The van life camping trend has been rolling strong for the past few years. Now, a Chattanooga-based van rental company that recently expanded to San Diego is hoping to keep the pace going in our neck of the woods.

Nomad Be Happy offers rental vans custom-built by VanDoIt. The seats, bedding, and features can be accommodated to fit each renter's needs to best suit their adventure.

Owner Robby Eskridge told SDtoday he launched his company’s first expansion in San Diego earlier this year. A local family is currently renting their Hiney Hauler, a 2022 Ford Transit van that can seat up to eight travelers and sleep four.

Eskridge said the vans are designed to be roomy enough to travel comfortably, but small enough to easily drive all over cities — from campgrounds to downtowns — so travelers can fully explore what a region has to offer.

“It’s a cool way to get to know a city,” he explained.

The company that began in Chattanooga has traveled west. | Photo via Nomad Be Happy

And being local is key. The company partners with restaurants, breweries, and small businesses to create “swag bags” filled with camper-friendly products like craft beer, coffee, and sunscreen. The goodies are included with each van rental and are meant to highlight the best of each city.

In San Diego, Nomad Be Happy has started partnering with brands like Ultreya Coffee and Tea, Be Kind Vibes, Live Sunny, Aromalee Shop, and Zerom Zero Waste. The company also held an open house event at Ultreya this month where locals could tour the inside of a van, and Eskridge said more events like this are coming down the road.

OK, ready to get movin’? Check out the SD van rental option. If you’re a local business that wants to partner with Nomad Be Happy, email Eskridge.

Happy travels, friends.