Introducing Gino and Maria, an adventurous pair who have embraced a nomadic lifestyle, living and working out of their customized van. Their story showcases the liberty and adaptability that vanlife provides, alongside the unique trials and triumphs it presents.
Whether contending with fickle weather or scouting for an ideal overnight parking location, Gino and Maria have faced numerous hurdles during their journey. Nevertheless, their steadfast resolve and ingenuity have empowered them to conquer these obstacles and transform them into enriching lessons.
Through their shared experiences, Gino and Maria offer invaluable insights and tips for aspiring vanlifers. They emphasize the importance of careful planning, adaptability, and a positive mindset when embarking on this unconventional lifestyle.
What inspired you to start living and working on the road in a van?
I was inspired by a couple of things. Firstly, the idea of living in a manner different to what society deems normal. But also, the desire to travel and get to know new parts of the country. Sure you can go on vacation somewhere and say you’ve visited, but you don’t really start getting to know a place until you’ve lived there and interacted with the community on a closer level.
How long have you been living this van life, and how did you prepare for it?
Part time since 2019 and full time since about 5 months ago. Preparation came in the form of endless hours of research and a giant leap of faith. It’s useful to have a planned outline yet be flexible.
What was your biggest fear before hitting the road, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest fear was the fact that in my thirties I was going to be doing something new for the first time. I was going to be learning through trial and error how to live in a van, on the road, in places unfamiliar to me. I don’t think I really overcame it as much as I just did it anyway. Change is scary but it can also be so rewarding.
How long have you been living in your van, and what’s your favorite part of the lifestyle?
We live in a time of overindulgence and overstimulation. Van life challenges that and forces you to simplify. By having limited space, you really have to think about what you truly need and want in your life. You also focus on things such as water and energy consumption. But in return for all these sacrifices, van life allows you the opportunity to silence all that outside noise and just be present in some incredibly beautiful destinations; without breaking the bank might I add. The rewards far exceed the sacrifices.
What are some unexpected challenges you've faced while living on the road?
The most unexpected challenge didn’t really have much to do with living in a van itself. It was more so overcoming my expectations of what this journey would look like. In my mind, the build was the hard part and now I would get to enjoy the fruits of my labor, stress free. I saw myself living this idyllic, easy going, free bird lifestyle. I guess I spent too much time scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram. This style of living isn’t for the faint of heart or anyone who can’t handle being challenged on a daily basis.
How has van life impacted your relationship? Any tips for maintaining harmony in such a small space?
The challenges van life has presented has tested our relationship in many ways. In return, overcoming those challenges has strengthened our relationship. Communication is key. There’s no running away from your partner in such small and closed quarters. You really have no choice but to talk things out. Also, I think that is great advice for any couple, not just van life couples.
How do you split tasks like driving, cooking, and maintaining the van?
Gino does all the driving, therefore I am in charge of doing any research needed (locating gas stations, groceries stores, sleeping locations). Other than that, we tend to split most chores based on how we are feeling on that particular day. Some days I don’t feel like getting out of bed and Gino will do the bulk of the chores, and vice versa.
What are your strategies for finding safe and comfortable places to park overnight?
Apps like iOverlander are helpful in this department but also trust your gut. If you feel unsafe in a certain spot, don’t stay there. We are fond of welcome centers. Most have clean facilities, are well lit, and have overnight security. Don’t get hooked on the idea of sleeping at some instagrammable spot. Most vanlifers sleep at a Walmart or 24 hour Fitness and make their way to that sweet spot bright and early to get that morning shot.
What kind of jobs or income streams do you have to support your van life financially?
At the moment, our only stream of income are our full time jobs. We work in hospitality so we travel to the hot spot of our choice and try to secure seasonal jobs for the following months. Usually between seasons we get a month or two off where we regroup and travel without working. We make a decent living and a huge part of that is budgeting and being very intentional with what we spend our money on.
How do you handle health and wellness on the road? Any tips for staying fit and eating healthy while traveling?
I love this question. We take our health and wellness seriously in this van. It’s so easy to slip into an unhealthy pattern of roadside fast food and lack of movement. Part of the beauty about van life is that it’s slightly uncomfortable to be locked up in a van all day. This motivates you to find beautiful outdoor areas to spend your day at. When you are outdoors, you are more likely to get moving, and we all know how good movement is for the mind and body. As far as food goes, set yourself up with a couple of rotating recipes that are easy and healthy to make. Planning is key for me.
What has been the best location or destination you’ve visited so far?
This one is difficult. California really blew my mind. The scenic diversity out there is just top notch. You really get it all out there; beaches, desert, mountains. Utah is stunning as well. And there is still so much left to see and explore.
What’s next for you both? Do you plan to continue living the van life long-term, or is this a temporary lifestyle?
Well, we just wrapped up our summer season out in Montauk, NY. What’s next is still in the works but we are thinking about Sun Valley, ID. Neither of us have been to Idaho but it’s extremely appealing to us because of how central it is to a lot of other desirable destinations. This would be our first winter season and we are very excited about it. As for whether this will be long-term or short term, we don’t know. We started off very cautious and with short term goals, but as things progress we are open to seeing how long we can keep this going. It only gets easier with time and knowledge accumulated. I truly believe there is just as much beauty in the journey as there is at the destination. It’s important to take it all in, every part of it.
Gino and Maria show us that vanlife is not just about adventure, but about embracing change and living with intention. We can't wait to see where their journey leads next!
Be sure to follow their ongoing journey on Instagram at @Transit.Tails for more stunning locations, and behind-the-scenes looks at life on the road! Also, check out our YouTube channel for more vanlife inspiration.
What do you think about living on the road? Have any vanlife questions for Gino and Maria? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
What do you think about living on the road? Do you have any vanlife questions for Gino and Maria? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
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