José Antonio, a 30-year-old civil servant from Cádiz, has been living in a converted Volkswagen T5 camper van for over a year and a half, having given up his flat. On a monthly salary of 1,300 euros, he says he pays no mortgage, water or electricity bills. The 2-square-metre van is equipped with a kitchen including a microwave and gas hob, an 85-litre fridge, a 70-litre water tank, a portable toilet and shower, and a 110×200 cm sofa bed; a roof tent with a 220×130 cm bed and two solar panels provides electricity, with up to 7 days of autonomy without solar power using the engine. José Antonio calls the move the best decision of his life, citing freedom and savings, though he acknowledges that the reality of van life is harder than it appears on social media.
