Why Hiring a Van Life Mentor Can Make All the Difference

When I first started van life, I thought I had it covered.
I’d watched the videos, read the blogs, and packed my van with everything I thought I’d need.

Then my fridge broke.
A repair bill wiped out my budget.
And one rainy night, I was searching “where to sleep in a city” at midnight from my phone.

That’s the thing about van life—it’s magical, but it’s also unpredictable. A mentor can’t stop every breakdown or detour, but they can help you start strong, stay safe, and avoid a lot of rookie mistakes.

Here are five reasons you’ll be glad you didn’t go it alone.

1. Stop Googling. Start Planning.

When I was prepping for the road, I’d spend hours comparing solar panels and reading gear reviews, only to feel more confused than when I started.
A mentor helps you cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters for your lifestyle and budget—saving you time, stress, and frustration.

2. Save Your Budget for the Fun Stuff.

I purchased all the fun things blogs and videos said would make van life easier. Then after a month, most of those things were just taking up space—and the money I spent would have been avoided if I’d known what would best fit my lifestyle.
 A mentor can help you make smart decisions up front, so your money goes toward the adventures you’re dreaming of.

3. Not Just Sunsets & Fairy Lights.

Social Media will give you golden-hour photos and perfectly lit van interiors.
It won’t show you the reality of parking safely, staying warm in a cold snap, or dealing with that 2 a.m. rain leak over your pillow.
A mentor gives you the full picture—so you’re ready for both the magic and the mess.

4. Launch Day Without the Nerves.

Your first night in the van will still come with butterflies—but when you already know how to set up camp, keep your fridge running, and handle everyday life on the road, those butterflies turn into excitement.
A mentor can walk you through the basics so you start confident and prepared.

5. Help Is Just a Call Away.

Sometimes you just need to send a text that says, “Is this normal?”
With a mentor, you’ve got someone in your corner who’s been there and gets it—ready to answer questions, offer advice, or remind you that, yes, this will make a great story later.

Final Thoughts:
Van life is a bold move—but you don’t have to leap blind.
With a mentor, you can skip the overwhelm, dodge the expensive mistakes, and spend more time enjoying the road ahead.

Ready to start your journey with confidence?
Book your free curiosity call today and let’s make your adventure a little smoother—and a lot more fun.

See all my mentoring packages here: Mentoring Packages

Catina Borgmann

With years of experience living on the road, Catina has a passion for inspiring others and is the creative force behind the GypsyWander brand. GypsyWander is centered on providing guidance, inspiration, and a sense of community for women, particularly those over the age of 40, who are seeking to explore van life as a means to rediscover themselves, embrace adventure, and live authentically on the road. Email her at Catina@GypsyWander.life.

https://www.GypsyWander.life
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