Posts

Preparing for Van Life Full-Time: Downsizing, Hustling, and Chasing Freedom

-
Image
 Follow the Traveling Willoughbys as we prepare for full-time van life. From downsizing our possessions to building income streams on the road, here’s how we're turning our van life dreams into reality. Introduction Living on the road has been our dream for a long time — the freedom, the adventure, and the ability to live life on our own terms. But van life isn’t just about hitting the road with a full tank and a playlist. There’s a ton of preparation behind the scenes that rarely makes it into the Instagram reels. In this blog post, we’re diving into how we’re actively preparing for full-time van life — from downsizing our possessions to building sustainable income, and everything in between. Whether you’re just dreaming about the nomadic lifestyle or actively planning your own journey, we hope our story gives you inspiration, practical advice, and a real look at what it takes to make this lifestyle work. Step Two: Building Remote Income Streams for Life on the Road Van life re...
Post a Comment
Read more

One Step Closer: Downsizing, Dreaming, and Doing the Work

-
Image
 Hey everyone! It’s been a minute since our last update but trust us — we haven’t stopped moving forward. Every week we’re putting pieces together for our van life dream, and the closer we get, the more real it starts to feel. Lately, we’ve been focusing on downsizing , not just our stuff but our mindset. It’s wild how much we hang on to out of habit — clothes we never wear, tools we forgot we owned, and things that just don’t serve where we’re going. Every donation box feels like a small step toward freedom. We’ve also been researching vans, layout ideas, and what it’s really going to take to live this lifestyle full-time. There’s a lot more to it than Instagram shows (who knew composting toilets could be such a rabbit hole?), but it’s been fun learning together. Money-wise, we’re still working on income ideas that we can take on the road. Flipping, detailing, blogging, and even launching products — the hustle is real, but we believe in what we’re building. Right now, it’s al...
Post a Comment
Read more

Thank You

-
Image
  Thank You for Supporting Our Van Life Journey Posted by Traveling Willoughby's | May 7, 2025 From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Every single person who has taken the time to read our blog, follow our journey, or leave an encouraging comment—you’ve made a bigger impact than you know. When we launched  Traveling Willoughby's  and started documenting our transition to van life, we had no idea how many incredible people would support us along the way. Your kindness, curiosity, and encouragement continue to fuel our passion for this dream. Whether you found us through social media, stumbled across a blog post about minimalist travel, or have been following our adventure from day one, we're so grateful you're here. This community means the world to us. If you enjoy our content, we invite you to follow us on social media or share our journey with a friend. Every click, share, and comment help keep our dream alive and allows us to keep creating for you. Thank you again...
Post a Comment
Read more

Van Life Solar Power Guide: How to Stay Off-Grid and Fully Charged

-
Image
Learn how to power your van off-grid with this beginner-friendly solar power guide. Discover the best van life solar setup, components, and energy-saving tips. Van Life Solar Power Guide: How to Stay Off-Grid and Fully Charged If you're embracing van life or planning your off-grid adventure, reliable power is a must.  A well-designed solar power setup can keep your fridge running, devices charged, and lights on—without needing noisy generators or campground hookups. In this van life solar power guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to stay powered on the road. Essential Components of a Van Life Solar System 1. Solar Panels for Vans These collect energy from the sun. Rigid panels are common for roof mounting, while portable panels offer flexibility for parking in shade. 2. MPPT or PWM Charge Controller This device regulates the voltage and current from the solar panels to prevent battery damage. 3. Deep Cycle Battery (AGM or Lithium) Your battery stores solar ene...
Post a Comment
Read more

Van Life on a Budget: 10 Practical Ways to Save Money While Living on the Road

-
Image
Van Life on a Budget: 10 Practical Ways to Save Money While Living on the Road Living van life doesn’t have to be expensive.  Whether you’re just starting your journey or a seasoned road warrior, these 10 budget-friendly tips will help you save money, live simply, and stretch your travels further. 1. Plan Efficient Travel Routes to Save Fuel Fuel is one of the biggest van life expenses. Use apps like  Roadtrippers (by the way, you can get an additional $5 off using our promo code:  BTR5QTP) ,  Google Maps , or  iOverlander  to plan efficient routes. Minimize unnecessary driving and combine errands to reduce gas usage. 2. Sleep for Free: Use Free Campsites and Boondocking Areas Skip the pricey campgrounds. Use tools like  Campendium ,  FreeCampsites.net , and  The Dyrt  to find safe, legal, and scenic places to stay for free—especially on BLM or national forest land. 3. Cook in Your Van to Save on Food Costs Restaurant meals are costly. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Embracing the Freedom of Van Life: Our Journey Begins

-
Image
  Embracing the Freedom of Van Life: Our Journey Begins Why We Chose Van Life After months of dreaming and planning, the Traveling Willoughby’s are finally taking the leap into van life! We've always been drawn to the idea of living more simply and exploring the world on our terms. With our bags packed and our home on wheels ready, we’re excited to document our journey and share our experiences with you! What is Van Life? Van life is more than just living in a vehicle. It's a lifestyle choice that embraces freedom, minimalism, and adventure. It's about hitting the open road with fewer possessions, a simpler routine, and an open heart ready to embrace the unexpected. Our Goals for Van Life Explore new places, meet amazing people, and discover hidden gems. Live a minimalist lifestyle while still maintaining comfort and connection. Document our journey and share helpful tips and lessons learned along the way. Challenges We Expect We know that van life isn’t always as glamorous...
Post a Comment
Read more

Van Life Preparation: 3 Powerful Lessons We’re Learning Before We Hit the Road

-
Image
Van Life Preparation: 3 Powerful Lessons Before Hitting the Road May 5, 2025 • Traveling Willoughby’s We haven’t officially started our van life journey—but the process of preparing for it is already transforming us. From downsizing our stuff to building income streams, the path to becoming digital nomads is filled with eye-opening lessons. If you're thinking about starting van life or transitioning into a minimalist lifestyle, here's what we’re learning before even turning the ignition key. 1. Van Life Is About Mindset, Not Just Travel Van life might look like a non-stop road trip on Instagram—but for us, it’s starting with a mindset shift. Our van life preparation has challenged us to rethink what matters. Freedom, flexibility, and purpose have become bigger priorities than stability and possessions. We’re letting go of the “American Dream” and making room for something simpler and more intentional. 2. Minimalist Living Means More Than Decluttering Downsizing has been huge—no...
Post a Comment
Read more