving it to her (hehehe). It was a good read, if I ever go do something similar ill probably just get a normal car where I can sleep in the back seats and figure it out from there on the road. I loved the softness of the book cover.
June 29, 2017
After watching the movie "RV", I got excited and started searching amazon kindle store for travel books and I found this book. It was quite exciting, motivational and at times a bit utopian. The language was very plain and very informal and this is expected because it is a collection of his blog articles.
He answered some the fundamental questions people ask about the life before, during and after the living in RV, but still life in a roaming RV should end someday and even he's been over 3 years doing it, he should plan for the next practical phase.
It's great for an extended summer vacation, but not really for a life.
He answered some the fundamental questions people ask about the life before, during and after the living in RV, but still life in a roaming RV should end someday and even he's been over 3 years doing it, he should plan for the next practical phase.
It's great for an extended summer vacation, but not really for a life.
April 23, 2019
Extremely generous and well qualified advice and genuinely lol moments throughout, love your humour! Invaluable for wouldbe vanlifers!
Mike has written a really brilliant guide to vanlife and how to prepare and get the most out of being on the road. Very generous with his advice with superbly qualified and informative writing this is a mine of useful information. But over and above that I love this guy’s humour! I really hope he found his wife in a launderette and I hope she was a firefighter, to help put out the chip pan fire on their return to his van! Sounds mad, read the book! Thanks, Peter
Mike has written a really brilliant guide to vanlife and how to prepare and get the most out of being on the road. Very generous with his advice with superbly qualified and informative writing this is a mine of useful information. But over and above that I love this guy’s humour! I really hope he found his wife in a launderette and I hope she was a firefighter, to help put out the chip pan fire on their return to his van! Sounds mad, read the book! Thanks, Peter
January 11, 2021
Overall, I'm glad I discovered this book.
It answered most of the questions I had about living in a van, introduced questions I hadn't considered, and provided dozens of practical resources for people looking to retrofit a cargo van and live in it.
While reading this book, I actually met a friendly couple in Huntington Beach, CA with a high-top, extended wheelbase Ford Transit. I knew the make and model of their van because of this book, so I had the courage to talk to them about their conversion.
The book could be improved by eliminating a few typos, better organizing a few sections, and pruning some other content.
It answered most of the questions I had about living in a van, introduced questions I hadn't considered, and provided dozens of practical resources for people looking to retrofit a cargo van and live in it.
While reading this book, I actually met a friendly couple in Huntington Beach, CA with a high-top, extended wheelbase Ford Transit. I knew the make and model of their van because of this book, so I had the courage to talk to them about their conversion.
The book could be improved by eliminating a few typos, better organizing a few sections, and pruning some other content.
June 3, 2018
This book was different to what I expected.
Very informative on many subjects.
From internet to mechanics and food.
I missed the technical chapters but found the others a good read.I. Websites for more info are given.
His determination and experiences in many countries sound great. The alternative lifestyle can be achieved if you get the right mindset.
The overall message is don't get stuck n the 9 to 5 lifestyle.
Very informative on many subjects.
From internet to mechanics and food.
I missed the technical chapters but found the others a good read.I. Websites for more info are given.
His determination and experiences in many countries sound great. The alternative lifestyle can be achieved if you get the right mindset.
The overall message is don't get stuck n the 9 to 5 lifestyle.
April 11, 2025
I read this book because I thought I had to - we've just bought a van and a Tentbox. But I was pleasantly surprised just how good it is. Not just for the very relevant info Mike gives, but other more inspirational stuff: his belief in Law Of Attraction and how to earn money remotely etc - these are relevant to anybody, not just van travellers. This is one book I'll keep by my side for reference, which I'm sure will be constant 🙌.
June 11, 2018
Thought provoking read
Nice work Mike. Thank you. Made me think hard about what we often take for granted. I shan't be hitting the road anytime soon, it's not for me, but the "stop procrastinating, how bad can it be?" message is a good one, coupled with practical suggestions and real life experience.
Nice work Mike. Thank you. Made me think hard about what we often take for granted. I shan't be hitting the road anytime soon, it's not for me, but the "stop procrastinating, how bad can it be?" message is a good one, coupled with practical suggestions and real life experience.
October 30, 2018
Recommended to me by someone off Simbi who was living in their van. While I am not sure I want to live full time in a van, I car camp when traveling because I don't want to spring for a hotel room. I might not be able to afford an RV, but I could probably afford to do this. Lot of the information given seems like really good information. I do hope he updates it.
November 7, 2018
Tears, chuckles and inspiration all in one book.
Very well written and truly funny.
All the information and inspiration to get you on the road is all contained in each chapter.
I loved the writing style, nice and conversational and I felt that I was the only person the book was written for, a true talent.
Thanks, Mike 🤗
Very well written and truly funny.
All the information and inspiration to get you on the road is all contained in each chapter.
I loved the writing style, nice and conversational and I felt that I was the only person the book was written for, a true talent.
Thanks, Mike 🤗
March 29, 2019
The "all you need to know about RV" book!
Ever wondered if RV living is something for you? This books might give you the answer. Written in an easily and honest way. Even it you don't think about living in a RV, you can find some inspiration to how you can free yourself from det everyday life and routines that controls you.
Ever wondered if RV living is something for you? This books might give you the answer. Written in an easily and honest way. Even it you don't think about living in a RV, you can find some inspiration to how you can free yourself from det everyday life and routines that controls you.
April 17, 2019
Great advice and easy to read
I am just starting to build my van and reading this made me so excited for the possibilities. The author clearly cares about his audience and wants to empower people to live out their lives with freedom to do as they please. Lots of good tips and things I wouldn't have thought of. Helpful links and overall a great resource
I am just starting to build my van and reading this made me so excited for the possibilities. The author clearly cares about his audience and wants to empower people to live out their lives with freedom to do as they please. Lots of good tips and things I wouldn't have thought of. Helpful links and overall a great resource
April 18, 2019
Great little book for anyone interested in campervan life, particularly if you are new to it like me and my partner. Loads of useful info, from someone who lives the life. I read it in 4 days, which is really fast for me, and can see it being dipped into, time and again. Well done Mike, job well done.
June 16, 2021
I think my obsession with van life videos meant that most of the information in this wasn’t mind blowing- but that’s obviously not the aim of the book or what I’m looking for. It breaks everything down from an overwhelmingly large act of moving into a van and living in it full time, to nice chunks that really inspired me to do it. Love love love!
May 8, 2019
Mike Hudson has given the van dweller or wannabe good basic information on how to live and travel in a van. The information he presents is best for the beginner, but pretty well-known data for the experienced van dweller. The only complaint I would have is that it should have been edited.
August 3, 2020
An inspiring and helpful how-to book. Mike Hudson describes a very familiar dissatisfaction that many people have with the traditional working world. He draws from his own experience and broadens the reader’s understanding of work, travel and life.
December 27, 2020
It is a great book with a lot of interesting info and great advice, it is written in a lovely storytelling way and you do not want to stop. Mike comes out as a lovely guy you would like for sure to meet during your trip!
March 8, 2021
Straight to the point with helpful tips. Not the "best prose", but easy to read- I read it in one day, and I usually space books out. More specific information about traveling is geared towards Europe, but still much information that is applicable to van living in any country.
April 28, 2021
Brilliant
Really inspiring and a good read. In depth detail to help anyone be able to do this themselves. Only small point is that since Brexit one or two bits may no longer be accurate but don’t let that put you off reading this.
Really inspiring and a good read. In depth detail to help anyone be able to do this themselves. Only small point is that since Brexit one or two bits may no longer be accurate but don’t let that put you off reading this.
October 19, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. It is entertaining, informative and would be a good reference tool. Mike had the courage and conviction to turn his dreams into reality and has enjoyed more in a few years than many of us experience in a lifetime. Would recommend fully.
January 11, 2024
A bit out of date now. With the wider availability of affordable mobile phone data contracts and of course the restrictions of Brexit, this guide is motivational and exciting, but not truly relevant now.
March 17, 2018
Is this something one would love to do, or is it a pathetic dream about a getaway? What do the dreams in our head say about our actual life, about happiness and suffering?
March 20, 2018
A useful book. Specific info on technology and gear would date but it's good for an inspirational read and especially the suggestions on how to make money on the road.
February 6, 2019
Inspirational book. I definitely recommend for anyone that is interested in making a life on the road.
August 24, 2019
Good intro to what it would take to make this a lifestyle.
November 20, 2019
I like that it was written casually. It also have so much information that will really help me with my conversion.
March 22, 2020
It’s no poetry, but it’s pretty damn practical!
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May 5, 2020While not the most eloquently written book I've ever read, it is very straight-forward and full of great information about living on the road, and transitioning to a nomadic life.
May 10, 2020
Really well written book.
I'm not going to live in a van, but travel in one. Some great insight to the adventures and challenges that lie ahead.
A good read in itself.
I'm not going to live in a van, but travel in one. Some great insight to the adventures and challenges that lie ahead.
A good read in itself.
June 5, 2020
Useful if you plan to live in a van. Contains a lot of practical advice. I like how he speaks of his own experiences. Several of the points address van life in Europe specifically.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews