How to Make Money
Living in
a Van

Vanlife has become more than just a passing fad taken up by a few travelers tired of sitting still or not wanting the bulk of an RV. It’s so popular that even major news outlets cover it, people are spending $100,000 or more on vans just to #vanlife on the weekends, and everyone from Donald Trump to your grandma now owns at least two vans (not true). But how are these people making it happen? Well, the short answer is “anyway they can,” but we’re going to focus on those of us who want to actually live and travel in our vans. If you’re just getting out on the weekend, good for you, but you’re likely doing so because you’ve already got a stationary job and instead of putting the effort into solving that 20th century problem, you’ve just jumped straight into a second mortgage. Luckily, if you’re willing and able to fight the good fight and get yourself location independent, we’ve learned a thing or two in our nine years of living on the road that might help. Whether you choose to live in a van, truck camper, Airstream or big ol’ Class A motorhome, though, some of this may prove useful to you as well.
What Kind of Work Do Vanlifers Do?
All of it. We’re not all tech savvy iOS app developers making billions from the App Store. Vanlifers are migratory workers, traveling nurses, art store owners, real estate investors, pet sitters, graphic designers, and yes, web and app developers. Let’s meet a few.
James & Rachel of Idle Theory Bus
Idle Theory Bus
James and Rachel found a Volkswagen Bus, and in turn found an entirely new way of existing.
Anna & Thomas of the Family Without Borders
Family Without Borders
Meet Thomas and Anna, their two daughters conceived and reared as they travel the world. Our best interview yet, and it was easy; this family is as genuine as leather and as beautiful as silk.
Brian & Maria of the Roaming Pint
The Roaming Pint Interview
Follow along with a young couple as they make their way around the USA in an RV in search of the greatest local breweries this nation has to offer.
Kate & Ellen of Birch & Pine
Birch & Pine: Mamas Finding Home on the Road
Kate and Ellen raise their daughter while renovating an Airstream, ditching the ZIP code life and setting out to travel full-time.
Lauren & Travis of Small Room Collective
Small Room Collective: A Traveling Boutique Shop
A young couple living and working out of their mobile Airstream boutique / thrift store.
Jorge & Jessica of Live.Work.Wander
Working Remotely from the Road in a Vanagon
Jorge of Live Work Wander extolls those insider trips any digital nomad will need to make working and living on the road from a van work.
David & Sarah of the Luxpats
Travel the World with the Luxpats
A family traveling the world, having visited 20 countries, lived in six, and all with a young son in tow.
More Ideas
Seven Non-techy Ways to Make a Living While Traveling Full-time
Various ways traveler's make a living outside of the world wide web.
Places to Find Work for Vandwellers
There are a variety of resources available to those looking to find work that allows them to continue to live remotely, and many of these positions are ideal for those who are already living in a van and able to pack up and head to any location at the drop of a hat.
- Coolworks.com is a hub where travelers can find temporary jobs at places like ski resorts and national parks. Work somewhere beautiful, make a living, do a little traveling, rinse and repeat!
- Roadie is a service where you deliver things as you travel. UShip is another.
- Remote.co, Skip the Drive, We Work Remotely and Remote Ok are all job sites focusing specifically on remote positions. There are so very, very many of them. Some are even highly focused, such as this one just for Europe.
- WWOOFing stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. You don’t typically get paid, but you do get a place to call home (which doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stay in your van), fed, and no doubt a ton of knowledge. Hippohelp provides a similar experience.
Saving Money is Making Money
Discount Programs for Full-time RVers & Vandwellers
Covers the best clubs for saving money while RVing, especially if you full-time.
Cook Your Own Food
Pretty self-explanatory, but this saves us $375 per week! We’re a family of five, but the idea extends to all travelers, from couples to solos, small families to the biggest ones.
Save When You Do Eat Out
Happy hour is awesome. Split a meal with your favorite person, they’re usually massive at restaurants anyway and tons goes to waste. Don’t buy into the, “We can always take it home,” because you can always make it at home for less. Search out restaurants that offer free meals for kiddos with a parent’s purchase (they are rather abundant!)
Never Pay Rent
How I Lowered My Rent to $8.50 a Day
Lower your rent, see the world by RV, become your own awesome!
Get Free Water
Many gas stations will be happy to let you use their hose when you fill up your gas. If you’ve already got a national parks pass, you can usually get free water there, too. Some city parks, near skateparks or bike parks for example, will have water filling stations. Just make sure what you’re getting is potable.
Save Cash on Gas
Pick a grocery store, get their rewards card, and make sure it’s tied to a gas station. We’ve filled up our tank for $1 / gallon taking advantage of this.