UnBound

For those seeking their next outdoor adventure

adventure photographer Dalton Johnson captures two kayakers in Antarctica paddling near a snowy shoreline and iceburgs
Van Life Dalton Johnson Van Life Dalton Johnson

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.

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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.

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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.

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The Ultimate Guide to California Van Life

California, the Golden State, offers some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes in the United States, making it a prime destination for van lifers. From the sandy beaches of Southern California to the towering redwoods in the north, living the van life in California promises an adventure at every turn. This ultimate guide will cover everything you need to know to make the most of your van life experience in California, including the best places to visit, legal considerations, tips for success, common mistakes to avoid, and the top road trip routes to explore.

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Should You Van Life in Residential Neighborhoods

Living the van life offers a unique blend of freedom and simplicity. It’s a lifestyle that appeals to those seeking adventure and minimalism. However, when it comes to parking and living in residential neighborhoods, there are several factors to consider. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of van life in residential neighborhoods, the legal implications, key things to look out for, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of this lifestyle choice.

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Why Van Life Is Still Growing In Popularity

In recent years, van life has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating the imaginations of many seeking freedom and adventure. The appeal of living on the road, with the ability to travel wherever the heart desires, has led to an explosion of interest in this nomadic lifestyle. But as trends come and go, the question arises: is van life still popular? The answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why.

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Slow Travel Is The Mindful Approach to Sustainable and Affordable Exploration

In the fast-paced world of modern travel, where jet-setting to multiple destinations in a short period is often the norm, a counter-culture movement has emerged known as "slow travel." This approach to exploration emphasizes savoring each moment, immersing oneself in local culture, and prioritizing sustainability and affordability. Let's delve into what slow travel is all about and why it's gaining popularity among adventurers, digital nomads, and those seeking a more meaningful travel experience.

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Four Tips to Becoming a Full-Time Traveler

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.

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How to Deal with Travel Fatigue as a Solo Adventure Traveler

Traveling solo on an adventure-filled journey is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. The freedom to explore new places at your own pace, the thrill of discovering uncharted territories, and the personal growth that comes from navigating the world independently are just a few of the many benefits. However, long-term solo travel also comes with its challenges, one of which is travel fatigue. Understanding what travel fatigue is and knowing effective ways to overcome it can make your adventure much more enjoyable and sustainable.

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Everything You Need to Know About Van Life

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.

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I Wish I Knew This About Van Life Before I Started 7 Years Ago

Seven years ago I bought my first van for $3500, which didn't last too long. A transmission here, a few electrical issues there, and the costs of repairing the van kept adding up, quickly, putting a damper on my nomadic van life dreams. That's what I get for buying a 16-year-old van with over 100k miles on it, but I was also broke at the time. While the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 with the Tiara conversion got the job done, I wish I had known a few things before I committed to life on the road and pursuing the idealized van life craze. 

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10 Steps to Becoming a Van Lifer

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.

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The Hardest Parts of Van Life

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.

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Jobs You Can (Actually) Do While Traveling And Living Van Life

The allure of van life, with its freedom to roam and explore, has led many individuals to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. However, sustaining van life requires a source of income that accommodates the challenges of life on the road. In this article, we'll explore the various jobs that align with van life, focusing on work-life balance, the choice between fully remote and seasonal jobs, and a comprehensive list of practical employment options.

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How To Get Started With Van Life

Van life has become a popular lifestyle choice for those seeking adventure, freedom, and a break from the traditional norms of society. As someone who has been intimately connected with the van life experience for over six years, I can attest to the transformative nature of this lifestyle. 

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7 Reasons Van Life is Overrated

Van life has gained significant popularity in recent years, with many individuals trading in traditional housing for the freedom of the open road. The allure of living in a compact, mobile space and exploring new destinations has captivated the imaginations of adventure seekers. However, amidst the romanticized images of sunsets and picturesque landscapes, there are aspects of van life that often go overlooked. Actually, the majority of difficulties living van life has are never talked about, so we feel it is time. In this article, we will explore seven reasons why van life may be overrated.

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How to Steer Clear of the Seven Most Common Van Life Mistakes

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:

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Van Life Without a Toilet, Good Idea or Bad?

The famous last words of any van lifer, "Do you need to go number one, or number two?" Living van life is an alluring prospect for many, offering the freedom to roam and explore with a home on wheels. However, one crucial decision that van dwellers often grapple with is whether to include a toilet in their mobile abode. While some embrace the simplicity of van life without a toilet, others find it to be a challenging compromise. Here, we will delve into the pros and cons of living the van life without a toilet and, ultimately trying to convince you, why having a toilet may be a crucial element for a more comfortable and sustainable lifestyle.

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The Pros and Cons of Van Life in Baja

The allure of van life has been growing steadily in recent years, with more and more individuals and families choosing to hit the open road in their DIY rigs. Baja California, the picturesque Mexican peninsula, is a prime destination for van lifers seeking sun, surf, and adventure. However, before you pack your bags and hit the road, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of van life in Baja to make an informed decision.

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