After days of driving, endless highways, and countless moments of awe, we finally reached the Canada-Alaska border. For me, it wasn’t just another milestone on the map. It felt like the culmination of everything the journey had been leading up to. My dad and I pulled over, parked the van, and stepped out to take it all in. That moment—standing there with one foot in Canada and the other in Alaska—became one of my favorite memories of the entire trip.
When the opportunity to create a documentary about Mount Denali came my way, I had two choices: fly to Alaska or drive. I chose to drive. That decision transformed what could have been a straightforward work trip into an unforgettable adventure—one that tested my limits, deepened my bond with my dad, and left me with memories I’ll carry for the rest of my life.
I have driven to Alaska and back. Each way taught me new lessons about timing, route choices, and personal limits. These tips will help you plan your own road trip with a clear mind and a realistic approach. Whether you’re an experienced road-tripper or embarking on your first major journey, Alaska’s vast wilderness offers lessons you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.
Camping in Baja is a truly unique experience. The stunning desert landscapes, the wide-open skies, and the incredible solitude make it a paradise for adventurers. But as we learned the hard way, Baja's beauty comes with its own set of challenges—challenges that can be made much easier with the right gear. Chief among these: don’t forget your rainfly.
When you drive to Alaska, the road has a way of leaving its mark on you. It’s not just the miles you cover but the moments that make you stop, look around, and truly feel the scale of the world. On my drive, there were three experiences that stood out and defined the journey: standing at the Canada-Alaska border, driving those endless highways that stretch into the wilderness, and seeing my first glacier. Each of these moments wasn’t just beautiful—they were unforgettable.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Alaska, there’s a choice you’ll have to make: fly or drive. For me, the decision to drive wasn’t just about getting there—it was about everything that happens along the way. Choosing to drive instead of fly let me feel the sheer vastness of Alaska, experience the wild beauty as it unfolded, and share an unforgettable journey with my dad. What could have been a quick flight turned into a trip I’ll never forget.
Spearfishing in Baja had been a dream of mine, but I could never pull the trigger until recently. The region is known as a cornucopia of delicious fish to catch regardless if you’re a seasoned diver, or a beginner. But, if you are like me, you’re probable wondering about the best times to plan your trip, the answer depends on what you’re looking to catch and where you’re heading.
Exploring Canada’s breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway is an adventure like no other. This iconic route stretches from Vancouver to Whistler, showcasing stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and endless opportunities for adventure. Below, you’ll find an expanded guide to 10 must-see stops, making your journey both unforgettable and easy to navigate.
After a long day of driving our van south along the Baja Peninsula, Kristin and I stumbled upon a hidden gem: Conception Bay. Tucked among Baja’s rugged eastern coastline, this serene bay is the perfect destination for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and it left us questioning why we hadn’t come sooner.
Located in the Inyo National Forest, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is a natural wonder that attracts adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts year-round. If you're planning a trip to this hot spring, you're in for a treat! In this guide, we'll give you everything you need to know about visiting Wild Willy’s Hot Springs near Mammoth.
Camping at Kenai Lake gave us the perfect reset after two intense weeks of road-tripping in our van around Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Kristin and I were tired—physically and mentally—and in desperate need of a place to park, relax, and recharge. When we stumbled upon a camping spot on iOverlander right on the edge of Kenai Lake, we knew we’d found our answer.
As our alarms sounded at 3:30 am, we packed up our van and hit the road, eager to experience one of California’s most iconic landmarks. The plan? Arrive at Bixby Bridge for sunrise. Neither of us was sure whether sunrise or sunset would showcase the bridge at its best, but sunrise felt like the right choice for our night-owl road trip vibe.
If you’ve ever tried camping at Joshua Tree National Park, you know how competitive it can be to snag a campsite. With limited spaces at popular spots like Hidden Valley Campground and Jumbo Rocks, visitors often face the disappointment of finding every site full, even with early arrival and perfect timing. After years of visiting Joshua Tree for climbing and photography, I’ve learned that camping near the park doesn’t have to be this frustrating. There’s a hidden gem that few people seem to be talking about: the free Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the park.
So, you want to vanlife the Last Frontier? Well, Alaska isn’t for the faint of heart, but it does offers vanlifers unparalleled opportunities to experience a rugged landscapes, see an abundance of wildlife, and enjoy remote beauty unlike anywhere else in North America. From the iconic Denali National Park to the breathtaking Kenai Peninsula, Alaska’s vast and varied terrain provides endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature. Whether you're chasing the Midnight Sun in the summer or witnessing the magic of the Northern Lights in the fall, vanlife in Alaska promises unforgettable experiences for those seeking freedom and adventure off the beaten path.
So, longstory short, yes, you can vanlife Alaska. The real question is what do you want to experience while vanlifing in Alaska?
Starting vanlife is an exciting but challenging adventure. Adjusting to life on the road takes time, and developing a routine can help make the transition smoother. While flexibility is key to thriving in vanlife, having a framework for your days ensures you stay grounded and maintain a sense of balance. Here are four practical tips to create a routine that works for your unique vanlife experience.
The breathtaking stretch of California's coastline known as Big Sur is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and unparalleled natural beauty. While many travelers are drawn to this iconic destination for its stunning landscapes, some may wonder if the experience of driving along its winding roads is as awe-inspiring as it is nerve-wracking. Is it scary driving in Big Sur?
Dispersed camping, or camping outside of established campgrounds, is a popular choice for van lifers seeking overnight parking. It offers freedom, solitude, and unique ways to connect with nature, making it a perfect fit for the van life lifestyle. If you’re still on the fence about dispersed camping, here are twelve reasons why you should give it a try.
We had a crazy idea, let’s road trip down Highway 395 in our self-converted van (watch the video tour of our dodge promaster 2500) with kayaks and explore as many bodies of water as possible. We only had a week, so how much could we cram into a single outing? We were not sure, but we wanted to try. So, would five bodies of water be too many, ten? Now, I’ll admit neither of us are good at kayaking, heck we can barely get in the kayaks without flipping, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that we committed to the idea and have loads of fun along the way.
