Why Van Life, Homesteading, & Cottagecore are Trending in 2021 (Analysis from Former Van Lifer)

Why Van Life, Homesteading, & Cottagecore are Trending in 2021 (Analysis from Former Van Lifer)

Van life, homesteading, and cottage core aesthetic videos have dominated Youtube and the internet as of late (trending on youtube especially in 2020 and 2021). As someone who did van life and solo travel across America and who appreciates the homesteading lifestyle and cottagecore aesthetic, I figured I’d analyze why these trends are becoming more popular as time goes on. I’ve heard from many people (and youtubers) that they are interested in homesteading and becoming homesteaders due to the state of the world, and I think that is worth exploring. I’m also growing increasingly nostalgic for van life and my experience traveling in my van, so I thought I would share my experience living in my car and what I believe the appeal of travel channels are. If you appreciate video essays and analysis, definitely consider subscribing to my channel 🙂 References below.

MY VAN LIFE PLAYLIST:

BOOKS MENTIONED:
Walden by Henry David Thoreau: https://amzn.to/3DWVdHP
The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson: https://amzn.to/3hbDy5q
On the Road by Jack Kerouac: https://amzn.to/3hgx6dl
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer: https://amzn.to/3zVzjlV

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
0:25 Google Trends and Popularity
1:50 Popularity of Van Life Travel Content
4:45 Cottagecore (and what it is)
7:18 The Rise of Homesteading
10:50 So Why is this all Popular now?

REFERENCES:
Into the Wild directed by Sean Penn
Sound of Music
Snow White
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Essays and Poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
How I lived in my car in college: https://youtu.be/DFn8nkV2TZw
What I learned alone van life retrospective: https://youtu.be/eWmOeNBzzf8
What is cottagecore explained in three minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRYdKHt_1fk
Cottagecore everything you need to know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g8gPA5Rav4
How to cottagecore aesthetic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJk5FDGkab4
Cottagecore Fairycore makeup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO7PQB8PoYQ
Jake Frew’s youtube channel
Stephi Lee’s youtube channel
The Cottage Fairy’s youtube channel
Melissa K Norris Modern Homesteading channel
The Elliott homestead channel
Jennelle Eliana youtube channel (van life girl with snake)
Fall foliage footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdjNQOvW3P4

There are many youtube channels dedicated to homesteading and homesteading advice, as well as van life Youtubers and cottage core aesthetic videos, if you just search for them 🙂 There are also a lot of people leaving California to more affordable areas, “the great resignation” and people quitting their jobs, and a general increase in off grid living.
When it comes to the cottagecore aesthetic, there are other sub categories such as fairycore, goblincore, bloomcore, cabincore and more.

MY EQUIPMENT (Good for Beginners):
Camera: https://amzn.to/3ndfxij
Primary Lighting: https://amzn.to/3jX5ewS
Ringlight: https://amzn.to/3hazDpB
Microphone: https://amzn.to/3tnqCOQ

DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!