Life on the road is unpredictable. Whether you’re navigating a new route, contending with unforeseen mechanical issues, or facing something as mundane as a ferry cancellation, vanlife is a masterclass in adaptability. Recently, we found ourselves stuck on the Isle of Arran thanks to bad weather grounding all ferries. What could have been a stressful situation became a moment of calm reflection, and it reminded us of the unique freedoms this lifestyle offers—freedoms we’re grateful for every day.
We parked up in a spot with plenty of space for the dogs to roam and everything we needed to stay comfortable while waiting out the delay. In that moment, it hit us: this is what vanlife is all about. No deadlines. No rush. No “have-to” tasks waiting for us on the mainland. For those of us who’ve chosen to leave the rigid schedules of conventional life behind, these moments serve as an affirmation of why we made the leap.
But there’s more to this story than simply appreciating the freedom of vanlife. Let’s unpack what unexpected detours can teach us, whether you’re living on the road or simply looking for a new perspective in your day-to-day life.
Detours Teach Flexibility
When the ferries were cancelled, there was absolutely nothing we could do to change the situation. Instead of spiraling into frustration or obsessing over what we “should” be doing, we leaned into the pause. We walked the dogs, took in the wintery beauty of Arran, and even caught up on some reading and journaling—things we’d been putting off for ages.
Living on the road forces you to embrace flexibility. Plans often change at a moment’s notice, whether due to weather, road closures, or something as simple as a flat tire. But here’s the thing: when you let go of the illusion of control, you’ll often find that life’s detours offer unexpected gifts. On Arran, the gift was time. Time to slow down, enjoy where we were, and reconnect with what matters most.
How often in life do we fight against circumstances we can’t control? How much better would we feel if we stopped resisting and started asking, “What can I do with this moment instead?”
A Lesson in Simplifying Priorities
In conventional life, delays and cancellations often come with consequences: missed meetings, rearranged schedules, or wasted money. But as full-time vanlifers, we’ve intentionally designed our lives to minimize those pressures. That’s not to say we’re immune to stress, but we’ve worked hard to strip away unnecessary commitments and create space for the unexpected.
When you don’t have an endless list of obligations pulling you in different directions, it’s easier to handle life’s curveballs. This experience on Arran reminded us that simplifying priorities isn’t just practical; it’s liberating. Our “must-do” list that day boiled down to making sure the dogs were walked and we had enough food to see us through. Everything else? Optional.
This level of simplicity is a hallmark of vanlife, but it’s also something anyone can practice. You don’t have to sell your house or live on the road to make your priorities more manageable. Ask yourself: What truly needs my attention today? What can wait? The more you simplify, the less reactive you’ll feel when things go awry.
Finding Joy in Stillness
When we think about vanlife, we often picture movement: driving scenic roads, exploring new places, or chasing the next adventure. But some of the most profound moments happen when we stop moving. The cancelled ferries forced us to stay put, and that stillness became its own kind of adventure.
There’s something magical about slowing down long enough to really see where you are. On Arran, we had time to notice the way the frost clung to the trees in the early morning light and the quiet rhythm of the waves along the shoreline. We took longer walks with the dogs, chatted with a few locals about life on the island, and lingered over our morning coffee without a single glance at the clock.
Stillness is something modern life doesn’t always encourage, but it’s an underrated treasure. It’s in these quiet moments that we find clarity, gratitude, and sometimes even a new perspective. How often do we rush from one task to the next, missing the beauty right in front of us? Maybe life’s detours are a reminder to pause and simply be.
Gratitude for the Freedom of Choice
Not everyone has the luxury of being stranded without consequences, and we’re acutely aware of the privilege that comes with this lifestyle. But this isn’t about gloating or suggesting that vanlife is the ultimate answer for everyone. It’s about recognizing the freedom that comes when you make intentional choices about how you want to live.
For us, full-time vanlife is a deliberate choice to prioritize time and experiences over material possessions or traditional measures of success. It’s about stepping off the treadmill of “more, better, faster” and finding a pace that feels right for us. And in moments like this, when plans go sideways and we’re forced to pause, we’re reminded that this choice has given us a level of freedom we never thought possible.
Even if vanlife isn’t your path, there are ways to reclaim that sense of freedom. It starts with asking yourself: What do I really value? What can I let go of to make more space for what matters?
Sharing the Journey
One of the unexpected joys of vanlife is sharing our experiences with others. Social media has become a way for us to connect with people who are curious about this lifestyle, as well as those who are already living it. But we’re careful about how we frame these stories. It’s not about making our lives look perfect or carefree; it’s about being honest about the ups and downs, the joys and challenges.
When we shared a photo of our cozy setup on Arran, we talked about the cancelled ferries and how we were making the most of the delay. The response was overwhelming. People shared their own stories of unexpected pauses—missed flights, rained-out camping trips, or even long traffic jams that turned into memorable conversations. It reminded us that these detours aren’t just part of vanlife; they’re part of life.
If there’s one takeaway from this experience, it’s that we’re all navigating our own version of the road. Whether you’re in a van, a house, or somewhere in between, the way you respond to life’s detours says a lot about the journey you’re on.
Embrace Your Detours
The next time you find yourself stuck—whether it’s a real life issue or something more metaphorical—try to see it as an opportunity instead of an inconvenience. What can you learn from the pause? What can you appreciate about where you are, even if it’s not where you planned to be?
For us, the cancelled ferries on Arran weren’t just a delay; they were a gift. They reminded us to slow down, simplify, and savour the freedom we’ve worked so hard to create. And they left us with a story we’ll carry with us, long after we’ve driven onto the next adventure.