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.

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.

Living on the road isn't for the faint of heart and, despite what social media shows, vanlifing can be hard on the body and mind. Yet, there are a few gifts that make road trips and vanlife that much more, as we should say, easy-going. Below is a complete list of gifts that any vanlifer or road tripper would be excited to receive.

If you are searching for a gift for a vanlifer, or an avid road tripper, look no further. We have complied over 50 items to select from broken down into a variety of categories and price ranges. If that is a little overwhelming, start with the Table of Contents and navigate around.

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.

Finding overnight parking for van life takes some time to understand. Every city, county, and state have different laws that you need to understand. If you are moving around from place to place in your van, you will quickly realize the laws are not shown. So, to find places to sleep in your van on your van life journey, you need to understand what your options are for boon-docking. I hope these six options have painted a picture of what your options are for sleeping in your van.

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?”

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.

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.

Living in a van offers a unique blend of freedom and adventure, especially in a diverse and picturesque state like California. However, navigating the legal landscape of van life can be tricky. While it is generally legal to live in a van in California, there are specific regulations and ordinances that you must follow to avoid fines and legal issues.

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.

Traveling solo, especially over extended periods, can be a deeply fulfilling experience. The freedom to explore at your own pace, the joy of discovering new places, and the time to reflect and grow personally are invaluable. However, maintaining energy and enthusiasm during long solo journeys can be challenging. Whether you're a digital nomad, a vagabond, or simply enjoying a prolonged period of slow travel, these tips will help you stay energized and make the most of your travel lifestyle.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 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.

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.