Living in a camper due to the termination of our lease agreement.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found themselves living in converted camper vans, and one such van-dweller is Lita Talisman. Talisman, aged 31, has made a name for herself as a full-time van lifer and avid traveller, having visited all 50 US states in a camper van.
In 2022, about 3.1 million people lived in converted camper vans in the US, a 63% increase from 2020 [1]. Talisman and her husband Dylan Regan joined this growing community in 2021, converting their van over the summer.
Talisman's perspective on van life is shaped by her personal journey. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she chose to focus on what she really wanted to do while she had the ability, and that led her to embrace a simpler life on the road.
She encourages others to take control of their lives and seek adventure, but emphasises the importance of careful planning and a positive mindset. "Plan every detail to ensure an unforgettable and rewarding experience," she advises [1].
Talisman recommends building up savings for emergencies for first-time van lifers. She also advises being prepared to adapt existing plans, as the road can often lead to unexpected detours.
When it comes to privacy, Talisman suggests being aware of the data processing details. User consent enables the transfer of personal data to third countries, including the USA, under GDPR. If you wish to revoke this consent, a "Revoke Tracking" link can be found in the footer of the offer for withdrawing consent [2]. A link to the privacy settings, which provides an up-to-date list of integrated third-party providers, is also available [3].
Talisman and Regan recently moved back in with their parents in Washington, D.C. after three years of van life. They started their journey planning to travel for a year, but extended their trip to three years due to their love for the van life adventure.
Despite the challenges they faced, Talisman emphasises the beauty of exploring the world from a van. "Trust your instincts for a simpler life on the road," she says [4].
[1] Source: Statista [2] Source: GDPR regulations [3] Source: Privacy policy [4] Source: Lita Talisman's interview with Van Life Magazine
What was the increase in the number of people living in converted camper vans in the US from 2020 to 2022? It was a 63% increase.
From her home-and-garden, Lita Talisman recommends planning for emergency savings and adapting to unexpected changes when embarking on a van life and travel adventure.
