All in Road Trip

Your Year Round Guide to Wild Willy's Hot Spring In Mammoth Lakes, CA

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.

We Should Have Come to Bixby Bridge for Sunset, But We Came at Sunrise Instead

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.

The Local's Guide To The Bixby Bridge

When road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway, the Bixby Creek Bridge stands as an architectural marvel that effortlessly merges with the breathtaking natural landscape of Big Sur. The first time I drove across this bridge, I knew that I had to stop and get out, to look at what I was crossing. It was kind of terrifying, at first. What sets this bridge apart is not just its structural elegance but its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the raw beauty that defines the region.

Why Is Nobody Talking About This Free Campsite Near Joshua Tree National Park?

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.

We Discovered Paddington Cove By Accident, and It Was Amazing

Driving along Highway One in Big Sur is like flipping through a photo book of California’s greatest hits. On this particular day, the skies were impossibly blue, the hills were lush and green from recent rains, and the Pacific Ocean seemed to stretch forever into the horizon. There were four of us packed into the car, road-tripping without much of a plan—just friends looking for adventure.

I was behind the wheel, enjoying the rhythm of the winding road, when someone in the backseat shouted, “Hey, this looks awesome, stop here!”

Upgrade Your Travel Kitchen With These Gifts

There’s something magical about cooking on the road—whether it’s a warm meal shared around the campfire or a solo cup of coffee enjoyed in nature’s stillness. A travel kitchen that’s both functional and inviting can make those moments even better. This guide is your go-to for thoughtful gifts that upgrade camp kitchens, from must-have tools to clever gadgets. Perfect for vanlifers, road trippers, and anyone who finds joy in cooking while traveling.

California's Best Hot Springs Are In Mammoth Lakes, Here's Why

Hidden in the plain sight in the breathtaking Eastern Sierra region of California, Mammoth Lakes and its neighboring areas provide a perfect retreat for travelers craving tranquility, natural beauty, and rejuvenation. Among the area's most alluring features are the hot springs scattered along Highway 395, offering a serene and soothing escape amid stunning mountain views. Whether you're looking to soak in a natural mineral pool after a day of hiking or simply unwind surrounded by nature, these hot springs are an oasis worth exploring.

Starting Vanlife is Hard Enough, But Developing a Routine Will Make It Easier

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.

Driving Big Sur Is Kind of Scary, Here's Why

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?

An ExPat's Guide To Todos Santos

Todos Santos, a charming town in Baja California Sur, has blossomed from its humble beginnings as a sugar-exporting village into a destination loved by travelers for its art, music, surf, and serene beaches. Located just a short drive from some of the Baja Peninsula's most stunning coastal spots, Todos Santos is a haven of natural beauty, cultural depth, and laidback vibes—a world away from the bustling tourist hubs of Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.

Searching For Flatwater To Kayak Along Highway 395

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.

Van Life vs RV Life, Which Lifestyle Is Better

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.

7 Reasons You Should Van Life The Pacific Coast Highway

Stretching from the Mexican to Canadian border, the Pacific Coast Highway spans the entire length of the United States west coast and is one of the great American road trips. With just over 1,650 miles filled with breathtaking coastal views, often glorified in surf media, and some of the cutest towns in America, it’s no wonder this the Pacific Coast Highway is calling the names of all those whom live van life. Yet, who will answer the call? Maybe, not enough. However, for those who road trip along the kinda terrifying, winding, two-lane road of the PCH, memories from a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will leave you reminiscing on the grandeur of this van life road trip. So, click that seat belt and continue reading about why you should drive your van the entire length of Pacific Coast Highway.

12 Pro Tips for Beginner Road Trippers

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.

12 Pro Tips for Beginner Van Lifers

Van life offers a unique blend of freedom and adventure, allowing you to explore the world from the comfort of your own mobile home. For those new to van life, the transition can be both exciting and overwhelming. These 12 pro tips will help you navigate the essentials of van living, from choosing the right van to managing daily routines. With these insights, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your van life journey and make the most of your adventures on the road.

12 Pro Tips for Beginner Campers

Camping is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with nature, offering a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're planning your first weekend in the woods or gearing up for a more extended adventure, camping can seem daunting at first. But with the right mindset and a few insider tips, you'll find that camping is not only doable but also deeply enjoyable. This guide will walk you through 12 pro tips that will set you up for a successful and memorable camping experience.

Microadventures the Whole Family Can Do

In today's fast-paced world, finding time for lengthy vacations can be challenging. However, families looking to bond and create lasting memories don’t need to travel far or spend a lot of money. Microadventures, short and simple outdoor activities, offer a fantastic way to explore nature, experience new things, and enjoy quality time together. Here are some microadventures the whole family can embark on, blending fun and exploration into your routine.