Waking up at the campsite, Kristin read me a confusing text and our morning plans changed. Originally, we were supposed to head to a friends house to shower before heading to Outdoor Retailer as our hotel room wouldn’t be ready until 2pm. However, that friend got called into the office and our chance of being “clean” for the trade show was now out the window. So, I did what any recovering dirtbag would do, shower in the nearest body of water.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve hated not knowing. That could be not knowing a surprise is going to happen or no knowing something in a conversation. Regardless, not knowing really irritates me. So, when embarking on a road trip where the whole point is to embrace the unknown, you would think I would constantly be annoyed. Well, the contrary is true. Not knowing what is going to happen brings me joy, excitement, and that feeling of wonder that only comes when loosening the reins on life a little bit.

For the past few months I’ve been obsessed with Craig Mod and the way he shares his great walks around Japan with his readers. This sparked inside of me the desire to look at how I share my road trips with everyone on my weekly newsletter and those who read The Travel Journal religiously. Enough fanboying over Craig and his amazing work (BTW he just released a new book), here is what that really means for the upcoming road trip around a relatively overlooked part of the Western United States.

When fall arrived in the Tetons, I found myself facing the harsh reality of freezing temperatures. Nights dipped into the 20s, and my van became an icy box by morning. With just a sleeping bag and some sheets, I woke up shivering and surrounded by frost. Running the van’s engine all night for heat wasn’t an option, so I needed a solution fast. That’s when I discovered the Mr. Buddy Heater.

I drove to the nearest Home Depot, grabbed a Mr. Buddy heater and a small propane tank, and hoped for the best. It worked—kind of. After years of living vanlife through all seasons, I’ve learned what you need to know about using a Mr. Buddy heater to survive cold nights in a van.

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.

You don’t need much to go for a hike, which is perfect for van life. Toss on a pair of shoes, ideally something a bit sturdy, and head out for a walk in the woods, desert, mountains, where ever your van is parked. I’ve lived on the road for 8 years now, in a van, focused on getting outside as much as possible to snap pretty photographs and reflect upon the question, “Why am I here?”

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.

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.

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.

Are you dreaming of hitting the open road, exploring new places, and living a nomadic lifestyle? Converting a van into a livable space can turn that dream into reality. Whether you're planning a long-term adventure or seeking the freedom of van life for shorter trips, knowing how to make your van feel like a home is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps of van conversion, from planning and design to execution and enjoying your personalized mobile oasis.

Embarking on a road trip to Alaska is a dream for many adventurers seeking the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier. The journey to this remote and breathtaking destination involves traversing the Alaskan highways, including the iconic Alaska Highway (Alcan) and the lesser-known Cassiar Highway. Before hitting the road, it's crucial to understand what the road conditions are like on these highways, especially if you plan to travel in a van or RV.

Exploring the Alaska Highway is a bucket-list adventure for many outdoor enthusiasts and road trip aficionados. Stretching over 1,300 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, this iconic highway offers breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and unique experiences. If you're planning a road trip to Alaska, here are some must-see attractions along the Alaska Highway that promise unforgettable adventures.

The rise of the digital era has paved the way for a revolutionary lifestyle - that of the digital nomad. These individuals have taken advantage of technology to untether themselves from the conventional 9-to-5 routine, opting instead to work remotely from exotic locations around the globe. While the allure of the digital nomad lifestyle is undeniable, it comes with its own set of challenges, prompting many to ponder whether the trade-offs are truly worth it.

Van life is a unique and liberating lifestyle that allows individuals to break free from the constraints of traditional living. Living on the road provides an opportunity for adventure and self-discovery, but it also requires thoughtful consideration of space utilization. In this article, we'll explore effective ways to maximize your van life space, emphasizing storage solutions, minimalism, packing techniques, and intentional living.

There's something undeniably magical about the great outdoors, and what better way to experience it than by embarking on a national park adventure? For vanlifers and nature enthusiasts alike, the United States boasts a plethora of breathtaking national parks that promise awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a seasoned vanlifer or just starting to explore the world of road trips, these must-visit national parks are sure to leave you in awe.

Embracing the nomadic lifestyle of vanlife offers a unique opportunity to explore the world and connect with nature like never before. One of the most rewarding aspects of vanlife is the freedom to choose your own campsites, immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes and enjoying the serenity of the great outdoors. However, finding the perfect campsite can sometimes be a challenge.

Vanlife, once a thriving trend capturing the imagination of adventure seekers and digital nomads, seems to be undergoing a significant transformation. What was once hailed as the ultimate lifestyle choice, blending freedom, simplicity, and wanderlust, is now facing challenges that are reshaping its image.

In this episode I go over a few critical and HUGE parts of vanlife. While living on the road has a ton of information all over the web and this is just a surface scratcher, it’s important to think about these three things!

1) How do you make money?
2) What do you live in?
3) Is it fun?