In a testament to unconventional living, a resourceful Brit has uncovered a novel way to circumvent the burdens of the cost of living crisis while gallivanting across the globe. Meet Willem Main, a 28-year-old explorer who, thanks to his unique choice of domicile—a meticulously converted van—has not only embraced the nomadic lifestyle but is also stashing away £1,000 each month.
Willem’s voyage into the world of van life commenced after a series of expeditions and hiking escapades in Greece left him yearning for more freedom. Liberating himself from the shackles of the traditional 9-5 grind, he embarked on a remarkable journey of van life exploration.
His initial investment of £14,000 in savings facilitated the purchase of his first van, its conversion, and six months of living on the road, a period during which he explored an impressive 22 countries.
Upon his return to the United Kingdom, Willem opted to commit to this unique lifestyle permanently. He sold his original van and procured a new one, culminating in his departure from his car manufacturing job in May 2023.
The subsequent 77 days and an expenditure of £16,000 were dedicated to upgrading the new vehicle into a lavish home-on-wheels. Since then, Willem has resided in his mobile abode full-time, reaping substantial financial benefits.
“In my life on the road, I estimate I’m saving approximately £800 to £1,000 per month,” Willem, hailing from Rugby, Warwickshire, disclosed in a conversation with NeedToKnow.co.uk.
In stark contrast, his previous life in the UK saw him grappling with expenses that exceeded £1,300 monthly, encompassing mortgage payments, council tax, gas, and electricity, not to mention other household expenditures.
Willem has ingeniously transformed his van into a fully self-sustained off-grid haven. By avoiding traditional campsites and implementing an ingenious electrical system, he enjoys an uninterrupted power supply.
While acknowledging that living costs can fluctuate considerably due to variable expenses such as food and fuel, Willem unequivocally affirms that van life does ameliorate the overall financial burden.
To maintain a comfortable lifestyle, Willem reckons he requires just £1,200 per month, which encompasses residual bills such as his phone bill and bank loan repayments.
Presently, he generates income through content creation, producing videos for various companies during his travels, often involving product testing.
Willem’s globetrotting odyssey has seen him explore a multitude of European destinations, including Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Romania, France, Belgium, Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and a thorough exploration of the UK.
He shared his aspirations for the future, stating, “I plan to spend at least two summers and one winter in Europe, using my van as my base. I’m particularly eager to take the van to Georgia and Azerbaijan, immersing myself in remote off-grid living amid the mountains for a month. There are also dreams of venturing to Morocco, possibly even Iran.”
With South America as his next target, Willem envisions a life of continuous adventure. He envisions downsizing to a two-bedroom home upon any potential return to stationary living, utilizing Airbnb to lease his property while he embarks on further journeys.
To optimize his van’s comfort, Willem invested significant time researching vehicle designs before settling on a 2011 Volkswagen Crafter, acquired for £9,750. He then took it upon himself to carry out the conversion, incorporating off-grid electrical systems, a functional workspace, insulation, flooring, a double burner, ventilation, new wheels, windows, and even a refrigerator, all amounting to a total expenditure of £7,230.
Despite the relatively confined space, Willem’s ingenuity ensures a comfortable living experience. He occasionally enjoys his meals atop his van’s roof, cherishing every moment of his adventurous lifestyle.
While he finds the limited space manageable as a solo traveler, he speculates that couples might encounter a more challenging dynamic. The inevitable downside, he foresees, will be the isolation of cold, dark winter days spent within the confines of a 2.5m by 6m metal enclosure.
Nevertheless, Willem’s van boasts numerous windows, cozy seating, and a comfortable bed to offset these challenges. He remains resolutely content with his unconventional way of life, appreciating the freedom it affords him to explore, experience, and cherish the world in its entirety.
In his parting advice to aspiring van lifers, Willem’s message is simple yet powerful: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. The stars will never align, timing will never be impeccable, and hiccups and obstacles will inevitably arise. You might experience bouts of loneliness, but, in the grand scheme, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. This lifestyle allows you to perceive the world from a unique vantage point, savor novel experiences, forge new connections, and lead an immensely fulfilling life.”
