The author Donna Paul smiling next to her white RAM van
The backbone of this nomadic lifestyle lies in the art of budgeting.
  • My fiancée and I live in a van full time while traveling around North America.
  • We pay for a housesitters' membership and gym access to have places to sleep and shower.
  • Gas is expensive and it's hard to find affordable, safe overnight parking.

While traveling North America in our camper van, my fiancée and I have learned that van life extends beyond Instagram-worthy moments.