Mandy and Jailiz, the Cuban couple traveling through various cities in the United States in their van and sharing their experiences under the username @sisiletsgo on Instagram, posted a video with practical tips for those wanting to adopt the van lifestyle, known as vanlife.
The clip breaks down what works and what doesn't in such a small space. The central message is clear: less is more. "Don't bring too much," they warn.
Mandy and Jailiz's tips for living in a van
- Do not carry unnecessary items. The heavier the load, the higher the fuel consumption and more noise in the vehicle. The couple insists that, over time, it becomes clear that most of the things they bring along are rarely used.
- Minimalist kitchen. They recommend bringing only the essentials: a bottle of oil, five-pound bags of rice that are restocked when empty, meats, a frying pan, a pot, and a saucepan. "The basics," they explain.
- Fruits, meats, and vegetables. They advocate for a variety of food products but in small amounts. "To eat well, you don't need so many things," they say in the video.
- Daily wear, not for display. In practice, only shorts, pullovers, and t-shirts are used. The couple reveals that they have a small wardrobe with more elegant clothes in the van that has been closed for 15 days: "That closet hasn't been opened."
- Not much clothing for special occasions. Long-sleeved shirts and dresses are reserved for specific outings: "That's only for when we go to a fancy place one day. You can wear that outfit again."
- Simple system for cleanliness and order. They use a basket to deposit used clothing and other baskets for clean items. They bring few utensils and tools of all kinds. Everything has its designated space, which maintains order without additional effort.
Vanlife, a trend that is growing among Cubans in the U.S.
Mandy and Jailiz are part of an increasingly larger community of Cubans who choose to live in vans or mobile homes as an alternative to rising rental costs in cities like Miami.
Other creators have documented similar experiences or a nomadic lifestyle: from those who finance their travels by renting out their home on Airbnb to those who use the van as a saving strategy to buy a home in the future.
The monthly costs of this lifestyle can range from $1,760 to $2,060, which includes vehicle payments, parking, insurance, and gasoline. In some markets, this amount is comparable to or even less than conventional rent.
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