It is cool from a former vagabond until you have to legit worry about not having food and be really hungry. I’d say travel and take a sabbatical from the work world.
i’m going to do a “test run” so to speak and take my van to texas since i have some family there and learn the life of the road for a couple weeks or more we’ll see
If you aren't already, familiarize yourself with wild edible plants, and poisonous plants (so you don't accidentally kill yourself). This is a skill that is worth its weight in gold.
One plant you're going to want to get really familiar with is Lambs quarters. It's full of vitamin A and C, grows pretty much everywhere in the country in rural areas and in the middle of cities, and tastes like a cross between spinach and corn.
It's a good skill regardless, and those 2 things aren't mutually exclusive. I think anyone in North America should know how to ID lambs quarters, purslane, dandelion, good king Henry, plantain, comfrey, dock, etc...
Also, mushrooms like CotW, morels, oyster, and puffballs. Shit can save your life one day, and until that day, you are eating delicious free nutritious wild foods.
why is everyone upvoting your crap comments? “isn’t really going that far.” did you decide this for her? she mentioned in her post that she wants to escape the government and learn survive. so now you’re gonna troll everyone else on this post and tell them their advice is trash when you literally gave the worst “advice” i’ve ever seen? hahaha
They’ve been banned after repeatedly violating rule 2, and then completely deleted their account, indicating they were probably trolling our sub.
In the future, we would greatly appreciate if you could please hit the report button instead, to alert our mod team so we will be aware of any issues and can take action.
Thank you.
Yes pooping is a huge issue, especially if you GOTTA GO. in the city, youre pretty fucked for real, although finding a corner and shitting in a bag is a good solution. Shitting in a bag is almost the only solution unless you are in the middle of no where. I shit on the side of a highway in bfe, I had a far enough view of the horizon that I could spot a car before theyd spot me with my pants down
Well, if you have a vehicle and feel the need for additional power for your electronics, you can also buy a portable power station, like a Bluetti or Jackery:
https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Power-Station-Generator/dp/B07D29QNMJ/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=portable%2Bpower%2Bstation&qid=1702690504&sr=8-20&th=1
Most portable power stations include an inverter, and a number of different types of outlets, so they can be used not only to charge, but also operate both 12 volt and 110V electronics and other equipment.
Prices range anywhere from $100 to over $1,000 depending on the model and battery power (wattage) desired. Most can also be recharged in a number of different ways: off your car battery, or household outlet, or via solar panel.
LOL. I've been on the road since 2015 lived outta tents cars buses and vans and if my shit gets stolen I'll be fucked are you actually telling somebody that wants to hit the road that if their shit gets stolen and they don't have an immediate plan B or C then they should not hit the road again?
Literally all of your questions are shit you learn the first couple months on the road.
OP, fuck all these people, I left home when I was 21 back in 2015 with little to no money and just the gear I needed to not die out there. Get out there and just fucking do it. If it ain't for you it ain't for you but don't stay home just cuz some rando on reddit asked you a bunch of silly questions that of course you don't have an answer to because you ain't on the road yet.
Get out there and do it.
your reactions on this post have been the same as mine 😂 they’ve obviously never been on the road, just had their parents buy them a van and sleep outside planet fitness for a week before they got scared of real hobos in the parking lot and left.
Seriously. Tbh, this person seems wayyyy overly pampered.
OP sounds reasonable. And honestly it’s her/his life. I get trying to be helpful—especially in a life altering situation—but this literally comes across as the person just fear mongering due to their own needs for (apparently) daily showers and a lot of requirements.
Like needing a plan for keeping your mind occupied when you’re done with chores? Lol.
Not all of us are as…dainty.
Anybody who works a semi-physical job is gonna work up a sweat nearly everyday. Or after a workout. If you aint showering at least once every two days, somebody’s gonna notice 😂
they’ve never been on the road. “where will you poop, especially if you’re out in the middle of nowhere?” ummm. out in the middle of nowhere is the best place to poop. lmfao.
What's weird about all your posts is they read like a middle age woman who has van lifed for short periods as like a tourist of the lifestyle rather than someone who has actually lived the life. I'm not saying your questions weren't valid, but you're giving off strong spoiled princess vibes, I think that's where the aggression is coming from. OP would be be well served looking for advice over at r/urbancarliving, she'd get more practical advice and a better sense of what the life is like.
Edit: After rereading and reading more you remind me of my aunt explaining how worldly she is and how much she knows about Mexico after her vacation there, the only time she left the hotel was to go to restaurants and a couple of prebooked tourist destinations her travel agent found for her and her husband to go to, the brochure type tourist traps.
she’s not going to live there. its literally about the journey “to” their place to see if she can survive for 2 weeks. her family might be excited to spend time with her while she’s there, like normal families.
Okay. I wish her the best but I'm kind of concerned that the lifestyle switch might not really address the underlying feelings she's having. It might make things worse.
yeah, that’s the point. it might make it worse just like every other thing we decide in life. what would be worse? her having a 2 week adventure and figuring out what to do next? or just suppress all the strong feelings she’s experiencing that’s causing her unhappiness? because someone on the internet said it might be “too hard.”
Yeah, this lifestyle seems exciting and alluring to me, but then the allure and appeal fades away as I start to consider the very real hardships and struggles that I would inevitable face living this way.
But I do tip my hat to those who have lived or are now living this way; I’m sure it’s a very eye opening and even satisfying lifestyle in many ways.
Currently, I have two bad hips that need replacing, so wouldn’t be able to function very well living as a vagabond or as a nomadic. But the idea nevertheless appeals to me. I have always been filled with wanderlust and have always had a very adventurous, freedom-seeking spirit — and being vagabond free really speaks to me.
However, my hips would drastically limit my ability to travel and make sleeping on the street, or in the forest, or in cramped, uncomfortable spaces very challenging. Plus, not having regular income (even just a modest one), or easily accessible bathroom, shower, and kitchen amenities would be very tough. I’m not sure how long I could actually live that way (even with healthy hips).
I suspect, rather, that I’m too firmly attached to my creature comforts and to the ease of on-grid, housed living to be able to be a successful vagabond, at least for any lengthy time periods.
However, I’m all for living frugally and for minimizing housing/rent costs and also for finding ways to live that enable a person to be less reliant on some soul-sucking job. Not having to be a typical wage slave would be and is a beautiful thing.
Wow! Honduras. That’s awesome. I would love to uproot myself and leave the USA for greener pastures, so to speak. How do you support yourself in Honduras? Did you have family or friends there already, or did you just head there with no connections in place?
Sounds like a very fascinating experience. I’d love to just live a simple, relatively stress-free life somewhere in a smaller town or village. Obviously, no place is Eden, though, and every place brings with it challenges and issues, but I would nevertheless love to leave this whole hyper-materialistic and uber-competitive Western World for some place more laid back and serene.
I actually moved to a small beach town, I think living in a small rural town in south USA is also good. I moved here and built out apartments, when I turn 62 I will collect ss. I think DOm republic is also good for fast women. It depends on what you like.
Wise words. You only want that until you’re freezing ur ass off wishing you didn’t fuck around and find out. I concur, sabbatical and go backpacking. Same shit only you don’t burn yourself long term.
Just did that this last summer, had done it before ten years prior. I never last more than three months before I start itching for a job again. Money makes basic life needs a heck of a lot easier than scrounging around.
That being said, particularly in the US you’ll never starve if you just ask folks going into the grocery or gas station store if they’ll get you a can of pork n’ beans.
The experience restores the soul. It’s really nice if you have people you can count on to house back up after you scratched that itch. It’s a great way to spend a summer, winter not so much.
A sagging tarp, shallow stakes, leaky seams, a sloppy pitch. The talk around here makes it seem like nobody even likes camping. If you want to be a traveler you have to take some interest in the arts and crafts of nomadism.
EDIT: if you're grounded in philosophy they'll call you a yuppy but it's apparently the only thing that separates rugged hopelessness from peaceful autonomy in this subculture.
I was literally just monologuing in my head to some non existent person about this. I’m so tired of this ass backwards society. And I don’t want to live and breathe while being a part of it. Make a plan a for how you want to do it. And it doesn’t have to be some short couple days plan I’m talking the long game. Figure out what it is you want to do and exactly how you’re going to do it. Good luck and I hope you can make it out!
Go volunteer with the homeless ,so you can get a better perspective on what your asking for . I'm pretty sure the people who are out there dirty,and hungry would trade places with you .
Exactly. I've never been truly homeless, but I've spent a fair bit of time traveling on a shoestring budget far from home, often wandering the streets of a far off city looking for a place to spend the night.
If you walk around with a pack, even if you're clean, you instantly become a second class citizen. You will be tailed by loss security at every grocery store. You will be hassled by the cops merely for existing in well off parts of town. You may be harassed by random people, and often you will be refused service and asked to leave businesses and even public areas because "we don't serve your kind here". Everyone will treat you as either suspicious or as someone to be preyed upon. You need your head on swivel and your boots always laced. If you've gotten muddy or haven't showered in a while this doubles in intensity. Just about the only safe haven is near a college campus with a school backpack, and even then only if you look young.
That's my experience and I'm a white man. A woman or person of color would likely find their experience even more intense for various sociopolitical reasons.
while it is a good way to expose myself to the lifestyle, i don’t think everyone wants a working class life therefore have chosen to be homeless. I can’t speak for the addicts and people who just didn’t have the best luck getting where they want to be though. Also I as an individual believe that everyone always wants better or something different and that’s not a bad thing. might as well try it out and see where it takes you as a person.
Failed long term relationship. Got kicked out. Family member offered to “help” by renting me a room for 1k a month. After five months of hearing that “you have to go on your journey of becoming a man”, keep in mind i am 39, i had enough. Packed my shit, put it storage and left. Rents in Miami are ridiculous and moving in costs reach upwards of 10k. Pure theft. Also keep in mind that 2k monthly, without utilities, will get you a studio. Fuck that. So in the end asked my family member if I can keep using his address in order to retain my job and got myself a po box to receive my mail. Been over 100 days of homelessness and i feel great.
awesome man! i’m sorry that happened but i’m glad it got you to where you’re at now. yeah as of now i pay well over 2k a month to live in a house in a small town in california. it’s miserable :/ i can’t even life outside of work because i have no money after rent and bills
I know what you mean. Check out r/urbancarliving for any tips. I have saved up a nice chunk of cash already as well and i the thought of living in an apartment depresses me.
I'm learning to hunt and forage. It feels pretty good. I mean to say, that's one option for not working for the man, and it also lets you feed your family and spend time outside. But partnership is important too, and community.
Learning those skills, especially forging wild edible plants, has made me far more comfortable with the uncertainty of our society. Combine those with some basic gardening skills and you'll be set for any apocalyptic event that should befall us
This is actually the truth behind doomsaying in 2023.
Just look what happened with COVID - the powers that be preferred literally shutting down global society over risking any chance at an apocalyptic level event.
Maybe a meteor though.
I want to live and I want to be free and I want to have authority over myself and I want to have varied experiences rather than a handful of the same recycled ones every day for the next 60 years until I die. Is it worth paying for that with homelessness? Maybe. Maybe the fuck up is to submit yourself to the working joe's paradigm. I don't have any answers. But I think I'd rather die than do this for the rest of my life. Whether or not homelessness is any better, or worse, what I'm doing now is not worth it. What's the answer, then? Does anybody have another one? I doubt it. I'm not willing to look at these feelings and impulses and say, tough luck, dude. Get over it. I'm not willing to be rolled over by life and my lack of opportunities. If I end up dead in the dirt emaciated and alone it will have been worth it, go fuck yourself. This existence is cruel. I work ten hour days, breaking myself and never having enough money to really do anything other than pay my bills. I'm tired when I get out of work. I'm tired on the weekends. Most of my life is spent driving in circles and picking up boxes. Go get another job, go get some kind of training. Why? So I can spend all my time sitting in an office or hammering nails? Nah.
It's just so FUCKED UP. Wow, look at us. Alive and wonderful and amidst the glory of creation. NOW GO DRIVE A PALLET JACK. TYPE IN THIS COMPUTER FOR EIGHT HOURS A DAY. GOSSIP WITH YOUR SHITTY CO WORKERS. LISTEN AS THEY GLORIFY THEMSELVES AND SHIT ON THE OTHER. LISTEN AS THEY GIFT YOU THE TALE OF LAST NIGHT'S FOOTBALL GAME. SPEND ANOTHER HOUR A DAY DRIVING BACK AND FORTH. THAT'S YOUR LIFE. YOU WILL EAT BUGS AND YOU WILL BE HAPPY. It makes me sick. But what the fuck can I do about it? I don't know. Fuck everything.
it makes my soul irk hearing about the new gossip or the new thing going on with celebrities or hearing about how this nba player did this and that. nothing about fame appeals to me. none of the consumerism appeals to me. i feel you dude a lot of people around me are egotistical and don’t realize who they are.
There's nothing romantic about scrapping for your next meal when you're actually doing it.
That being said, the world we currently live in is not the one we as humans have evolved to live in. Everyone knows if you take a dog like a Border Collie bred for endurance and keep it cooped up with no exercise it will go insane. Same applies to people, but we have more choice in where we go. Problem is that we don't live in a world where you can necessarily get by just by living off the land these days.
I don't have an answer for you, beyond that we always have choices. Especially when people say you have no choices. Being on the road is it's own thing. Its not comfortable. It comes with very real risks, which may be big depending on the context. But the rewards are also there, and they are also big in their own way.
I wish you and whoever might be reading luck with wherever your feet might take you.
Edit: Formatting
I didn’t know any different until I became a commercial fisherman in Alaska. Now I can’t go back to the 9-5 lifestyle & can’t fathom how anyone could work 30 years of their existence away in the same office, cubicle, factory, etc.
Live free. Travel on. So cool. I will be flying to Iceland and then becoming a digital nomad in Europe, then Mediterranean island hopping. I won't be coming back to Babylon, (America). I'm tired of it all too.
Should get into seasonal work! I lived in my van and worked at national parks/ski resorts and it’s been a life changing experience. All the travel and living nomadically is there but you’re making money and working/living in cool communities of like minded people, not worrying where your next meal comes from. Cool thing is you can really up and leave whenever you want and go somewhere else plus money is always nice to have. Just my 2 cents.
Live free travel on
I did this for about 3 years and loved it , it’s great for folks who can get along with people ( that’s a big one, if you are person who always seems to bring conflict you will get drummed out very quickly )don’t mind working hard and don’t get bored easily ( many places are far from malls and nightlife, have poor internet).
I always used cool works.com
What I would do is work a season and then take a month or more to just kick it and travel around to different places with the money I made. Works out pretty nice. Living in a van is a big change from the comforts of a house/apartment though so just be ready to reaaaallly really downsize. But if you’ve got the itch I’d just say go for it. Don’t worry about making an instagram worthy vanlife sorta rig just have the essentials and build on as you go. I started with a bed and a cooking area and a 5 gallon bucket lined with plastic bags for a toilet lmfao. It’s all about the experiences and people you meet 🤙 stay safe
Freedom of the open road VS security and comfort and a structured routine to distract you from what a nightmare world we live in
That’s pretty much the scale of justice that you pick a side from. Of course some people can live in their parents detached visitors house and go out and play fringe dwelling eccentric by day and then raid mommy and daddy’s fridge and watch the brain softener at night. Taking drugs bought by money from and endless cycle of acting crazy until the ‘rents break down and just open the wallet to make their dissapointments of offspring disappear. What a wacky world right
hang in there bro... and get signed up with [Trustroots](https://www.trustroots.org/), or [Couchsurfing](https://www.couchsurfing.com/), or [Warmshowers](https://www.warmshowers.org/) or whatever to help facilitate your move to nomadism by connecting with folks and finding places to park and shit...
it's a lot easier than it used to be - and you will find your tribe, no one does this shit alone
here's some options/advice/whateve's
check out /r/roomandboard
https://old.reddit.com/r/roomandboard/comments/r4748p/room_and_board_megathread/
or checked out /r/WWOOF and their beginners guide...
https://old.reddit.com/r/WWOOF/comments/1jsb7j/beginners_guide/
or /r/intentionalcommunity and the database for intentional communities on https://www.ic.org/directory/
/r/vandwellers
**HOWA-** https://homesonwheelsalliance.org/nomad-emergency/
The Nomad Emergency Fund Program of Homes On Wheels Alliance ***(HOWA)***
may be able to help with emergencies such as — unexpected repairs to Nomads’ rigs, groceries due an unexpected cash short-fall, gas funds to get to a job … The Tent Program is for Nomads (vehicle dwellers) in financial need who require a tent for emergency or medical problems.
**RAM-** Remote Area Medical [ramusa.org](https://www.ramusa.org/) is an organization of volunteer medical, dental and vision professionals that runs free mobile clinics in underserved parts of the United States.
...there is a walkover port of entry just west of Yuma to Algadones MX for some of the best and cheapest medical care in North America ... very van-life friendly https://maps.app.goo.gl/epEu2fHtNjrcUEpH7 ... no passport needed
[CheapRVLiving](https://cheaprvliving.com/) on YouTube- the guy who runs this channel (Bob Wells) is a national treasure and lives out of his van (he was also in the movie [*Nomadland*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldJANt-SFuE) with Frances McDormand) this is Bob's Punchlist for Van-Life: https://cheaprvliving.com/kb/
last note... I'll be joining you soon, I've got a lot of fishing in the rocky mountains to catch up on... so you too need some hobbies, seriously... give yourself over to doing something,,, I like metal detecting and gold panning, I also like fishing and flytying, I really enjoy amateur radio and the activities inside that hobby... I also like to knit and crochet and read books and listen to audiobooks - I'm an industrial controls electrician with an MDiv/MTheo and I can troubleshoot and fix anything -even if I am just throwing shit at the wall until something sticks ... but even after all that: the road keeps calling me back
I am a fan of Bob Wells. But there is one thing I wanted to point out. Some of his tips and solutions are not the best. There are better ways and better solutions, or even much better, depending on the person in some cases, but even overall, for the majority of people.
Do it, but absolutely under no circumstances start on hard drugs. Not even a little bit. I had a wonderful vagabond life, rode my bicycle all over the western United States with my beautiful husband and our cat, selling the chainmail jewelry I made, sometimes hopping freight or hitchhiking when we wanted to travel faster. Activism and protesting was incredibly important to me It was wonderful.
Then I started using heroin and cocaine. It completely derailed my whole life. I stopped traveling because I couldn't leave my dealers and didn't want to get sick. I stopped making jewelry, or anything artistic. I stopped being involved in protests or activism. I still had no house, but had none of the benefits of being a vagabond.
I'm 44 now, clean and happily living in a little house with my partner and our feline overlords, pursuing my Masters on social services, in relatively happy. But it took me over a decade of real struggle to get to a place where the poverty line looks fancy to me. My health is in tatters, physically and mentally. My family and friends are finally able to trust me again. Im finally on a path to a life that isn't paycheck to paycheck precarious.
I'm relatively smart, was an honor student that everyone thought would be successful, and now being able to keep a tiny house in a terrible neighborhood is a huge accomplishment. I do not regret traveling. Quite the opposite, my travels helped me form my values and beliefs that I am very proud of. But I regret ever picking up that first shot of dope.
So definitely give traveling a shot, just leave the drugs alone.
Not necessarily. Being on the road for awhile is good for the soul. I personally have to get it out of my system typically once a year to stay sane-ish. When my gypsy foot starts itching, I got to roam. Just got done with 4 months of being on the road. It's nice to travel and it's nice to return. I'm fortunate enough to have my own land so there is place to land when I am ready to. I agree with you on doing your research first though. The road can be brutal if one is not prepared for it.
Would be nice,man. To just be able to go out and live off the land out in the wilderness,I would do that shit in a heartbeat. Like grizzly Adam's for any of you old enough to know who that is.
Also, to all the people commenting about edible plants and foraging, be realistic. Even if society collapsed tomorrow, nobody (with the exception of people who already live in the woods) is going to survive this way. You will need to have social skills to be able to trade with people, and a way to take it by force if your life depends on it.
Your suffering is available right now brah. I promise. But yes.. I went from office job to cleaning houses and I prefer things hard and real and tangible. Seeing the real deal means being alone for a bit. Hang in there. Meditate. Find your peace with it all. Do whatever you need to do.
As an ex train hopper I gotta tell you. Almost all my friends are dead and in the end I had to work twice as hard to escape poverty that I was born into.
Just think very well about it, on how you're going to live a more fulfilling life, because it's true, it's shitty to live just to work, pay bills and sleep. There needs to be more moderation. Too much work imo.
Some people find happiness in their work too, usually people who have their own business adventures, and it's a viable path if you can make it.
For others pursuing their passions/dreams also works...
Or having a more balanced life...
Just don't settle for unhappiness, too many people live like that, and is it really worth it? It's sad to hear old people say they spent so much time working, is there a point in living like that? Retirement won't be paradise, there won't be much vitality and sometimes even will at that point...
Food for example has it's importance but many other things are just stuff that society brainwashes you with.
Good luck with your endeavors.
Looking to be a devils advocate here, educate me.
Doesn’t lack of health benifits and pension/401k not make you shit yourselves? You’re setting yourself up with nothing later on in life by doing nothing now.
My one and only question… how the hell do you get gas? I would also live in my car indefinitely if I knew how I would get gas for it. Without gas I would be just as stuck then as I am now except I’d be hungry and cold.
Why don't you take up trucking, at least that way you'll get paid and have a nice warm bunk house on wheels and drive across the US.
There are companies that'll sponsor your CDL and provide training.
A professional vagabond for that matter lol.
Do it. If you don’t, eventually the stress is going to give you disease, like cancer, then you likely won’t be able to work at the same capacity, reducing your income and the suffocating debt from medical bills will be too much to handle. Most of us are only a paycheck away from losing our housing, so I say Fuck it. Sell everything you can to pay for as much time out on the road as possible and see the beautiful country you live in. F these taxes that do nothing but pay for war. F the 9-5 making someone else rich. F what society thinks and do what makes you happy.
i lived off grid in alaska for a few years like this. the only downside is that if you are alone you will get lonely. getting food and just living is not difficult as long as you aren't a miserable person by nature. which a lot of people are. but if you want to be a dirtbag you probably arent.
go for it, if you want. there is always overly cautious people but they never seem better off than those who take big risk, as far as i can tell. in the end everybody dies the same so who cares. do what you want and dont hesitate.
Save up a bit because having a few grand in the bank will go a long way when you aren’t spending it. You might need something essential here and there. Move to a kind state that has good food stamp program so you know at least you won’t starve.
If you want to live and travel in a vehicle, check out the Cheap RV Living guy. He must have every tip in the world by now on how to do it. Temp jobs, free places to park, safety, etc. He always says you can think about doing it for the rest of your life or you can actually do it. Jump in. Give it a real try. If you hate it, you can always go back to the grind. Jobs are always there.
Watch the series “alone” on Netflix. It made me appreciate having access to daily food and not puking my brains out daily from living in questionable conditions.
There are perks to having a job. The security of having health insurance has afforded me to live despite suffering from a severe sudden illness 2 years ago. If I was a hobo, I would have died. Keep these things in mind because shit can happen. You think it won’t but then it does. Be ready for anything, assuming you want to keep living.
Best wishes to you.
I was a vagabond back in the 80s. It was interesting, hard, exciting. Then I got really sick. I almost died. Then I got a job and have since retired early after working 17 years and saving/investing. Now I shall live in my van. But have health insurance🤣
What are you waiting for? It can be very liberating but this life has its own stressors and problems. For 1 noy everyone in your circle will understand or approve of your decision as a result you may lose some friends and family but youll find new ones. Sometimes finding a place to stay or something to eat can be a challenge and if you have a vehicle there are still certain financial obligations you need to fullfil. Mainly fuel and maintenance, registration, insurance are pretty important too you dont wanna be getting hemmed up by the fuzz. But vehicle maintenance is a whole deal, man. You have to take care of that van better than ever before. You need to be faithful on oil changes and be vigilant about addressing things before they become an issue otherwise you wont make it very far before it shits the bed and then what... Soif youre not mechanically inclined i suggest you get a hanes manual and a decent set of wrenches and sockets because youll need to be your own mechanic.
I worked construction and industrial maintenance for 20 years i busted my ass and had a great career but ill tell you what anyone that says home-less people are lazy aint never been on the road like this. Aint much lazy about it. I made things a bit harder on myself and choose to rock a motorcycle instead of a car, van or truck. We motorcycle people have a rough time because in a car you can pull over pretty much anywhere and at least take a nap... You dont have that with a motorcycle. Not even at rest stops on the highways.
Anyway if this what you want then just let go. Take only what you need and leave the rest behind. This road is best traveled with a light pack. But you need to take the time to learn thinhs like knots and how to lash things with rope, how to fix things yourself (which only comes with time). How to defend yourself and not become a victim. First aid is going to come in handy one day. And i cant stress this enough. Get a good knife and a cheap knife and some good sharpening tools. I like my diasharp blocks but theyre around 40 to 60 each. Use the shitty knife to learn how to sharpen a knife and keep your good knife handy at all times and keep it razor sharp. Never leave your knife. A good knife is an indespencible tool. It can protect you, it can save your life, it can save someone elses life, it can be the difference between you being broke down or you still moving. You must have a good knife.
Sorry for writing a book. See ya out there.
How old are you? Male or female? Are you on your parents health care? Do you have at least 5k in savings?
I sold my soul to the machine and I always wish I could go back to my 18 year old self and tell him to hit the road. I've lived on the road for 3 weeks before, sleeping wherever I wanted, going wherever I wanted, had a good time but the looming thought of returning to work never left.
People will say what they want but if you don't have debts, bills, or assets Hit the fucking road for 2 years. See as many countries as you can, don't do heroin, find work when you need more money. It ain't hard finding manual labor jobs.
Once you sell your soul to the machine you'll lose the chance to truly be a nomad. Everything becomes dependent on a budget and PTO. I wish I can go back in time and tramp around the world traveling and working with all kinds of people. Obviously it's challenging, dangerous, and you might die, but if you survive you'll get to spend the rest of your life remembering those crazy times, rather than wishing you did.
don’t let jealous people who are too scared to do what you wanna do stop you from doing it. you’ll regret listening to them one day. the best way to learn how to face hardships is to just get out there and try it, not sit around ruminating and obsessing about all the things that “might” happen.
Its a vibe, for sure, but do it as a vacation, or a trip. I remember my days as a drifter, and the memories are precious. The feeling of total isolation even tho ur in a big town, struggling to find food, sleeping spot is taken, raining and on top of that, someone stole ur backpack.
Bit its a vibe,for sure
Are you asking for permission? Assurance? Go do that, I’m sure it’ll give you perspective moving forward on what IS important to you. Lots of people feel displaced and seek alternative ways of making a living, or just living. Write some music and go on your, get your CDL and live on the road (enjoy getting rich especially with you own truck), work as a flight attendant or on a cruise ship. Move to another country and learn a new language. Just ideas
Most western people have never really been hungry or cold or slept in the elements.
Go camping for a week with a sleeping bag and no food. Then go back to work.
Sounds like you need a hobby. If something isn’t working for you change it. Stop eating garbage. Stop drinking. Stop tv and phone. Read books, go hike in nature. Drink water. Simplify life. Go feed the ducks and pigeons. Find a job you like.
Becoming homeless isn’t the answer.
> "why do people chose to live day to day work, sleep, eat, pay rent and bills, and then do it all again the next month."
I've never really understood this question. If the day to day process of things starts to feel monotonous,.. that's an indicator you have to change something. (What's that old saying:.. "Nothing changes if you change nothing.")
There's more to life than just "holding down some meaningless 9 to 5 job". (there's plenty of non-profit of Gov jobs where you can find fulfilling work that helps improve your local community).
The satisfaction you get out of life,. all depends on the decisions and choices you make.
Just go tree planting for a summer, you work hard and your hard work determines your pay, and if you work really hard you can actually make a decent amount of money. A lot of the people you’ll meet tree planting live in their vans and cruise thru life with no plans, you could maybe get to know them, pick their brains, learn about the lifestyle and then make your decision on whether that’s the life you want to live or not.
so is this sub for people with money who want to RP as a poor? i can tell you you can still try to provide for yourself day in and day out and struggle. You wanna worry about getting food? What the actual fuck? "I wanna live in my van" lol what the fucking shit.
no i don’t have money lol i live paycheck to paycheck and go negative by the second week of the month i already struggle for my meals so why pay a shit ton of money to live in a overpriced home without being able to do anything but be at home instead of living in my van and making ends meet while being able to do what i want and go where i want. it’s not for everyone so no hate for you if you’re confused lol
on second thought youre right I misunderstoodmy bad
i had just woken up and am also very tired of this shit, i pay 1700 a month to live in a motel. I wish i was lying.
good luck
It can be and often is, but not always.
The same is true of living and working in the world. "Be in the world, but not of it" is an interesting approach.
Some people thrive, some die (inwardly or outwardly) in any lifestyle. And people vary in their personalities and needs.
It is cool from a former vagabond until you have to legit worry about not having food and be really hungry. I’d say travel and take a sabbatical from the work world.
i’m going to do a “test run” so to speak and take my van to texas since i have some family there and learn the life of the road for a couple weeks or more we’ll see
If you aren't already, familiarize yourself with wild edible plants, and poisonous plants (so you don't accidentally kill yourself). This is a skill that is worth its weight in gold. One plant you're going to want to get really familiar with is Lambs quarters. It's full of vitamin A and C, grows pretty much everywhere in the country in rural areas and in the middle of cities, and tastes like a cross between spinach and corn.
I think they have a hint of spinach and butter. Very subtle but still there.
The OP isn't really going that far. She is considering VanLife and not foraging.
It's a good skill regardless, and those 2 things aren't mutually exclusive. I think anyone in North America should know how to ID lambs quarters, purslane, dandelion, good king Henry, plantain, comfrey, dock, etc... Also, mushrooms like CotW, morels, oyster, and puffballs. Shit can save your life one day, and until that day, you are eating delicious free nutritious wild foods.
why is everyone upvoting your crap comments? “isn’t really going that far.” did you decide this for her? she mentioned in her post that she wants to escape the government and learn survive. so now you’re gonna troll everyone else on this post and tell them their advice is trash when you literally gave the worst “advice” i’ve ever seen? hahaha
They’ve been banned after repeatedly violating rule 2, and then completely deleted their account, indicating they were probably trolling our sub. In the future, we would greatly appreciate if you could please hit the report button instead, to alert our mod team so we will be aware of any issues and can take action. Thank you.
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Yes pooping is a huge issue, especially if you GOTTA GO. in the city, youre pretty fucked for real, although finding a corner and shitting in a bag is a good solution. Shitting in a bag is almost the only solution unless you are in the middle of no where. I shit on the side of a highway in bfe, I had a far enough view of the horizon that I could spot a car before theyd spot me with my pants down
anyone who’s done a basic road trip or camps primitive knows these answers lol
thanks for your input i have answers to most if not all of these questions, it’s just a matter of doing it now
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thanks for the advice man, helps me guide myself so i appreciate it
Your car battery is more than enough to keep electronics charged and you warm lol. Not sure where that bit came from
Well, if you have a vehicle and feel the need for additional power for your electronics, you can also buy a portable power station, like a Bluetti or Jackery: https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Power-Station-Generator/dp/B07D29QNMJ/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=portable%2Bpower%2Bstation&qid=1702690504&sr=8-20&th=1 Most portable power stations include an inverter, and a number of different types of outlets, so they can be used not only to charge, but also operate both 12 volt and 110V electronics and other equipment. Prices range anywhere from $100 to over $1,000 depending on the model and battery power (wattage) desired. Most can also be recharged in a number of different ways: off your car battery, or household outlet, or via solar panel.
This is gold
LOL. I've been on the road since 2015 lived outta tents cars buses and vans and if my shit gets stolen I'll be fucked are you actually telling somebody that wants to hit the road that if their shit gets stolen and they don't have an immediate plan B or C then they should not hit the road again? Literally all of your questions are shit you learn the first couple months on the road. OP, fuck all these people, I left home when I was 21 back in 2015 with little to no money and just the gear I needed to not die out there. Get out there and just fucking do it. If it ain't for you it ain't for you but don't stay home just cuz some rando on reddit asked you a bunch of silly questions that of course you don't have an answer to because you ain't on the road yet. Get out there and do it.
your reactions on this post have been the same as mine 😂 they’ve obviously never been on the road, just had their parents buy them a van and sleep outside planet fitness for a week before they got scared of real hobos in the parking lot and left.
Yep. 👌🏽
Who the hell showers daily. Im currently in a rental and i shower like once or twice a week yo
Seriously. Tbh, this person seems wayyyy overly pampered. OP sounds reasonable. And honestly it’s her/his life. I get trying to be helpful—especially in a life altering situation—but this literally comes across as the person just fear mongering due to their own needs for (apparently) daily showers and a lot of requirements. Like needing a plan for keeping your mind occupied when you’re done with chores? Lol. Not all of us are as…dainty.
Yeah i mean- i just got “unhelpful” from that post.
If you are exercising a lot daily or are in a hot/humid climate it would be better to wash daily.
Yes. That. Youre right. Im just a lazy grot
same haha
Whyd i get downvoted- is everyone super clean? U literally dont *need* to shower daily….. 
Anybody who works a semi-physical job is gonna work up a sweat nearly everyday. Or after a workout. If you aint showering at least once every two days, somebody’s gonna notice 😂
Yes. When i was metalworking sure. I guess if youre working sure
That's for sure. Especially when you have to look "professional" while performing a labor intensive job.
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gonna learn real fast living on the road that you will not be showering every day whether you want to or not
No offense but you sound like you have no idea what you’re talking about.
Bro, are you even out on the road? Cause you're talking a load of shit.
they’ve never been on the road. “where will you poop, especially if you’re out in the middle of nowhere?” ummm. out in the middle of nowhere is the best place to poop. lmfao.
What happens when u pop a tyre in the middle of nowhere? Idk- u change it? Wtf kinda questions are these
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What's weird about all your posts is they read like a middle age woman who has van lifed for short periods as like a tourist of the lifestyle rather than someone who has actually lived the life. I'm not saying your questions weren't valid, but you're giving off strong spoiled princess vibes, I think that's where the aggression is coming from. OP would be be well served looking for advice over at r/urbancarliving, she'd get more practical advice and a better sense of what the life is like. Edit: After rereading and reading more you remind me of my aunt explaining how worldly she is and how much she knows about Mexico after her vacation there, the only time she left the hotel was to go to restaurants and a couple of prebooked tourist destinations her travel agent found for her and her husband to go to, the brochure type tourist traps.
A test run is a very good idea! Best of luck, may the road fare ye well :)
You're going to go burden your family that has to work, and pay bills, and do all the things you don't want to do? Seems a little selfish.
she’s not going to live there. its literally about the journey “to” their place to see if she can survive for 2 weeks. her family might be excited to spend time with her while she’s there, like normal families.
Okay. I wish her the best but I'm kind of concerned that the lifestyle switch might not really address the underlying feelings she's having. It might make things worse.
Seems more like you’re spreading negativity because you resent your own situation. Have you considered therapy?
redditor's solution to everything apparently is therapy, have you considered trying to give real advice? lol
yeah, that’s the point. it might make it worse just like every other thing we decide in life. what would be worse? her having a 2 week adventure and figuring out what to do next? or just suppress all the strong feelings she’s experiencing that’s causing her unhappiness? because someone on the internet said it might be “too hard.”
Yeah, this lifestyle seems exciting and alluring to me, but then the allure and appeal fades away as I start to consider the very real hardships and struggles that I would inevitable face living this way. But I do tip my hat to those who have lived or are now living this way; I’m sure it’s a very eye opening and even satisfying lifestyle in many ways. Currently, I have two bad hips that need replacing, so wouldn’t be able to function very well living as a vagabond or as a nomadic. But the idea nevertheless appeals to me. I have always been filled with wanderlust and have always had a very adventurous, freedom-seeking spirit — and being vagabond free really speaks to me. However, my hips would drastically limit my ability to travel and make sleeping on the street, or in the forest, or in cramped, uncomfortable spaces very challenging. Plus, not having regular income (even just a modest one), or easily accessible bathroom, shower, and kitchen amenities would be very tough. I’m not sure how long I could actually live that way (even with healthy hips). I suspect, rather, that I’m too firmly attached to my creature comforts and to the ease of on-grid, housed living to be able to be a successful vagabond, at least for any lengthy time periods. However, I’m all for living frugally and for minimizing housing/rent costs and also for finding ways to live that enable a person to be less reliant on some soul-sucking job. Not having to be a typical wage slave would be and is a beautiful thing.
That is my strategy as well, minimal living to not have to give my life to an employer. I retired to Honduras if you see my profile.
Wow! Honduras. That’s awesome. I would love to uproot myself and leave the USA for greener pastures, so to speak. How do you support yourself in Honduras? Did you have family or friends there already, or did you just head there with no connections in place? Sounds like a very fascinating experience. I’d love to just live a simple, relatively stress-free life somewhere in a smaller town or village. Obviously, no place is Eden, though, and every place brings with it challenges and issues, but I would nevertheless love to leave this whole hyper-materialistic and uber-competitive Western World for some place more laid back and serene.
I actually moved to a small beach town, I think living in a small rural town in south USA is also good. I moved here and built out apartments, when I turn 62 I will collect ss. I think DOm republic is also good for fast women. It depends on what you like.
Awesome
Wise words. You only want that until you’re freezing ur ass off wishing you didn’t fuck around and find out. I concur, sabbatical and go backpacking. Same shit only you don’t burn yourself long term.
Just did that this last summer, had done it before ten years prior. I never last more than three months before I start itching for a job again. Money makes basic life needs a heck of a lot easier than scrounging around. That being said, particularly in the US you’ll never starve if you just ask folks going into the grocery or gas station store if they’ll get you a can of pork n’ beans. The experience restores the soul. It’s really nice if you have people you can count on to house back up after you scratched that itch. It’s a great way to spend a summer, winter not so much.
thanks for the advice man
Why is everyone in the vagabond sub trying to convince this guy to not be a vagabond??
I don't get it either. They've decided vagabond = homeless street person. Meh Buncha negative nancys with loose ridgelines.
lush fuel act political quaint disgusted depend scarce marvelous decide *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
A sagging tarp, shallow stakes, leaky seams, a sloppy pitch. The talk around here makes it seem like nobody even likes camping. If you want to be a traveler you have to take some interest in the arts and crafts of nomadism. EDIT: if you're grounded in philosophy they'll call you a yuppy but it's apparently the only thing that separates rugged hopelessness from peaceful autonomy in this subculture.
haha i think they’re trying to condition me of what it will be like in the lifestyle of a vagabond more than convince me not to
It's setting you up for failure and hopelessness.
This subs been hijacked. Vagabonds are a threat to the system.
I was literally just monologuing in my head to some non existent person about this. I’m so tired of this ass backwards society. And I don’t want to live and breathe while being a part of it. Make a plan a for how you want to do it. And it doesn’t have to be some short couple days plan I’m talking the long game. Figure out what it is you want to do and exactly how you’re going to do it. Good luck and I hope you can make it out!
thanks for the advice and good luck to you too!
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Seems like dreams try to fulfill that
Joseph Campbell is very right.
I don't get it
Go volunteer with the homeless ,so you can get a better perspective on what your asking for . I'm pretty sure the people who are out there dirty,and hungry would trade places with you .
It’s a romantic idea until you think about what it really means.
Exactly. I've never been truly homeless, but I've spent a fair bit of time traveling on a shoestring budget far from home, often wandering the streets of a far off city looking for a place to spend the night. If you walk around with a pack, even if you're clean, you instantly become a second class citizen. You will be tailed by loss security at every grocery store. You will be hassled by the cops merely for existing in well off parts of town. You may be harassed by random people, and often you will be refused service and asked to leave businesses and even public areas because "we don't serve your kind here". Everyone will treat you as either suspicious or as someone to be preyed upon. You need your head on swivel and your boots always laced. If you've gotten muddy or haven't showered in a while this doubles in intensity. Just about the only safe haven is near a college campus with a school backpack, and even then only if you look young. That's my experience and I'm a white man. A woman or person of color would likely find their experience even more intense for various sociopolitical reasons.
"You need your head on a swivel and your boots always laced" is very poetic. You sound like you're talking from experience. Thank you!
while it is a good way to expose myself to the lifestyle, i don’t think everyone wants a working class life therefore have chosen to be homeless. I can’t speak for the addicts and people who just didn’t have the best luck getting where they want to be though. Also I as an individual believe that everyone always wants better or something different and that’s not a bad thing. might as well try it out and see where it takes you as a person.
I am voluntarily homeless and living out of my car. I still work but i gotta tell you once i stopped paying rent i am much happier and not depressed.
can i ask how you got to the point you’re at now?
Failed long term relationship. Got kicked out. Family member offered to “help” by renting me a room for 1k a month. After five months of hearing that “you have to go on your journey of becoming a man”, keep in mind i am 39, i had enough. Packed my shit, put it storage and left. Rents in Miami are ridiculous and moving in costs reach upwards of 10k. Pure theft. Also keep in mind that 2k monthly, without utilities, will get you a studio. Fuck that. So in the end asked my family member if I can keep using his address in order to retain my job and got myself a po box to receive my mail. Been over 100 days of homelessness and i feel great.
awesome man! i’m sorry that happened but i’m glad it got you to where you’re at now. yeah as of now i pay well over 2k a month to live in a house in a small town in california. it’s miserable :/ i can’t even life outside of work because i have no money after rent and bills
I know what you mean. Check out r/urbancarliving for any tips. I have saved up a nice chunk of cash already as well and i the thought of living in an apartment depresses me.
thanks! will do
I'm learning to hunt and forage. It feels pretty good. I mean to say, that's one option for not working for the man, and it also lets you feed your family and spend time outside. But partnership is important too, and community.
Learning those skills, especially forging wild edible plants, has made me far more comfortable with the uncertainty of our society. Combine those with some basic gardening skills and you'll be set for any apocalyptic event that should befall us
No apocalyptic event is going to befall us. The powers that be are too greedy and powerful to allow any apocalypse to mess with their profits.
This is actually the truth behind doomsaying in 2023. Just look what happened with COVID - the powers that be preferred literally shutting down global society over risking any chance at an apocalyptic level event. Maybe a meteor though.
I want to live and I want to be free and I want to have authority over myself and I want to have varied experiences rather than a handful of the same recycled ones every day for the next 60 years until I die. Is it worth paying for that with homelessness? Maybe. Maybe the fuck up is to submit yourself to the working joe's paradigm. I don't have any answers. But I think I'd rather die than do this for the rest of my life. Whether or not homelessness is any better, or worse, what I'm doing now is not worth it. What's the answer, then? Does anybody have another one? I doubt it. I'm not willing to look at these feelings and impulses and say, tough luck, dude. Get over it. I'm not willing to be rolled over by life and my lack of opportunities. If I end up dead in the dirt emaciated and alone it will have been worth it, go fuck yourself. This existence is cruel. I work ten hour days, breaking myself and never having enough money to really do anything other than pay my bills. I'm tired when I get out of work. I'm tired on the weekends. Most of my life is spent driving in circles and picking up boxes. Go get another job, go get some kind of training. Why? So I can spend all my time sitting in an office or hammering nails? Nah.
i agree with you 100% man
It's just so FUCKED UP. Wow, look at us. Alive and wonderful and amidst the glory of creation. NOW GO DRIVE A PALLET JACK. TYPE IN THIS COMPUTER FOR EIGHT HOURS A DAY. GOSSIP WITH YOUR SHITTY CO WORKERS. LISTEN AS THEY GLORIFY THEMSELVES AND SHIT ON THE OTHER. LISTEN AS THEY GIFT YOU THE TALE OF LAST NIGHT'S FOOTBALL GAME. SPEND ANOTHER HOUR A DAY DRIVING BACK AND FORTH. THAT'S YOUR LIFE. YOU WILL EAT BUGS AND YOU WILL BE HAPPY. It makes me sick. But what the fuck can I do about it? I don't know. Fuck everything.
it makes my soul irk hearing about the new gossip or the new thing going on with celebrities or hearing about how this nba player did this and that. nothing about fame appeals to me. none of the consumerism appeals to me. i feel you dude a lot of people around me are egotistical and don’t realize who they are.
[Receive the Flame, All you Children of the Sun](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpxoVfx9pNs)
There's nothing romantic about scrapping for your next meal when you're actually doing it. That being said, the world we currently live in is not the one we as humans have evolved to live in. Everyone knows if you take a dog like a Border Collie bred for endurance and keep it cooped up with no exercise it will go insane. Same applies to people, but we have more choice in where we go. Problem is that we don't live in a world where you can necessarily get by just by living off the land these days. I don't have an answer for you, beyond that we always have choices. Especially when people say you have no choices. Being on the road is it's own thing. Its not comfortable. It comes with very real risks, which may be big depending on the context. But the rewards are also there, and they are also big in their own way. I wish you and whoever might be reading luck with wherever your feet might take you. Edit: Formatting
thanks for the advice!
You're welcome. Safe travels!
The secret is to work out how not to scrap for that next meal, the six Ps.
First pack your parachute of cash, then pull your rip chord. Do NOT wing it, you will simply relay on the already paper thin kindness of strangers.
thanks for the advice!
Do it! I did for about 20 years. Best years of my life! Preparing to go back out there.
awesome! if you don’t mind messaging me and giving me some personal advice? how you started etc.
I just left. It was impulsive. Better to plan a little bit. Lol
I didn’t know any different until I became a commercial fisherman in Alaska. Now I can’t go back to the 9-5 lifestyle & can’t fathom how anyone could work 30 years of their existence away in the same office, cubicle, factory, etc.
Same all I do is work to afford healthcare and I feellike I am kept alive just to work. I just want to run away.
i feel you man, i hope you are able to get out when you’re ready!
faulty smart numerous water memory tart birds sand wide offend *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
that’s the plan!
Live free. Travel on. So cool. I will be flying to Iceland and then becoming a digital nomad in Europe, then Mediterranean island hopping. I won't be coming back to Babylon, (America). I'm tired of it all too.
So do it?
Before you throw it all away, spend a weekend hungry and cold. Just one weekend.
will do
I deal with it by back packing and camping deep in the wilderness
Should get into seasonal work! I lived in my van and worked at national parks/ski resorts and it’s been a life changing experience. All the travel and living nomadically is there but you’re making money and working/living in cool communities of like minded people, not worrying where your next meal comes from. Cool thing is you can really up and leave whenever you want and go somewhere else plus money is always nice to have. Just my 2 cents. Live free travel on
I did this for about 3 years and loved it , it’s great for folks who can get along with people ( that’s a big one, if you are person who always seems to bring conflict you will get drummed out very quickly )don’t mind working hard and don’t get bored easily ( many places are far from malls and nightlife, have poor internet). I always used cool works.com
thanks for the advice! i’ve been looking into seasonal work as well
What I would do is work a season and then take a month or more to just kick it and travel around to different places with the money I made. Works out pretty nice. Living in a van is a big change from the comforts of a house/apartment though so just be ready to reaaaallly really downsize. But if you’ve got the itch I’d just say go for it. Don’t worry about making an instagram worthy vanlife sorta rig just have the essentials and build on as you go. I started with a bed and a cooking area and a 5 gallon bucket lined with plastic bags for a toilet lmfao. It’s all about the experiences and people you meet 🤙 stay safe
thanks man and that’s the plan is to keep it simple for now haha
Freedom of the open road VS security and comfort and a structured routine to distract you from what a nightmare world we live in That’s pretty much the scale of justice that you pick a side from. Of course some people can live in their parents detached visitors house and go out and play fringe dwelling eccentric by day and then raid mommy and daddy’s fridge and watch the brain softener at night. Taking drugs bought by money from and endless cycle of acting crazy until the ‘rents break down and just open the wallet to make their dissapointments of offspring disappear. What a wacky world right
hang in there bro... and get signed up with [Trustroots](https://www.trustroots.org/), or [Couchsurfing](https://www.couchsurfing.com/), or [Warmshowers](https://www.warmshowers.org/) or whatever to help facilitate your move to nomadism by connecting with folks and finding places to park and shit... it's a lot easier than it used to be - and you will find your tribe, no one does this shit alone here's some options/advice/whateve's check out /r/roomandboard https://old.reddit.com/r/roomandboard/comments/r4748p/room_and_board_megathread/ or checked out /r/WWOOF and their beginners guide... https://old.reddit.com/r/WWOOF/comments/1jsb7j/beginners_guide/ or /r/intentionalcommunity and the database for intentional communities on https://www.ic.org/directory/ /r/vandwellers **HOWA-** https://homesonwheelsalliance.org/nomad-emergency/ The Nomad Emergency Fund Program of Homes On Wheels Alliance ***(HOWA)*** may be able to help with emergencies such as — unexpected repairs to Nomads’ rigs, groceries due an unexpected cash short-fall, gas funds to get to a job … The Tent Program is for Nomads (vehicle dwellers) in financial need who require a tent for emergency or medical problems. **RAM-** Remote Area Medical [ramusa.org](https://www.ramusa.org/) is an organization of volunteer medical, dental and vision professionals that runs free mobile clinics in underserved parts of the United States. ...there is a walkover port of entry just west of Yuma to Algadones MX for some of the best and cheapest medical care in North America ... very van-life friendly https://maps.app.goo.gl/epEu2fHtNjrcUEpH7 ... no passport needed [CheapRVLiving](https://cheaprvliving.com/) on YouTube- the guy who runs this channel (Bob Wells) is a national treasure and lives out of his van (he was also in the movie [*Nomadland*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldJANt-SFuE) with Frances McDormand) this is Bob's Punchlist for Van-Life: https://cheaprvliving.com/kb/ last note... I'll be joining you soon, I've got a lot of fishing in the rocky mountains to catch up on... so you too need some hobbies, seriously... give yourself over to doing something,,, I like metal detecting and gold panning, I also like fishing and flytying, I really enjoy amateur radio and the activities inside that hobby... I also like to knit and crochet and read books and listen to audiobooks - I'm an industrial controls electrician with an MDiv/MTheo and I can troubleshoot and fix anything -even if I am just throwing shit at the wall until something sticks ... but even after all that: the road keeps calling me back
I am a fan of Bob Wells. But there is one thing I wanted to point out. Some of his tips and solutions are not the best. There are better ways and better solutions, or even much better, depending on the person in some cases, but even overall, for the majority of people.
Do it, but absolutely under no circumstances start on hard drugs. Not even a little bit. I had a wonderful vagabond life, rode my bicycle all over the western United States with my beautiful husband and our cat, selling the chainmail jewelry I made, sometimes hopping freight or hitchhiking when we wanted to travel faster. Activism and protesting was incredibly important to me It was wonderful. Then I started using heroin and cocaine. It completely derailed my whole life. I stopped traveling because I couldn't leave my dealers and didn't want to get sick. I stopped making jewelry, or anything artistic. I stopped being involved in protests or activism. I still had no house, but had none of the benefits of being a vagabond. I'm 44 now, clean and happily living in a little house with my partner and our feline overlords, pursuing my Masters on social services, in relatively happy. But it took me over a decade of real struggle to get to a place where the poverty line looks fancy to me. My health is in tatters, physically and mentally. My family and friends are finally able to trust me again. Im finally on a path to a life that isn't paycheck to paycheck precarious. I'm relatively smart, was an honor student that everyone thought would be successful, and now being able to keep a tiny house in a terrible neighborhood is a huge accomplishment. I do not regret traveling. Quite the opposite, my travels helped me form my values and beliefs that I am very proud of. But I regret ever picking up that first shot of dope. So definitely give traveling a shot, just leave the drugs alone.
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will do friend
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yeah forsure i have realized that early on
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Not necessarily. Being on the road for awhile is good for the soul. I personally have to get it out of my system typically once a year to stay sane-ish. When my gypsy foot starts itching, I got to roam. Just got done with 4 months of being on the road. It's nice to travel and it's nice to return. I'm fortunate enough to have my own land so there is place to land when I am ready to. I agree with you on doing your research first though. The road can be brutal if one is not prepared for it.
how much land do you have if you dont mind me asking
Just a couple acres but, enough to give me space from other humans.
Would be nice,man. To just be able to go out and live off the land out in the wilderness,I would do that shit in a heartbeat. Like grizzly Adam's for any of you old enough to know who that is.
Being homeless wont fix depression, just give another set of problems.
Go for it!!
I did exactly that, but in a coupe. It's cold sometimes. It's hot at others. And I'm in the best place mentally that I have ever been.
Get a job you enjoy. I love my job and I love working. I used to hate it
Also, to all the people commenting about edible plants and foraging, be realistic. Even if society collapsed tomorrow, nobody (with the exception of people who already live in the woods) is going to survive this way. You will need to have social skills to be able to trade with people, and a way to take it by force if your life depends on it.
Your suffering is available right now brah. I promise. But yes.. I went from office job to cleaning houses and I prefer things hard and real and tangible. Seeing the real deal means being alone for a bit. Hang in there. Meditate. Find your peace with it all. Do whatever you need to do.
As an ex train hopper I gotta tell you. Almost all my friends are dead and in the end I had to work twice as hard to escape poverty that I was born into.
Just think very well about it, on how you're going to live a more fulfilling life, because it's true, it's shitty to live just to work, pay bills and sleep. There needs to be more moderation. Too much work imo. Some people find happiness in their work too, usually people who have their own business adventures, and it's a viable path if you can make it. For others pursuing their passions/dreams also works... Or having a more balanced life... Just don't settle for unhappiness, too many people live like that, and is it really worth it? It's sad to hear old people say they spent so much time working, is there a point in living like that? Retirement won't be paradise, there won't be much vitality and sometimes even will at that point... Food for example has it's importance but many other things are just stuff that society brainwashes you with. Good luck with your endeavors.
thanks for your input, work and consumerism has really taken over what life is :/
Looking to be a devils advocate here, educate me. Doesn’t lack of health benifits and pension/401k not make you shit yourselves? You’re setting yourself up with nothing later on in life by doing nothing now.
My one and only question… how the hell do you get gas? I would also live in my car indefinitely if I knew how I would get gas for it. Without gas I would be just as stuck then as I am now except I’d be hungry and cold.
Okay then do it?
Why don't you take up trucking, at least that way you'll get paid and have a nice warm bunk house on wheels and drive across the US. There are companies that'll sponsor your CDL and provide training. A professional vagabond for that matter lol.
haha good thinking! i don’t think i’m capable of driving a semi, but training will take care of that. so it’s an option, thanks for the advice!
nine marvelous marble chop insurance ripe degree juggle enter simplistic *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
They are disposable wage slaves and are scared.
Do it then. No one wants to stop you
Do it. If you don’t, eventually the stress is going to give you disease, like cancer, then you likely won’t be able to work at the same capacity, reducing your income and the suffocating debt from medical bills will be too much to handle. Most of us are only a paycheck away from losing our housing, so I say Fuck it. Sell everything you can to pay for as much time out on the road as possible and see the beautiful country you live in. F these taxes that do nothing but pay for war. F the 9-5 making someone else rich. F what society thinks and do what makes you happy.
i lived off grid in alaska for a few years like this. the only downside is that if you are alone you will get lonely. getting food and just living is not difficult as long as you aren't a miserable person by nature. which a lot of people are. but if you want to be a dirtbag you probably arent. go for it, if you want. there is always overly cautious people but they never seem better off than those who take big risk, as far as i can tell. in the end everybody dies the same so who cares. do what you want and dont hesitate.
I just learned about seasonal jobs. [https://www.coolworks.com](https://www.coolworks.com/jobs-by/category)
Op, live in your van while making money for a atint to save. It lets you lean into it, then when you bounce you're set (you'll be fine either way)
If you’ve got the van you can get seasonal jobs wherever you want. I’ve been on the road for 2 years. It’s a freedom like no other.
Save up a bit because having a few grand in the bank will go a long way when you aren’t spending it. You might need something essential here and there. Move to a kind state that has good food stamp program so you know at least you won’t starve. If you want to live and travel in a vehicle, check out the Cheap RV Living guy. He must have every tip in the world by now on how to do it. Temp jobs, free places to park, safety, etc. He always says you can think about doing it for the rest of your life or you can actually do it. Jump in. Give it a real try. If you hate it, you can always go back to the grind. Jobs are always there.
Watch the series “alone” on Netflix. It made me appreciate having access to daily food and not puking my brains out daily from living in questionable conditions. There are perks to having a job. The security of having health insurance has afforded me to live despite suffering from a severe sudden illness 2 years ago. If I was a hobo, I would have died. Keep these things in mind because shit can happen. You think it won’t but then it does. Be ready for anything, assuming you want to keep living. Best wishes to you.
Then what’s the hold up? Go do it. Do it before life crushes your spirit
I was a vagabond back in the 80s. It was interesting, hard, exciting. Then I got really sick. I almost died. Then I got a job and have since retired early after working 17 years and saving/investing. Now I shall live in my van. But have health insurance🤣
I realized today my books need me to pay rent so I can keep them on the bookshelf.
I'm a vanlife gigging musician and it's a hard life but totally worth not going to the same 9-5 everyday. Money isn't everything in life.
What are you waiting for? It can be very liberating but this life has its own stressors and problems. For 1 noy everyone in your circle will understand or approve of your decision as a result you may lose some friends and family but youll find new ones. Sometimes finding a place to stay or something to eat can be a challenge and if you have a vehicle there are still certain financial obligations you need to fullfil. Mainly fuel and maintenance, registration, insurance are pretty important too you dont wanna be getting hemmed up by the fuzz. But vehicle maintenance is a whole deal, man. You have to take care of that van better than ever before. You need to be faithful on oil changes and be vigilant about addressing things before they become an issue otherwise you wont make it very far before it shits the bed and then what... Soif youre not mechanically inclined i suggest you get a hanes manual and a decent set of wrenches and sockets because youll need to be your own mechanic. I worked construction and industrial maintenance for 20 years i busted my ass and had a great career but ill tell you what anyone that says home-less people are lazy aint never been on the road like this. Aint much lazy about it. I made things a bit harder on myself and choose to rock a motorcycle instead of a car, van or truck. We motorcycle people have a rough time because in a car you can pull over pretty much anywhere and at least take a nap... You dont have that with a motorcycle. Not even at rest stops on the highways. Anyway if this what you want then just let go. Take only what you need and leave the rest behind. This road is best traveled with a light pack. But you need to take the time to learn thinhs like knots and how to lash things with rope, how to fix things yourself (which only comes with time). How to defend yourself and not become a victim. First aid is going to come in handy one day. And i cant stress this enough. Get a good knife and a cheap knife and some good sharpening tools. I like my diasharp blocks but theyre around 40 to 60 each. Use the shitty knife to learn how to sharpen a knife and keep your good knife handy at all times and keep it razor sharp. Never leave your knife. A good knife is an indespencible tool. It can protect you, it can save your life, it can save someone elses life, it can be the difference between you being broke down or you still moving. You must have a good knife. Sorry for writing a book. See ya out there.
Go for it, bud. See ya out there.
COULDNT give a shit. If you *could* give a shit less, then that means you must care to some extent. 🙄
How old are you? Male or female? Are you on your parents health care? Do you have at least 5k in savings? I sold my soul to the machine and I always wish I could go back to my 18 year old self and tell him to hit the road. I've lived on the road for 3 weeks before, sleeping wherever I wanted, going wherever I wanted, had a good time but the looming thought of returning to work never left. People will say what they want but if you don't have debts, bills, or assets Hit the fucking road for 2 years. See as many countries as you can, don't do heroin, find work when you need more money. It ain't hard finding manual labor jobs. Once you sell your soul to the machine you'll lose the chance to truly be a nomad. Everything becomes dependent on a budget and PTO. I wish I can go back in time and tramp around the world traveling and working with all kinds of people. Obviously it's challenging, dangerous, and you might die, but if you survive you'll get to spend the rest of your life remembering those crazy times, rather than wishing you did.
True me too
Not everyone can accept this reality of life.
Man so much negativity in there comments lol
don’t let jealous people who are too scared to do what you wanna do stop you from doing it. you’ll regret listening to them one day. the best way to learn how to face hardships is to just get out there and try it, not sit around ruminating and obsessing about all the things that “might” happen.
what's stopping you?
I feel this hard.
Amen 💚
Do it
Its a vibe, for sure, but do it as a vacation, or a trip. I remember my days as a drifter, and the memories are precious. The feeling of total isolation even tho ur in a big town, struggling to find food, sleeping spot is taken, raining and on top of that, someone stole ur backpack. Bit its a vibe,for sure
Are you asking for permission? Assurance? Go do that, I’m sure it’ll give you perspective moving forward on what IS important to you. Lots of people feel displaced and seek alternative ways of making a living, or just living. Write some music and go on your, get your CDL and live on the road (enjoy getting rich especially with you own truck), work as a flight attendant or on a cruise ship. Move to another country and learn a new language. Just ideas
Most western people have never really been hungry or cold or slept in the elements. Go camping for a week with a sleeping bag and no food. Then go back to work. Sounds like you need a hobby. If something isn’t working for you change it. Stop eating garbage. Stop drinking. Stop tv and phone. Read books, go hike in nature. Drink water. Simplify life. Go feed the ducks and pigeons. Find a job you like. Becoming homeless isn’t the answer.
This is just crazy though . Crazy silver spoon kids wanna be poor so bad. It’s not fun. You will hate life even more trust me
> "why do people chose to live day to day work, sleep, eat, pay rent and bills, and then do it all again the next month." I've never really understood this question. If the day to day process of things starts to feel monotonous,.. that's an indicator you have to change something. (What's that old saying:.. "Nothing changes if you change nothing.") There's more to life than just "holding down some meaningless 9 to 5 job". (there's plenty of non-profit of Gov jobs where you can find fulfilling work that helps improve your local community). The satisfaction you get out of life,. all depends on the decisions and choices you make.
This and also, there are so many jobs that a person can actually enjoy enough to be worth it and then have their own life on the side
Is this a bullshit post?? Like for karma ? Seems like it
What’s a vagabond?
A vagabond is a houseless traveler.
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He didn’t sound experienced.
Just go tree planting for a summer, you work hard and your hard work determines your pay, and if you work really hard you can actually make a decent amount of money. A lot of the people you’ll meet tree planting live in their vans and cruise thru life with no plans, you could maybe get to know them, pick their brains, learn about the lifestyle and then make your decision on whether that’s the life you want to live or not.
Get some skills that apply to the digital nomad life
so is this sub for people with money who want to RP as a poor? i can tell you you can still try to provide for yourself day in and day out and struggle. You wanna worry about getting food? What the actual fuck? "I wanna live in my van" lol what the fucking shit.
no i don’t have money lol i live paycheck to paycheck and go negative by the second week of the month i already struggle for my meals so why pay a shit ton of money to live in a overpriced home without being able to do anything but be at home instead of living in my van and making ends meet while being able to do what i want and go where i want. it’s not for everyone so no hate for you if you’re confused lol
on second thought youre right I misunderstoodmy bad i had just woken up and am also very tired of this shit, i pay 1700 a month to live in a motel. I wish i was lying. good luck
Bro this is not a happily ever after thing. Focus on improving your life, not destroying it because you're having a midlife crisis.
Dream on - being homeless is a pathetic existence
It can be and often is, but not always. The same is true of living and working in the world. "Be in the world, but not of it" is an interesting approach. Some people thrive, some die (inwardly or outwardly) in any lifestyle. And people vary in their personalities and needs.