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Van life is cool again (and it's no coincidence)
Just a few years ago, van life was everywhere.
On YouTube, on Instagram, in beach parking lots, on mountain tops. During the pandemic, it became a solution, a refuge, and a trend. Many people hit the road... sometimes out of passion, sometimes out of necessity, sometimes simply because everyone else was doing it.
Then, slowly, the wave subsided.
RV sales slowed down, some spots closed, and several public figures disappeared from the scene. For some, it felt like the end of a dream. For us, it was more like the beginning of something healthier.
Because in 2026, van life has become cool again. Not "Instagram cool." Truly cool.
Today, there are fewer people on the road. And this simple reality changes a lot of things. The people who remain are there because they love to travel, because they love freedom, not because it's trendy. Encounters are simpler, more genuine. We feel welcome again, no matter where we go, and not perceived as a nuisance or an invader.
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Of course, not everything is perfect. Some legendary places are no longer as accessible as they used to be. But at the same time, something interesting is happening. More and more towns and villages are realizing that van life is here to stay. Rather than fighting it, they are adapting. Authorized areas are appearing, parking spaces are being tolerated, and well-thought-out municipal initiatives are being implemented. There are still plenty of places where van life is easy and enjoyable, especially when you travel with respect.
Perhaps the biggest change in life on the road has been technology. When we started living the van life in 2016, working in a van was almost impossible. Our autonomy was limited, both in terms of energy and internet access. With lead-acid batteries and two 150-watt solar panels, we had two or three days of autonomy ahead of us... then we absolutely had to find a campsite to plug in.
Today, it's a different world.
The internet is available almost everywhere thanks to Starlink and much more robust cellular networks. Remote working is no longer a compromise, it's a reality. Anything is possible: working by the ocean, in the forest, or in the heart of the desert.
The same goes for energy. Lithium batteries, portable power stations, and modern solar systems have completely changed the game. Being self-sufficient for weeks on end is no longer exceptional. And yes, you can now run an air conditioner on batteries. Something that would have seemed absurd just a few years ago is now a reality!
But beyond technology, what strikes us most in 2026 is the pace of life. On the road, we live for real. Not through a screen. Not bombarded with negative news or useless videos that grab our attention. We are confronted with real life, the unexpected, spontaneous encounters. Every day brings something new, and it's incredibly motivating.
Van life also offers a rare luxury: the ability to choose your climate. If you love winter and winter sports, you can park right at the mountain and enjoy the first run down the slopes. If you prefer warmer weather, you can head south. Even here in Mexico, we move around depending on the altitude to find the temperature that suits us best. The weather has a huge impact on your mood, and being able to adapt changes everything.
And that's exactly why it's cool again.
In 2026, living in a van is a conscious choice. A choice of freedom, simplicity, and presence. A choice to live where you feel good, when you feel good.
And honestly, this might be the best version of van life we've experienced so far.
Alex and Vale from READY for the road!