In a world where the traditional route looks like graduation, a 9 p.m. – 5 p.m., and rent payments, some people choose a house on wheels.
I am Devin Sabato a Palomar College student majoring in Psychology. I have been living in my van for the past 2 years. A typical day for me includes morning matcha, studying, going out in nature and taking photos.
While on the road I interviewed two other van-lifers Kenny Latham and Austin Tylers.
Latham enjoys coffee, playing with his dog, Cowboy and hanging out on the beach. Depending on the day he is either delivering Instacart orders or focusing on school work.
Tylers is an Entrepreneur and Adventure-driven creator. He enjoys making breakfast and coffee in the van, going for a hike or a surf, getting some laptop work done and then watching the sunset.
What made you choose this lifestyle?
“To be more independent and be able to move around. If I want to go somewhere new and check it out, I know that I have somewhere to sleep. Or if I want to move it’s not a big deal, it would be really easy. I already have everything that I need with me.”
What advice would you give a student who’s curious about trying van-life or alternative housing?
“You just gotta try it out for yourself because it works for some people but it doesn’t for other people … it can be pretty hard but it’s still pretty cool. If you like camping, chances are you’ll be okay with it.. but if you are not much of a camper or hate being outside a lot, then maybe not.”
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What has this lifestyle given you that traditional living didn’t?
“I’ll admit that I know I am never going to own a water or beach front home in this economy, but owning a van or camper setup allows me to have this, said Sabato. It’s a loophole to have a home that I own wherever I want. If I want be in the woods, at a lake, at the beach, in the desert.. this lifestyle allows me to do that where traditional living does not.”
How do you make money while living on the road?
“Delivery apps! Like Uber and DoorDash , It’s something that is super flexible with me being a full time student. In the summer I have more availability and just work at a restaurant. Since I am in school, I’m gonna permanently be in the same place for a while, but if you want to live this way and plan to travel a lot, then being a delivery driver or having a remote job would
be best.”
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What is your favorite part of van-life?
“The memories you make on the road … just the little moments with friends. Going to national parks.. sleeping in random parking lots.. nights on the road.. those are probably my favorite kind of memories.”
How has this lifestyle changed you as a person?
“I’d say it’s changed me for the better. It opened my eyes to a bunch of new places and people. It’s brought me some super cool relationships with people that I would have never met if it wasn’t for the van. It’s taught me that if you have a vision for something, you can build it. This thing was pretty bad when I picked it up … now it’s like a little secret, small, tiny home that’s really mine. It feels good to have a vision and then bring it to life.”
