Living full time in vehicles for over 10 years and this is what I have to say about it. I feel there is not too many people here on KZfaq being fully transparent about why they live in a van and I felt the need to share why I truly live a nomadic lifestyle instead of a conventional one. Would you live in a van like me for this long? Or do you think that I am crazy?

I'm a woman that's in her 60's. While van life may seem very attractive while you have your youth, save your money, and aggressively work on your credit. And, most van lifers have fitness memberships USE THEM. I worked myself literally to death! Van life is a good idea, to get your life together. Best of luck to you, and all van lifers.

I’ve been in my van for almost 2yrs now and it’s still being built. Little by little, slow and steady. There are days that I cry in frustration but other days I laugh and rejoice in happiness. I live in my van because I felt stuck paying high rent, in a job that I despised and in a depression that was eating me whole. Although it is difficult and I’m still basically sleeping on the floor of my van, I am happy and my depression is no longer eating me whole, just snacking now. As long as you are happy you are free, as long as your lifestyle offers this then perfect. Once you start feeling differently then you know it’s time to move on. Thank you for your honest and transparent videos!

I’m 7 years in my van and I can’t imagine going back to paying rent. Your thoughts reflect my own.

I lived in a van for 45 years traveling across the country. Most Wal-marts will let you park overnight. Not all in California, though. I have never been thrown out of truck stops. You can get showers at truck stops for about $10. Truck stops are relatively safe. People are going in and out of them all night. Police often get coffee or food at truck stops so there is another layer of security.

Congrats for beating the “human grinding system”, chica!!

Enjoyed seeing a free, strong woman thats not afraid to live her on way her terms! Safe travels

You hit it on the nail when you said "Living in a House, Feeling Trapped" ....That's exactly what it feels like!

I am a 63-year-old man I wish you well young lady be safe peace out

your a very strong person who enjoys life. bricks and morter is a trap for many people

Many years ago I worked as a highway trucker and eventually had my own truck for 9 years. It was the free travel that got me into it. It was an exciting lifestyle, but at the end I was burnt out. It eventually led to a six months long bicycle tour, living mostly in my tent and on the bike. I like the idea of van life too, but we bought a house and it's pretty good too.

1. Window covers for your van. 2. I don’t park in over crowded areas, park in truck stops, large Walmart parking lots, rest areas, etc. 3. Keep bottled water in large packs. I never get bothered when living in a vehicle… It’s rare.

PLEASE BE SAFE OUT THERE, LIDIA...AND HAVE GREAT FUN!!!

The biggest mistake I often see a lot of ppl make in life is that they dont project forward. Living 'today' as if it will last forever. As my father used to say, 'Never stay at a party too long.'

Thanks! Lidia you are so right on, and You're living a lifestyle many of us only dream of...

Yes, I agree, this year has been hard, cost increasing and jobs being more difficult to get for many of my friends. I'm lucky I have a job that pays well, and I'm regularly helping my friends with bills or money for food.

A very beautiful classy woman. She don't NEED anybody to take care of her. Totally on her own. This is the kind you want to find and merry.

I've been full time since 2012 and everything you said is absolutely true for me as well! Thanks Lidia!

Currently doing vanlife and backpacking through Europe. In Switzerland now loving the more active lifestyle and do enjoy the constant change of beautiful scenery too! I agree with your personal choices to not pay rent, I have considered selling my home and just having my backpack and DiY VAN, it totally gives you more freedom :)

Attitude for gratitude, so much you DONT have to worry about 🙏

This is your journey. Live it with joy!

Hola Lidia, you're the real deal and your honest/heartfelt take on life is a gift to so many folks. Plz stay strong and know that you are loved! 🤙🏽✌🏽 ❤️💚💙

Lidia, I’m doing van life too, but differently, and if you’re ever in LA, please let me know. In the meantime, I’ve been looking for a security camera but couldn’t decide which one. Thank you for sharing because I’m going to purchase the one that you have. 🙏🏾😃

I"m happy that you got a dash cam

Love the "I Don't Care". Never let anyone define who YOU are.

Cool experience and beautiful scenery. You can never put a price on your personal freedom. Keep doing you, thanks for sharing.

It’s really hard right now.❤❤❤❤one thing I don’t understand. Everyone has tattoos which are very expensive. I don’t have any, my choice, just not something I feel I need. I’m glad you have cameras, you need them for safety.

Im buying my van tomorrow! I cant wait. Ive been bingewatching every van video on youtube haha so thank all of you for the advice and stories

Awesome video as always Lidia Rico. Keep up the great work with your vlogs you are such an inspiration to us and you’re an amazing person. Thanks for sharing your daily life and thoughts with us.

Always good to see you, Lidia. So glad you've upgraded your protection. Much love. Stay blessed. Keep shining.

I admire your strengths, creativeness and the numbers of great videos you produce. Thumbs up.

Thank you for your videos. I have a neurological disorder and avoid social contact. Each video is like catching up with a friend. A super cool friend, who happens to share a similar name lol

The struggle is real. you're are doing it right, rent and owning a home is freaking out of control. Thanks for Sharing...

I would suggest keep an eye for some kind of property so if something should happen you have a place to stay stationary until it's over and no worries about the home being impounded.

I truly admire your courage and determination to make it. Truly inspiring & I'm wishing you the best & may Angel's always watch over your 🙏🏽🙏🏽🫡

For someone living in the van, your skin is so beautiful... Never thought about good care can also exist in a van life

Have a terrific Sunday, Lidia! Loved that cliff face ya climbed up, looked like a great spot to hangout.

Van life is not for everyone. I need a backyard for my dogs, high speed WiFi for my business and my office where I make the magic happen. A man needs his own Kingdom 💯

I lived in my car upwards of a year, not so much because of money or not having a place to stay, more of a personal mental health issue where I could not sleep in a house or place with other people. Thankfully, a family member saw me sleeping in my car and helped me wire up a shed for electricity. I cleaned it out now I have a very quiet comfortable place to live. It's like a castle to me and I don't take it for granted.

"Pirate Life is the Best Life" that should be on a shirt, love that saying and the feeling of being free

Sometimes you have to make adjustments to life. I would like to take that journey but for right now I watch youtuber like yourself to live out those experiences. Thank you for sharing your journey. ❤😊

Jus found your channel in my feed. Watched 2 videos and now im binge watching! Im a fan! Hope all is well. Much love from Arizona🌵

Love to see you have the courage to stay authentic to who you are! Don't let the old ways of society bring you down, do what makes you happy inside that I most important. Don't forget you are infinitely loved unconditionally! ❤ Stay strong, happy and authentic!

You are an amazing, beautiful, strong woman… i wish u the very best future. God Bless u!

I'm just happy that you are doing well.

Great video, super organized, confident, healthy, fit, smart, beautiful and less stressed then us renters lol. living in a van has served you well ❤ keep on keeping on

Lidia, I like how you organized your space in a minimalist way. After 10yrs in a van you got it down. Pros an cons, it's basically choices you make. As you said we all have our reasons, it works for some. Anyway, nice intro. ❤ Your back Tat, that must have hurt initially❤

Hi Lidia, No, I do not think you are crazy. What IS crazy, is paying 1200 to 1500 a month to live in an small apt---like living in a box! You have your FREEDOM & no financial stress! You appear to be healthy & happy, and that's the most important thing! Stay safe. WS

Yes, it's not easy as an ongoing thing. Stay safe 🙏

Glad I came across this. I've been living in Rosarito for 3 years to save money but now live out of my Suburban in San Diego and I've been looking at renting an apartment and it's so expensive. Even roommate situations are $1500 a month. I was considering buying an RV but then you're limited on where you can stay the night so I'm now seriously considering getting a camper van. Thanks for sharing your story and glad to see you're enjoying yourself here in SD.

You’re right about everything being so expensive! That dash cam is a wise investment and I’ll definitely be checking it out. I love your real perspective on vanlife! Another great video Lidia!👍👍

Brutal!.... Admiro tu Valentia, es inspiradora!.

Rent is a waste of money. Real.

I think your lifestyle is truly wonderful despite the ups and downs. You own it!! You make it happen! Your strength and desire to make it happen regardless speaks volumes. I love your new van. It just works.

Hi Lidia, We have never meet but I feel so proud for you and your commitment to living in the life you are living. Freedom to be who you want to be and do what you want is the dream of everyone. You're living the dream.

Hey Friend I Love this video and you're so right about not being harrassed in a smaller vehicle. I've had a few experiences where the cops went down the street pounding on big vans and RVs while walking right past my little SUV. My dream for the future is to vave a Classic VW Bus! They're small enough to avoid harrassment but big enough to live a perfect rent free life! Sending much Love, Respect and Blessings to you, you. Thank you for another great video!

I lived on a motorcycle for 4 years in order to put two women through college. I owned and still own several homes. Would I do it again, absolutely not. But I made a commitment to the girls to put them thru college. Never broke my word even when the economy collapsed in 2008. It was hard to do to say the least. Living the way your doing is what made it possible. Today I live on a multimillion dollar ranch because I was willing to make the sacrifice's your making now. I am a single male, that is what made it possible for me. Sacrifice while you are young and healthy for tomorrow. Pays off huge!

I wish I could do this with you, it’s just the fact your humbling while you do all of it! I feel the difference from a regular lifestyle to just being free on the move!

That is a great upgrade for the van and your safety.

Love you videos Lidia keep on keeping on your inspiring many people ❤️ from Sydney Aus

I have some weeks living in my 2003 corola, the best part of it, is that I work for amazon, so I could stay all day long at the amazon parking lot without being noticed because I work there, and I have never seen the police come inside an amazon parking lot , and if they come to you , you just say you are taking a rest before the shift!

Blessings to you Queen. Be safe. Something great is about to happen for you.

Another great video stay safe out there

My hope is that people will be very nice to you. From where I sit you are very lovable!😍

Keep ya head up … digging ya positive vibes . Stay safe 🤙🏼

El final del vídeo sales en Tramontana. Es relativamente sencillo conseguir trabajo mejor remunerado que lo imagino sacas con las redes. Sitio maravilloso.

I think you're really brave to live life in a non-traditional style, and I envy you for the freedom you have. Be blessed Lidia Rico, I pray that God watches over you and protects you 🙏🙏

RV parks are too expensive. I think there is an increasing trend of people installing RV hook-ups on their property for travelers. A lot less hassle, than a casita or spare room. I would like to see this, as a full-time traveler

I love that LED Banana light! Great video thanks for sharing!👍👍

I feel lucky because not only did I find a room to rent in a house (roommates) for 500 including utilities, but the owners son who is the main tenant has his girlfriend basically living with him here, so I casually just began having my girlfriend sleep over and eventually she just moved out of her apartment. We didn't really ask anybody if we could because he's doing it too and we all get along so we just didn't say anything. So we both live for 250 a month including utilities, which actually rivals van life. Because it's like 200+ just to insure the van. So, we don't have all of the other benefits of vanlife, and I'm still saving to execute the van plan. But economically one day I realized that if I can continue sharing places like this, I'm actually not to far off economically from where I'd be in a van. Maybe just a hundred dollar difference. But economy is only one small interest of van life. The principal is - having something I own. Because I only make 15 an hour and I have health issues and although I try and keep hopeful, I look at the prices of even the smallest land or houses and I'm just blown away. For the working class in 2024 making less than 20 an hour, it's close to impossible to own anything. Think about that. The biggest chunk of Americans, who work the hardest, will be born, live eating the worst food and develop health problems, and die without ever owning something. Owning a tiny little plot of land, and a tiny house to raise a family and leave behind something on this world... If you're just working class, that's completely off the table. Working won't earn me anything. So guys... That's why I want a van. Because even if I can't own anything beneath the tires, at least I can own one little thing from wheels up. To be honest when I begin thinking about that... How sad is that? Now this lifestyle will become so popular that it'll drive a shift in the economy, you're already seeing it, they're cracking down on mobile dwellings. They don't like it that people can live free. They don't want us in that spot where we don't need to rent your walls and roofs and dirt plot. If half of Americans were living on wheels, you bet they'd take action. Charging us, taxing us, making us rent the ground beneath our feet. I could easily see the city constituting some sort of mandatory ground rent for any space occupied by a mobile dwelling. Or just tack on a huge tax to the registration of the vehicle. They'll eventually get us. But I think for now, I'm so frustrated trying to work and live that I think hopping in a van and getting the hell out of here is the only way to be free from this hamster wheel of doing the same thing every day for 40 hours to fill someone else's pockets and I get to own nothing. And I can't travel anywhere further than a weekend trip. And to pay off a house takes 25 years. And that's if by some miracle you can establish enough credit to do it. So at age 30 if you buy a house, that's 50 years of life left. So you spend half of your entire adult life paying off the house. And by the time it's done, the best years of your life are over. There are no golden years, I think the guys who pay off their mortgage and retire at 65 have just enough time to croak. I want none of it. I would rather hit the road and never be seen again. "the land of opportunity". Yes, it's the land of the opportunistic. That opportunity is for maybe 20, 30 percent of us tops. And if you aren't lucky or talented enough to be one of them, the rest of us ride on their coat tails. If you're in that 30 upper percent, you could comment and give me a lecture about if I work hard enough and get some education and grow some ambition. The image I get is of climbing up those coat tails and pulling other people beneath me as I do it. Basically what you're saying is "than don't be in that bottom 30 percent." So the answer is - stop being exploited and start exploiting. I mean really that's what we are talking about here. We can't all be wealthy. The wealthy control the poor, so your solution is basically if I can't beat em, join em. There's got to be a better system for everyone.

Stay Strong

there's a saying: you made your bed and now you have to sleep in it

“I believe you”. Live in a van is one of the most amazing experience in life. You have a nice one. Freedom ❤

Parabéns pela sua personalidade, coragem e desapego. Sucesso e proteção sempre pra você!

Are you able to get your windows tinted for a little more privacy?

Girl, you ain't never told a lie, 😞😔😏😏

This is a great alternative even for people who just want a cheaper way to vacation. Congrats on living life your way!!

I love that you have the balls to do this. I live with ALL I own strapped to my motorcycle. Not even a storage unit. Just Me And My Royal Enfield. It's a feeling of freedom knowing if I decide to turn left instead of right it doesn't matter because everything you own, or need is always right behind me. CA or ME or FL or TX, it doesn't matter I love how you cook. That's one thing I don't do. I pop tops and tuna pouches. Thank you for sharing. You Are Amazing!

I can't entirely agree with the notion that we are in a recession. Employers are currently struggling to find good, hardworking, and qualified employees. This country is far from experiencing a recession at this time.

La mujer caracol con la casa a cuestas, la vida pirata como Pipi Lastrum.😂 ¡Qué recuerdos me trae ese cañón!, cuando lo visitamos con personas que ahora son angelitos.❤

It’s inspiring Lidia to see you live this independent lifestyle in a van. The rent is so expensive in California. you can supplement your income better, and save money for whatever you need for the future 😊

Its amazing to have this level if freedom, so much less stress than mortgage and taxes etc. I agree with off grid 💯!!!

Home on wheels is the truck driver life, enjoy and be safe out there. I have been doing it for years and love the freedom.

Fascinating. As someone who has a HUGE problem with radiation, and wants to get away from cellphone masts, this lifestyle appeals to me. Your beautiful thumbnail appeals to me too! :D

Muy buenas reflexiones, Lidia. Que gusto dar oírte y verte, aprendiendo de tus experiencias. Espero que estés un poquito mejor, más animadita, y sino seguro que lo lograrás 🤗. Cuídate muuuuucho 🌺

I love watching your videos I had an ex kill themselves in the 86 I'm disabled and sorry for your loss stay safe and well 💕 ❤️ 😊

I would get rid of the storage.. Paying for storage adds up after a while. Just my opinion. Keep living life how you choose Lidia. We support you! ✌💛

i just discovered you! Friends for LIFE!!! Great content!!

Just ran into your channel spontaneously - and I'm impressed. I'm German - we almost don't know this kind of living, as social fare covers close to everyone having a flat and the most necessary, if need is. I, thus, understand well your choices and the advantages you cheer above the downsides going with it. I've a dream of doing same way - but on water! Taking a sailboat and circumnavigate. It's even ... a plan! That said, I still think, there must be some opportunity for an intelligent, strong and mindful woman like you to build some 'reserves' and to secure a future, within you wouldn'T depend on living in the van. And I think, there's something wrong in America if that doesn't work. That's just spontaneous thoughts, Lidia. Wishing you all the luck from Germany! Will be following your channel...🤗✌

Freedom with van life is totally awesome. You said it, you can go anywhere anytime you want to. Maybe when you feel better in time travel out of Cali and experience more of the USA. Much love. 💕💓

I’ve been watching your videos for awhile and I love seeing you living your life like a free spirit. I always enjoy your energy and your positivity. You’ve always uplifting and got a beautiful smile. 😃

I admire your bravery Lidia and i am kind of jealous of your simple but effective life style....good on you ...safe travels and stay blessed ;-)

Congrats with the new sponsor. I hope, you will get more of them soon. This camera should be good.

Siiiiiiii, yo también vivo nomad y coincido.. es WHATEVER YOU WANT! a flow, aprender que necesitas y que queres y que no.. es animarse a conectar y vivir en este mundo loco estando aware/awake... PURA VIDA AMIGA! Te banco en tus aventuras y a seguir viviendo! peace mai ✨

Makes me so sad 😢 I hate that you have to go through this Lidia. Please keep your head help high and stay strong Queen. God is always there with you trust that & your other half is not far to complete the puzzle of life. Sorry you had to go through you traumatic experience but keep faith Beautiful, you will be ok!

U r a fabulous person. I too live in a van for last 5yrs. Its a journey of self enlightenment. Good luck with your future

Do all you can while you can. Life is too short . The first outfit you had on was too cute.

You could put up curtains for privacy .

We have been on the road for almost 1 year now. We are semi retired, and are tired of conforming to what society thinks is a healthy way to live. This life is NOT for everyone, and that is not what is being shared. You have to want to be self sufficient and to learn. You have to want to solve problems and provide solutions for your self and very often times for others around you. I am fortunate that I have my partner that has always been a wild one...as I am. Stay safe, as a solo woman , it can be dangerous but if you are smart and alert, you can do it just as you are. I am glad I came across your channel. Thank you mija for sharing.

Baby you should leave California and head for the mountains!!! Stay beautiful ❤