Happiness is a way of travel, not a destination

The beginnings

My passion for adventure and the outdoors has always been strong, but my true vanlife journey kicked off when I was 22 and living in Canada. I bought a simple van with just a bed in the back, and together with my friends, we embarked on an unforgettable road trip from Canada down to Mexico. We immersed ourselves in the incredible natural beauty of North America, exploring its vast national parks, majestic mountains, winding rivers, and expansive deserts. That journey changed everything for me—it was the spark that set me on my future path of life on the road.

 

The Call of Freedom

After returning to Ireland from that life-changing trip, I found myself stuck in a corporate engineering job, feeling increasingly out of touch with nature. Then one day, I watched Free Solo, a documentary about climber Alex Honnold. He had been living in his van for nine years while conquering some of the world's toughest climbs. That was it for me—I knew I couldn’t continue in the corporate world. I needed to build my own van and dive headfirst into a life of adventure.

 

So, I quit my engineering job and poured all my time, money, and energy into building my first proper home on wheels. From that point on, adventure became my full-time job!

 

Building My Dream Van

I named my van "Beans," a 2012 long-wheelbase, high-roof Ford Transit. The van itself cost €7,000, and the conversion added another €7,000. After four months of hard work, Beans was transformed into my dream home on wheels. Since I knew I’d be spending a lot of time in cold, alpine regions, I focused heavily on insulation and heating. Beans became my bohemian chalet on wheels—a warm, inviting space where I could recharge after days spent skiing, climbing, or paragliding.

​

Beans is equipped with:

• 400W solar panels

• 270Ah batteries

• Split charging and a 1000W inverter

• A full LPG gas setup with a 2-burner hob and a Propex LP heater

• 80L fresh water tanks and a chemical toilet

• Polyiso foam board insulation and tongue-and-groove cladding, giving it that alpine cabin charm

 

And, of course, Beans is filled with plants. My van is like a little jungle on wheels, keeping the air fresh and, more importantly, keeping me happy.

​

Life on the Road

I’ve now been living full-time in Beans for nearly four years. My journey has taken me through 15 countries and over 350,000 kilometers. Currently, I’m based in Chamonix, France, where I live part-time in Beans and part-time in the mountains. Whether I’m scaling a mountain with an ice axe or paragliding through the skies, my van is always a cozy home to return to.

​

One of my most unforgettable trips was a drive from Spain all the way to Svalbard, close to the North Pole. That adventure really cemented Beans as more than just a home—it became my vessel for discovery and exploration.

​

Turning Passion into Purpose

Over the last few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to turn my love for vanlife into a career. I founded TheVanConversion.com, a platform to help others build their dream vans. What started as a small personal blog has grown into one of the largest online resources for van builders! In 2019, I launched The Van Conversion Course, which now has over 1,500 students. The course exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people sought to escape the everyday grind and embrace life on the open road.

​

This success eventually led to the release of my book, Roaming Home: The Comprehensive Guide for Converting Your Van Into a Campervan, in 2023. The book walks readers through the van conversion process, providing expert advice and practical insights into building a functional, beautiful campervan. Beyond that, it invites people to embrace the ethos of vanlife—a simpler, more fulfilling way to live.

​

Lessons Learned from the Road

Vanlife has taught me so much about self-reliance, resilience, and the true meaning of freedom. One big lesson I’ve learned is that van maintenance is no small task. Over the years, I’ve invested more than €10,000 in keeping Beans running smoothly. I bought my van on the cheap, while some friends invested more upfront in newer models. But through it all, I’ve come to realize that careful maintenance pays off, and Beans is still my trusty companion on the road.

​

Every day brings new challenges, from finding a quiet spot to park for the night to navigating a surprise snowstorm in the mountains. But it’s all part of the adventure, and these challenges have only deepened my appreciation for this lifestyle.

​

Advice for Aspiring Vanlifers

If you’re considering vanlife, my number one piece of advice is to think carefully about where you’ll be living. If you’re in colder, wetter environments, make sure your van feels cozy and warm, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time inside. If you’re heading to warmer, sunnier places, a smaller, more open van might be ideal, as you’ll probably be outdoors more.

​

Also, think about your hobbies. For me, it’s climbing, skiing, and paragliding, so I needed space to store all my gear and have a warm, dry place to retreat to after long, adventurous days. If you plan to work from your van, think about your setup—do you need a desk or reliable power for your electronics?

​

Most importantly, embrace the freedom and endless possibilities that vanlife offers. It’s not just about having a van—it’s about adopting a lifestyle that encourages exploration, self-discovery, and new experiences. Whether you’re building your own van or dreaming of life on the road, vanlife opens up a unique way to see the world and live life on your own terms.

​

Peace and love,

Shane