30 #Vanlife Accounts to Follow on Instagram: RV and Campervan Influencers

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RV and campervans have become all of the rage in the pass few years. Largely, because road trips and outdoor adventures have taken the place of many travel plans due to COVID-19 pandemic related travel restrictions. But also because it is dope and as someone who personally emphasizes the importance and benefits of domestic travel and exploring one’s own backyard, I’m excited people want to try out this travel style for themselves! And although I dabble in campervan’ing and RV’ing, the true vanlife accounts to follow on Instagram are the ones who can offer you ACTUAL helpful tips.

Yanno, beyond my advice to “not only bring Slim Jim.”

RIP to my gut.

Anyways, over the past few years as I have gotten to immerse myself in outdoor travel, I’ve come across amazing and inspirational bloggers, vloggers, influencers that encourage safe, responsible, and welcoming adventuring in the outdoors. So I’ve made a list of some of the best #vanlife accounts to follow on Instagram to inspire, educate, and entertain you. The #vanlife community can be an amazing space for discussions and conversations surrounding travel that you might not touch on otherwise!

Since travel – including vanlife travel! – is not a monolith, one influencer definitely does not fit all. While I enjoy all of the below accounts, I understand that some might not be your personal jam, and that’s okay! I hope that you will find at least a few vanlife accounts to follow that will suit your interests and needs 🙂

Oh, and I’ve separated them by very broad groups, so if you know you specifically looking for more solo female vanlife accounts to follow, or RV’ers who homeschool their kids, it might make your search a little faster. Okay! Without further ado, let’s jump in! In no particular order, of cours <3

Solo Vanlife Accounts to Follow

I’m starting off by sharing #vanlife accounts to follow that are specifically from the perspective as a solo traveler. Solo travel in itself causes a lot of hesitation and concern for people, understandably so, and often people have the most questions around it when it comes to driving off alone and sleeping in your vehicle for an extended period of time. Especially as Black woman, I am hyper aware that I am not always protected in the world, regardless of whether I am traveling or not. So I greatly appreciated these following RVers for showing everyone how they ride solo.

Vanessa from Vanessa Chav

It was hard to pick someone to start off the list with, especially from the solo category, but when I thought about what I wanted to feel while I was hitting the road in a campervan, Vanessa’s account immediately came to mind. Vanessa is an environmental sociologist (major cool points) and a strong advocate for decolonizing and diversifying the outdoors. WHICH IS WHAT IM ALL ABOUT TOO! She not only educates her audience, but does so in a way that leaves space for a healthy and productive conversation – and still manages to capture the freedom and joy that comes from being in nature.

Juniper from Does This Count as Vanlife

I think what I value most about Juniper and their account is the beautifully refreshing transparency of vanlife. Because there is a difference between being harshly blunt and presenting information that may be stressful in a method that is more relatable and understandable. Juniper’s account is like talking to a friend, and the poetry of their words really touches you in a way that not many people have on social media. Even if you aren’t interested in road trips yourself, this is definitely one of the best vanlife accounts to follow.

Andrew (Drew) from No Can’t Fant

I actually randomly stumbled across Drew’s account while I was planning my own road trip through Wyoming and Montana. In fact, I found him on youtube and I HIGHLY recommend you check out his content there since it’s usually updated more regularly. Anyways, it only took 23 seconds of a video for me to hit the subscribe button. Drew is HILARIOUS. His content cracks me up, and I honestly don’t know how outdoor conferences even exist without him. I thoroughly appreciate his adventures through some of America’s tiniest towns, and his reflections on his safety as a Black man road tripping through…some of the seemingly less welcoming parts of the country for people of color.

Emily from Emily Everyday

I love getting into new interests (like campervansss), and following influencers who are also new and just starting off on their own journeys as well. It’s like we’re learning *~*together*~* and that’s why I’ve really loved following Emily. Her story is so relatable, and Emily herself is an amazing human being. (Also, side note, her interior design tastes…*chef’s kiss*). Along with one of the cutest dogs in the world, she’s figuring out the whole vanlife thing as she goes along, and the real time feedback of things she learns (like how to protect and insure your vehicle!!) is crucial for every beginner to know!

For anyone interested in touching stories and impeccable decor, this is one of the best vanlife accounts to follow!

Ana from  The Vedge Life

I have to admit, I REALLY want to be Ana’s friend *cry emoji* partly because she lives in Oregon, but also because she seems like a super dope person! Plus, she vanlifes part-time, which is my personal inspiration for following vanlife accounts, so I appreciate her perspective as someone with a homebase. Plus, she’s vegan, and it’s awesome to see her find the coolest spots to eat and enjoy nature at the same time. As someone who eats…pretty much only dried meat, her vegan advice has helped me branch out to find more balanced and nourishing road trip snacks for my own adventures.

Genevieve from Lady Adventures

I LOVEEEE a good blog post, and Genevieve is an amazing storyteller. She takes her already amazing social media content and adds incredible depth and background knowledge on the places she goes and the lessons she’s learned. But back to the social media end of things. Her pictures are dreamy and more often than not her captions include a thought provoking poem or a useful campervan tip that most other influencers stray away from…like how to pee in nature. Cuz we all gotta go eventually.

Looking for vanlife accounts to follow that don’t pull any punches? She’s your gal. Oh, and expect to see a butt cheek or two. 🙂

Laura from Laura Edmondson

I want to start off by emphasizing the correct pronunciation of Laura’s name. Laa-ra, not Lor-uh). As someone whose name is constantly mispronounced (there’s a reason I just go by Kay), I’m sure that grinds her gears haha. Laura is a digital educator in the outdoor space. If you’re new to social media or have just never heard of the term, digital educators basically use their platform in their respective “niches” (be it outdoor travel/beauty/fitness/etc) to relate it back to global issues – usually social. So Laura shares a lot about the history of the lands she visits as well as championing for increased accessibility of the outdoors.

I also relate a lot to her perspective as someone traveling as a mixed Black woman.

Raquel from Lone Wolf Casita

First, lemme start of by saying Raquel is hilarious. Honestly, it’s a trait that is most important to me when looking for vanlife accounts to follow. Humor is a huge connector for me, and Raquel’s personality can literally light up a room. I love accounts that don’t take themselves too seriously (you were probably picking up on that from this list already) and Raquel is very open with her learnings, both on and off the road. Also if you’re looking to pick up your own van, I believe Raquel still has her old on for sale as of March 18th, 2021.

Erica from Expedition Wilderness

Erica’s energy is so freaking contagious. And that’s not to say she’s forever bubbly and positive, because she’s not, but the authenticity in itself is a feel good. The simplicity and truth in her posts are so grounding and it’s those feelings that make me WANT to #vanlife. It’s the same feeling I get when I just need “to go for a drive.” Can any of you relate to that? In any case, I don’t personally know Erica, but she has a good soul. Also she introduced me to the song “Way Less Sad” by AJR which…I relate to maybe a bit TOO strongly, but it is easily one of my new favorites.

Couple Vanlife Accounts to Follow

I appreciate all the advice and tips from solo travelers, but honestly, solo travel is not my preference. I’m usually traveling with my partner, so some things I REALLY need to know while setting off on an RV trip is how to productively coexist with someone so closely for an extended amount of time. Especially when they are a very tidy person and I am, for lack of gentler words, a slob. Traveling with your partner can be a challenge, but here are the best couple vanlife accounts to follow to help you navigate the waters.

Yuko and Eric from Asobo Life

If y’all are new to my page, hi, I’m Kay and I love Mexico. Which is actually how I found Yuko and Eric this past year as they are currently #vanlife-ing their way through Mexico! HOW DOPE IS THAT?!? Plus, they are travel bloggers so you know I love a good post, and they have fantastic resources on all of their USA and Canada destinations as well! They are so incredibly adorable, both together and individually, so even if you don’t have a personal mission to visit every Mexican state like I do, you’ll still immensely enjoy their content. Hands down one of my favorite vanlife accounts to follow!

Adam and Kathryn from Adventures of A Plus K

I absolutely love love love Kathryn and Adam (and their dog Kona of course)! I actually started following their account before they took their life on the road, and their travel blogs are fantastic. But WHEW, they really blew me away once they started their campervan adventure across America and produced incredible YouTube content, advice, guides, and tips along the way. They are both super friendly and approachable, and are always open to sharing the details of their destinations (especially when it comes to costs and things to avoid).

They’re one of the few great vanlife accounts to follow (along with others on this list of course) that put all of their info in amazingly detailed and organized blog posts and videos!

Jeannette and Cassandra from West Hippie Bus

Sometimes, you just need so feel good content, and that is exactly what Cassandra and Jeannette deliver on their account. They are currently working on their van and are prepping to set off again, but even when they’re stationary, with their light and easy personalities, I really feel like I’m included in their discussions and I can see myself in their content. Also I want to be their friends *cry emoji*

Veronica and Miguel from Our Paper Trails

Miguel and Veronic are two super understanding people who seem like total goofballs at times, and that alone made me like them. Their content is well thought out, but at the same time not rehearsed, and their posts feel more like a fun conversation rather than a classroom, which is important when you want to use the outdoors (and by extension outdoor social media content) as a relaxing escape buuuut at the same time you want to stay aware and mindful of yourself and those around you. If you’re looking for that “best friend next door vibe,” but in camper form, then they are one of the best vanlife accounts to follow.

I strongly recommend also checking out their YouTube because they have great videos there with more in-depth tips about vanlife.

Dave and Jade from Wheelchair and Wanderlust

Sometimes you stumble upon vanlife accounts to follow that really opens your eyes to a new perspective on travel. If you don’t have any insight on traveling with a wheelchair, then Dave and Jade will certainly inform you of how the world is not accessible to a large percentage of the population. They are both super approachable people and have created a safe and comfortable space both for disabled travelers and those wanting to make the travel industry (and beyond) more accessible and inclusive. We all need more vanlife accounts to follow that emphasize the importance of accessibility in the travel community!

Chris and Taylor from Adventure Allens

My sister actually recommended the Adventure Allens to me as one of the best vanlife accounts to follow…AND SHE WAS SO SO RIGHT! My sister (and thus me as well) began following Taylor first for her fun adventures outdoors and later for both of their collective thoughts and discussions around traveling on the road and finding a welcoming community in the vanlife world. Plus, the have a ton of great resources on their blog like how they built their van in six weeks, how to stay healthy on the road (Chris is ACE Certified Personal Trainer), and the costs that go into their nomadic life.

They even have a super helpful ebook if you are looking to join the vanlife full-time!

Evan and Melanny from Out of This Van

I just want to start off by saying Melanny is my personal style icon. Literally, every outfit. DRIPPED. Anyways, I highly highly HIGHLY recommend you check out their YouTube channel because they crack me up. Like many couples, a lot of the times it seems like they are complete opposites, and seeing that reflected in their content is reassuring and relatable, especially for people who are in similar relationships and are worried how they can ride through the stinky times and still enjoy the experience. Melanny is very much so the realist, while Evan keeps the optimism flowing. You get the info on the tough sides of vanlife, but it doesn’t leave your feeling discouraged or defeated in your goals.

Plus, they mountain bike. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.

Maggie and Dom from Bite Size Travels

If you’re looking for step by step guides on van conversions and everyday vanlife (like, yanno, SHOWERING), you’re going to want to check out their Bite Size Travels Blog for extended reading. But even on socials, Dom and Maggie give amazing campervan tips in fun and engaging captions with beautifullllll photography. Seriously, even if you don’t ever want to step foot inside an RV, you’ll want to follow them just for dreamy travel inspo pictures alone. But they are more than just great pictures, and as remote workers, it’s inspiring to see full-time vanlifers that didn’t “quit their jobs” to travel.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that, by any means, but it’s a perspective that I think more people can see themselves doing.

Lovell and Paris from Novel Kulture

YOOOOOO they be crackin me up man hahaha. Paris and Lovell are all about empowering and educating people, especially Black people, on how they can use vanlife to eliminate their debt and live a more financially flexible life. Seriously, they paid off $50k in 2.5 years – as full time students at that. They have a ton of free templates and worksheets to plan out and monitor your savings and budget, as well as demystify and destigmatize conversations around debt, financial security (or insecurity!), and building generational wealth in historically marginalized communities.

Sim and Kartik from The Brown Vanlife

I actually remember the exact moment I started following Kartik and Sim, and it was when I saw the above picture shared in a Facebook travel group during Diwali. They talk a lot about representation, and their experiences driving through Canada and the USA as a brown Asian couple. Their posts as they traveled through Oregon especially resonated with me. Also love their photography and eye for colors!

They are super adorable and I’m EXTREMELY excited about their mini cooking series called FLAVOURS in OUTDOORS where they’ll be exploring tasty meals and dishes to prepare while on the road!

Nat and Abi from Lets Play Ride and Seek

Founders of Vanlife Pride, which celebrates queer nomads everywhere, Abi and Nat are two hilarious individuals who are all about vanlife and fostering a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ travel nomads and outdoor enthusiasts. They don’t take themselves too seriously and are always open and forthcoming about the not-so-fun parts about living full-time in a van and ESPECIALLY all of the hard work that goes into doing your own rebuild of a campervan.

They have a *basically free* patreon of $1 a month so even their exclusive content (campervan friendly vegan recipes!) stays accessible for budgets on the lower end.

Noami and Dustin from Irie to Aurora

And OF COURSE, I gotta give it up for the CHAMPIONS of diversity in the vanlife community – Noami and Dustin! Noami is actually the founder of the Diversify Vanlife movement, a platform dedicated to creating a space for representation of BIPOC and other marginalized groups within the nomadic community – and also the connected podcast Nomads at the Intersections. CHECK IT OUT.

Dustin is extremely cool too, and together they create resources to help bridge the nomadic information gap so that more people are equipped to set out on the road for themselves, and feel supported and confident doing so.

Family Vanlife Accounts to Follow

I…can’t even picture myself as a “family” at this point in my life, but I know lots of you do have families or might be thinking about family travel or traveling with kids some time in the future. I, unfortunately, can’t help you with that. BUT these family vanlife accounts to follow CAN. See, I always follow up with good news. Although below are family vanlife accounts to follow that have children, I do want to emphasize that you don’t NEED kids to be or have a family. There is no one way for families to look.

Courtney from Earth Courtney

I started following Courtney before I even really knew what vanlife was. Out of all of these amazing vanlife accounts to follow on Instagram, I’d say Courtney’s was one of the most organic for me. I just truly enjoyed her voice and photography, and later I really appreciated all of her campervan tips. She travels in her van part-time, and her two youngin’s are absolutely adorable. BUT REALLY THOUGH. Her photography is amazing.

Ajané and Chris from The Meditation Bus

This family is so so wholesome. For those looking for an account on the more spiritual side, this lovable family of yogis live in a self-converted bus (I know right?!? So cool!!) and hold a lot of discussions on meditation, grounding oneself, and shifting -and connecting!- with your own consciousness. Plus, I appreciate that they share DIY building advice along the way and their mobile learning center that they built for their children. You may be taking baby steps on the journey to becoming self-sustaining, but they’ll be with you along the way!

Natasha from Tash of All Trades

Natasha, or Tash (pronounced Tosh) for short, is a single mom of an absolutely adorable kid and they live full time in her self-converted van. I especially love Tash’s account because I grew up in a single-parent home and I love seeing family dynamics that aren’t as often shown on social media, especially not in the vanlife community. Tash is an EMT/Scheduler Assistant by working hours and a total OUTDOOR BOSS 24/7.

Preethi from Local Passport Family

I can’t even keep track of myself while traveling, so seeing Preethi out here ROCKING out with her husband and their children is so amazing! It’s one thing to travel with one kid – it’s a whole OTHER thing to travel with multiple young ones, especially in the outdoors. She is very conscious in helping her children grow into global citizens that are aware of social issues and how to combat stereotypes at a young age. I also appreciate all of the hiking advice and recommendations she gives for families with small children.

Nia and Nard from Nia_and_Nard

I absolutely love love love Nard and Nia! They have such a fun contagious energy that keeps you smiling from post to post. If I were traveling with parents, I would definitely want it to be those two! I also love how open Nia is about growing up as someone Hard of Hearing and her journey with hearing aids and the world’s lag in accessibility. They are teaching their daughter through travel, and emphasizing (especially as Americans) that they are traveling on stolen and occupied land and always remembering the land’s history and supporting Native American communities.

They are teaching their daughter to appreciate the beauty of Mother Earth and to immerse in it as often as possible. It’s beautiful honestly, and you’ll love the whole family.

Kyle and Mariel from The Adventures of Ahana

Out of all of these wonderful vanlife accounts to follow, The Adventures of Ahana was TRULY a surprise for me hahha. I had actually found their account from a friend who wanted to get into directing and loved Kyle’s work. Which led me to their joint family vanlife account and I was hooked! You thought traveling with kids was hard? Try traveling with a baby! Their content is very light-hearted and fun, focusing more on the views and scenery of their journey than behind the scenes.

Shirly and Erez from Zula Life

One of the most common questions people have about long-term family travel is schooling. As it turns out, Zula Life is ALL about tips and tricks for the little humans on the road, and is one of the best vanlife accounts to follow in that aspect! Homeschooling can be challenging, especially people like me who suck at teaching, and Shirly and Erez speak extensively about how they manage their kids’ online learning and how to change your mindset on “standardized” education. I learned a lot about “unschooling,” which means foregoing set curriculums and instead expose children to areas and subjects that THEY are interested and passionate about.

Bionca from Off the Grid with a Kid

Bionca is another single mother whose authentically honest voice makes her one of the best vanlife accounts to follow. Again, since my mom was a single mother, it gives me the warm and fuzzies to see family dynamics that don’t juuust include a “mom AND dad.” Because there’s other awesome families out there too, okay?! While Bionca has been doing vanlife since 2017, even before they transitioned into their van (and now RV), she traveled frequently with her son to countries all over the world, teaching him the importance of understanding another culture’s perspective and history. Bionca talks about her son’s schooling and socializing with other kids.

Dan and Marlene from Mali Mish

They started out traveling across America, and now they’re seeing the world! I feel like a large majority of the vanlife accounts to follow are either in the USA, Canada, or Australia, so it’s interesting to meet a family doing it in Europe. It’s also amazing watching them fit two adults and three children (plus a cat!) in a campervan – really, I’m astounded every time! After years of doing it themselves, they started a project to help others with all the not-so-glamorous parts of vanlife, like making money on the road, cell service advice, and getting fresh water in the middle of nowhere.

Kay from The Mom Trotter

And obviously, I couldn’t finish off this vanlife accounts to follow – and especially not FAMILY vanlife accounts to follow – without mentioning The Mom Trotter. And not just because we share the same name. Kay is one of the OGs when it comes to family RV travel, and has always founded her platform on promoting diversity in travel and encouraging children that they are welcomed in the travel space as well. They even recently partnered with a large RV and campervan brand to change the way vanlife companies, and the travel industry in general, represents and empowers Black and non-white vanlife community members.

Vanlife Accounts to Follow: Conclusion

WHEW, that was an extensive list, but I hope you’ve found at least a couple of new vanlife accounts to follow and inspire your next road trip adventure! Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of car travel, I think it’s still fun to checkout vanlife accounts to follow to broaden your travel knowledge and see how other people navigate (literally) the world.

And, if you’re nervous about heading out on the road yourself, they’ve got plenty of tips! I mean, driving through America can be super scary as a non-white person. I KNOW. Check out my roadtrip tips for Black travelers for a few baseline points to keep in mind until this country finally addresses its rampant violence fueled by white supremacy. But, again, it’s the USA, so I’m not holding my breath.

Do you have any recommendations for vanlife accounts to follow? If I left any of your favorites off the list, leave them in the comments below!

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