Vanlife appeals to many young adventurers, in search of freedom and a nomadic lifestyle. While some adopt it seasonally or only for holidays, others integrate it into their family life. This is the case of Julien, Karolina and baby Zak, the tribe behind Go-Van .
By living in their van full-time, Julien Roussin Côté and Karolina Kruper chose to live differently. However, with the arrival of baby Zak, the adventurers had to adapt their nomadic lifestyle. Today, they live half the time on the road and the other half in their new home in the woods, called the base camp.
“The base camp is a place of rest, but also of work. It also allows us to travel with less equipment!” says Karolina, who appreciates this new compromise.
Nevertheless, the Go-Van family continues its travels. It multiplies the trips, crisscrosses the roads of Canada and the United States and plans to continue to escape the snow each winter to go surfing in the South.
“Since becoming a mother, vanlife has allowed me to create beautiful family memories. It’s really a beautiful and simple way to travel with a child! We adopted slow travel by adjusting the time spent on the road and planning our trips.”
Next destination? This fall, the little family will fly to the Yukon and explore its vast territory with a van rented there.
7 Go-Van Tips to Make Family Life Easier in Vanlife
- Shorten distances
"Before, we could drive 16 hours a day. With a baby, we do shorter distances, we stop frequently and we plan our trips. It's longer, but we always end up arriving at our destination!"
- Moving around during naps
“It’s not a foolproof recipe, but for now, it’s working well!”
- Have snacks on hand
“I always have bagged applesauce, crackers and water for the road.”
- Opt for compact and foldable accessories
"The small folding camping chair that can also be used for meals, the compact playpen that closes easily: we have found some very practical objects with the vanlifer community. I also buy second-hand."
Psst! You can find these accessories on Go-Van's blog.
- Limit the number of accessories and toys
"I have very few toys in the van. Zak plays with magnets and utensils. Otherwise, he simply discovers nature."
- Opt for silicone dishes
“I love the suction bowls and silicone bibs. They are easy to wash and don't retain moisture.”
- Follow the child's pace
“That’s the basis of vanlife ; slow down, take the time to live in the moment and avoid busy schedules. Every child is different.”
Charlotte and Charlie’s suggestions: 5 accessories to take in the van
An ultra-light park
For on-the-go or tight spaces (or both!), this ultra-light and compact playard from BabyBjörn is one of the most popular with many traveling parents. It opens with a simple movement of the hand!
A deckchair
Popular with nomadic families, the BabyBjörn brand also offers the Balance Soft bouncer , which is not only perfect for home, but also for camping since it is light and ergonomic. Baby can have fun while we prepare dinner!
For mealtimes, the OXO booster seat from Nest is one of our favorites.
Silicone tableware
Made from silicone, these compartmentalized suction plates from Minika help prevent messes in the van (or at home!), as well as stimulating your child's appetite.
A baby carrier
No need to lug around a big stroller when camping or in a van! The baby carrier is the best option for the Go-Van family. Our suggestion: the all-in-one Omni 360 model from Ergobaby , which grows with your baby as you travel.
A waterproof cover
Is it a play mat, a tablecloth or a blanket? It’s all of these! Made of waterproof vegan leather, this multifunctional mat from KAM is a wonderful find. The best part: it doesn’t retain moisture or sand. Perfect for vanlife !
Photos: courtesy Go-Van
