INSIDERINSIDER
The writer in van with MacBook and a blue van in front of blue sky and palm trees
As a van lifer, I'm used to getting the most out of costly items and saving money where I can.Cass Sarazin; Emily Inson
  • I am used to finding ways to save money on expensive items and travel.

  • I made coffee in my van and showered at several aquatic centers during a week that I spent $730.

  • Getting gas and going out with friends were some of the most expensive parts of the week.

As a solo traveler who has lived in a van for a year, saving money and getting the most out of costly items is an everyday practice.

I decided to escape Canadian winter recently and share my travels on TikTok. In sunny California, I have been spending the colder months. I work from anywhere as long as I have a cell phone.

I spend a week as a van lifer.

Day 1: I slept at an Airbnb owned by one of my followers, stocked up on groceries, and hit the road

The writer on green couch with orange blanket holding phone as if she's taking a selfie
I spend my days working as a freelance social media manager.Cass Sarazin
  • Coffee is $5.50.

  • There is a shower at a truck stop.

  • $75 for weekly groceries.

  • Today's total spent was $92.50.

I am thankful for social media and the supportive community I have accumulated, as I am often invited to stay at my followers vacation rentals. I was able to stay for free.

I decided to drive from San Diego to Palm Springs for a week because I usually travel between the coast and the desert.

On the way, I stopped for groceries and to stretch my legs, showered at a truck stop, and found a place to park for the night.

Day 2: I slept at a Walmart parking lot, went swimming at an aquatic center, and got some work done

  • The aquatic center is $6.

  • Today's total spent was $6.

I spent the night at a Walmart parking lot. I made iced coffee in my van and headed to the local aquatic center for a swim and shower.

It was too hot to cook in the van so I made a meat and cheese plate for lunch and worked from my lawn chair at the park.

I waited until after the sun went down to cook.

Day 3: I slept at a spot from the iOverlander app and made meals with leftovers and groceries I already bought

  • The aquatic center has a price.

  • $100 for gas.

  • Starbucks is $11.

  • Today's total was $126

I found a free spot to sleep on the iOverlander app. After making coffee in the van, I went to the park to make a breakfast with the leftover taco meat from the night before.

I like to swim and shower at another aquatic center. It was time to get some social media work done after cooling off.

I stopped for gas before finding a place to park the van. I used the groceries I had already purchased to cook my meals.

Day 4: I slept at another Walmart parking lot and took the van in for an oil change

A blue van parked on a dirt road next to a leafless tree on a cloudy day
My van is spacious enough for sleeping and cooking.Cass Sarazin
  • Oil change: $70.

  • The aquatic center is $6.

  • The price of Starbucks is $8.

  • Today's total spent was $84.

After staying in a Walmart parking lot for free, I woke up early and went up the mountain to see the sunrise.

The van needed an oil change. While the van was getting serviced, I worked in the back of the vehicle to connect to the internet.

I went to the aquatic center after the oil change for a swim and shower. I went for a short hike and ended the day working at another Starbucks because it was not too hot.

Day 5: I slept at a spot from the iOverlander app and then spent some time with friends

  • Laundromat cost $13.

  • The price for drinking water is $1.50.

  • $150 for dinner and drinks.

  • Today's total spent was $162.50.

I needed to do some van chores after I made coffee and left my free spot, so I headed to the nearest laundromats. I was able to fill up my drinking water after doing three loads of laundry.

I picked up my friends at the airport and took them to their hotel.

We went back to the hotel for a swim and then went out for dinner.

Day 6: I stayed at my friends' hotel room and got breakfast and lunch at the resort before taking off

Breakfast is $25 at the resort.

The resort lunch is $30.

$100 for gas.

Today's total spent was $155.

I spent my morning and afternoon at the resort sleeping in my friends hotel room. I hit the road after ordering breakfast and lunch by the pool.

I pulled over and watched a few movies because the wind was so strong that I wouldn't be able to travel to the coast.

Day 7: I slept at a rest stop and drove to Newport Beach

The writer lounges in the back of the van with an open MacBook in front of her
When I'm not working at a Starbucks, I usually get things done in my van.Cass Sarazin

Starbucks is $12.

Lunch is $30.

The state campground is $60.

$102 is the weekly total.

I slept for free at the rest stop. I started the day with a breakfast sandwich and coffee and traveled from Palm Springs to Laguna Beach, which is 92 miles away.

I decided to head up the coast towards Huntington Beach after I arrived in Laguna Beach.

After lunch in Newport Beach, I went to the last campsite at a state campground.

The original article can be found on Insider.

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