Couple Spends 8 Years Living the Van Life & Backpacking Around the World

Рет қаралды 1,523,873

8 жыл бұрын

Lauren & Craig are a couple of nomads from the UK who have been living the van life and backpacking on only $20 a day for over 8 years. They've visited over 50 countries so far and don't plan to stop their long term travel streak anytime soon.
They typically work for 6 months, and then travel for 1 year using the money they earned. They apply for working holiday visas when visiting Western countries, which is how they manage to work while they travel.
They also buy camper vans when they visit countries where the accommodation is expensive, which allows them to spend next to nothing on accommodation while living in a van (they sell the van at the end of the trip to make their money back), and they also save money by eating out less and not going out drinking every night.
On average, the couple spends $10 each per day while backpacking and/or when living the van life.
During their travel time (when they're not working), they go travelling and backpacking in countries where the cost of living is cheap, like India, Nepal, Southeast Asia, Central and South America.
We love this couple's sense of curiosity and adventure, and are excited to follow their blog - Non Stop Travelling - and follow them on Instagram, to live vicariously through them while they explore the world.
Blog: nonstoptravelling.wordpress.com
Instagram: nonstoptrav...
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat Dubé of Exploring Alternatives.

Пікірлер: 668

@PatrickLeyGreaves 8 жыл бұрын

Great video, don't worry about getting older I'm 55 and have more stamina than ever before.... Life just keeps getting better!

@debahnoln9044 7 жыл бұрын

Life just keeps getting better until your mid sixties - but you can still have lots of fun and travel and do so many things. You just need to take more naps, eat healthy foods (no junk) and keep a positive attitude. And don't forget a glass of wine at night. Have fun!!!!

@xxwookey 7 жыл бұрын

We're still campering (in a tiddly little van) at 50. Dodgy knees do mean the hiking has got rather less epic than it used to be. We are getting soft and starting to ponder a slightly bigger van we can stand up in...

@lorrainebrusch2210 7 жыл бұрын

I'm 50 and fitter than ever! I was pretty outraged by the suggestion 50 year olds have no energy!

@sheldonvern 6 жыл бұрын

Pure Watercolour Patrick Ley-Greaves bet you eat healthy and excercise!

@godSPARDA1995 6 жыл бұрын

That‘s the spirit!!:))

@travisdsouza1238 8 жыл бұрын

Videos like this are a reminder that we are lied to everyday about what life is supposed to be by a rigged system. I salute people like this for going against the norm & the system & being an inspiration for others.

@alexgomez6723 8 жыл бұрын

Really wished I would have figured this out sooner than waste three years of my life pursuing a damn certificate. Adventure is far better education for an aspiring writer like myself than any curriculum can offer. Fuck living for a paid check, I want to see the world inhabit!

@farmpite 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with you but not everyone can live like this. Who would provide the food items and infrastructure they need for them ?

@fuckthepoliceagain 8 жыл бұрын

8 years, 4 vans, many countries, wow what an adventure!

@ExploringAlternatives 8 жыл бұрын

For anyone interested, here are the links to Lauren & Craig's Blog & Instagram: Blog: nonstoptravelling.wordpress.com Instagram: @nonstoptravelling

@KombiLife 8 жыл бұрын

+Exploring Alternatives checking the out right now - thanks

@ExploringAlternatives 8 жыл бұрын

+Kombi Life thank you =)

@WHEREisLUCY 8 жыл бұрын

+Exploring Alternatives Awesome, thank you for sharing this!

@dawnc2724 6 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad people living their lives like this is being filmed and shared so it can counteract the expectations of the soul killing, dream killing, mundane lifestyle society pushes on us growing up. When I was in my 20's 30 years ago, this traveling type of lifestyle was shunned by society in general or people who did it were looked down upon. I'm excited that, because of Lauren & Craig, and all the others choosing this life, future generations will embrace their desire to live free instead of feeling like something is wrong with them.

@MAG-hv9qj 7 жыл бұрын

Go to school, get a Job, buy a house, buy a car, get a mortage, buy things you don't need, have expensive tastes, impress people you don't know, work a corporate job you hate. Repeat after me everyone..... "We are free"

@anthonymarino4260 7 жыл бұрын

so true caught up in the rat race

@andrewearnshaw6204 7 жыл бұрын

Don't talk about Fight Club brah.

@scottsmit1115 7 жыл бұрын

Steven sounds like your telling us about yourself.

@markm0000 7 жыл бұрын

+nallen100 Social media can rake in some serious cash if you can upload content consistently and interact with your audience. The photography business is also easy to find work if you are constantly moving around. They probably make $3k/month online. The vans they've purchased look like they couldn't be more than $8,000 USD.

@plentifulsoul1242 7 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with you

@Johnny5 8 жыл бұрын

And that folks is called Living!!!! :)

@saratrejo6658 6 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't worry about getting old. I live in South Korea and 90% of the hikers here are 60+. They are in much better shape than I am and they always go right past me.

@hasjan652 7 жыл бұрын

Wow these guys will be together for life. 8 years together in a campervan, amazing.

@imvicari 7 жыл бұрын

I just quit my job to restore a camper trailer of my own! I just started uploading videos about it! SO EXCITED! These videos are my inspiration. (:

@MrAndyCarlos 7 жыл бұрын

Chelsea Vicari That's it, Chelsea. If you are able to do it, juts do it. I'm planning to do this as well and someday I will ;)

@imvicari 7 жыл бұрын

@FreshHas 8 жыл бұрын

I'm willing to guarantee just by seeing this couples unparalleled zest for adventure that they live a more fulfilling life than all these rich celebrities so many people dream of living like.

@LivingInAVan 8 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video with so many awesome tips and suggestions. You did an awesome job covering issues that people would face attempting something like this. Definitely sharing this one.

@Red_Proton 8 жыл бұрын

That's the way to live! Personally, I can't stand a sedentary life. I love to move and travel. Way to go! I hope they enjoy many more years of fun and adventure!

@sunoh100 8 жыл бұрын

I've very IMPRESSED by your adventure as a couple traveling together this long and managing so well financially. Bless you all!

@ManlyBurp 8 жыл бұрын

I found this one very inspiring. Thank you. Be safe out there!

@maryannhonoradurbin8101 8 жыл бұрын

I love this! My husband and I have moved from a Nissan Pathfinder, to a Dodge Grand Caravan to finally our Ford Conversion Van. We named our Ford: Winchester (after the Supernatural), he is absolutely perfect and a reasonably sized van. I'd never want to sell our Ford. That's the type of comfortability and dedication I have towards this life.

@JenShea 8 жыл бұрын

I'm one of those 50-somethings who is just starting out (better late than never) and I can see exactly what she means. I don't think I could keep up with them, ha ha but I can certainly try! Another Awesome video guys :-)

@GrowingUpWithoutBorders 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! thanks for sharing!

@ExploringAlternatives 7 жыл бұрын

For anyone interested, here is Lauren & Craig's AWESOME Instagram page: instagram.com/nonstoptravelling/?hl=en I was just on there today and the photos are fantastic!!

@gauradas108 8 жыл бұрын

I lived in my Dodge Caravan for about 8 years in Canada. Loved it !

@KombiLife 8 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, Lauren & Craig sound just like me,.ha ha. I hope our paths cross some day. Thanks for sharing.

@johncnorris 8 жыл бұрын

+Kombi Life Lauren looks better in a bikini though. ;-)

@antking1117 8 жыл бұрын

+Kombi Life i thoguht this video was about you in your van.

@antking1117 8 жыл бұрын

+Kombi Life did you get your visa yet for the U.S.A?

@nonstoptravellingcouple 8 жыл бұрын

Hey! We've only just discovered all these comments on the video haha! Yes it would be awesome if our paths crossed, ya never know! Just started browsing your videos...looks like one hell of a trip your on. Any rough idea when you think you'll reach Alaska?

@jindialston1099 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice and simple put together video. Very insightful to see travelling from different experiences.

@Bobakradbin 7 жыл бұрын

This video is so great, thanks for sharing. Can't wait to get on the road soon.

@CycleCruza 8 жыл бұрын

This goes to show you that you don't need to be rich to have a rich life.

@summer-xo6us 8 жыл бұрын

well said

@GlobalAgendaKaideno 8 жыл бұрын

Cruza get back in that van of yours both me and my dad are making campers out of our sprinters and he brought a lot of the stuff you did you inspire quite a lot ! We use them on work sites were both dry liners so need some space in back for all our gear for work then say just over half for camping , lucky enough we got onsite facility's for toilets and canteens during the day can get fresh water easy enough pretty good I'm looking at getting the goal zero 1250 yeti. And some flexi solar panels on the roof shortly thanks to you and these guys with the solar advise 👍🏻

@JP-ir2eq 8 жыл бұрын

+CycleCruza ---- "White privilege" also helps with the locals and cops.

@duncanss 8 жыл бұрын

+Azureecosse well its not about money really. Its about decisions. You most likely made decisions in life that have led you to owe money. I know a kid that worked a job in high school during the summers and saved it all. He took off for a year after high school to travel. Compromises for what you want.

@stephenlleeds 8 жыл бұрын

+Azureecosse You can home school your kids. Yes you do need some cash to star with, but it ultimately comes down to life style changes if you wanted to do this. These people still work, but then they save,save,save; their reward is taking a year or two off.

@lifeorliberty3086 8 жыл бұрын

now that's the life! Glad to see the both of you living your lives the way you want to.

@dominiquebt 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for another awesome video (Love your channel)! This young couple is just fabulous! They make me smile and think about my own foreign travels at their age:)

@jimeckert607 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Lauren & Craig! Thanks for Sharing your adventures! You guys are inspiring! :) Jim

@RebeccaAnnSinkula 8 жыл бұрын

OMG...this is brilliant! You two are so amazing...thanks for sharing!! x.

@adaisychain5 8 жыл бұрын

I can't believe this couple would think you have to give up this life they're living now in their 50's or 60's! My husband and I are 57 and stopping has never crossed our minds. Sure you have to deal with a few extra aches and pains, but if we didn't stay active I can only imagine what we would feel like. We even sold our 22' Jayco camper and downsized to a 16' Rpod. We do have a home on 5 acres, but camping , biking, etc will be on the top of our list!

@GreencampRhodie 8 жыл бұрын

Kudos to you for being so adventurous. Thanks for sharing.

@obama18881 7 жыл бұрын

Nice video, helpful it is. Thanks Mat and Danielle.

@MultiRabe 7 жыл бұрын

Wow, really cool couple. Thank you for sharing their experiences!

@cuckingfunt9353 8 жыл бұрын

Ah so sweet.. Good luck guys. Love living out of an old van, snuggling up in the doona ..... Good ol days.

@jenniferknowles8616 7 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love this video! It is especially refreshing to hear about a British couple, being British myself. I am after buying a camper or a van to convert into a camper, for travelling around the UK. Being a frugal sort of person, I love the idea of having a mobile holiday home that I can restore and invest in but then take anywhere! So exciting. Thanks so much for sharing. Great video Exploring Alternatives x

@GrowthMusicTravel 8 жыл бұрын

Another brilliant video from you guys! I love how they don't put any limitations on what they want to see and do in this world. Super inspirational :)

@ExploringAlternatives 8 жыл бұрын

+Growth Music Travel Thank you =) =)

@vagabondstew 8 жыл бұрын

Great stuff. It's encouraging to see how other people are making it happen. Thanks for sharing the links, as well.

@ReynierAvon 8 жыл бұрын

that's a great story, thanks for sharing!

@debramoss2267 5 жыл бұрын

Such a joyful couple, life is limitless with the right passions driving.

@bosse641 8 жыл бұрын

Wise young couple. ....a rich life. .....they will cherish it all in their advanced years.

@mainstay. 7 жыл бұрын

It's amazing, enlightening and a little bittersweet to see how others have used their time. If I think of my last eight years it has been one of day to day work and home, never really travelling more than 10 miles from one to the other, always dreaming and planning on travelling again.

@turtletao1545 8 жыл бұрын

I spent my entire young life traveling. I loved it but I was tired of being alone. Once I tried to bring in a love interest it all went to hell. We was never on the same page and I always ended up doing ten times the work. To do this as a couple or a group you have to be on page 100%. The lesson is don't let someone else change or bring down your dreams, but if you make it work together I envy you

@xylongevity 4 жыл бұрын

100% brother!

@georgerosado5194 7 жыл бұрын

you two were amazing.enjoy one another and thanks for sharring

@debbiefromillinois532 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks guys, I always enjoy your videos.

@ExploringAlternatives 8 жыл бұрын

+Debbie Schneider Thanks for watching Debbie!

@tripdontfallxyz 8 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, thank you! I am going to check out their blog.

@erezedyn5585 8 жыл бұрын

I like how this shows both advantages and disadvantages+ how to live this lifestyle.

@dlmac5935 8 жыл бұрын

Fantastic journey! Truly living and enjoying life! Safe travels.

@dantravels9269 8 жыл бұрын

Another home run guys. Your channel is awesome!

@ExploringAlternatives 8 жыл бұрын

+Dan Travels Thanks so much Dan, happy to see you're back to making videos :)

@dantravels9269 8 жыл бұрын

Exploring Alternatives Thanks man!

@cathyf6848 7 жыл бұрын

Lauren, smart to think ahead like that. It's true. I was quite an athlete at 26 and now at 54 I'm pretty beat up and can't do as MUCH as my mind wants. I'm "in shape" but the body has it's broken pieces here and there. Have a blast and thanks for sharing!

@Wanna.Wander 6 жыл бұрын

Great pics! I love the story! I’m trying to do something like that, working where I travel... giving back to others. Happy trails❤️

@SamWasHere 8 жыл бұрын

Wow! This is one for the bucket list alright!!

@anonymousdevildog1406 7 жыл бұрын

This is amazing. Enjoy the life my friends, we only live once.

@oraya7 8 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful story! So inspiring, I hope one day I get to do something similar. Thanks for sharing and good luck😃

@zZjak793Zz1 8 жыл бұрын

Such an inspirational video, thank you for all of the amazing content!

@ExploringAlternatives 8 жыл бұрын

+Jack Dempsey Thanks Jack, you're very welcome :)

@stevelaramee5915 8 жыл бұрын

Lovely vid thanks!

@jessamygoddard4112 8 жыл бұрын

I love their wanderlust! Take care xxx

@thereismorethanthis6903 8 жыл бұрын

The van is SO worth it in the States! Thank you guys for putting this up! This is fantastic for those who want to but haven't.

@MohammadImranImu 7 жыл бұрын

I just loved the way you lived. I need to know lots of your experiences. To make my life like you. Thanks

@sujitmathew8220 8 жыл бұрын

great attitude .. Long way to go!!! You both are an inspiration

@vansionliving 8 жыл бұрын

Lol. I am 50, and live in a mini van. ..you can do it! :)

@dumitrumariusgiurgiu8568 6 жыл бұрын

Vansion. Living thats. Very cool lifeee

@ASkyeMall 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Good job :D

@thealize808 8 жыл бұрын

Just magnificent. :) What an amazing journey.

@joliousvideous 8 жыл бұрын

Hi Lauren & Craig, Love your outlook and approach to life, good onya ! No one should take offence at you comment on doing it while you are young. You never know what life will present to you as you get older. Health and other circumstances out of your control may prohibit you from travelling, I am 55 and treasure the small amount of travelling I have done, youth is certainly not wasted on you guys ! - amazing...cheers Geoff

@nonstoptravellingcouple 8 жыл бұрын

+joliousvideous hey Geoff thank you for the lovely comment! Well yes that's exactly it, what if we worked to get a pension our whole lives and then needed a hip replacement at 50 (like my dad did) and could only see the road side view but not hike up the hill. I'm very happy we are seeing the world now :) thanks, Lauren and Craig

@joliousvideous 8 жыл бұрын

Wow.. thanks for responding - Keep living the dream !

@patsonsgarden46 6 жыл бұрын

That is what you call doing what you love in life :) Greetings from Patson's Garden!

@Sailboatstory 8 жыл бұрын

Hi guys - really cool channel and adventure that you've enjoyed. It's exciting to read about because we're on a similar journey, but one that has us living in a sailboat instead of a van. Looking forward to you other videos!

@kirstysewell8422 7 жыл бұрын

amazing inspiration thank you

@rosaurakennedy1825 7 жыл бұрын

Good for you guys, explore and strive! :-)

@torreyance2468 6 жыл бұрын

keep it up guys. this just proves there is someone for everyone and life is what you make it to be. nice. :)

@jalan2yuuk689 8 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks

@mathewmashburn5464 8 жыл бұрын

great information on being nomadic

@rivercvlt 8 жыл бұрын

Amazing. Goals for sure!

@GnatManAllinCoIronWorks 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing! C-Ya!,,,,Peace!

@izapata100 8 жыл бұрын

Wao.. That's awesome ..... Congrats that's must be a great experience !!!!!

@dottiratzlaff2547 6 жыл бұрын

One day, one day! Totally awesome!

@thehighwaycowboy2822 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent guys!!! Just superb. Brilliant lifestyle

@64Magick 8 жыл бұрын

Damn, I admire people who can WALK THEIR TALK and just put themselves OUT THERE and deal with everyday "UNCERTAINTIES"!!! Aloha!!

@Speedsoftware 7 жыл бұрын

3:56 Rhossili Beach Wales! I was there myself back in 2013! Oh good memories

@ArkansasMike 8 жыл бұрын

Awesome!! They are living the dream.

@pieterallenmasterblue1402 6 жыл бұрын

Lauren & Craig I've been doing this for over 50 years when i stowed away to Canada (became an illegal alien in America got deported.) but I re -- started later in Holland where I had a 509 Mercedes There i worked for Bakkers and a few coffee shops. I have been to over 70 countries I am over 60 years old, It is hard to get employment at my age ahhhhhhhhhhh your dream is strangely the same as mine log cabin plus the mountains trees and a lake ect I was born in the back of my dads truck in the 50s (lateish) I would not be surprised if you knew a few of my friends or some people we have met on our travels. Anyhow best Karma safe trails Bom Shiva

@laohantun7404 8 жыл бұрын

woooo its so great....wish I can do one day like you guys....

@bencuraza5045 5 жыл бұрын

VERY VERY GREAT JOB !!!! Continue your Dream Travel and BE SAFE !!!! :))

@ladyOluvsU 7 жыл бұрын

I have GOT to do this...just need a travel companion!

@lionessbydesign 7 жыл бұрын

Hi! I'm looking for one as well :-)

@pinterestjunkie8016 7 жыл бұрын

Ophelia me too

@SuaLoucaTips 7 жыл бұрын

So do I

@MrAndyCarlos 7 жыл бұрын

Ophelia .o/

@r.p.mcmurphy3222 7 жыл бұрын

let's go

@MrJfred78 8 жыл бұрын

Inspirational! Cheers!

@ExploringAlternatives 8 жыл бұрын

+Justin Fredrickson Thanks for watching :)

5 жыл бұрын

AMAZING 👏🏻 THANKS A LOT! 🙏🏻

@alicefaye4636 8 жыл бұрын

You're living the dream, what an inspiration

@comisari38 5 жыл бұрын

great video, what a great way to travel the world

@breaktaker4757 7 жыл бұрын

This is so cool! There is no better way to live! Awesome!! ;)

@chillbosby9785 8 жыл бұрын

You guys make a gorgeous couple and great video btw!

@mellamoesroy 8 жыл бұрын

Great work guys ;-) it looks like you're having a ball ;-)

@writerman242 7 жыл бұрын

Nice video But be warned Settling down "when we're older" just ain't gonna happen haha I am 62 and my partner is 64 We've been traveling all our lives and in two weeks we ate off ti India for five months The Journey never ends

@concong4183 7 жыл бұрын

Paul Donohoe... I'm 57 and am in my 34th country. Tried living back home but lasted a year. Impossible to go back after a while living like this.

@writerman242 7 жыл бұрын

Con Cong sSo true Our five months in India is down to 3 weeks left Next stop a small mining city way out in the desert in Australia

@concong4183 7 жыл бұрын

Good on ya mates!

@lunkee1989 7 жыл бұрын

How'd you finance your travels? I was traveling for one and a half year but then all my saving ran out. Do you have any suggestions on how to make it sustainable?

@norazuaaripin78 7 жыл бұрын

what a great experience!!

@michaelsoriano5358 8 жыл бұрын

nice one , you had enjoyed your life; pretty cool, that was a really meaning of life .....

@HyperBlueZYZ 8 жыл бұрын

Still hiking at age 49. 26 seems ages ago. Nice video.

@scdobserver835 8 жыл бұрын

Really inspiring!

@shanefraser7764 7 жыл бұрын

go the mighty falcon yayyyyyyy love the vlog guys keep it up,warmest greetings from your new zealand fans

@michelledennelly2171 7 жыл бұрын

This is so awesome.

@mikealpha6633 7 жыл бұрын

y'all are living my dream. carry on. good tidings on all you travel.

@jorgere1 7 жыл бұрын

wow your guys are amazing, keep going and going, and take care hi from México. good luck......

@gaetanproductions 8 жыл бұрын

love it !

@loriknoell9432 6 жыл бұрын

I love these videos of van living. I've also been watching homesteading videos which would be a great next step or addition to van life. People basically get a cheap acre of land and live on it, building a homestead to feed themselves and live cheaply, making their own soap, buying a chicken for eggs, and even building their own tiny house out of logs. You work less bc you're not needing the money due to simple living. You could still have your van and then come home to your homestead, that is if you find someone to buy your animals or to tend to them when you're away.