At the beginning of 2022, we took our dogs and our van and departed Spain for a life on the road. This choice proved to be the best decision we could have made. In the initial days, we noticed several differences; it felt strange. Suddenly, we experienced a sense of calm—we no longer needed to rush through our activities. Moreover, we could pursue our desires without postponement.
As a result, our lives came under our control, filled with choices. Each day on this journey offered opportunities to explore wonderful places and the freedom of van life. It’s truly indescribable.
Meet Tania and Pablo from Patas Traveling
Hi everyone! We are Patas Traveling, a family of four comprising two humans and two dogs from Spain. We are Tania, Pablo, and our fur friends, Knox and Roni. Pablo and I have been together since 2014 and have travelled extensively as a family since then.
Previously, we explored the world in a conventional, tourist-oriented manner. We owned a house in Alicante, surrounded by family and friends. However, with permanent jobs for quite a while, we thought we had achieved success, following the path laid out for us. Nonetheless, something felt amiss; we weren’t fulfilled—not even close.
How Did the Dream Begin?
We often found ourselves awake at night, questioning the direction of our lives. How could we live the life we desired while remaining trapped in jobs we both detested, merely to cover the expenses of a house, bills, and the urban lifestyle?
The pressure felt overwhelming until, one day, clarity emerged. That night changed everything. As the pandemic swept through our lives, the allure of our “perfect” existence diminished. Consequently, the idea of embracing the freedom of van life became increasingly appealing, prompting us to buy a minivan and seize every opportunity to escape our jobs.
We made it happen! Purchasing a second-hand Mercedes Viano to transform it into a functional living space. We removed all the seats and began crafting our tiny home, fully embracing the van life.
Additionally, we restructured it three times; each trip revealed new improvements. Phrases like “We don’t need this” and “That is uncomfortable” guided our modifications. It took us about a year, juggling work and travel, to finalise our project.
After numerous short trips, we realized this life on the road warranted a full-time commitment. Why not, right?
What Was It Like Changing to Life on the Road?
The most challenging aspects included selling our house, furniture, belongings, and cars. Not every day in this new lifestyle felt like a leisurely adventure. The first few weeks fell during winter, bringing many rainy days with the four of us confined in a small van.
We lost the comfort of a conventional home; hot showers ceased to be a daily luxury, and our access to power became limited. Initially, this shift felt overwhelming, but we gradually acclimated, gaining insight into the simplicity of life. Ultimately, the feeling is priceless—opening the tailgate each morning to enjoy breakfast in breathtaking locations is our favourite part of the freedom of van life.
Now, over a year has passed since we left our home, and thankfully, we travel without anxiety about funding our journey. Our diligent savings over the years, coupled with the sale of our house, enable us to sustain this life on the road for more than two years.
Furthermore, we have meticulously tracked our expenses since day one, revealing that this lifestyle is surprisingly affordable for us. However, we look forward to engaging in seasonal work, particularly harvest jobs in nature, which we have enjoyed as a family in the past.
Words of Advice
In conclusion, we acknowledge that this lifestyle may not suit everyone. If the idea of life on the road lingers in your thoughts, it certainly warrants exploration.
Therefore, we recommend starting small. Embrace simplicity and strip away luxuries to better understand your needs. Identify what genuinely brings you happiness, and when you reach that realisation, take a breath and pursue it!
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