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All in Couple Travel
When Kristin and I decided to road trip from California to Colorado to climb all the Sawatch 14ers, we had no idea the challenges that awaited us. Starting north to south, Mount of the Holy Cross was our first peak—a trial by fire for Kristin’s first 14er and a humbling reminder of the demands of high-altitude climbs for me.
Emerald Bay, a stunning destination in Lake Tahoe, sits among the Sierra Nevada Mountains with its crystal-clear waters, dramatic landscapes, and captivating history. This enchanting bay draws visitors from around the world, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re planning a trip, here’s what you can look forward to.
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.
Did we succeed? Kind of.
Few road trips start as grand as this one, but our road trip, in search of fall colors, was going to be different.
Starting at Lake Tahoe’s iconic Emerald Bay on a crisp morning, the Rivian R1S had the seats down and was loaded to the brim with camera gear, dog toys, suitcases, snacks, and hiking gear. Kristin, Chestnut (our dog), and myself were in for an adventure of a lifetime. Seeking fall colors throughout Northern California, we had planned a week long road trip looping from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park back to our home in Lake Tahoe via as many backroads as possible.
In the ever-changing landscape of adventure travel, where the open road calls and exploration becomes a way of life, you have two options while living on the road: van life or RV life. Growing up as a kid, I spent every holiday in an RV somewhere around the United States or Mexico, but when I graduated college, reality slapped me in the face that living solo in an RV was, well, extra. I didn’t need all that space, so, I built out my own van and lived full-time on the road for seven years. Now, however, I have a committed girlfriend and dog, so van life isn’t ideal anymore.
Travel is meant to be exciting, a way to explore new cultures, sights, and experiences that expand your worldview and create lasting memories. However, the trend of overplanning vacations is leading many travelers down the path of travel fatigue. If you’ve ever come home from a trip feeling more exhausted than when you left, you might be familiar with this. While it’s natural to want to make the most of your time away, packing your schedule too tightly can lead to burnout, overstimulation, and even a sense of dissatisfaction with your experience.
There’s something undeniably thrilling about hitting the open road, a sense of freedom that comes with charting your own course and exploring new places on your own schedule. Road trips offer a unique way to experience the world, allowing you to uncover hidden gems and create lasting memories along the way. For beginners, however, planning and executing a successful road trip can seem overwhelming. This guide provides 12 essential tips to help first-time road trippers prepare for their journey and make the most of their time on the road.
Are you tired of the 9-to-5 grind, yearning for adventure and the freedom to explore the world on your own terms? If the idea of becoming a full-time traveler is calling to you, you're not alone. More and more people are embracing the nomadic lifestyle, trading cubicles for sunsets, and routines for new horizons. While it may seem like a dream, it's entirely possible with the right approach. Here are four tips to help you on your journey to becoming a full-time traveler.
Van life has captured the imaginations of adventure seekers, minimalists, and freedom lovers alike. The idea of hitting the open road with your home on wheels offers unparalleled freedom and a unique way to explore the world. If you're considering diving into the van life lifestyle, here's everything you need to know to get started and thrive on the road.
Every curve has a story and each horizon invites new possibilities while living on the road. A journey that beckons the adventurous spirit, the nomad, a simple life. For those contemplating the shift from weekend warrior to full-time van life, this guide serves as a roadmap, blending practical insights with the allure of the nomadic lifestyle.
Van life has become a popular lifestyle choice for those seeking adventure, freedom, and a break from the conventional. The romantic allure of the open road, coupled with the idea of living in a compact mobile space, has captivated many individuals. However, behind the Instagram-worthy pictures and the apparent simplicity of van life, there lies a reality that involves overcoming numerous challenges. In this article, we'll delve into the hardest parts of van life, shedding light on the less glamorous aspects of this nomadic lifestyle.
Outside of getting stuck in sand, because our vans are less capable than we think, van life isn't as straight forward as it seems. Actually, embarking on the van life journey is a thrilling adventure, offering freedom, flexibility, and a unique connection with the world, but, to ensure a smooth ride on this nomadic road, it's crucial to be aware of common pitfalls that many new van lifers encounter. So, that is my goal with this article, filling you in on the common mistakes, and mishaps, most new van lifers make. There really isn't a need to repeat history here, but if you feel inclined, I guess you should just stop reading. Without further ado, here are the seven most common van life mistakes:
The romantic notion of living in a van can quickly collide with the reality of budgeting and financial planning if you don't get ahead of it. Embracing the freedom of the open road and the allure of a minimalist lifestyle, is intoxicating, but there are bills you need to pay even when breaking from the conventional life of a house. In this article, we'll delve into the nitty-gritty details of how much van life actually costs, covering both monthly expenses and additional costs that might not be immediately apparent.
Is van life overrated? Maybe. Does that mean you shouldn't give it a try? Definitely not! But, why are those committed to van life quitting the movement?
In recent years, the allure of van life has captured the imaginations of many adventure seekers looking to break free from the conventional trappings of stationary living. The idea of hitting the open road, living in a compact mobile space, and experiencing the freedom of the nomadic lifestyle has drawn countless individuals into the world of van life. However, as the trend has gained momentum, a surprising phenomenon has emerged – people are increasingly choosing to abandon van life in favor of more traditional housing options. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this shift and delve into the evolving landscape of van life.
Both van life and overlanding have boomed in recent years, but what is the difference? Both use a vehicle, both symbolize freedom, both allow you to reconnect with nature, but there are some major differences to explore the open road. While both involve a mobile existence and a love for exploration, they represent distinct approaches to the nomadic lifestyle, each with its own set of advantages and challenges.
Living in a van is not just a romanticized notion for free-spirited adventurers; it has become a practical lifestyle choice for many seeking financial freedom, flexibility, and a closer connection to nature. However, successfully transitioning to van life requires careful planning, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the practical aspects of realistically living in a van, from choosing the right vehicle to addressing essential needs.
In recent years, the trend of living the van life has captured the imagination of many (including myself since 2016), promising a nomadic lifestyle filled with adventure and freedom. The romantic allure of waking up to breathtaking landscapes, the flexibility to go wherever the road takes you, and the simplicity of a minimalist lifestyle are all appealing aspects of van life. However, before you trade your home for a set of wheels, it's essential to consider the less glamorous side of this lifestyle. In this article, we'll explore why living the van life might not be the idyllic dream it's often portrayed to be.
Before digital maps, road tripping was an exploration into the unknown. Unfolding like treasure maps, paper maps embodied the thrill of getting lost an integral part of the adventure. Google Maps, while undoubtedly efficient, has replaced the gut punch of taking that wrong turn, rerouting us away from the unexpected hidden gems. Now, in the era of instant gratification and digital navigation, the once-beloved art of road tripping has undergone a transformation, leaving us to question whether the convenience of Google Maps has inadvertently stripped away the soulful essence of the journey.
