What is Vanlife?

Experience Freedom and Adventure with Vanlife

Vanlife is a lifestyle where you live (or travel) full-time (or part-time) in a van that has been converted into a campervan. There are no strict rules defining Vanlife, which makes it an inclusive and free community where everyone is welcome. Typically, Vanlife involves converting a van into a campervan or adventure vehicle by adding basic amenities like a fan, bed, 12V fridge, and stove, or more advanced comforts like a toilet, sink, and shower. The conversion can be done by a professional company or DIY.

The cost of converting a campervan can vary greatly, from a few thousand to several hundred thousand SEK. But regardless of the cost, we are all part of this amazing Vanlife family where community and freedom are most important.

Friends + Vans = Vanlife!

Why Did We Choose Vanlife?

For us, the dream of Vanlife began a few years into our 30s, after we had settled into our jobs and housing. The thought of working full-time and only taking short (and expensive) vacations every year didn't feel fulfilling. We began to think about how we could create a lifestyle where we could enjoy adventure while still being young and healthy. Vanlife seemed like the perfect solution! What started as a plan to travel for a year turned into two... three... four years, and we have no plans of stopping.

Key Insights:

Discover activities for all interests and skill levels.
Learn to embrace outdoor life, from hiking and camping to surfing and kayaking.
Explore national parks, scenic landscapes, and charming small towns along the way.
Find ways to connect with other Vanlifers and create a sense of community.

Out on the Road and Living the Dream: Top Activities for Vanlifers

The allure of Vanlife is irresistible – the freedom to discover hidden gems, explore nature, and live a life on the move. But Vanlife is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey and the experiences you create along the way.

In this guide, we reveal a treasure trove of activities for Vanlifers that will ensure your nomadic adventure is filled with excitement, memories, and unforgettable experiences.

Embracing Nature: Adventure Awaits

Hiking and Backpacking Adventures

National parks and wilderness areas offer countless trails for all levels. Lace up your boots and explore breathtaking landscapes, from high mountains to secluded forests. For a true wilderness experience, embark on a multi-day backpacking trip and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Surfing, Kayaking, and Stand-Up Paddling

For water enthusiasts, the possibilities are endless. Catch waves along beautiful coastlines, explore hidden coves by kayak, or enjoy a peaceful morning paddle on a calm lake. Many coastal towns offer rentals and lessons for beginners, making these activities accessible to all.

Star Hunting: Astrophotography and Stargazing

Escape from light pollution and witness the stunning beauty of the night sky. National parks and remote areas offer fantastic opportunities for stargazing. For photography enthusiasts, learn the art of capturing the night sky and take stunning photos of the Milky Way and other celestial bodies.

What’s the Best Van for Vanlife?

It's hard to answer that question without first defining your needs! The "best" van for building a camper van differs for everyone. Here are some questions to consider when choosing the right van for you:

What is your budget for purchasing the van?
What’s your budget for the conversion?
How much are you willing to spend on maintenance?
How good are you at DIY?
Are mechanical problems a big deal for you or part of the adventure?
How important is it for you to be able to stand up in the van?
Do you value function over appearance?

Check out our van selection guide to read more about our choice of van and the process we went through.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy or Build a Campervan?

The cost of Vanlife can vary depending on several factors: whether you choose a professional build or DIY, an old van or a new one, what amenities you want, and the quality of the components you use. Some spend only a few thousand SEK and are ready to live Vanlife, while others invest over a million SEK (€95,000) to create their dream vehicle.

If you plan to build your own campervan, Camperpals has detailed guides on costs and labor that can help you plan your budget.

How Much Did We Spend on Our Campervan and Conversion?

In 2023, we bought a 2018 Ford Transit for about 250,000 SEK (€29,000), and we then spent around 120,000 SEK (€10,500) on the conversion itself. One of our earlier projects was a Renault Trafic, which was 9 years old and had low mileage; we paid around 130,000 SEK (€11,500) for it and did a simpler conversion for around 30-40,000 SEK (€26-35,000). For us, mileage, service history, and condition have always been more important than age and cosmetic flaws.

Our thought from the beginning was to allocate a larger portion of our budget to a vehicle with low mileage and a good service history, and the rest could – and likely would – change along the way. It also allowed us to sleep a little easier at night when we were on the move. Then it’s about being price-conscious and trying to plan ahead. For example, we bought batteries and a fridge on sale, while we bought the first camping stove second-hand and refurbished it.

To help with your planning, we have documented all costs and work efforts we've put in, categorized and in detail. We hope it can be useful.

Summary

Vanlife is a unique lifestyle where the freedom to travel and experience the world is at the forefront. Whether you’re converting your own campervan or hiring a professional company, it’s the journey and community that make Vanlife so special. Welcome to the Vanlife family – there’s a place for everyone who loves adventure, vans, and freedom on the road.