Living the “Van Life” as a Developer: A Guide to Working and Traveling on the Road

In this blog series, we will explore the concept of living the “van life” as a developer. What exactly is the van life and how does it relate to this blog? Van life refers to the lifestyle of living in a vehicle, and for me as a developer, it allows me the freedom to work from anywhere, including a van. In this post, we’ll delve into my personal experience of working and living in a van, and discuss the various aspects of this unique lifestyle.

Choosing the right vehicle is crucial when it comes to embracing the van life. There are countless options available, from cars and minivans to Volkswagen vans, bigger vans, motorhomes, and even 4x4 expedition vehicles. Personally, I own a 5.4m (17.7ft) Fiat Ducato van, which is known as a RAM ProMaster in the US and Citroën Jumper in other markets. This size is perfect for me, as it offers easy maneuverability and ample interior space. My van is equipped with essential utilities such as a toilet, gas stove, water system, exhaust water tank, table, bed, heating, plenty of storage, and electricity.

While I didn’t build my van myself, I purchased it second-hand from a German company seven years ago. It was only four years old at the time and had only traveled 32,000km, making it a great deal compared to buying a brand new one. Prior to this, I had a 1984 Ford Transit based motorhome that served me well for over 30 years. Throughout the years, I’ve embarked on numerous long trips during all seasons, as I believe in incorporating work into my life rather than strictly segregating them. As an independent software developer and full-time teacher educator, I always travel with my Mac and work from the van.

Planning trips in advance is not my style. I prefer the freedom to make spontaneous decisions about where to go and when. Van life is about embracing the freedom to roam without strict itineraries, except for a rough idea of my desired destinations. This flexibility allows me to adapt to changing weather conditions or adjust my plans based on personal preferences. If it’s raining up north, I simply head south. If the snow conditions aren’t favorable for the activities I had in mind, I find an alternative location.

One of the key advantages of van life, especially in current times, is the security it offers. Traveling in your own vehicle with onboard facilities like a bathroom and kitchen allows for self-isolation and minimal contact with others. This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but for those considering it or curious about it, stay tuned for my upcoming posts in this series where I will share more details about specific topics such as electricity, water, preferred travel destinations, staying connected to the internet, winter considerations, and solar panel upgrades.

Tags: van life, developer, working remotely, travel, vehicle choice, utilities, flexibility, spontaneity, security, remote work, digital nomad