Is VAN LIFE Really That LONELY? Social life on the Road
Welcome back to the Life on a Stick Podcast! This week, we're chatting all about our social lives while living in a van. Is vanlife really that lonely? We've also been getting a lot of questions like, "Do your kids EVER play with other kids?" So we're here to tackle those common inquiries and share the reality of our lifestyle.
Our Journey into Van Life
In October 2023, we made the big move to sell our house and live in our van full-time. This decision came just over a year after Malin's huge battle with colon cancer, and it has been life-changing in the best ways possible. We love van life and wouldn't trade this experience for anything. It's provided us with a unique perspective on how to appreciate the little things in life while also living it to the fullest.
Socialising on the Road
A common misconception about vanlife is that it's a lonely endeavor. While it can be for some, our experience has been quite the opposite. When we hit the road, we found that our social circle expanded in ways we never imagined. We regularly meet new people who are also living the van life or simply curious about it. From casual park meet-ups to spontaneous barbecues with fellow van lifers, our social calendar is surprisingly full!
One poignant story we shared recently on our video podcast highlights a German family we met at a park. They were in a similar van-life journey, just about to leave their house and hit the road. We ended up having a fantastic evening grilling together and even shared coffee the next morning. These encounters have become a cherished part of our van-life experience.
Do Our Kids EVER Play with Other Kids?
We often get asked whether our kids get enough social interaction. The short answer is: absolutely! Every time we park near a playground, our kids make new friends. Whether it's at a park, a beach, or a campsite, they find playmates and enjoy different styles of play that they might not have experienced at a traditional playground. Living a van life with kids has actually broadened their social skills and helped them become more adaptable and confident.
A Day in the Life
Our typical day may start with a lazy morning by a lake, throwing pine cones into the water, and just soaking in the simplicity and joy of nature. Later, we might drive to a new town, meet new people, and discover new adventures. The open road has a knack for bringing unexpected friendships and spontaneous joys.
Balancing Work and Family
We’ve been quite busy lately because we’re starting our own company while raising two active kids. This decision wasn't an easy one, and juggling everything can be a challenge. But the flexibility of working for ourselves from the road allows us to be present for our kids and explore new places simultaneously.
Give Us a Lift Segment
On our video podcast, we recently introduced a segment called "Give us a Lift," where we share uplifting stories or moments that have brightened our days. In one memorable episode, Tom shared the story of a 14-year-old Australian skateboarder who won a gold medal at the Olympics because she wanted a pet duck! Her dedication and the charm of her innocent dream really lifted our spirits.
For our last segment, Malin shared a heartfelt message about how much Tom’s support and perseverance have inspired her. Amidst the challenges of cancer and van life, his unwavering strength has been a cornerstone for our family.
Final Thoughts
Life on the road has its ups and downs, but the freedom, joy, and unique experiences make it incredibly rewarding. Van life isn’t lonely for us; it's brought us closer as a family and helped us meet amazing people along the way. Plus, our kids have thrived socially, breaking the stereotype that van life with kids is isolating.
Thank you for reading, and if you've enjoyed this blog post, please share it with your friends. Help us grow our community and keep this incredible journey going strong. For more insights and stories, don't forget to check out our video podcast.
Until next time, safe travels!