We are also very blessed in the U.K. with thousands of lovely family business run Pubs. To diversify, they now offer "Pub stopovers" in their car parks. Usually we can park up on their free, secure pub car parks, in return for popping into their pubs for a beer or a meal, or both. They usually have free water, a door left open for toilets use, social activities, quiz nights, music etc. to go to, if we wish.👌👌👌
Thank you for sharing this! This is my favorite video by you. I really like what you said “success to is when preparedness and opportunity meet”. That’s good 😊
Hey Deb, this was a great video! When we met I didn't realize you had been living in your vehicle for such a short time. I was very impressed by what I saw then, and I'm even more impressed now! I'm so glad we did meet, and I really look forward to seeing you again in the future. Now that I have a much better idea of who you are and what you have accomplished, all I can say is that you are an amazing woman and I am proud to be able to call you friend, even in the short amount of time we spent together. VERY IMPRESSIVE WOMAN!!!! KUDOS!
I understand having to go on disability. You are doing what’s best, i’m impressed with your reasoning. Life’s hard and it takes time to figure out what’s better for your situation. Be safe ✌🏼
Thanks Debra Appreciate your honesty and how organized you are in this journey! I give you so much credit for living in your Ford Fiesta! I think what’s working for you is your able to be in a campground with your pass and your hatchback tent! You definitely researched what you needed! It’s like everything else sort of out of your comfort zone! I think you learn as you go along! You are truly a strong and determined gal! Great idea for protecting your home/vehicle to get the road service! I have my car under Full extended warranty for almost all coverage! I think you are headed in a great direction! Yes camping at campgrounds is probably best! I also think the area you’re in is probably safe and decent year round weather! Take Care out there! Yes I definitely can understand where a van would give you more space! Thanks again for your channel!👍
I know how you feel, I bought stuff that I could need instead of stuff I did need. I think the advice “buy” when you need it is best. Even if you have to buy at top dollar because you didn’t plan ahead. In the long run it’s still cheaper, much cheaper.
You matter, that is what matters most. Thanks for the your honest genuine self of hard thoughts and being vulnerable with just trying different things that you are making each day. Take care
Hi Deborah-- I think it's super cool you're basing out of your Ford Fiesta. I have a 2006 Ford E150 cargo van that I have owned for five years, and I have slept in it on and off for a good portion of that time. I also have a 2014 Ford Focus, which is very similar to your 2014 Fiesta, the only main difference is that it's a little bigger. Which helps me some as I am about six feet tall. I built out my van super simply with only a bed that's made up of a sheet of plywood, and a foam mattress and it has worked out pretty well for me in the super crazy Los Angeles and Orange County areas. However, entirely because of you, I have now just recently started to sleep in my Focus, rather than my van. You have been a real inspiration for me to do this. One of the main reasons I have also scaled back from my van to my Focus, is because I am a fairly avid car enthusiast (see my YT channel...lol) and my Focus ST (the sporty fast version) is wayyyy more fun to drive than my big clunky van...lol. I really love to drive and I get a major kick out of being to zip around in my Focus and have my place to sleep right with me. The other element here, is that I am major Ford guy, so I was quite intrigued that you are making a go of it in a Ford Fiesta. I am also rather impressed that you're doing this in a pretty small car. I owned a 2011 Fiesta about 10 years ago, so I know. I was pleasntly surprised how easy it was to set up my Focus in order to be able to sleep in it. All I did was remove the rear-seat bottom, fold the seat-back down and place a folded sort of card table on top of the folded seat back. That made the whole back part of the car completely flat. I then bought a three-inch-thick twin size foam mattress at Wal Mart. I took the sheets and sleeping bag from my van and BOOM!!...an instant place to sleep...lol. I also removed the front passenger seat to free up a little more storage space. I then bought a pack of black paper (also at Wal Mart) and black duct tape to cover the rear-hatch window and rear-door windows. It's certainly a very simple setup, but it suits my needs quite well partially due to the fact there is a Wal Mart with covered parking (!) less than two miles from where I work. I also like to say or think that I don't "live" in my car. Rather I live out in the world and really only sleep in the car. And you could say that you are doing the same thing--living out in the world and just sleeping in your tent or car at a campground So, thanks (very much) to you I really don't need my van anymore. My Focus works quite well, just like your Fiesta does for you. If you ever get down to SoCal (LA and Orange County) it'd be pretty fun for us to tour around in our pair of little Ford cars/campers/sleeping rooms.... cheers! Miles
Thanks so much Miles 🤍 I really appreciate your comment. I'm so glad that I inspired you too. This is an awesome community, car life and van life. We are a unique bunch for sure - but we get each other, and that is gold. I will definitely check out your channel 😀. Thanks for sharing your journey - I love hearing from other car/vanlifers and how they make it work. 🤍
@@NorthofSomewhereNomad Yes being in the LA area can be pretty hectic sometimes and it's crazy expensive. But when one does what we're doing I always love to say that the price is right on the rent...and that would be ZERO!!...lol I know the late-model Ford stuff fairly well, so if u ever need a 1st or 2nd opinion on ur Fiesta, by all means drop me a note. I hope the dual-clutch automatic transmission in ur car is behaving...my 2011 was the exact same thing. There are issues with them sometimes, but in the end, I think most of them mainly function adequately. My Focus is a manual, so it's not an issue with my car. Take care dear and be safe up there in beautiful BC...🤗🙌😇
Hello! This is only the second video of yours I've watched, but you definitely have a new subscriber! In the first 15 seconds of this video you said something that really hit me. You said you were going to talk about, "MY Why". I feel that is such an important point to make. Everyone has their own reasons. I vacillate between whether or not I should attempt full-time van life, especially since I am no longer "young". But you saying those two words struck me so hard because really, it doesn't matter what others say, or the societal norms we have learned; what matters are our own personal reasons, and there are as many different reasons as there are people. Maybe your statement wasn't intended to be that deep Lol, but I am glad you said it. I'm happy I found your channel. Thank You!
Thanks so much for your beautiful comment ❤️ and thank you for subscribing 🤍 I had a similar experience when I first heard that message 'know your why' and it has served me well when I make a big decision. It puts you in control of your life and how YOU want to live in order to be happy and thrive 😍. Living in my vehicle is the best decision I've made. Even my hardest days are easier than when living in a sticks and bricks. Just follow your gut and shine. 😎🤙
@@NorthofSomewhereNomad Thank you for the gentle advice; I certainly intend to keep working up my courage! Do you have a FB group or website where subscribers can follow you elsewhere also?
@jennyknewe5952 I have a fb page, but I don't really keep up with it. I'm not so much a 'social' person, so I put my efforts into my channel here. I might start a membership where I will do more live chats and answer more personal questions - something like that. Feel free to ask me anything tho, k.
You got my respect, you did your research, and made it happen ! I thought about doing some bus life, got a schoolie and it never left my driveway. It's too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. So now l'm turning a shed into a house.
@robertbirch4163 Thanks 😊🤍 Cool! I love that! That is similar to a next huge dream I have of getting some land and build out a shipping container. I have seen a lot of skoolies and they all look like a lot of work and probably expensive to travel around. It's al good to try stuff out.
@NorthofSomewhereNomad I will fix it up and park it, use it as an air b& b. I live close to the Tennessee River. People love to come out here and camp a boat.
@@NorthofSomewhereNomad Hey Debra, just thinking you have heard of a suitcase diesel heater ? Chinese makes 5kw and 8kw, you could even use your 500 watt jackery. They don't pull much watts at all [10 ] or so. You could do the 5kw with how nice your van is insulated. Just saying its not good to idle your car. Check with your fellow van lifers, very easy install. Just one hole for the exhaust, add diesel, plug in jackery and your good to go.
This is a wealth of information. How fortunate that you have the option to use camp grounds for free. That is a a true win. Yes, I'm going to subscribe and look into some of your other videos. Courage and confidence are your friends!
@@NorthofSomewhereNomad I'm s0 happy there is a program like this and it is being utilized. I've told a friend of mine who would benifit. Thanks for making it known!
Just curious what you would do if the campgrounds weren't free. I dont like the idea of stealth camping on the street but campgrounds have gotten so expensive.
@misadventuresofmelissa I'm not sure to be honest. I would probably just stay at my favorite rest stops here on the island. I do like doing that. I'm also learning from others here of tons of places to park off the beaten track. I'm very grateful that I have the opportunity to stay in campgrounds, but Im certain I would make it work somehow.
I'm not sure if you are in the states or Canada, but down here in the States I have found many places to overnight. Here are a few that might be of use to you - casinos, Cracker Barrels, truck stops such as Loves, T&A, Flying J etc. Also there are websites put out by .gov that have lots of places listed on them. One place I do try to avoid, altho if my gut says its ok then I'll use them, are highway/expressway rest stops. But there are also the occasional Visitor Centers that allow an overnight. In the western part of the US there is tons of free BLM land also. Hope this gives you some resources to help.
❤🙏😊, you are a smart person. It sounds like you have thought through your options, made a plan an are well on your way to execution of your plan. I don't live in a vehicle full time and I have obligations that keep me stationary most of the time right now, but I spend weeks each year traveling and living out of a vehicle. I have never owned a vehicle that I did not sleep in at least once... vans are nice, but the full sized Van's are not as economical to drive or maintain as a car or minivan. That said Jeeps are almost as expensive to maintain as a full sized class b van... I preferred my minivan to my older class b, or my 2009 Jeep Patriot. The minivan is the sweet spot for me. Great ride, good fuel economy and enough space to get in, out of inclement weather, without feeling cramped. I actually sleep better in my vehicle or in a tent than I sleep at my homebase. I feel vehicle travel and camping is likely safer here in the lower 48 of the USA than in Canada, but it could be we only get the bad news from Canada. I hope to explore some of the western territories of Canada on my trip to Alaska. I found your channel while doing some research for my Alaska trip. I subscribed and am the 1007th person to do so. Thank you for creating your videos.
@anitasimmons3599 Thanks so much 🤍 1007th!! I appreciate your subscription 🤍 I keep hearing situations similar to yours where at the end of the day, the minivan comes out on top. Western Canadian provinces are where it's at 😎🤙Crime rates are higher in the bigger cities for sure.
hey Debra, isn`t there a limit on the disability camping , i too am on the same although i am older on a pension, anyhows yes love the campground idea i have to do some research on that,are you still around the valley ? lets do coffee one day, my latest plan is too start van life in the spring..cheers, great video you are so good at this..
@karenkazjefreys2913 The limitations/conditions are 2 weeks per campsite per calendar year. It's truly a blessing to have that, and an awesome way to start. I mostly stick around the valley. Yes, let's connect 😀 Send me an email and we'll meetup
New to the channel. Are you prepared for winter weather? I bought a van in June. I'm going to quartzsite in January and plan to travel the whole winter. My biggest concern is staying warm so im curious what your plan is. Good luck to you.
Congrats on the new van! Yes, I'm going to continue living in my car through the winter. I'm still putting together my winter plan and stuff, but I'm not too concerned because Vancouver Island doesn't get excessively cold, and my little car is insulated so doesn't take much to heat. Thanks so much for following me - appreciate it 🤍
I generally head to Arizona for the winter too, altho I'm going to have to miss it this winter unfortunately. But just wanted to tell you, that in all the winters I've spent down there I've only had to use my heater a very few times. Once in a while it gets cold enough at nite to need it, but I got an Olympic Wave 3 heater and love it. Runs on very little propane and is ceramic heat, so you don;t get that heavy push of heat like you do with a Mr Buddy or similar, but it's a nice cozy heat. Just a tip that might help with your decision making!
@@PattisArtInnaVan Thank you! Where does everyone usually go after the festivities in January are over? I want to go somewhere different in February but not sure where. Mexico is not an option for me. Thanks in advance for any suggestions
@@originalsixx Yea, no, I wouldn't personally do Mexico either. A lot of people stay in the Quartszite area either on BLM land or the Long Term Visitor Areas LTVA's. But literally all over Arizona and Cali (expensive!) and New Mexico, Nevada etc there is tons of free land BLM land to stay on. I personally prefer to not attend the RTR and go visit all the little towns instead. For instance, if you enjoy horse shows and rodeos and things, Wickenburg is a fun little town. So many places to explore!
I have started the same lifestyle from CHOICE in England too. I have had enough of spending a fortune ££££s just to keep my lovely apartment,to sleep in when it all books down. I live in the beautiful Lake District National Park area of N.W. England, where Winters are very hard. BUT..... The £1,000 a month I save on my apartment,utilities etc. I now spend...... On ME, ! To live my life of freedom, travel, new places, new faces, to have a fun life. I can use the Youth Hostel Associations very inexpensive accommodation including a HUGE full cooked English Breakfast whenever I feel like doing. There are hundreds of Y.H.A. beautiful places all over England,Ireland,Scotland and Wales, so "Winter" here is actually a fun adventure. cooked Winter soon passes, it will soon be the "shortest daylight day", then it is a downhill cruise into Spring again. All things pass.👌
@SuperDavensuziyoutub Awesome. Congrats on starting a new and exciting journey on your terms. Nothing better than that. And what a beautiful landscape to live a nomadic lifestyle. I'm sure those English breakfasts are divine.
Are camp grounds open there through the winter? Im in Saskatchewan and nothing is open through the winter. Everything is closed off. It would be extremely difficult to do it here. Not to mention the weather here. We've had -48C and it is no joke.
take a look @ YT Life with Mai, she is not full time, but she has no build set up, I think you may have too many things and the new bed set up is a bit wonky but good for you and your thought process, Carry on
@@allalone1461 Yes, I would say that is private info unless Deb chooses to share. What is there to question? Plenty of people with disabilities of all types choose or are forced to live in their vehicles. Not sure why this would cause you to question it? I have been doing vanlife half of every year for six years now and have met tons of folks with disabilities living this way. And not all disabilities are visible to the eye. And for you, perhaps there is too much "stuff", but she has done her research and decided what works for her. Please remember, everyone is a different individual, and what works for one does not necessarily work for all. It is much more positive to admire her courage and dedication to making this life work for her, and I believe she deserves kudos much more than criticism. Don't you?
We are also very blessed in the U.K. with thousands of lovely family business run Pubs.
To diversify, they now offer "Pub stopovers" in their car parks.
Usually we can park up on their free, secure pub car parks, in return for popping into their pubs for a beer or a meal, or both.
They usually have free water, a door left open for toilets use, social activities, quiz nights, music etc. to go to, if we wish.👌👌👌
Wow that's awesome!
I am the 1000 subscriber i enjoyed this video
@@jayvannthings2865 Amazing!!! Thank you so much 💓 💗
Thank you for sharing this! This is my favorite video by you. I really like what you said “success to is when preparedness and opportunity meet”. That’s good 😊
Thanks so much 🤍 That saying is so true to.
Hey Deb, this was a great video! When we met I didn't realize you had been living in your vehicle for such a short time. I was very impressed by what I saw then, and I'm even more impressed now! I'm so glad we did meet, and I really look forward to seeing you again in the future. Now that I have a much better idea of who you are and what you have accomplished, all I can say is that you are an amazing woman and I am proud to be able to call you friend, even in the short amount of time we spent together. VERY IMPRESSIVE WOMAN!!!! KUDOS!
I understand having to go on disability. You are doing what’s best, i’m impressed with your reasoning. Life’s hard and it takes time to figure out what’s better for your situation. Be safe ✌🏼
@durango8882 Thanks Bryan. Ya, it's challenging.
Thanks Debra Appreciate your honesty and how organized you are in this journey! I give you so much credit for living in your Ford Fiesta! I think what’s working for you is your able to be in a campground with your pass and your hatchback tent! You definitely researched what you needed! It’s like everything else sort of out of your comfort zone! I think you learn as you go along! You are truly a strong and determined gal! Great idea for protecting your home/vehicle to get the road service! I have my car under
Full extended warranty for almost all coverage! I think you are headed in a great direction! Yes camping at campgrounds is probably best! I also think the area you’re in is probably safe and decent year round weather! Take Care out there! Yes I definitely can understand where a van would give you more space! Thanks again for your channel!👍
Thanks so much Debra 🤍🤍 I appreciate you too, your support and always cheering me on 🤍
Very wise to test things out first, make adjustments and see what works for YOU.
Truth!
I know how you feel, I bought stuff that I could need instead of stuff I did need. I think the advice “buy” when you need it is best. Even if you have to buy at top dollar because you didn’t plan ahead. In the long run it’s still cheaper, much cheaper.
@@rvingwithdoghousegypsies7176 Truth. Those are expensive lessons
Awesome video! Well said! Thank you
@@cdnbuddy5798 Thank you 😊 🤍
Thorough video! Great job!
Thank you 🤍
You matter, that is what matters most. Thanks for the your honest genuine self of hard thoughts and being vulnerable with just trying different things that you are making each day. Take care
@@richardkotowski2268 Very kind words 🤍 Thanks so much 🤍
Hi Deborah--
I think it's super cool you're basing out of your Ford Fiesta. I have a 2006 Ford E150 cargo van that I have owned for five years, and I have slept in it on and off for a good portion of that time.
I also have a 2014 Ford Focus, which is very similar to your 2014 Fiesta, the only main difference is that it's a little bigger. Which helps me some as I am about six feet tall.
I built out my van super simply with only a bed that's made up of a sheet of plywood, and a foam mattress and it has worked out pretty well for me in the super crazy Los Angeles and Orange County areas.
However, entirely because of you, I have now just recently started to sleep in my Focus, rather than my van. You have been a real inspiration for me to do this.
One of the main reasons I have also scaled back from my van to my Focus, is because I am a fairly avid car enthusiast (see my YT channel...lol) and my Focus ST (the sporty fast version) is wayyyy more fun to drive than my big clunky van...lol.
I really love to drive and I get a major kick out of being to zip around in my Focus and have my place to sleep right with me.
The other element here, is that I am major Ford guy, so I was quite intrigued that you are making a go of it in a Ford Fiesta.
I am also rather impressed that you're doing this in a pretty small car. I owned a 2011 Fiesta about 10 years ago, so I know.
I was pleasntly surprised how easy it was to set up my Focus in order to be able to sleep in it. All I did was remove the rear-seat bottom, fold the seat-back down and place a folded sort of card table on top of the folded seat back. That made the whole back part of the car completely flat.
I then bought a three-inch-thick twin size foam mattress at Wal Mart. I took the sheets and sleeping bag from my van and BOOM!!...an instant place to sleep...lol. I also removed the front passenger seat to free up a little more storage space.
I then bought a pack of black paper (also at Wal Mart) and black duct tape to cover the rear-hatch window and rear-door windows. It's certainly a very simple setup, but it suits my needs quite well partially due to the fact there is a Wal Mart with covered parking (!) less than two miles from where I work.
I also like to say or think that I don't "live" in my car. Rather I live out in the world and really only sleep in the car.
And you could say that you are doing the same thing--living out in the world and just sleeping in your tent or car at a campground
So, thanks (very much) to you I really don't need my van anymore. My Focus works quite well, just like your Fiesta does for you.
If you ever get down to SoCal (LA and Orange County) it'd be pretty fun for us to tour around in our pair of little Ford cars/campers/sleeping rooms....
cheers!
Miles
Thanks so much Miles 🤍 I really appreciate your comment. I'm so glad that I inspired you too. This is an awesome community, car life and van life. We are a unique bunch for sure - but we get each other, and that is gold. I will definitely check out your channel 😀. Thanks for sharing your journey - I love hearing from other car/vanlifers and how they make it work. 🤍
@@NorthofSomewhereNomad
Yes being in the LA area can be pretty hectic sometimes and it's crazy expensive. But when one does what we're doing I always love to say that the price is right on the rent...and that would be ZERO!!...lol
I know the late-model Ford stuff fairly well, so if u ever need a 1st or 2nd opinion on ur Fiesta, by all means drop me a note. I hope the dual-clutch automatic transmission in ur car is behaving...my 2011 was the exact same thing. There are issues with them sometimes, but in the end, I think most of them mainly function adequately. My Focus is a manual, so it's not an issue with my car.
Take care dear and be safe up there in beautiful BC...🤗🙌😇
First time here. Love your process and decisions! Well done!!!
@@annhopkin5079 Thanks so much 🤍
Hello! This is only the second video of yours I've watched, but you definitely have a new subscriber! In the first 15 seconds of this video you said something that really hit me. You said you were going to talk about, "MY Why". I feel that is such an important point to make. Everyone has their own reasons. I vacillate between whether or not I should attempt full-time van life, especially since I am no longer "young". But you saying those two words struck me so hard because really, it doesn't matter what others say, or the societal norms we have learned; what matters are our own personal reasons, and there are as many different reasons as there are people. Maybe your statement wasn't intended to be that deep Lol, but I am glad you said it.
I'm happy I found your channel. Thank You!
Thanks so much for your beautiful comment ❤️ and thank you for subscribing 🤍 I had a similar experience when I first heard that message 'know your why' and it has served me well when I make a big decision. It puts you in control of your life and how YOU want to live in order to be happy and thrive 😍. Living in my vehicle is the best decision I've made. Even my hardest days are easier than when living in a sticks and bricks. Just follow your gut and shine. 😎🤙
@@NorthofSomewhereNomad Thank you for the gentle advice; I certainly intend to keep working up my courage! Do you have a FB group or website where subscribers can follow you elsewhere also?
@jennyknewe5952 I have a fb page, but I don't really keep up with it. I'm not so much a 'social' person, so I put my efforts into my channel here. I might start a membership where I will do more live chats and answer more personal questions - something like that. Feel free to ask me anything tho, k.
You got my respect, you did your research, and made it happen ! I thought about doing some bus life, got a schoolie and it never left my driveway. It's too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. So now l'm turning a shed into a house.
@robertbirch4163 Thanks 😊🤍 Cool! I love that! That is similar to a next huge dream I have of getting some land and build out a shipping container. I have seen a lot of skoolies and they all look like a lot of work and probably expensive to travel around. It's al good to try stuff out.
@NorthofSomewhereNomad I will fix it up and park it, use it as an air b& b. I live close to the Tennessee River. People love to come out here and camp a boat.
@robertbirch4163 Love that idea! So creative
@@NorthofSomewhereNomad Hey Debra, just thinking you have heard of a suitcase diesel heater ? Chinese makes 5kw and 8kw, you could even use your 500 watt jackery. They don't pull much watts at all [10 ] or so. You could do the 5kw with how nice your van is insulated. Just saying its not good to idle your car. Check with your fellow van lifers, very easy install. Just one hole for the exhaust, add diesel, plug in jackery and your good to go.
This is a wealth of information. How fortunate that you have the option to use camp grounds for free. That is a a true win. Yes, I'm going to subscribe and look into some of your other videos. Courage and confidence are your friends!
@@Stay_tooned Yes, I do feel blessed to have access to campgrounds for free. 🥰 Thank you so much for subscribing and following my journey 🤍
@@NorthofSomewhereNomad I'm s0 happy there is a program like this and it is being utilized. I've told a friend of mine who would benifit. Thanks for making it known!
@@Stay_tooned Excellent! It's a true gem for sure. And thank you 🤍
Hahaha! I’ve never seen any car OR van with square windows! My van certainly doesn’t have them.
Well done, a micro camper van seems best
Thanks so much. Yes. One day 🌞
Informative video, well done.. and looking astonishing today..
You should be sharing this on your page to get more subscribers.
Sorry, hopefully that doesn't read like you don't look astonishing in your other videos 😅.. You are a very good looking lass in all your videos
@@thegogs1411 Thank you. You're right. I'm going to get regular over there too, soon 😀
@@thegogs1411 I know. No worries. I always appreciate your comments. You are very sweet 🤍
Just curious what you would do if the campgrounds weren't free. I dont like the idea of stealth camping on the street but campgrounds have gotten so expensive.
This is a good question.
@misadventuresofmelissa I'm not sure to be honest. I would probably just stay at my favorite rest stops here on the island. I do like doing that. I'm also learning from others here of tons of places to park off the beaten track. I'm very grateful that I have the opportunity to stay in campgrounds, but Im certain I would make it work somehow.
I'm not sure if you are in the states or Canada, but down here in the States I have found many places to overnight. Here are a few that might be of use to you - casinos, Cracker Barrels, truck stops such as Loves, T&A, Flying J etc. Also there are websites put out by .gov that have lots of places listed on them. One place I do try to avoid, altho if my gut says its ok then I'll use them, are highway/expressway rest stops. But there are also the occasional Visitor Centers that allow an overnight. In the western part of the US there is tons of free BLM land also. Hope this gives you some resources to help.
❤🙏😊, you are a smart person. It sounds like you have thought through your options, made a plan an are well on your way to execution of your plan. I don't live in a vehicle full time and I have obligations that keep me stationary most of the time right now, but I spend weeks each year traveling and living out of a vehicle. I have never owned a vehicle that I did not sleep in at least once... vans are nice, but the full sized Van's are not as economical to drive or maintain as a car or minivan. That said Jeeps are almost as expensive to maintain as a full sized class b van... I preferred my minivan to my older class b, or my 2009 Jeep Patriot. The minivan is the sweet spot for me. Great ride, good fuel economy and enough space to get in, out of inclement weather, without feeling cramped. I actually sleep better in my vehicle or in a tent than I sleep at my homebase. I feel vehicle travel and camping is likely safer here in the lower 48 of the USA than in Canada, but it could be we only get the bad news from Canada. I hope to explore some of the western territories of Canada on my trip to Alaska. I found your channel while doing some research for my Alaska trip. I subscribed and am the 1007th person to do so. Thank you for creating your videos.
@anitasimmons3599 Thanks so much 🤍 1007th!! I appreciate your subscription 🤍 I keep hearing situations similar to yours where at the end of the day, the minivan comes out on top. Western Canadian provinces are where it's at 😎🤙Crime rates are higher in the bigger cities for sure.
hey Debra, isn`t there a limit on the disability camping , i too am on the same although i am older on a pension, anyhows yes love the campground idea i have to do some research on that,are you still around the valley ? lets do coffee one day, my latest plan is too start van life in the spring..cheers, great video you are so good at this..
@karenkazjefreys2913 The limitations/conditions are 2 weeks per campsite per calendar year. It's truly a blessing to have that, and an awesome way to start. I mostly stick around the valley. Yes, let's connect 😀 Send me an email and we'll meetup
@@NorthofSomewhereNomad thanks yes I didn`t think it was limitless, , thats great.thanx
New to the channel. Are you prepared for winter weather?
I bought a van in June. I'm going to quartzsite in January and plan to travel the whole winter. My biggest concern is staying warm so im curious what your plan is.
Good luck to you.
Congrats on the new van! Yes, I'm going to continue living in my car through the winter. I'm still putting together my winter plan and stuff, but I'm not too concerned because Vancouver Island doesn't get excessively cold, and my little car is insulated so doesn't take much to heat. Thanks so much for following me - appreciate it 🤍
I generally head to Arizona for the winter too, altho I'm going to have to miss it this winter unfortunately. But just wanted to tell you, that in all the winters I've spent down there I've only had to use my heater a very few times. Once in a while it gets cold enough at nite to need it, but I got an Olympic Wave 3 heater and love it. Runs on very little propane and is ceramic heat, so you don;t get that heavy push of heat like you do with a Mr Buddy or similar, but it's a nice cozy heat. Just a tip that might help with your decision making!
@@PattisArtInnaVan Thank you! Where does everyone usually go after the festivities in January are over? I want to go somewhere different in February but not sure where. Mexico is not an option for me. Thanks in advance for any suggestions
@@originalsixx Yea, no, I wouldn't personally do Mexico either. A lot of people stay in the Quartszite area either on BLM land or the Long Term Visitor Areas LTVA's. But literally all over Arizona and Cali (expensive!) and New Mexico, Nevada etc there is tons of free land BLM land to stay on. I personally prefer to not attend the RTR and go visit all the little towns instead. For instance, if you enjoy horse shows and rodeos and things, Wickenburg is a fun little town. So many places to explore!
I have started the same lifestyle from CHOICE in England too.
I have had enough of spending a fortune ££££s just to keep my lovely apartment,to sleep in when it all books down.
I live in the beautiful Lake District National Park area of N.W. England, where Winters are very hard.
BUT.....
The £1,000 a month I save on my apartment,utilities etc. I now spend......
On ME, !
To live my life of freedom, travel, new places, new faces, to have a fun life.
I can use the Youth Hostel Associations very inexpensive accommodation including a HUGE full cooked English Breakfast whenever I feel like doing.
There are hundreds of Y.H.A. beautiful places all over England,Ireland,Scotland and Wales, so "Winter" here is actually a fun adventure. cooked
Winter soon passes, it will soon be the "shortest daylight day", then it is a downhill cruise into Spring again.
All things pass.👌
@SuperDavensuziyoutub Awesome. Congrats on starting a new and exciting journey on your terms. Nothing better than that. And what a beautiful landscape to live a nomadic lifestyle. I'm sure those English breakfasts are divine.
@@NorthofSomewhereNomad
Bacon,eggs, sausages, fried bread, black pudding, baked beans. Food of the Gods.😅😅😆
Great video. Very insightful. Are you able to save money since there is no monthly rent payment?
@juliehanson1364 Thanks so much 🤍 Not at this point.
Are camp grounds open there through the winter? Im in Saskatchewan and nothing is open through the winter. Everything is closed off. It would be extremely difficult to do it here. Not to mention the weather here. We've had -48C and it is no joke.
@UrbanRVLife Yes, but They are on a first come first serve basis. I hear about Saskatchewan winters. I think it is too cold to do carlife there
take a look @ YT Life with Mai, she is not full time, but she has no build set up, I think you may have too many things and the new bed set up is a bit wonky but good for you and your thought process, Carry on
your disability ? I know it's private. but it makes me question things.
@@allalone1461 Yes, I would say that is private info unless Deb chooses to share. What is there to question? Plenty of people with disabilities of all types choose or are forced to live in their vehicles. Not sure why this would cause you to question it? I have been doing vanlife half of every year for six years now and have met tons of folks with disabilities living this way. And not all disabilities are visible to the eye.
And for you, perhaps there is too much "stuff", but she has done her research and decided what works for her. Please remember, everyone is a different individual, and what works for one does not necessarily work for all. It is much more positive to admire her courage and dedication to making this life work for her, and I believe she deserves kudos much more than criticism. Don't you?
Thx for sharing and Helping others 🙏🏽God bless you
You are so welcome 🤍