VAN LIFE
with kids

Nature & Freedom as a Family

The first thing these families are looking for, when asked, is a quest for a little more freedom and nature. It’s true that when you’re forced to be outdoors most of the time, you experience life differently. Very quickly, the desire to be immersed in nature takes over. The urge for travel, for new landscapes, always a little further afield, may seem effortless. And whether you’re traveling solo or as a family, the outcome is the same. That feeling of always being outside, living with the sun and the elements, disconnecting from time and geography without necessarily venturing too far—everyone who travels agrees, it’s pretty magical.

What’s even better when you’re traveling as a family is the ease of getting around and the autonomy you enjoy once you have your own van. Want to leave for a spontaneous weekend getaway? Grab a few things, pack some food, and hit the road. This is exactly the kind of adventure shared by the “4 Vadrouilleurs,” a travel-loving family with two teenagers, through their blog.

Closeness & Togetherness

Let’s be real—traveling as a family isn’t always easy. The close quarters can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, all it takes is stopping somewhere for a while for everyone to regain a bit more personal space. The older the kids get, the trickier it can become, though each age comes with its own unique challenges. Traveling with a baby who puts everything in their mouth, for instance, can be a little stressful.

But once again, everyone who’s given it a try agrees—the quality time shared on the road far outweighs these little stresses or discomforts.

Adventure Awaits

Because when we talk about van life or nomadic travel—unless you’re doing full-on backcountry trekking—it’s not like you spend every moment inside your house-on-wheels. Sure, a lot of time is spent there, but it’s really just your mobile base camp. More importantly, it’s the launchpad for countless adventures.

As Aurélie, a traveler who’s stayed at various Huttopia Bivouacs, puts it: when the world becomes your home and nature your playground, there’s bound to come a time when you start making friends. Fellow travelers exploring the same regions, driven by the same hopes and love for discovery. These connections are what make the journey truly special and unforgettable. And with those new friends come new activities—paddleboarding, hiking, climbing, stacking rock towers, or exploring historic sites.

Strengthened Family Bonds

Nomadic life is both full and empty, with time flowing differently. It allows for quality moments spent with other family members—screen-free—in a different relationship with time. Living in close proximity on a daily basis can also enhance communication, as this extended time makes it possible. One literally lives together, which also helps create memories and adventures. Aurélie tells us again that between two conversations, there are moments of silent admiration for one’s children, living their best lives, sharing it with people who, just yesterday, were strangers—now their best friends, and tomorrow, a sweet childhood memory. That said, sometimes things can get a little more turbulent. Fatigue, stress, or simply the unknowns of travel can stir things up.

Education and Learning

“We learn differently while traveling.” It’s nothing new—children who travel with their families instead of going to school, for example, acquire many skills. By meeting people and discovering various know-hows, we learn to open up to others and to the world around us, giving a large place to curiosity and questioning, whether for the little ones or the adults. In the end, everyone learns—and perhaps above all, about themselves.

Minimalism

In a van, there’s no room for the superfluous. Everyone has to make an effort. So how do you manage when there are four of you? At most, a few books, some playing cards, and a basic kit for drawing and crafting: colored pencils, a pair of scissors, wool, rope. Same for clothing—you choose essentials and layers to stack.

It’s not always easy to leave the house behind, but if there’s one item a teenager won’t forget, it’s their phone. Staying a bit connected is still necessary (even if, overall, screen time is reduced).

And with a baby? You adapt: the ground becomes your best friend, toys are found outside when a pine cone becomes a rattle. Nature has many resources.