Many people dream of counterculture lifestyles. Whether it be living in their van, traveling the world, or live on their boat. But which do you think is better?
Van Life
There are van life cool ideas that appeal to a lot of people for many reasons. they are able to travel around and see the country or the world and still have shelter, all while saving money! Many people feel ridiculed when they live in their van because they feel it’s not “normal.”
However, in most cases, van life is also more expensive. The average van costs around $30,000, and if you’re traveling across the country, you’re liable to spend a lot each year on gas.
Van life in reality is also very stressful because the owner must be on top of his or her game at all times to make sure everything works as it should and that no rust or corrosion occurs. Also, if something breaks down on your van, you may not have many places to go for repairs.
Boat Life
For people who want to live on the water and travel, boat life is a great option. If you live on a boat, you don’t have to worry about anything. You’re able to save tons of money since you don’t have to buy fuel or pay rent! Furthermore, you’re also saving the environment by living on a boat since vehicles pollute our air and land.
However, many people feel like boat life is not as glamorous or fun as van life. Many people dream of buying their boat, but it can be costly to do so.
Boat life is also very stressful because you have to take care of your boat all the time, especially around bad weather. And because you’re living on a boat, your whole life is out there for everyone to see. It means that your personal space and belongings are accessible to others.
Differentiating Features
Cost
Van Life is more affordable because you’re not paying rent. You will be able to save more or earn more money. Also, you can travel around the country or the world with ease.
Boat Life is cheaper in the long run because you don’t have to pay rent or pay for fuel. You’re also environmentally friendly and can help save our planet. It can be very relaxing to reside on a boat because there’s less stress about life and bills like gas, phone, cable, etc. Furthermore, it’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Comfort
Van Life can be pretty uncomfortable because you’re living in a campervan while traveling around. You’re at the mercy of others’ hospitality when you can’t find a place to stay when your van breaks down. When you live in your camper, it’s less comfortable than living in a house or apartment, especially if there’s no air conditioning.
Boat Life is comfortable because you’re in a boat and have different types of living spaces. You don’t have to be in your van all the time and can see all the gorgeous places around you.
Admiration
Van Life is admired by people who love to travel. It means that you’re free from schedules and responsibilities, which can be very relaxing! It’s also respected among people who enjoy being outside, like boaters, anglers, dog-walkers, campers, etc.
Many people admire boat life because it’s a relaxing and beautiful way to spend your time. It involves more of an outdoorsy lifestyle which is respected among most people. People respect boaters because they help save our planet and help make the world a better place through their volunteer work that protects the environment.
Freedom
Van Life has a lot of freedom because you’re free from having to worry about whether your water is turned off or if the gas is on at all times. It’s great for people who enjoy traveling and want to see the country or the world.
Boat Life is very accessible because you’re on the water, and there are no rules like you have when you’re on land. You can do your own thing and relax without having to worry about what other people are thinking or saying about living in a boat.
Personal Space
Van Life can be limiting because you don’t have much room to move around. You’re living in a somewhat cramped space, and if you’re claustrophobic, it can be harmful. You have little control over your surroundings.
Boat Life can limit your personal space because the boat is usually small and cannot hold many people at once. Some people even live in a boat with only one room and cannot share it with anyone else.
People’s Opinions
Van Life can be judged harshly by people who don’t understand why someone would live in their van. However, most people are curious and interested in Van Life because it’s a unique way to live.
Boat Life can be judged harshly, too, because people don’t understand why anyone would live on a boat. That is because it’s a new and unknown lifestyle. However, most people are fascinated by it because it’s unique.
Getting Around
Van Life can be hard to get around for people who live in cities because there aren’t many options for places to go or things to do when your van breaks down without having to stay at a friend or family member’s house.
Boat Life is easy to get around because you can go just about anywhere with your boat. You can go all over the United States, Canada, and the world. You don’t have to worry about gas or staying in a place because your boat is your home!
Environment
Van Life can damage the environment because you’re residing in a van that uses gas and emits harmful gases that affect the Earth’s climate. Your van’s emissions can also damage the air quality around you.
Boat Life is not as harmful to the environment because it emits fewer harmful gases into the air and doesn’t use as much gas to drive it. You are also protecting the integrity of your environment by being on the water instead of on land.
Respecting Nature
Van Life is excellent for environmentalists, and this is why many people choose to stay in a van for their Van Life. Being on nature’s land helps you appreciate it more!
Boat Life is excellent for environmentalists, too. It’s incredible to be on the water and have it right there, so you can appreciate it more.
How does living on a boat or in a van benefit people?
Once you can reside on a boat or van, it can be a very liberating experience. Having the freedom to travel and adventure wherever you please without all the stress of traditional jobs or family life is an incredible thing. You only have yourself to take care of, so it can be a genuinely great experience if you are okay with that, especially if you can find the right type of boat or van.
However, many people live in a van or boat and still have very high rent or housing costs.
You need to be aware that living on a small vessel is not just about living on a van. Yes, it is vital to have the correct type of vehicle and the right amount of equipment. But there are other requirements that you need to consider too.
If you live on a boat, you need to be aware of the weather and the sea state. Also on your mind will be repairs and maintenance, not to mention all the paperwork involved. That would not be a good lifestyle if you cannot handle responsibility or stress.
If there is nothing wrong with your vehicle, it will cost less every month for gas. However, if something were to happen or if you have no experience with vans, then you could have problems in the future that could be pretty costly.
Living in a van or boat can be very convenient and sustainable. It is an independent lifestyle that requires much work and dedication. If you are not ready to deal with these responsibilities, living in a van or boat is not for you.
If you’re knowledgeable and experienced enough to do these things, then it will be among the most enjoyable times of your life, but if you don’t? You may have to go back to living in an apartment with your family.
Risks of living in a boat or RV
Once you’ve chosen which lifestyle you want to pursue, a few things need to be considered. Despite being a very liberating experience, living in a van or boat can also have some risks. The biggest is that you could crash, but crashing isn’t the only risk. There are other concerns too.
You have to be aware of the weather. If you plan to live in a van or boat, you need to consider the seasons and ensure they will handle the elements. If you live on a boat, there is still a risk of crashing into other boats or structures due to tides and currents.
There is also theft. Even if your boat or van is locked and safe, there will always be risks. People living in vans and boats face this threat the most, along with the difficulties associated with travel.
Knowing the laws and policies is essential for your safety. Living in a van or boat is not just about dwelling in a van or boat. When it comes to insurance and law, you need to take some precautions. For example, there are some areas where you can’t live without an RV and boat, and this will affect your ability to live on the road and water legally.
Lastly, there is maintenance and repairs. Living in an RV or boat can be very beneficial in many ways, but it also requires hard work.
The prep work required for living in a van or boat can take up quite a bit of time and energy. You’ll need to shop for supplies, take care of your vehicle, and do prep work before you even start travel and living on it. That all adds up to have quite a lot of stress and effort.
Conclusion
There are plenty of pros and cons to both lifestyle options. If you love traveling and adventure, living in a van or boat could be the perfect opportunity for you. But there is also the concern of crashes and theft. If you don’t have the required skills, it can be very stressful if you have to deal with that and concerns about maintenance, repairs, insurance, and law issues.