Cross the Country in a Bus
Many of us have dreamed of packing everything up and taking a road trip. But, this dream often becomes nothing more than an idea when the logistics of cost, time, and energy are thought through. The " skoolie " trend has become popular due to its reduced overall cost, as well as the ability to go off the grid and travel to any destination accessible by car.
A skoolie is a school bus remodeled into a living space, and is a cross between an RV and a tiny house. These 300 square foot homes are perfect for a temporary living but not too cramped where they feel claustrophobic. When converting a bus, the first step is removing the seats and insulating the bus. After that, choosing how you want to get electricity and water is up to you. Many skoolie drivers opt to go completely off the grid to keep their travels cheap. This can be easily done by putting solar panels on the roof.
In recent years, many people have left their everyday work lives behind to explore the country in an old school bus. The skoolie life is ideal for those who are no longer satisfied with their routine and the pressures of society. It allows them to take a break from the monotony of work to find themselves and get in touch with nature. With a skoolie, the possibilities of travel are practically endless. You can choose any route to take and see any part of the country, and if you like a spot, you can live there for however long you want. The experience is freeing because you are almost entirely self-sufficient. People who have traveled in a skoolie enjoy the simple pleasures of the lifestyle such as hiking wherever they stay, meeting people along the way, and discovering how vast the country really is.
Of course, this life isn’t for everyone and there are some aspects that can be difficult to deal with. Even though living out of a bus is cheaper overall than buying an RV or other alternatives, it can still be pricey once the cost of buying the bus and renovating it is factored in. After the bus and renovation costs are factored in, the total will likely be around $30,000. Although this sounds expensive, an RV of a similar size would cost around $300,000. Another factor to consider is the loss of income. Depending on how long your trip is this may be more or less of relevant concern. In order to make a little bit of money, some people take up vlogging their adventures on Tiktok or Youtube; there are even some homemade documentaries on Netflix.
If you are looking to learn more about the skoolie experience, we recommend watching “Expedition Happiness” on Netflix. This documentary is about a couple who travel from Alaska to Mexico in a school bus, and it is truly touching. Their story perfectly illustrates the experience of a skoolie adventure showing both the positive and negative sides of their journey.
Tag @theedgemag if you watch “Expedition Happiness” or learn more about skoolie life!