What was the ancient nomadic life like?

Hunting animals and gathering plants were the main activities of hunter and gatherer societies around 11,00 to 12,000 years ago. They created a community of equals, where responsibilities were well-divided and everyone knew their role. Though there were not any modern means of organizing or researching the next best place to settle, people in this culture did a great job arranging all the travels. Quite amazing in terms of logistics, especially considering they mainly traveled by foot.

There were no fancy tools, no need for money, and no sense of individual ownership. The common property was what prevailed, as nature did not belong to anyone.

There seem to be no place for greed. The people hunted just enough to eat for a short period of time, without exceeding their limits. For a practical reason, this made sense, as they wanted to have less to carry with them.

There was no need for money either, as the barter economy allowed for simple transactions. Was it an isolating lifestyle? Maybe. But although we oftentimes think of it as primitive, we should keep in mind that we still cherish many of these lifestyle traits.

Nomadic lifestyle: the past and the present.

Regardless of the number of years that pass, the value system of a nomadic lifestyle has stayed unchanged for the most part. Connecting with nature, exploration, and adventure still remain at the center of it. Respect for nature is vital, and each nomad creates a special relationship with the trees, the woods, flowers, and all parts of the ecosystem.

What has changed with modern nomads is highly related to their additional motives for choosing the #vanlife and the logistics of it. Many modern nomads want to escape from a stressful life and to even get off the grid for some time. Restoring the energy while enjoying the feeling of independence, is oftentimes the best cure for stress. However, there are also those who are not escaping from anything. They just want to get back to their roots instead. Fascinated by their ancestral past, they try to keep their legacy alive.

Moreover, technological developments and social progress have equipped modern nomads with some of the best means of living sustainably and yet comfortably. People can choose this lifestyle. This was not always the case with ancient societies. Therefore, in modern days, being a nomad is not for everyone. Especially not for those who prefer comfort, indoor showers, or abundant wardrobes.

Are nomadic feelings innate in humans?

Although the word “migrant” is nowadays loaded with mixed meanings, which are not always pleasant, it seems that there is a common pattern across times and places. People have always liked moving and exploring, engaged in curiosity, and succumbed to wanderlust. Felix Marquardt calls these feelings “ancestral, essential and instinctive” in his book “The New Nomads: How the Migration Movement is Making the World a Better Place”.

The challenges of walking long distances, keeping social equality, or struggling to get food seem trivial to the modern convenient arrangements of renting or buying an RV, working remotely from a laptop, or buying food from local stores.

It is because of all these modern inventions that sometimes we forget that in essence, we still carry many of the inner traits of the ancient nomads. One of the most forgotten ones seems to be the drive to preserve nature without taking from it more than we can replace. Hopefully, modern nomads will bring this trait back to life as they explore different natural habitats and raise awareness.

How do you feel about modern nomads? What other common qualities with ancient nomads do you see? Let’s start a conversation – share your thoughts with us.

The post Ancient roots of the modern nomads appeared first on Altered Steel.

Living off-grid, off-road is highly becoming more popular in the US. More than 1 million Americans were living in RVs by the end of 2018. This number could be significantly higher today. Shifting away from traditional stability and fixed location, people are giving a new meaning to the American dream – Nomadic. Let us dive into the perks and challenges of being a nomad.

Why is the nomadic life becoming so appealing?

“No, I’m not homeless. I’m just houseless. Not the same thing, right?” – says Fern in “Nomaland” – the winner of the Best Picture at the 93rd Academy Awards. Establishing the difference between a home and a house might be a logical first step towards choosing a nomadic life.

The feeling of self-sufficiency and liberation from the need to live in a traditional house grants independence and freedom. Living in a van, while working a dream job and not having to pay monthly rent, sounds like a great value proposition.

Who are these modern-day wandering souls? If you look around, you’ll notice that there is no typical profile for a nomad. People in their late teens, divorced women, older men, and even families with small children are joining the nomad club.

Their stories and reasons to join are different. Some are just trying to avoid homelessness after losing their jobs and as a way to preserve dignity. Others see the nomadic life as a means to save more money and live more carefree, while also reducing their carbon footprint. Then there’re wealthy nomads who are there for the sake of freedom and flexibility with a touch of luxury. Everyone has a story to tell.

Among nomads, these differences do not matter as everyone becomes part of a community that goes through similar challenges. So perhaps, the off-grid, off-road path can serve as a social equalizer, defying capitalism.

What challenges do nomads face in modern America?

Being a nomad may seem exciting at first, but probably not everyone can easily adjust to it. After all, having to use public showers, frequently change parking places, or live with the minimal amount of clothes and other personal items is not a lifestyle that fits all. This is why many people who choose vanlife, first try to test if they like it, by renting RVs for a short period of time.

Another challenge is related to adjusting legal paperwork regarding taxes, driver’s license, voting, etc, which in traditional scenarios require a fixed address. Thankfully, during the last years, community networking groups such as Diversity Vanlife, National African American RVer’s Association, or Escapees RV Club have been created to facilitate some of these transactions and to enhance the sense of community. They also provide consulting services and organize webinars and workshops guiding nomads on these issues: for example, how to establish a permanent address. As more services have been moving online, it became easier to file paperwork and ultimately stay connected.

Is the nomadic lifestyle here to stay?

Living in a van is more than just adapting to logistics limitations. It is about keeping the true nomadic spirit alive. The phenomenon of hipsters traveling across the country, or even across the world, is not new. However, the fact that people from all walks of life are now joining this community is a novel trend.

This raises the question of whether being a nomad is also a form of escapism, which will end as one gets bored or improves his or her financial situation. Downsizing to a van can reduce so much of the “regular” life stress, but will it be enough?

After all, some of this stress will still persist for digital nomads who work and learn remotely. Constant traveling and relocating can also be exhausting, and people might get a call back to fixed-location stability.

What does all this mean for the American dream? Is this dream nomadic, risky, stable, or balanced? I think there is no single answer to this.

However, I believe there is one thing that is inherent to the American dream: and that is pursuing happiness. The path towards happiness varies across people, and for some, it is being a nomad.

What is your take on the new American dream? Is it nomadic? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.

The post Off-grid, off-road: Is the new American dream nomadic?  appeared first on Altered Steel.

Besides, as micro-mobility continues to evolve, bikes have also been gaining popularity. Who knows, maybe a bike will really be your next car. And you may want to begin exploring all possible facets of its use, including adventure cycling. Ready to learn more about it?

What is adventure cycling?

Adventure cycling may sound like a fancy concept. But, in reality, it is simply riding your bike longer-than-usual, following an itinerary of your choice.

A bicycle, some minor supplies, and the spirit of adventure are the key ingredients for this experience. Mother Nature will assist you with the rest. Let me guess – a gamut of questions is rushing through your head right now.

Where to go for your cycling adventure?

The sky is the limit when it comes to destinations. Make this adventure YOURS by choosing your favorite and most convenient roadmap. Do you prefer mountains or flatter areas? Is there a national park that you would like to visit? What about the remote areas around your city, with those narrow streets, where you cannot normally drive? And what about biking along the coastline, while breathing in the sea breeze?

It all depends on how adventurous you are, and also how comfortable you feel with cycling on rough upward terrains. The Adventure Cycling Association is a good resource for selecting your biking route.

How long should my biking adventure be?

There are no written rules on the length of adventure cycling. It all depends on the free time you have. You can spend one night, one weekend, or more exploring different places. Another factor that may impact your choice is how long you are willing to live without creature comforts.

One way you can test this is by recalling the last time you went camping. For example, if it was for two nights, did you enjoy it? Did you feel comfortable sleeping outside? If you are not particularly fond of camping, but still want to spend a few days adventure cycling, then you may arrange for sleeping indoors. For instance, you can book an Airbnb room or find other nearby accommodations.

How expensive is adventure cycling?

If planning your vacation budget gives you headaches, I have good news for you. Adventure cycling will cost you very little money if you plan ahead.

As I mentioned in the beginning, the first ingredient of this experience is the bicycle itself. This is where you may want to invest most of your planned budget. Make sure that your bike is in good condition, and don’t forget to take a bike repair kit with you. You do not need the latest and most expensive model to go on this adventure. What matters is that the bike is properly maintained.

Depending on your budget, you may spend your nights in camping sites, hostels, or hotels. If you don’t want to spend much in this category, then you can use the “Warm Showers” to find nearby houses that are willing to offer you accommodation for free.

What about the food? This is also up to you. If you prefer to stay frugal, you can alternate between cooking your own meals and eating out at local budget restaurants. This will help you stay healthy and on budget.

Five reasons to go on an adventure cycling trip

Now that you know what adventure cycling is all about, let’s explore some of the reasons why to embark on this journey.

Get to know yourself

I still remember the time I learned to ride a bike. I was five, and, at first, I was cycling using a bike with a couple of auxiliary wheels, until one day, my dad took them off. It took me a while before I realized that I was cycling on my own. No auxiliary wheels, no one holding me. It was a fantastic feeling of freedom and independence, which I still cherish with a smile on my face.

I have biked short distances several times during these years. I remember once biking through the forest with friends. Even though pedaling uphill was challenging, the satisfaction I received on the way down made it worth it. As the wind was playing with my hair, the image of the trees passing by, and the smell of the woods all made me feel part of nature. Now imagine experiencing this a few days in a row, while combining it with meeting other people and visiting new places. No doubt, you will truly get to know yourself and test your limits.

Save the environment

No need to say that biking is a zero-carbon emission activity. As such, it does not pollute the environment. This is also a reason to feel proud of being an adventure cycler. After all, it is a win-win situation: you get to experience a fun weekend, and the environment is saved from the CO2 emitted by fuel vehicles.

Enjoy a flexible mobility

Recall all the times that your flight was canceled, rescheduled, or all those hours of sitting in traffic while driving to your vacation destination. I have also been through these experiences, and the feelings of frustration are not easy to forget.

You will not have to think about all of these in adventure cycling, though. You can bike according to your pace, rest whenever you feel like, and then resume your trip.

Besides, you can park almost anywhere and explore paths that are not accessible by cars.

You are your own boss and make your own rules while biking. After a long working week, it is definitely rewarding to have some control over your routine, isn’t it?

Embrace a unique experience

Adventure cycling allows you to experience the lifestyles of locals anywhere you visit. Forget about the cliché touristic spots and give yourself the chance to meet new people, make new friends, and learn about their culture. You would be surprised by all the little things and all the human stories you will uncover.

Keep healthy

“The bicycle is the noblest invention of mankind,” says William Saroyan, an Academy Award prize winner. I think that its nobility is not only related to the low environmental footprint but also our mental and physical health. The combination of the sense of freedom, experiencing nature, relaxation, and adventurous encounters, produce feelings of accomplishment. At the end of a successful adventure cycling trip, you can proudly say: “I made it.”

Not only this, but your body will also thank you, as cycling is considered one of the healthiest sports. According to a Harvard Medical School publication, “Going for a ride is good for your heart and muscles, and it may improve how you walk, balance, and climb stairs.”

As you saw, adventure cycling can offer you first-hand experience of nature and new lifestyles, while embracing feelings of empowerment, freedom, and healthy achievements.

Are you ready to get yourself a bike and pedal towards the adventure? Feel free to share your story with us. We can’t wait to hear about your cycling adventures.

The post What is adventure cycling, and why you should try it appeared first on Altered Steel.

People may be tired of the quarantine. Yet, they are afraid to fly, hesitate to travel long distances, or book hotel and Airbnb stays. Enter Recreational Vehicles! The need for guaranteed safety has boosted the demand for RVs this season.

According to the Global Market Insights Report, “The Recreational Vehicles Generators market in the U.S. is estimated at US$175.6 Million in the year 2020”. RVs are viewed not only as a means to travel safely but also to avoid social gatherings or space sharing with others. Hitting the road in your mobile living quarters seems like the perfect solution to getting away in search of new sites and experiences this year and beyond.

However, you may naturally wonder: is it better to buy an RV, or simply rent it? The simple answer: It depends! In this post, I will share the different factors you should consider before you make your decision.

What to consider before buying an RV?

Buying an RV is not an easy choice to make. It requires careful consideration, especially if you haven’t been around Recreational Vehicles that much. Contrary to renting, it does not limit you in terms of mileage, time, or insurance costs. Thus, if you are frequently on the move, then your return on investment will be quite high.

Yet, keep in mind that buying an RV is a long term investment which may not always be easy to sell. It is true that now in the pandemics situation, there is a high demand for RVs. However, if this behavior turns out to be a fad, then, the RV prices will drop, making it more convenient to keep, rather than sell. You do not want to be stuck with it if you later find out RVs are not really your thing or you like some other model better.

Living the #vanlife is not for everybody. Before you go all in and spend all your savings on a mobile home, you need to be sure you like it. Therefore, before buying an RV, I would recommend getting a taste of this lifestyle by renting one for a couple of weekends. Check if you feel comfortable living in a limited space, without the normal kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Allow yourself a lot of time to research RVs. After all, you are buying a house and a vehicle simultaneously – quite a decision to make. You should also get a mechanic inspection before signing the purchase papers. Buying an RV that may leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere is the last thing you want.

When is it better to rent an RV?

Renting an RV is the best option if you simply want to spend a weekend away, or try different RV types. This way, you would not have to invest a lot in something you won’t be using frequently and also you won’t need to worry about maintenance costs.

Usually, the rental companies make sure to periodically check their RVs, so you will get the maintenance part out of the way. The rental costs vary from $50 for a simple trailer up to $200 per night for a Class B. Compare this to the range of the RV purchase prices from $40,000 to $300,000. Steep for something you are not planning on using much.

If you are renting an RV to test the #vanlife, before committing to it long-term, use this opportunity to check which RV features you like and what you can live without. How would your perfect RV look like? Sometimes, you may be tempted to invest more in some luxury additions that you won’t use, such as a TV, for example. Renting an RV is a perfect opportunity for that. A simple test drive won’t do in this case.

How to ultimately decide between buying and renting an RV?

RVs are definitely a booming trend right now. Yet, this doesn’t mean that we should be carried away since buying an RV is an important decision.

Keep your feet on the ground and be honest with yourself. How often do you plan to be on the road? How far do you plan to travel? Will you be bringing pets along?  And finally, romance apart, is #vanlife really your thing?

Hence, if you plan to use an RV for most of your weekends or long vacations, driving long distances and enjoying this lifestyle, then from a cost and psychological satisfaction perspective, buying an RV is a better option than renting it.

Do you own an RV? Are you on a hunt for your dream model? Share with us in the comments below.

The post Renting vs buying an RV: How to make the choice? appeared first on Altered Steel.

Vanlife is exciting and adventurous. It gives you freedom and a sense of escapism. You can enjoy yourself and live your best life at all times, except, maybe, when winter approaches. That’s when you may start hearing voices in your head saying that this Van Life was not a good idea after all.

But don’t let those voices keep you away from living the life you chose. The experience that makes you truly happy. There are many ways to winterize your van and stay warm during the brutal season. And that is precisely what you are going to find out in this post. We will offer you some tips on how to weather the winter living in your van.

Tip #1: Insulation

This is the number 1 tip all vanlifers swear by. Without good insulation, all your winterizing efforts will go down the drain. We can’t stress enough the importance of this step. Insulating your van an all sides, as well as the ceiling and the floor, is a must. During your build-up process, make sure to cover any other parts or gaps of the van that can easily let out the heat. Like windows, for example. Covering them up will also keep you away from prying eyes.

Insul-Shine, which is also used for home isolation, is the best material out there that serves a double purpose when used to cover the windows. You can use its reflective side to protect you from getting unwanted heat inside the van during the summer. During the winter, all you have to do is flip it and use the reflective side to your advantage and increase the overall temperature inside your van.

Tip #2: The magic of hot water bottles

While there is nothing magical about hot water bottles, it is a wonder what you can achieve with this simple trick in no time. Not only is this the safest method, but also the cheapest one. Simply place a couple of water bottles at the end of your sleeping bag or inside your blanket to keep your feet warm, and voila!

Tip #3: Make yourself a cup of tea

Drinking hot beverages will make you feel the warmth at the core of your body. Making a tea before bed will also heat up your van pretty quickly once you boil the water. It is super easy and will cost you almost nothing. Just do not drink black teas or any caffeinated drinks before bed, unless you want to stay awake during the night.

Tip #4: Learn the art of layering

Invest in good winter clothes, because you are going to need them. You can also use several layers of blankets during the cold nights to keep you warm. This way, you will sleep more comfortably and can remove the covers easily in case it gets too hot.

Invest in several cold weather blankets that you can layer and give the van a cozy feeling. Plus, they look great in case you love taking cute pictures for your Instagram feed.

Tip #5: Get a dog

Now, this might not be a tip for everyone, but having a snuggly dog will keep you warm on cold winter nights. Especially if you are traveling solo. Many dog breeds excel in a winter climate, so they might be a great help when it comes to keeping you warm, keeping you company, and offer you security.

Tip #6: Use all types of heaters you can get your hands on

Whether it is an Espar heater, a Mr.Buddy Propane heater, turning the van heating on, or installing any other kind of heating devices in your van, go for it. If it keeps you warm whenever you need it, then there you have your answer. Be careful and don’t leave the heaters on during the night though. What you can do is turn the heater(s) on a few minutes before you go to bed and then turn them off and bury yourself under the sea of blankets.

Tip #7: Physical activity for the win

Let’s get real. No one wants to get out of their warm bed in the morning and head outside into the cold and snow. But bad news, it turns out you should.

Starting your morning off with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and some exercises, a long walk, or simply getting out of bed and moving is what’s going to jump-start your metabolism and keep you warm. You shouldn’t stay inside the van all the time just because it is winter and it is cold or snowing outside, right? So give yourself a push and know that you will feel much better afterward. If you also have a dog, you have one more reason to go ahead with those long walks.

Tip #8: Keep on moving

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I think it’s pretty genius. You want to survive the winter, or better yet, get away from it. Then, how about you keep on moving and leave the winter behind? Why not take advantage of your 4-wheel home and move wherever there is no winter, no snow, no ice?

Maybe it will be a lot for some people to move across the country just to stay warm, but it will be worth it. Some of the places where you can escape winter and keep yourself and your van warm are St. Petersburg, Florida; Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Golden Isles, Georgia. Other parts in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Delaware, and North Carolina are also perfect places to experience warm winters.

By moving to warmer states during the brutally cold season, you will not have to worry about winterizing your van. You will have the chance to explore new cultures, savor new cuisine, make new connections, and discover new places. You will be living in a “warm bubble” and will never have to deal with the cold months ever again. Just some food for thought…

Did you like any of these tips in particular? Do you know any other tips that are great for winterizing your van? If so, please, share with us in the comment section below. We would love to learn more creative ideas or secret tips from you.

The post #Vanlife hacks: How to weather the winter appeared first on Altered Steel.

These events are proof that new, much more human topics are gaining our interest quickly. But among science, human rights, and climate change, two more subjects emerge – technology and mental health. Should we be surprised by this combination?

We decided to look at this combination in the automotive industry. The all-time hottest topic – autonomous vehicles, – and the quality that makes us human – our emotions. Looking into these two together, we found something quite peculiar. One of the newest trends in autonomous vehicles is the development of their emotions. “Wait, what?”

Empathetic cars – the real revolution

New companies emerge with the core purpose of helping vehicles to be more aware of human emotions. Some of the names include Affectiva, Guardian Optical, Smart Eye, Seeing Machines, Nuance Automotive, BeyondVerbal, and Sensay. All of them have picked their names quite well, don’t you think? They all point to the human features and the emotional benefits they will be bringing to cars. An entirely new development for the automotive industry.

None of the names sound like the big old automotive producers, do they?  These companies choose to connect to their target audiences … on a rather human level. They are entering a completely new industry which, literally, did not exist a couple of years ago. And now, they face the task of making a rather new concept friendly and appealing to the regular people. It’s a tough challenge.

Teaching our cars emotional awareness

Naturally, artificial intelligence is at the core of these new tech dashboards. It teaches cars to “understand” the context of human behavior in order to respond in a way that supports human life, health, and happiness.

Today, car technology can do so much already. But with the new developments, vehicles will not only be able to send signals when danger arises but also alter and override the driver’s choices. Not only will technologies understand the way we drive, but they will outsmart us.

Some of the basic human conditions that car technologies will detect are the driver’s level of soberness, stress, confusion, distraction, or sleepiness. But wait, this is only the minimum. Moreover, they will know how to pay attention to other people in the car – the actions and emotional conditions, too.

Why do we need “sensitive” cars?

Why do we need to make cars more sensitive? It sounds a little absurd, really. There are people who lack emotional intelligence, and we are making machines more emotional. Because after all, cars are just machines. Just like a computer or a washing machine. All are man-made items that require humans to operate them.

Why do they need to be sensitive? Sensitive to workload, yes. But why would we want to have a machine that is sensitive to human emotions? The primary reason – safety.

Тechnically, all these companies are working on making automotive technologies more protective of us. Or more protective from us. We can say that, too. Because we know that it is often our own fault when something bad happens on the road.

As much as we want to blame technologies for accidents on the roads, in reality, we should be the ones to blame. According to various researches, the driver is at the core of most car-related accidents. Over 90 percent of all motor vehicle crashes happen due to human error.

It turns out we need to have guardians with artificial intellect to protect us from ourselves.

Data shows that drivers get distracted by things that are not directly related to road traffic and conditions. Such would be a nearby animal or a coffee spill in the car. If you are traveling with kids, the chances of distraction get even higher. How often do you look at the car radio when a sad song comes up and you want to change the station? Yes, that’s a potential disaster right there.

Are we OK with emotionally intelligent cars?

Let’s be honest about this. There are too many questions regarding the ethical perspective of the question. How can artificial intelligence make ethical decisions, really?

Researchers and automakers have been conducting studies to determine the basics principles for guiding the ethical decisions of self-driving vehicles. Thankfully, there are some principles people agree on. This study shows that on average, people want to spare human lives over animals, to save more lives over fewer, and to prioritize young over elderly. Somehow, these decisions are in harmony with global moral norms.

Yet, what happens when we look at more specific topics? For example, how does a vehicle treat a person who is jaywalking?

Some people are quite tolerant of this. And there are others who want to punish a jaywalker every time they see one. How does a vehicle decide what to do? If we zoom out a bit from the individual perspective, we will see that there are cultural factors that also play a role in our decisions.

Some cultures are more tolerant and protective of the community, others are more individualistic. Maybe Hofstede Insights should also have a say here. And even then, we see that autonomous vehicles will have a hard time evaluating ambiguous situations. When we consider the cultural differences in our moral understanding, things don’t seem as clear. People express their emotions differently, for various reasons across the world.

Moreover, we should question the reliability of such studies, too. There’s often a disconnect between what people say they feel and what they actually feel. This makes it hard to capture emotions in a trustworthy way and use the data as a reliable source to make decisions.

Back to the Future?

The safety of autonomous vehicles is under question because there isn’t enough data to back it up. Probably that’s how it also was at the start of the automobile era, too. No one had enough information to prove that cars are useful and safe. It took time, quite a bit of marketing, and audacity. Nobody talked about cars being emotional back then. It was quite a rational argument to prove why a car is better than a horse. It’s a machine, it’s all mechanics.

Now it seems like we are trying to make cars a bit like horses. Even though people don’t ride horses for transportation purposes in most parts of the world anymore, they are still a subject of interest for researchers. In fact, studies show that horses can recognize human emotions.

The Independent shares insights from more recent research that these animals can not only pick up on a person’s mood but have a “memory for emotion” that guides their future interactions with an individual.

People in the past did not need research to prove that. From the moment they owned a horse, they started building a relationship with it. Just like relating to any other sort of animal, this process goes through understanding and teaching. And in the end, a person can receive exactly what they want from the horse.

During riding, the horse would be alert, both subject to his rider’s commands, and also aware of his/her state. Whenever a horse sees a threat on the road, it would gallop to the side, even if its master pulled the bridle to go forward, wouldn’t it? A horse has its own emotions and character.

Going forward to conventional vehicles, it seems like the process is somewhat reversed. Once the vehicle is manufactured, it is the driver’s task to understand how it operates and learn how to work with it. A driver cannot really teach the car how to operate independently. He/she just has to learn how to drive it and adapt his/her driving skills based on personal condition, and the weather and traffic outside.

Now, with autonomous vehicles, it feels like we are going back to the two-sided relationship that people had with horses. Each can recognize the emotions of the other. Each can react protectively when the other can’t.

Should we stop nay-saying?

All of this leads to one simple conclusion. Maybe a self-driving car is the upgraded version of a horse? More so than we thought previously. It sounds a little funny and absurd, and it will for quite some time. Yet, this comparison might make us more open to autonomous vehicles.

While before we were asking questions on how an emotional self-driving car operates and how safe it is, now we want to know more about its personality.

Does this new feature give an autonomous vehicle… a soul? Does it make it equal to humans?

Would a person have to find a match when choosing a self-driving vehicle? Will there be a special one that matches one’s emotions and character?

And what would happen when a car gets emotional? Can other cars sense that, too? Is there such a thing as automotive empathy?

There is so much more we want to ask, both auto manufacturers and tech companies who create solutions for autonomous vehicles. But maybe we should just take a breath and do things the old-fashioned way. No neigh-ing, just giving it time.

The post Autonomous cars and human emotions appeared first on Altered Steel.

The #vanlife trend has taken California by storm, or so it seems. Back in the day, if you told people you live in your car by choice, they would think you have some issues. Now that passes for “adventurous”, “environmentally concerned” or something along those lines. Could we be having it all wrong though?

Is it possible that people choose the van, not because they want to “feel alive”, but to just not be homeless? May the whole trend be telling us something more about California’s housing situation now? Join me as I dig deeper to find the truth behind the van life hype!

A bit of van life history

History tells us that living in a van is not something new. The trend has been here for a while, even if it grew in popularity only recently. It has been known to exist since the end of the 19^th century when it was called vandwelling.

The modern form of that movement has roots that are tougher to trace. Some say that it started as soon as RVs were invented. People supposedly expanded the RV idea by actually using it as their primary living space. Others claim that RVs were actually inspired by the vandwelling community. To me, this seems to be a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem.

Interestingly enough, the very reason vandwellers existed was because of poverty. They were forced to live in horse-drawn wagons because they could not afford housing. As it turns out, the van life hype today may have more to do with those roots than one would think!

Why do people choose the van life?

Social media can feed us a lot of misinformation if we let it. For example, most people have the impression that #vanlife is all about adventure and has negligible downsides.

It is easy to come out thinking that living in a van is the dream. However, a YouTube star, Jennelle Eliana, who has recently come to fame, actually speaks more openly about that. She mentions that although it is cool and you have a lot of freedom as a vandweller, the challenges can be daunting.

Let us first see some of the supposed perks though. Here are a few:

• Physical Freedom – Being able to literally pick your home up and go wherever you want is what most people see as the main benefit of the van life. That being said, actually finding a place to park your van may not be the easiest thing in the world.
• Mental health – Leaving behind the pursuit of earthly possessions supposedly gives you a sense of clarity. Materialism is claimed by many to be making us more depressed rather than happy. So the minimalism of this new way of living helps you with that side of mental health.

• Environmental Impact – Many people who are into minimalism, also appreciate the fact that they minimize their environmental footprint. Not only that, but many vandwellers see themselves as active proponents of a more eco-friendly lifestyle. That is a bit of a necessity though. In order to make the van life viable, they have to utilize solar panels, produce less waste, manage with less stuff, and so on.
• Escapism – While living in a van gives you freedom, for some, it is much more than that. They see themselves as digital nomads who are not only free to live wherever they want but also to exist wherever they want. That means they can work on the go, travel the States, and enjoy a much deeper detachment from the 9-5 culture.
• Money – Obviously, living in a van is much cheaper than paying rent. You also hardly pay for utilities and if you are smart about it, you can cut down on your costs tremendously. However, this can actually be the main reason behind the problems with #vanlife as well.

The dark side of #vanlife

We can all agree that if your choice is to remodel a van and make it suitable for living, you should have that right. Maybe we can even commend such people for their efforts. That is all nice, but what happens if it is not a choice? What if the van is just the only passable alternative to practical homelessness?

It is not a secret that living in California is pricey. In fact, many of the young vandwellers say their number one reason to join the movement was the ever-rising housing cost. Not only were they making a subpar salary as young people in their respective fields, but they were expected to give it all just to have a roof over their head. And tragically, some older folks chose the van life, because they could no longer afford their homes.

That said, you will not hear a vandweller complain about their choices. They form a positive community that takes pride in perseverance. But even so, it is not hard to imagine that many of them would not have been driven to such a lifestyle if they could afford otherwise.

The whole situation is rather bizarre though. People understand that for some folks living in a vehicle is not a choice. So even when there are laws against using a car as your home, they are rarely enforced. Sure, a lot of that is empathy, but maybe there is something more. Maybe there is the unspoken realization that the housing situation is getting out of hand. I can see how #vanlife can become a social movement to spread awareness of that. Yet even if you only see it as a choice, the van life still comes with its challenges.

The disadvantages of living the van life

Do you know what the first thing is that came to mind when I heard people lived in vans? I wondered what they did when they had to go number one in the middle of the night. Then I realized this may not actually be the only problem if you want to join the movement.

Naturally, any kind of bathroom activity will be a challenge. Vandwellers have to use public bathrooms, gym showers, and similar facilities to take a shower or go number two. They have some ingenious solutions for number one though. You will have to do your own research for that if it interests you.

Another thing is that they need to learn how to camp. Seriously, living in a van is much closer to camping than to living in a small place. It is just that your tent is a bit more robust. You will still need to learn how to cook on a gas stove, how to filter water, and how to fix “the tent” so you can survive through the night.

Privacy, limited space and the need to constantly move are other obvious downsides. Surprisingly though, a hidden issue is productivity. Many digital nomads claim it is hard to get productive in the van, so they go to internet cafés and other places to work.

Yet even with these challenges, the van lifestyle is gaining traction. More and more people are joining the movement. This leads me to my final question…

Can California handle more people living in vans?

We are by no means at a point where somehow the streets are saturated with people living in their cars. But what if the trend continues to grow? Many companies may have to deal with a new kind of logistics issue. May we see some tech companies actually offering parking spaces for digital nomads? That would be kind of advanced, right?

Then comes the question of legality. Many people claim that living in a van is completely legal. However, it is not exactly clear-cut. Our laws have not been designed to offer commentary and guidelines on how to lead such a lifestyle. Some parameters will likely have to be set.

Naturally, this does not need to happen in an instant. If the lifestyle remains rather a niche, I doubt we will see too many regulations being ruled over it. Only time will tell though. If it turns into a social movement giving voice to housing problems, we may see swifter changes.

How do you feel about the #vanlife?

I have to say that while I enjoy camping, and maybe would like to spend a week in a van, I have no desire to join the movement. Maybe I am a slave to the comforts of our society, but I own that. In my eyes, humankind has not advanced to such a point just so we can leave it all behind. Yet, if people want to do it, all the power to them, I am not judging anyone.

What about you though? Do you hold a similar position, or do you want to explore #vanlife for yourself? If so, why would you do it – to escape the rent or for some other, more adventurous reason?

The post California #vanlife: Hype vs reality appeared first on Altered Steel.

While 10 years ago this was just “a hippie thing”, today there are tiny house communities all over the USA. As of 2018, there were more than 30 micro-communities, established or under development, across the country, according to Tiny House Community. So what’s the hype all about?

To be honest, there is something both romantic and challenging about the idea of fitting your whole life in a tiny house. How tiny is tiny though?

According to data, the standard size of a tiny house is 100-400 sq feet. To put it in daily terms – this is the size of anything between five typical front doors, standing side by side (100 sq ft) and the area of a two-car garage (400 sq ft). Or an area that would fit 50 to 200 people standing close to each other. Doesn’t seem like much, does it?

But… what about the foyer?

The size of American homes has been increasing in the past 45 years. According to the US Census, house sizes in America have increased by 62% since 1973. While back then the average size of a house was 1660 square feet, in 2017 it has grown to 2660 square feet. At the same time, however, the size of the American household has shrunk – from an average of 3.01 household members to 2.54 members.

This means that today a person gets about 1055sq feet in a house, which is almost double the space one would get in the 70s – 552 sq ft. And that is a huge increase! Apparently, people nowadays put much more thought in the space they want for themselves.

In the past, it was only important to have a good place to live, but now it is all about the types of experiences you want to live in your home. One thing that is more common is the allocation of specialized areas – such as guest bedrooms, bigger garages, outdoor areas, and closets. Besides that, however, we see completely new types of rooms: Craft rooms, playrooms, and at home-gyms and home offices. Not to mention the massive foyers that remind of hotel entrances.

More and more Americans buy new houses with these features. Yet, more and more people buy tiny houses, too. How do the two trends coexist? Is this hippie trend going to reverse the overall tendency towards larger homes? Why would anyone choose to buy such a tiny box? And most importantly – how would they fit a walk-in closet in there? Oh, wait. There’s an answer to that as well!

How do you decide to get a tiny house?

Tiny houses are promoted as an answer to the affordable housing crisis; a desirable alternative to traditional homes and mortgages. Many people choose to downsize because of practical and financial reasons. As it turns out you only use that extra dining room on Christmas. And that is once per year. That 3^rd bedroom comes to use when your high school friend comes for a visit. And that is once every three years. Why keep them then? Especially when you think about all the additional expenses which come with these rooms. After all, they also occupy space that needs insurance, furnishing, maintenance… and our most favorite – window cleaning.

As it turns out, people who opt for a tiny living have better financial stability. On average, 55% of Americans who have credit cards have debt. According to statistics, 89% of tiny house owners have less credit card debt than the average American. As a matter of fact, 60% of tiny house owners have no credit card debt at all. They are better at saving, too. Roughly 55% of tiny house owners have more savings in the bank than the average homeowner. Maybe your transition to minimal living would help you be more financially prepared, too.

Who would buy such a house, anyway?

Apart from economic reasons, people choose to buy a tiny house because of its value. Most often these people are curious, daring, and adventurous. They want to be able to move around and see the world bit by bit.

No, they are not necessarily elderly people who have recently retired. Exactly the opposite.  According to the Tiny Society Statistics, 3 out of 5 tiny homeowners are below 50 years old. And that shouldn’t surprise us, really. Today, remote work is becoming more common, and as long as you have an internet connection, you are able to live almost anywhere you want.

But that, of course, requires a special mindset. Tiny house owners say they are constantly aware of the wheels underneath their feet when they are in the house. And to some, that may be uncomfortable.

The feeling of groundlessness is quite typical for Gen Y, however. Yet, as Millennials grow older, they feel a stronger need for being grounded and stable. Some say that tiny houses are great for camping and festival accommodation, but not in the long run.

Yet, we see more and more tiny houses that are elderly-friendly and even have features that make them suitable for people with disabilities. This could move the trend in a whole different direction in the years to come.

Before you go tiny

Yes, it does sound like tons of fun. Yet, a tiny house requires huge resources in planning and preparation. Here are some things that can help you do your reality check before going all-in:

Want to save money? Wait, wait.

The first and most important thing to keep in mind is that a tiny house does not necessarily mean tiny investment. Sometimes the amount you have to pay for a tiny house on wheels is the same, if not bigger, than that of a regular house.

You still have to pay for the land where you will park your house. And sometimes that can be quite pricy. Some lenders don’t like the fact that this is a tiny structure and that it’s on wheels. It doesn’t give them enough security. So they would ask for higher prices.

The money you pay for installations and furnishing can be quite the amount too. Most often tiny houses tend to use more energy-efficient materials, such as tankless water heaters and solar panels. Yet, these materials are pricier, too. But don’t worry, property taxes and utility bills will be lower. Whew.

Treat it as an investment? No, no.

If you think of your tiny house as a long-term investment, stop right now. Even though the trend of tiny living keeps on growing, it does not mean your house will be worth more in 10 years than it is now. This is exactly the opposite of the value of a regular house.

Why is that? Mostly because people who opt for tiny houses, customize them. Thus, the number of tiny houses increases. Yet, their value remains the same over time. The value won’t increase but at least you will be able to own your home more quickly than if you opt for a larger regular house.

Going tiny for good?

The minimalism trend has been a hot topic for over five years now. Today we celebrate people like “The Minimalists” who preach living with less, and Marie Kondo and her method of decluttering. And it is not surprising that their influence keeps spreading globally. The minimalist concept is entering every area of life, wherever we live.

Naturally, it will keep on penetrating the field of real estate, too. The number of tiny houses bought has increased over 20 times in the past 15 years, and the trend keeps gaining popularity.

There have been several TV shows that celebrate people who chose to downsize and opted for a tiny house. “Tiny House, Big Living,” “Tiny House Nation”, and “Tiny House Hunters” are just a few of them. Thanks to such formats and social media, people who have opted for a tiny house on wheels gather followers quickly. Not only that, but people keep exploring other various formats of minimalist housing. There are more people of all ages who choose the van life or move to a cabin in the woods.

Somehow the reality of the “brave new world” is making us go back to a slower pace of life. And if you get an urge for the faster pace again, you always have those wheels beneath you. Just turn the engine on.

The post Tiny house on wheels: the groundless home appeared first on Altered Steel.