The History of Vanlife: From Victorian "Land Yachts" to the #Vanlife Movement

Sunlight streams through the van’s windows as you brew coffee on a camp stove. You might think this scene is a 21st-century Instagram cliché, but the truth is vanlife isn’t a new trend at all. For over a century, free-spirited travelers have turned vehicles into homes on wheels, chasing the same freedom and adventure that today’s #vanlife community holds dear.

In this post, we’ll journey through the surprisingly rich history of vanlife – from its Victorian-era origins to the social-media-fueled movement it is today – and see how the spirit of life on the road has evolved.

Early Pioneers of Life on Wheels (1880s–1930s)

Victorian “Vandwellers”

In 1880, retired naval surgeon Dr. William Gordon Stables commissioned a horse-drawn caravan named The Wanderer, often cited as the world’s first purpose-built leisure RV. It was fitted with mahogany paneling, a bookcase, stained glass windows, and even a Persian rug. He called himself a “vandweller,” possibly the first recorded use of the term. His memoir, The Cruise of the Land Yacht 'Wanderer', inspired a romantic view of the road long before cars became widespread.

Tin Can Tourists & Auto-Campers

In 1919, the Tin Can Tourists club formed in Florida. These early campers modified Ford Model Ts for sleeping and cooking and traveled the country together. The group grew to over 150,000 members at its peak. Even Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and President Harding took road trips together, gaining press attention and boosting the popularity of auto-camping (Florida Rambler).

From Trailers to Vans

The post-war boom saw the rise of iconic trailers like the Airstream. By the 1950s, these mobile homes were symbols of American freedom. But vans, being smaller and easier to customize, soon became the preferred choice for those wanting a more minimalist, nimble setup. According to Smithsonian Folklife Magazine, vanlife’s cultural roots go back to these early 20th-century auto-campers.

Counterculture on Wheels: Vans in the 1960s and ’70s

The Hippie Van Revolution

The Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus became the symbol of freedom in the 1960s. Originally a commercial vehicle, it was embraced by hippies, musicians, and nomads who painted them with peace signs and turned them into homes. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, it became a counterculture icon, especially after Woodstock, where VW buses flooded the festival grounds.

Anti-Office on the Road

Custom van interiors featured wood paneling, shag carpets, and DIY storage. The vans were more than transportation; they were rolling homes and creative expressions. The spirit of freedom over conformity was strong – and it still resonates with today’s vandwellers.

Mainstream “Vanning” Culture

In the 1970s, "vanning" entered mainstream culture. Magazines ran DIY conversion guides, and gatherings of enthusiasts popped up nationwide. The book Rolling Homes documented these creative builds and is still considered a cult classic today.

Modern Resurgence: #Vanlife in the Digital Age

Vans Get an Upgrade

In the 2000s, Mercedes introduced the Sprinter van to the U.S. The van was taller and easier to live in. Combined with solar power, mobile internet, and GPS, it helped make full-time vanlife practical for remote workers and creatives alike.

The #Vanlife Boom

In 2011, Foster Huntington coined the hashtag #vanlife on Instagram. What started as a joke became a global movement. By 2022, the tag had over 12 million posts. Social media platforms created a wave of curated, aesthetic van content, which boosted interest—but also sometimes glossed over the realities of life on the road.

Diverse Roads, Same Spirit

Today’s vanlifers include retirees, digital nomads, and even families. The pandemic and housing costs made vans a necessity for some and a dream for others. Films like Nomadland showed the gritty, realistic side of mobile living. Still, the core values—freedom, simplicity, community—remain unchanged.

Vanlife’s Legacy and Lessons

Vanlife is more than a fad. It’s a mindset. Whether it’s about rejecting the 9–5 or connecting with nature, it speaks to people looking for purpose over possessions. No. 925 exists for that same reason: to support those building a life beyond the grind.

Ready to rethink your relationship with work and freedom? Start small, question the default, and embrace more of what makes you feel alive. Vanlife might not be for everyone, but its values? Those are universal.

FAQ: Vanlife History & Culture

• When did vanlife start? – The idea dates back to the 1880s with Dr. Stables’ caravan. Auto-camping clubs started in the 1910s.
• Did the hippies invent vanlife? – No. They made it cool, but they didn’t start it. Tin Can Tourists and early auto-campers were the true pioneers.
• Who coined “#vanlife”? – Foster Huntington started using it on Instagram in 2011. It helped turn vanlife into a modern movement.
• Is vanlife only for young people? – Not at all. Today’s vandwellers include solo travelers, families, and retirees alike.
• Why is vanlife appealing? – Flexibility, minimalism, affordability, and the chance to live on your own terms.

Further Reading

• Smithsonian: How the VW Bus Became a Counterculture Icon
• Smithsonian Folklife: A Brief History of Vanlife
• Florida Rambler: Tin Can Tourists
• Vogue: Foster Huntington Interview
• NYT Review: Nomadland