Have you ever dreamed of a life with less stuff and more adventure? The traditional idea of a nomad – someone moving with livestock – has changed a lot. Today’s nomads often seek escape from the busy, high-stress modern world. For others, this lifestyle isn’t a choice but a reality shaped by their circumstances.
No matter the reason, the community of modern nomads is growing. This lifestyle has become so popular that it inspired the book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder, which was turned into an Oscar-winning movie. The film even featured Bob Wells, who you’ll meet in our list. If you’re curious about breaking free and living a life on your own terms, check out these ten incredible ways people are embracing the nomad lifestyle.
10 Solo Adventures in a Custom Van
For many young adults, the cost of living is a huge hurdle. To beat these high expenses, some are choosing to live in cars, vans, or RVs. Amanda is one such person who turned a van into her dream home on wheels. She was tired of working just to afford her home and sacrificing her passions. So, she made a bold change, starting with a tent and eventually moving into a custom-built van.
Her van isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a cozy home filled with family heirlooms, art from friends, and clever storage solutions. Amanda and her dog, Frank, now enjoy a simple, free life full of nature and new experiences. This path allows her to explore the world without breaking the bank, enjoying true freedom and inner peace.
9 Embrace Simplicity like Bob Wells
Bob Wells, often known as the “Vandweller,” is a well-known American YouTuber and author. He founded the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous, a large gathering for vehicle dwellers, and runs the popular YouTube channel, CheapRVliving. Bob’s journey into nomadism began out of necessity, but he soon found that this lifestyle suited him perfectly.
With over 20 years of experience living in mobile homes and cars, Bob created the “Homes on Wheels Alliance.” This charity provides livable vehicles to those in need. He has built a strong sense of community among nomads in the U.S., with his gatherings attracting thousands. His YouTube channel offers valuable tips on vehicle living, solar panel installation, and finding affordable healthcare on the road.
8 Become an Upscale RVer
If you have a house to sell or significant savings, life as an upscale RVer could be for you. A new RV can cost as much as $300,000, but you can find used models for around $15,000 to $40,000. It’s a popular choice; about one million Americans live full-time in RVs, according to a Washington Post article.
Many who choose this path say it has strengthened their marriages and brought their families closer. RVs offer more space than vans, usually including a built-in kitchen, bathroom, and ample storage. Even families of six can live comfortably in an RV while traveling across the country, enjoying both comfort and adventure.
7 Travel in a Converted Sprinter Van
The converted van lifestyle can mean many things. For Chris and Sara, a husband-and-wife team, it means living in a Sprinter van that boasts a beautiful tile shower, a high-tech security system, a fully equipped kitchen, and even office space. They, along with their dog Kramer, made their dream of full-time travel a reality in May 2018.
Today, they balance work and leisure, exploring everything from hiking trails and cycling routes to local cafes and taco stands. While their home is on wheels, their adventures take them far and wide. Keep in mind that a Sprinter van itself can cost around $50,000, and conversion costs will vary depending on how much custom work you want and can do yourself.
6 The Minimalist Nomad Path
Minimalism is a central theme for many modern nomads. While the internet often showcases glamorous versions of this lifestyle, at its heart, nomadism thrives on the ability to pick up and go at a moment’s notice. Many choose this path because they feel weighed down by societal expectations and consumer culture.
Downsizing their home and belongings becomes a way to break free from these modern constraints. If your reasons for becoming a nomad involve escaping societal norms, financial burdens, and the endless desire for more things, then the minimalist nomad lifestyle might be the perfect fit for you. It’s about finding freedom in simplicity.
5 The Freedom of a Digital Nomad
A digital nomad is someone who lives a nomadic life while working remotely. They often do freelance work or have flexible jobs that allow for constant travel. This lifestyle has become even more popular since 2020, as more companies have embraced remote work options.
Typically, digital nomads don’t have a fixed home base. Instead, they might stay in hostels, short-term rentals, or co-living spaces. The term is quite broad and can include people living in converted vehicles or RVs. However, it most often refers to travelers who make their living online while exploring the world, truly embracing location independence.
4 Your Car as a Cozy Tiny House
Believe it or not, even a regular car can become a tiny home. Alyssa Vanilla, in her video, shows how she converted her hatchback into a livable space. There are several advantages to converting a smaller vehicle like a hatchback or sedan instead of a larger van. These include lower costs for the vehicle itself, better gas mileage, and easier parking.
Alyssa’s channel shares the pros and cons of full-time car living, along with helpful tips and tricks for making it work. Converting your car is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a super affordable and flexible way to embrace the nomad lifestyle. It’s about being resourceful and making the most of what you have.
3 Adventures in a Renovated School Bus
Among all DIY homes on wheels, the converted school bus, or “skoolie,” seems to offer the most potential for customization due to its generous space. The couple featured in the video above transformed a school bus into a fully functional home. Their build includes a shower, compost toilet, closet, living room, bedroom, and kitchen, all while keeping the bus drivable.
They use their skoolie to travel the country with their two dogs. Amazingly, they completed this entire project for just $15,000. This option is perfect for those who enjoy DIY projects and want a spacious, unique mobile home to call their own.
2 The Self-Sufficient Sailing Life
Not every modern nomad lives on land. Some, like Brian and Karin Trautman, live on a sailboat. They’ve been sailing for 10 years, and their boat is equipped for off-grid living in remote locations for months at a time. They have solar and wind power for electricity, a water maker that converts saltwater to fresh water, multiple freezers, plenty of food storage, and even a small washing machine.
Having sailed 83,000 nautical miles (equal to circling the Earth more than three times), their adventures continue. They now sail as a family with their baby, Sierra, recently outfitting their boat with a heater for Arctic explorations after years in the tropics. This lifestyle requires different skills than vehicle-based nomadism and can be costly to start. You’ll save on gas but need to consider boat maintenance, docking fees, and sailing lessons – and be sure you don’t get seasick!
1 The Ultimate Luxury: A Space-Ship on Wheels
If DIY conversions aren’t your style and budget isn’t a concern, you can always purchase a ready-made luxury home on wheels. The motorhome featured in the video is like the Bugatti of livable vehicles. Its interior resembles a private jet, complete with automated blinds, abundant storage, and sleek black and brown shelving.
The bedroom looks like it’s from a high-end hotel, easily fitting a queen-sized bed. The bathroom is spacious and luxurious. There’s even a garage built into the back of this motorhome. While truly unaffordable for most, it represents the peak of comfort and convenience in mobile living – a dream for many aspiring nomads.
The call of the open road and a life of freedom takes many forms. From simple car conversions to luxurious motorhomes and even life on the sea, there’s a nomadic path for almost every dream and budget. These ten examples show just how diverse and inspiring the modern nomad movement has become.
Each way of life offers unique adventures and challenges, but all share a common thread: the pursuit of a life lived on one’s own terms. Whether you’re looking to escape the daily grind, see the world, or simply live more intentionally, the nomad lifestyle holds a powerful appeal.
Which of these nomad lifestyles inspires you the most? Do you have your own dream of a life on the move? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
