Thanks to social media, the van movement has exploded. Instagram accounts have shown us that it’s possible to turn van life dreams into a reality. It has inspired us to seek freedom and adventure like never before and has created a massive shift in our values. 

People are opting out of the rat race — trading things for experiences, escaping the daily grind, and seeking a real sense of freedom.  

If you told someone you were living in your van five years ago, you would have received a look that read “Oh poor tragic you, I’m so grateful I don’t have to live like that,” and now it’s “Oh lucky bastard you, I so wish I could live like that!” Show me how!

Who wouldn’t want to wake up to the sound of the ocean, take beautiful photos, and get paid for exploring the world?

Here are 9 of my favorite #vanlife Instagram accounts for your daily dose of wanderlust.

@Rileys_travels

This utterly beautiful ‘wandering family’ has a kombi van named Izzie. Is this the most gorgeous kombi van to grace social media? Absolutely! @rileys_travels is one of the most heavenly Instagram accounts for road trip wanderlust. Their posts are sublime and everything they do is a pure delight to behold.

@JENELLE.ELIANA

I adore seeing Janelle gracefully roll out of bed in the morning, a vision of radiant beauty, brushing her teeth, and twirling straight into her morning van yoga ritual. No, she doesn’t need to pee, no bed hair issues here and yes her flawless skin is camera ready as soon as she opens her doelike eyes. Just like a beautiful barbie doll. Jenelle took Instagram by storm when she moved into a van with her pet snake Alfredo and a giant teddy bear. Yes. We love her.

@WHERESMYOFFICENOW

Corey, Emily, and their dog Penny were profiled in the New Yorkers piece on the social media phenomenon, lifestyle, and business model that is #vanlife. They have traveled the country for 7 years making every day a new adventure living and working in a 1987 VW Vanagon named Boscha. Their journey will inspire you to awaken your dream. Realize anything is possible. And nothing is guaranteed.

@idletheorybus

I dare you not to fall in love with Kit and J.R.! This irresistible duo has spent the last 7 years traveling in their VW van Sunshine and calling the wild places of North America home. Leaving what they considered to be the oppressive nature of modern society. “None of it was tempting, in fact, it seemed like a trap- the unaffordable home, the debt, the empty promise of social security, Security we asked. Who needs that? We’d rather have freedom any day.”

@vanlifediaries

Step into the world of a new generation of modern gypsies. From professionals to creatives who have ditched houses for the freedom of the road and the beauty of the outdoors.@vanlifediaries celebrates the nomadic lifestyle and community.

@VAN.CRUSH

Created by Elizabeth of @van_grrrl She shares amazing photos of other people’s van lives for your daily inspiration.

@TINYHOUSETINYFOOTPRINT

“Kathleen shares stories of those living small and inspires us to reduce our environmental footprint and connect with nature. She is co-author of Vanlife Diaries, celebrating the nomadic lifestyle and finding freedom on the road.

@VANLIFERS

The primary benefit of living in your van is that you can massively reduce your overheads, which can enable you to re-structure your life around yourself and your passions. So it’s no surprise the vanlife community knows how to have fun, It’s made up of people who love the outdoors. And above all, it connects us with people, the earth, and ourselves.

@susicruzz

Namaste You Beautiful Soul.

A Warrior Princess Who…
Quit Uni And Her Job
Built A Van On Her Own
Lives In Her Van & Travels The World Solo

Freedom means something different to each of us. I hope these vanlifers inspire you to pursue your bliss and take a road trip with a long-haired, tattooed surfer, you know the one.