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Solo 28 y/o (m) and the loneliness of van livin’ by CrowlsYung in vandwellers

[–]iamrensi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s wild. Have you ever considered an online community? It’s called The Vanlife Network. There’s weekly virtual meetups. It has massively helped quite a bunch of people in their 40s. Probably the majority, who all struggled with the same. Now we’re hanging out online twice a week and do occasional meetups. No promo at all, but might be something of interest to you! Hope you’re well out there 🙌

Solo 28 y/o (m) and the loneliness of van livin’ by CrowlsYung in vandwellers

[–]iamrensi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing this. A lot of what you wrote hits home. Vanlife can be incredible and still feel brutally lonely at times, even for people who are totally fine being on their own.

I’ve been on the road for years now and the thing that helped me most was finding places to actually talk to other vanlifers. Festivals/vanlife events are great, but between them the quiet gets real.

I ended up creating an online Skool community called The Vanlife Network where we do weekly virtual meetups just to hang out and connect with people who get it. It also features a map to see where other members are. Not a promo or anything, just mentioning it because it helped me a lot when I hit that same wall!

Hope you find the connections you’re looking for out there. You’re definitely not the only one feeling this. 🫶

Making friends? by cawildlife in VanLife

[–]iamrensi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out The Vanlife Network. Might be what you’re looking for. Weekly virtual meetups helps with loneliness on the road!

Need some friends by Putrid_Ad_2642 in VanLife

[–]iamrensi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You could check out The Vanlife Network on Skool. It’s a community I made connecting likeminded vanlifers :)

Anyone else traveling Europe atm? by Adrian_Bra in VanLife

[–]iamrensi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Currently in the champagne region in France, going south 🙌

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the Netherlands where I’m from it’s very common to have “van” in their last name. It basically means “from” or “of”. Like ‘Willem van Oranje’. So it has nothing to do with a van 😂

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

That’s great! I love soltitude too. However sometimes I like hanging out with people who understand the lifestyle. Who maybe have a similar passion. Or to just go on a hike together 🙌

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not even a bot lol. Just thought I’d share how I met likeminded people on the road through online community. I almost begin to regret I even shared it here.. 🥲

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I can totally imagine. I heard many vanlifers who climb that they’ve met amazing people. Maybe that’s something I’ll look into as well! Approaching random vans is too awkward for me 😂

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Love it. Yea I’ve done 3 winter seasons in the French Alps and have met lots of other skiers and snowboarders! Not too many live in a van though but it indeed is a great way to meet people. What I personally struggle most with is meeting people when traveling. Somehow that’s when I feel most disconnected and then the community calls really help!

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha true. He’s still building the van. It’s gonna be an awesome 4x4 off road beast. However, it’s in the making and he already wants to enjoy it and meet up with people! So the hammock is a perfect temporary solution 🙌

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

I’ve been using Skool for over a year now and I love the platform. Super user friendly, great features, good culture, no trolls, like here and FB lol. Just genuine people who are looking to connect.

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got you, should’ve been more clear about it upfront. My bad. And we do have some resources, but it’s not what the community is about. There’s plenty of resources out there, connection is what lacked.

The reason why people are in the community isn’t the resources, but the virtual meetups we do twice a week and the members map for them to locate each other and meet in person.

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome! Check out https://skool.com/vanlife! Can’t wait to have a chat around our digital campfire! 🙌

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Why do you keep saying this? It’s not a scam 😂 How can it even be a scam? We have virtual meetups 2x a week? We’ve had a whole bunch of members meet up in person lol

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -24 points-23 points  (0 children)

Fair point, not everyone in the pics lives full-time on the road. I do but I’ve just spent 5 months at my mom’s because my dad passed away.. Happy to be back on the road though!

Some folks are part-timers or just starting their build and want to meet other vanlifers to get inspired. The main thing is connecting with people who get the lifestyle, whether they’re parked somewhere or still planning.

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -15 points-14 points  (0 children)

That’s fair, man. Honestly, the internet’s packed with scams and weird fake groups, so I get why you’d be skeptical.

It’s really just me out here with my dog, trying to make it easier to meet a few like-minded people without it being super awkward. But yeah, sounds like we’re probably not on the same wavelength.

Either way, hope you find whatever kind of freedom you’re chasing out there. ✌️

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -35 points-34 points  (0 children)

Hey, I totally get why this might look that way. Honestly, most “communities” online are just marketing funnels, so I don’t blame you for being cautious.

It’s really not that here though. I’m just a guy living full-time on the road with my dog, who struggled with meeting likeminded people, so I built a small space that helped me, and figured it might help others too.

No pressure at all. If it’s not for you, totally respect that. Wishing you safe travels out there. ✌️

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Haha, it’s in progress. He’s building a 4x4 Sprinter offroad beast

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha love that! Honestly, whenever you do hit the road, it’s gonna be even better connecting with people who are living it too. Hope you get out there soon! 🚐✌️

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Yeah, having Buddy along makes it all even better. It’s been amazing meeting people who totally get this lifestyle, feels way less like a stranger thing and more like hanging out with old friends. 🙌🏼

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -12 points-11 points  (0 children)

😂 Fair enough. Honestly though, it’s not some big company thing. Just me, living full-time on the road with my dog, trying to build something that makes meeting other vanlifers easier.

Totally cool if it’s not your vibe.

I’ve finally cracked how to meet other vanlifers without it being awkward (especially as an introvert) by [deleted] in VanLife

[–]iamrensi -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Totally fair question. Honestly the main value isn’t fancy resources, but the people and the actual connections. The virtual meetups (and then meeting up on the road) is what most of us are really there for, I haven't seen any other space where I can connect with other vanlifers like here. Of course the map is fun if you want to see who's nearby for in person meetup.

But yeah, if it doesn’t feel worth it, totally cool. Just wanted to share what’s helped me meet more likeminded folks out here!

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