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AS A PUBLISHER, I think it’s so weird that some magazines and blogs are literally starting to use artificial intelligence to write their stories. They would rather have a robot tell their readers how to do something relating to a lifestyle than have people who are actually living the lifestyle tell their stories. That’s not us, and it never will be.
When I started publishing back in 1998, I was shocked when I found that people were being hired to write about lifestyles they were not actually living. In 2019, that was one of the reasons we started Rootless Living—we saw so much content, especially magazines, being written from a cubicle in Chicago.
These writers were not living the lifestyle. They found information online and interviewed people, and worse, they would try to influence what this lifestyle was about without any personal experience. One of the core attributes that has made us a success is that our magazines are written exclusively by those who are actually living the life. We’ve probably had more stories written on a picnic table or from a lounge chair on the beach than any other publication.
Our writers are and always will be free-range writers.
I truly believe this is going to
be a big deal, and we want to make sure you always know you are reading a story from an actual human that is living this lifestyle, not a robot regurgitating existing stories (possibly even sourcing info from our website and magazines) for a competing publication.
We started in 2019, saying, “For digital nomads, by digital nomads” (or “For full-time RVers, by full-time RVers”). This is one of our core beliefs, and it will never change.
Also, people need to go back and watch “The Terminator.” Making robots smart doesn’t end well.
Until the next issue … stay Rootless.
People within the nomad community have a characteristic that makes all of us unique, a je ne sais quoi that each person utilizes differently. This issue is a perfect example of that utility, as we share stories from a couple who rebuilt their truck engine at an off-grid campsite, the rise of solo travelers and their experiences, alongside the creation of an alpaca farm and beautiful travel destinations explored by our readers. I am always so impressed by the perseverance and drive that our authors have to pursue and maintain an alternative lifestyle. Living this way is not easy and it requires sacrifice. Although that sacrifice is always worth it, this issue highlights some of the difficulties we face along the way. One thing I know for certain: I am immensely proud to be a part of this movement and can’t wait to see where it’s headed.
Jess Stiles Managing Editor Demian Ross, Publisher @demianrossdemian@rootlessliving.com
Tyler and Courtney have been traveling full time in their truck camper for over 2 years!
@outdoorsbae
ROOTLESS LIVING
MAGAZINE
Issue 21 • Apr/May 2023
Publisher Demian Ross
Chief Editor Nikki Kirk
Managing Editor Jess Stiles
Editorial Assistant L. Merredith
Art Director Melinda Galjour
Operations Manager Jamie May
Copy Editor Kristin Skaggs
Advertising sales@rootlessliving.com
LET’S
@rootlessliving
/rootlessliving
@rootlessliving
ROOTLESS LIVING MAGAZINE PO Box 437, Jennings, OK 74038
Disclaimer: One of the great things about digital publications is the ability to link you directly to the products or services you want to hear more about. Some of the links in this issue are affiliate links where we earn commissions on goods or services you buy. These commissions help us to continue to publish the magazine. Rootless Living is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@rootlessliving.com
Copyright © 2022 Blue Compass Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited submissions.
Rachel Telson
Courtney and Tyler Herndon
Bob and Grace Bouchard
Megan White
Cierra Valdez
Lindsay and AJ Updyke
Joe Ceglio
Lauren Baumet
Nowell Mallory
Gwendolyn Call
Amy Wright
Tom and Kim Wynn
Kestra Bronneke
Nick and Tara DiPasquale
Jesseca Perry
Ian Rowsby
Cass Beach
Kathryn McGuire
Patty Gill
Riley Rogers
Laurie DuShane
Anne and Brian Klumpp
Anna McNaught
James Bonanno
Logan and Melanie Fessler
Harry Fisher
Shonda Sinclair
Scott Russell
Tedy Pham
Judith and Arthur
NICOLL DAVIS
@livingtinywithawolf
Off-grid Engine Swap, The Rise of Solo Travel
Nicoll and her husband Jake travel full time with two dogs and a wolfdog. Nicoll shares travel guides and tips for traveling full time while living tiny on her blog livingtinywithawolf.com
CELESTE ORR
@celeste_redefined
Non-Digital Nomads
Celeste is the author of Togetherness
Redefined: Finding a Different Kind of Family Togetherness. She lives near Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island in Maine and writes at togethernessredefined.com
ANGIE LEA REGENSBURG
@naturegirlangie
A Balanced Schedule
Author of the guidebook Explore Olympia, Tumwater and Lacey, Angie is inspired by nature, exploration, and sharing her discoveries through her art and writing. Angie Lea is an adventurer, writer, artist, and joy seeker. Angie is most alive soaking up the sun, immersed in the landscape of the Pacific Northwest—an enchanting balm to an adventurous soul.
Want to be a part of the next issue? Reach out to us at collab@rootlessliving.com
KATHRYN FRAZER
@adventuresofaplusk
Kenai Fjords National Park
Adam, Kathryn, and Kona are an adventurous married couple and their pup living on the road in their self-converted Sprinter van! Find them driving all over, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream, and enjoying nature. For their detailed travel guides, check out adventuresofaplusk.com and their YouTube channel, Adventures of A+K
“Getting the opportunity to share our experiences and perspectives as veterans was such a blessing.”
“If something doesn’t work, we fix it. If something doesn’t make our experience better, we change it. When something brings us joy, we develop upon it.”
CRAVING A BREAK from the ordinary, Lindsay and AJ made a dramatic lifestyle change and moved into a 2000 GMC Bluebird Skoolie in April 2021.
“We have definitely been able to get out of the repetitive, mundane life we were in before, where we would wake up, work, make dinner, watch TV, go to bed, rinse, and repeat,” the couple said.
Not only did they break this habit, but they also maximized their travel, which was their top goal. Instead of having travel be dictated by a set amount of vacation days, they now have the ability to roam freely.
“This lifestyle gives us the ability to explore so many new places. It would have taken us years of vacation days to see all the places we have already seen since April 2021!”
One of those places remains the most memorable. In Wyoming, Lindsay and AJ took their bus to a drive-in movie theater, where they took in the movie from their own bed. Even more unique—the owner let them stay on the property for the night, and even left the concession bathrooms open for them!
Funding a permanent travel lifestyle can be tricky, but Lindsay and AJ found a way to make it work. Lindsay is an underwriter who works remotely from 9 to 5. Her job provides the money for the couple’s gasoline, phone, food, and more. Meanwhile, AJ works at different campgrounds, which allows them to have a site, electricity, and water. On average, they stay in one location for five to six months, which they prefer because they have the ability to truly explore different areas without feeling rushed.
“There are so many ways to live nomadically, so if you’re thinking about it, just do it!”
To stay connected with Lindsay and AJ, follow them on Instagram @bellethebluebird
DECIDING TO EMBARK on a journey with little to no knowledge of the road ahead can seem naive, or even selfishly irresponsible. But in these moments, we can discover parts of ourselves that are capable of doing what we never thought possible. Learning something new on your own can be difficult, but it can also create room for discovery and development of new skills.
A year and a half ago, my girlfriend and I set out to convert our 2019 Ram Promaster 3500 into a fully-equipped tiny home on wheels with no prior building experience. The project seemed daunting, but the dream of creating a unique space that reflected our aesthetics and personalities was too exciting not to pursue. We loved the idea of developing skill sets through this endeavor that we could carry on to future projects. Also, sharing a new creative outlet seemed like an incredible opportunity. We watched what felt like an eternity of YouTube videos to prepare for the build. We came up with a palette of colors and textures and began meticulously mapping out the features of our van. We didn’t realize at the time that the design choices we were making would add significant time to what we thought would be a two-month project. For instance, we chose a fully-treated cedar
shower with a slide-away compost toilet.
We installed a quartz countertop, dimmable recessed puck lights, and a heater. There are 600 watts of solar panels on the roof, allowing the van to be fully powered without hookups. We also love the weatherproof rooftop deck.
These choices ultimately led to the exact outcome we hoped for, but also significantly slowed our progress. Since we relocated across the country from Oregon to Tennessee for this project and put our lives on hold indefinitely, we felt the pressure of time whenever we got held up.
Throughout our build, we were constantly reminded of the weight of our decisions. When the time came to cut holes into the van or assemble
The dream of creating a unique space that reflected our aesthetics and personalities was too exciting not to pursue.
a complete electrical system, for example, the fear of failure was almost paralyzing. We thought a lot about this lifestyle in the long run compared to our friends and family who were living with far more stability and security.
The greatest lesson we learned is how to find power in what we feel gives our lives greater purpose and meaning. Because of this, we made the decision about halfway through the build to sell our van once it was finished. When we started the build, we fully intended on traveling in it and keeping it forever. However, we realized selling it would benefit us more. Our lives changed a great deal during the build, and keeping the van would create many problems for us, including a car payment, insurance, storage, etc. The decision to sell was difficult, but it taught us a valuable lesson: remaining true to ourselves can be challenging, but holding onto and honoring our dreams will always be a noble act.
We finished the van and took it out camping twice to test out all the components and make sure everything worked before listing it for sale. We are so proud of ourselves for creating such a beautiful van. While it’s difficult to let it go, we are happy that it will elevate the life of another person who feels the same excitement for it as we did.
We are moving on to the next project in life with a huge amount of pride and confidence from accomplishing this task! We live in an incredible time when it comes to access to information, and we believe that people can facilitate great change in their lives through all there is to learn. If you feel intimidated by lack of knowledge or experience, we hope you find inspiration from our story. We hope you stay forever curious and never stop exploring.
The greatest lesson we learned is how to find power in what we feel gives our lives greater purpose and meaning.
From major overhauls to small adjustments, renovating an RV can be overwhelming! Don’t worry, though, because our readers are here to help. We asked what insulation they prefer and why—here are their answers.
“We decided to go with closed cell spray foam insulation for our bus conversion because of the R-value and vapor barrier. It also added rigidity to our rig and sealed up all the gaps.”
“I’ve put rubber purple insulation on exposed plumbing beneath my camper.”
@blueberriesandbackwoods
“Foam board around the frame and a snap-on skirt for Maine winters!”
“We decided to go for a combination of fiberglass ‘wool’ insulation and solid insulation boards, but the biggest thing we did was having a cavity gap from the insulation and vapor barrier to ply walls.”
AS A FULL-TIME RVer and a mom to three kids under the age of 7, I take organization seriously.
Organization is key in any household, but it’s especially essential if you want to keep your sanity while living in an RV! I truly believe this can make or break your RV experience.
My golden rule of organizing any space is that everything needs a home. This rule is especially crucial when space is limited—an RV can quickly become a disaster if you don’t know where to put every item. One trip to the grocery store with 10 bags can turn a clean and organized RV into a dumping ground.
How do we solve this? We create spaces for everything! Your keys, shoes, handbags, jackets, dog leashes, paper products, and even your cleaning supplies all need a set home.
It doesn’t matter how organized you are if the other people sharing your
home aren’t following suit. That’s the other great thing about my golden rule—it helps your family as well. If every item has a home, things will naturally go back to their original place, and you will stay happy and organized!
Now let’s get real about how you can accomplish organization with my top tips for organizing small spaces. Before you dive in, remember that you will need patience. You will not, however, need a large amount of money, or fancy custom designs.
Sorting is the key to getting started! Gather similar items and create their “home.” During this process, please remember, you are organizing, not decluttering or cleaning. Start with sorting and leave cleaning and purging for the next day, or I guarantee you’ll lose track of what you’re doing.
Organizing can be really overwhelming, so slow and steady wins the race. Begin with one room or area at a time. Smaller areas will help you stay focused and keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
Bins and baskets will quickly become your best friends. Clear bins can save you time when looking for specific items.
Think vertical! Most RV spaces have a great amount of vertical storage. Bins that are able to stack together really help with this.
Labeling is huge, and helps everyone know exactly where items belong. A P-Touch Label Maker can make your life so much easier!
Get creative—in a small space, everything may not be able to live in the room you would typically use it in. For example, sometimes larger and bulkier kitchen items may live in storage underneath your RV, or tucked in a closet. This is okay! Remember you are in a unique space, so you have to think outside the box.
Lastly, less is more in a smaller space! Think about what you really need. This goes for paper supplies, food, clothing, kitchen items, and even linens. Buying in bulk is not your best option for a tiny space. Reducing what you’re bringing in helps to limit the amount of things you have to organize.
I hope these tips help you keep your RV organized and your sanity intact. Happy organizing, and happy camping!
For more tips, follow Gwendolyn on Instagram @chaoskiddosandharmony
that everything needs A HOME.
By Amy Wright
TOM AND KIM Wynn were living in Newport News, Virginia, when they started going on regular vacations. After years of living on the coast, where he was stationed at the naval base on the Chesapeake Bay, Tom found he liked stretching his sea legs in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Kim, too, enjoyed escaping the city, where she was earning licensure as an R.N. The kids were grown, and the couple decided to purchase a weekend getaway across the commonwealth in Blacklick.
“Then our weekends just kept getting longer and longer,” Tom said. “It was five hours from doorstep to doorstep. When we started leaving at six and seven at night to make the drive home before work the next day, we decided to commit to this life goal.”
The goal had grown over the years. At first, they were only looking for a change of scenery, but the scenery they found drew them in.
Tom retired from the Navy and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree while Kim pursued her Associate of Applied Science degree. With their degrees completed, they researched potential livestock to share their five acres. They considered raising sheep or goats, but then they visited a flea market in nearby Hillsville and met a woman who raised alpacas. These doe-eyed creatures tugged at their heartstrings and added to their growing vision.
The more they learned about alpacas, the more they needed to know. When the Wynns started raising them a dozen years ago, alpaca farms were uncommon in the United States. The camelid species Vicugna pacos is native to South America, and the cost of imports was prohibitive.
“We spent a good year before purchasing our first alpaca just researching and visiting alpaca farms,” Kim said.
Kim knits scarves, shawls, and hats from the bags of fleece produced when the alpacas are sheared every spring. In the potting-shed-turned-store at the end of their drive, skeins of yarn lined the shelves, labeled with the names of the animals who produced them—Margarita, Ninja, Isabella. My favorite
was “Some Kind of Wonderful,” who received several of the blue ribbons on display for the softness and quality of her fiber. Had I the skill to knit a shawl, I would wrap myself in “Some Kind of Wonderful” anytime I wanted.
Kim and Tom use the fiber for yarn, and they also send it to a fiber pool in Massachusetts that collects from other American harvesters and contracts local manufacturers to make socks, scarves, gloves, and other specialty items. They also maintain a fair-trade relationship with Peruvian artisans, who make Father Christmas ornaments and miniature alpacas with thimble-sized knit hats.
“Thanks to community networks,” Kim said, “we have more options to purchase fair-trade and Americanmade alpaca products now than a dozen years ago.” She also shared that alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic since, unlike wool, it doesn’t contain lanolin.
During the pandemic, the Wynns established their farm as a well-reviewed Harvest Hosts location in
order to meet the increased need for road trip destinations. Visiting campers can purchase fiber goods instead of paying campsite fees—unless they prefer to pay to park in the field.
As we talked, a self-contained RV pulled into the drive for a sixth visit. “They’ll be coming back in two weeks,” Tom said. He estimated that about a third of visitors come back for another stay. It’s easy to see why guests are drawn back to this farm, which is bordered on one side by Cove Creek and on the other by bluestem and clover pastures edged with forest.
“We’ve made some really good friends over the years,” Kim added.
Tom and Kim received good early advice from another breeder, which helped them build their herd to the 18 to 20 they maintain now. Their alpacas are all registered by the North American Alpaca Association, which, like the Wynns, educates the public about sustainable alpaca operations. Tom and Kim also rely on their DNA-validated genetic registry to ensure healthy
breeding practices.
“Elsa is our PR girl,” Tom said on the walk to the barn to meet the female alpacas. Sure enough, she was the first to approach me, albeit unhurriedly. She ambled toward us after we’d been watching the long-necked creatures for several minutes.
“Alpacas can be friendly, but we’re not a petting zoo,” Tom said.
“And they don’t like to be petted on their heads,” Kim volunteered, as I stroked Elsa’s cheek. Though friendly, Elsa didn’t demand attention. The others kept their distance, happy to watch us from afar.
In the barn housing the male alpacas, ceiling fans stirred the air. They all looked sweet, though Tom assured me they aren’t always mild-mannered. If we had threatened or frightened them, they would have spit a warning. Spitting is a defense mechanism, and they are sensitive creatures. Tom said he’d been spat on more than once while feeding them and moving too suddenly.
I appreciate how the Wynns’ choice
of livestock encourages them to slow down while providing them with fibers to make things with their hands.
“If I’ve had a hard day at work, I just come out here and spend time with them,” Kim said.
While we talked, Margarita hummed. “She’s very vocal,” Kim said. “If you pay attention, you notice each alpaca’s distinct personality. There are far more differences between them than their colors.”
The Wynns have created a picturesque life for themselves in these hills. My gaze moved between the alpacas as they chewed, lounged, and blinked leisurely, at ease in each other’s company, and the sight was, indeed, some kind of wonderful.
Amy Wright's nonfiction debut, Paper Concert: A Conversation in the Round, was published by Sarabande Books. She has also authored three poetry books and six chapbooks.
“We knew living in an RV would come with challenges and repairs,” Kestra Bronneke said when reflecting on her family’s travels over the past several months. Many RVers would agree, but still, most don’t prepare themselves for disaster to turn up on the first venture out.
For Kestra, her husband James, and their two kids, their RV mishap happened immediately—they noticed a strange rotting smell coming from their 2017 Keystone Sprinter fifth wheel. Originally, they wondered if it might be their tank, but after investigating all possibilities there, the stench did not go away. They checked their stove and propane connections, but the problem wasn’t coming from there, either. As it turned out, their battery was the stinking culprit!
“Apparently sometimes when a battery goes bad, it can give off gas hydrogen sulfide, which produces a smell like a rotten egg. As the bay door to our battery bank was opened, the smell was overpowering, and the battery was boiling over like a tiny volcano.” This discovery came just in time, because it also helped Kestra and her family realize the noxious gas was the cause of their headaches and slight nausea.
Tara DiPasquale and her family had just purchased a 2019 Forest River Forester, and because they were new to RV life, they decided to stay in the dealership’s lot for a couple of nights to feel more comfortable before traveling.
All was going well until it was time to leave. They hooked up to the dump station, but nothing happened when Nick pulled the black tank lever. He checked inside and outside to figure out the problem, but all looked well and he went to pull the lever again.
“This time, waste started spewing out where the hose was connected and into the compartment. We were absolutely panicking.”
Acting quickly, they were able to pull the lever closed, which allowed them to clean up the compartment. Unfortunately, the RV dealership wasn’t open, so no one was around to offer feedback, and they still needed to empty their tank.
“We tried pulling the lever again slowly, and all hell broke loose. The entire black tank from the whole weekend emptied into the compartment and now the parking lot! We had nothing left to use for cleaning, and Nick was covered up to his elbows!”
Tara confesses it wasn’t until a few days later that they realized caps were covering both ends of their hose. “We absolutely never made that mistake again!” she said.
Charles and Jesseca Perry were traveling across Canada with their two kids and dog in their 2013 Salem by Forest River trailer. Their story starts when they were leaving Alberta and heading into Saskatchewan, where an unprecedented April snowstorm came barreling down. They pulled into a gas station to avoid it, only to find their truck’s coolant line was leaking and a belt had broken.
Without hope of help that day, they hunkered down and spent the night. The next day, the family had to dig out of heavy snow just to get to an auto shop. They fixed the truck, but the highway was now closed due to the snow. “We spent the next four nights there, running the generator steadily to keep the trailer heated,” Jesseca recalled. “All our lines and tanks were completely frozen by this point.”
Eventually, the storm moved on and the sun came out again, allowing the family to take to the road once more, but their RV mishaps weren’t over. “We made it about two hours down the road and pulled into a gas station to fill up our tank. As we were backing out, Charles saw the tire wasn’t straight. He went to inspect it and found our trailer tire had a failed bearing.”
Hours later, Charles had fixed the tire, but they were only minutes down the road when they heard a
clicking noise. Now the universal joint had broken, which landed them in a parking lot waiting for a mechanic for two days. “All in all, we are thankful for the safe travel days and use the not-so-good days as learning opportunities,” Jesseca said. That’s great advice for all of us to remember!
COURTNEY AND TYLER have been traveling full time in their pop-up truck camper relatively trouble-free for about two years. They’ve seen amazing sights, met incredible people, and, of course, faced a few minor challenges along the way. But their biggest challenge came when their truck broke down in South Florida.
After making their way from Arizona to South Florida to attend a wedding in April 2022, the Cummins engine on Courtney and Tyler’s 1997 Dodge Ram started making a strange knocking sound. They knew they needed a tow, and fast. After a bit of investigation, the couple confirmed there was a ton of bearing material in the oil, which meant they needed to either replace or rebuild the engine.
“We were far from our home base in Maryland, and the summer heat was quickly approaching in South Florida, so we needed to make a decision fast,” Courtney explained. The couple had three options—spend a small fortune towing the truck up north, buy a new truck in Florida, or replace the engine themselves, completely off-grid.
Ultimately, the couple decided to stay in Florida and do an off-grid engine swap. They figured the cost of getting their truck to Maryland would exceed what they would spend on supplies to work on their truck in Florida, and Tyler was confident he could do the engine repair himself. It was a daunting task, but one they were prepared to take on.
“We figured the solitude would be more enjoyable, and we were optimistic that we would even have time to ride our dirt bikes around the local wildlife preserve in Kissimmee Prairie,” Courtney said.
As any experienced mechanic knows, replacing an engine is no small task. “Initially, we planned to only replace the long block (block, rotating assembly, and head) of the engine with a new or remanufactured unit, which would take 7 to 10 weeks for delivery,” Tyler explained. However, the project escalated quickly. “After further inspection, thought, and research, we realized that not only would the damaged section of the engine need to be replaced, but also the entire fuel system, turbo, and a long list of accessory components.”
“We also decided to refresh the rest of the driveline to make sure we didn’t have another failure shortly down the road,” Tyler explained. “This meant the transmission needed to be taken out and built to handle the increased power of our tuned-up turbo diesel. We also wanted to rebuild and balance the driveshaft while we were at it.”
Before the project even began, Tyler and Courtney found themselves pushed to their limits. “We were being faced with struggles we really weren’t set up to handle,” Courtney said. “One of the most difficult things was dealing with the heat. Without air conditioning in the camper, it was often unbearable to sleep at night.”
With no vehicle, and 40 minutes away from the nearest town, the couple found themselves with few options. Tyler was able to retrieve their old Jeep from Maryland, which provided much-needed relief. But even with the Jeep, they faced a few more trials.
Love bug season had started, causing huge swarms of love bugs to inundate Florida. The Jeep had mechanical issues, Courtney suffered a severe whole-body rash
caused by a fire ant bite, and Tyler had a campfire accident that resulted in half of his face and chest being covered in second-degree burns. “We were really feeling defeated. All this happened before the new engine was even delivered,” Courtney said. When it seemed like things couldn’t possibly get worse, Tyler and Courtney both contracted COVID and were knocked out by the virus for a week. “It’s hard to articulate just how difficult the whole experience was, emotionally and financially,” Courtney said.
It was the end of June when the engine finally arrived, and thunderstorms were blowing in every day by 2 p.m., flooding the work area with inches of water. Nevertheless, Tyler managed to get the engine installed, including all the new and rebuilt accessory parts, like the injection pump, injectors, injection lines, fuel lines, turbo, vacuum and power steering pumps, oil lines, motor mounts, transmission, transmission cooler, and transmission lines. “It seemed like the process was never going to end,” Courtney said.
The engine swap was finally complete by the end of July. Tyler and Courtney had been looking forward to this day for months, but they still had to do the initial 500-mile break-in. They were eager to see how their new engine performed.
Luckily, it ran smoothly, and Tyler and Courtney were able to leave Florida after spending three challenging months there. Their truck had a fresh engine under the hood, and they were excited to hit the open road again. “We could not wait to return to the mountains out west for the rest of the summer to dry out and get away from the bugs and heat,” Courtney said. “We’re planning on continuing to enjoy traveling the U.S., and are not going to make another South Florida trip for a long time.”
You can find Tyler and Courtney on Instagram @outdoorsbae
Nicoll
DavisIF YOU’RE CONSIDERING traveling solo in an RV, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, more and more people are choosing to travel this way. For some, the appeal lies in the freedom to wander wherever they please, without being tied to a specific itinerary or destination. Others enjoy the independence that comes with solo travel, and the ability to make decisions on their own terms. Regardless of your motivation, solo travel can be a rewarding experience.
I had the pleasure of interviewing three full-time travelers who have chosen to live the nomadic lifestyle—each with their own story about why they decided to hit the road solo. One thing they have in common? They all agree it’s one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.
Kathryn McGuire always wanted to explore the desert. So when she saw an opportunity to buy a used 2000 Bigfoot truck camper with a ’90s vibe and turn it into her home, she jumped at the chance. After doing some interior renovation, she hit the road solo on her 29th birthday.
For Kathryn, the appeal of solo travel is that she can go where she wants, when she wants, without having to rely on anyone else. “It never even crossed my mind that going alone would be weird or scary,” she said. “I’ve never been one to wait around for others to make things happen. I just knew I had a dream and was making it my reality.”
Kathryn is a self-proclaimed casual potter who sells her wares on the road to cover her expenses. She often finds herself being asked what she does for money by curious travelers, to which she responds, “I sell my pottery … want to see it?”
Traveling solo can be intimidating as well as empowering. For Kathryn, one of the best parts of solo travel was the freedom to make her own decisions. When she gets invited by new friends to go on an adventure (like to a swimming hole in the Sonoran Desert or to drive an ATV in Moab), she can say yes immediately.
“When something broke in my truck or camper, it was up to me to fix it. I gained a massive sense of self-worth and confidence by being able to make decisions and handle issues on my own, and the ultimate freedom was incredibly good for my soul,” she said.
Kathryn’s advice for someone who is considering traveling solo? “Go for it!” You don’t need to wait for the perfect time or partner in order to make your dream a reality. “Be safe, keep an open mind and heightened situational awareness while you’re out there exploring, and you’ll be fine.” Traveling solo can be incredibly rewarding if you are open to adventure and keep a positive attitude.
Cass Beach hit the road in 2017 with her dog, Jasper, and cat, Napoleon. Her first rig didn’t hold up, so she stayed in Airbnbs until she purchased an Airstream travel trailer. She recently made the switch to a truck camper, giving her even more freedom to explore.
She works full time as a strategic consultant for a large corporation in the insurance industry. “I work your typical 9 to 5 job, but as a full-time remote employee, I can travel anywhere in the U.S. and still log in to work,” Cass said.
Traveling solo is great for the freedom and experiences it brings. “When you’re out in the world on your own, there’s no one to tell you what to do or where to go—you are completely free. It’s completely up to you, and that sense of freedom is incredible.” Cass said.
Solo travel can also increase your confidence in your own abilities. “I’ve learned so much about myself over the last five years, in terms of what I enjoy doing and where my comfort level lies,” Cass said. “I’ve also learned how to push myself outside of that zone to learn or try something new. Overall, my confidence in myself and my abilities has grown tremendously, and this brings a whole new satisfaction to life.”
For Cass, the worst part about traveling solo is the loneliness. “There are many ways to meet and travel with others, but as a solo traveler, you do end up spending time alone.” she said. Cass doesn’t use any apps to connect with others while on the road. Instead, she prefers to meet people at events organized by various nomadic organizations, and she says she’s met some amazing people this way.
“Don't let being solo stop you,” Cass said. She believes that living your life to the fullest and traveling to the places you’ve dreamed of shouldn't have to wait until you meet someone to go with. “Know yourself, know what your dreams are, and go for it,” she advised. “Even if you are solo.”
For Ian Rowsby, the best part about traveling solo in an RV has been the opportunity to explore new and beautiful places while still having all the comforts of home. Ian travels to different parts of the country, exploring via his motorcycle and using his RV as the perfect basecamp.
Ian has learned a lot about self-reliance. “One of the hardest things about being on the road by yourself is that you don’t have anyone to rely on when things go wrong,” he said. “If your RV breaks down, or you get sick, you have to figure out how to fix the problem on your own.” This can be tough, but it’s also one of the things Ian loves about solo travel.
For anyone considering solo RV travel, Ian has some great advice: “Rent or borrow an RV or van and give it a try for a week or two. This will help you get a feel for whether or not you can deal with solo travel before making any major financial commitments.”
Ian has been on the road for four years. In the interest of safety, he generally avoids big cities, where there are more opportunities for problems, and spends most of his time camping on Bureau of Land Management land or at RV campgrounds. He feels fortunate to be able to afford stays in RV campgrounds when necessary, since he works a full-time, remote job.
For Ian, full-time travel can be lonely at times, but having something to look forward to can help. “I always try to have plans to meet up with friends at some location or other.” One of Ian’s favorite apps to use to meet people is wlfxhere.com, which allows him to connect with other dirt bike riders who will be in the same place at the same time as him. By connecting with others who share his interests, Ian is able to make friends and have positive experiences while traveling solo.
Nicoll can be found on Instagram @livingtinywithawolf
FINDING A WAY to fund travel is essential, which is why this is the number one mostasked question. The answer, however, is not so simple—from creative businesses to seasonal gigs to unique side hustles, our readers reveal how they make money on the road.
@whynotwander2
“Workamping and my smallbatch handcrafted clay earring business @wildwoodandclay!”
@gills_on_wheels
“I teach English as a second language online and also substitute teach sometimes.”
• Premium steel construction offers robust 20,000-lb. capacity
• Features patent-pending ShockDrop™ technology to reduce jerking and jarring
• Unique coupling system eliminates guesswork by offering visible contact surface
• 65% lighter than most traditional 5th wheels (main body weighs as little as 60 lbs.)
• Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J2638
• Mounting options for industry-standard rails (#16600) and most standard height gooseneck balls (#16602)
“I WONDER WHAT they do for work.” I remember the thought popping into my mind right after meeting the young, energetic couple staying at the campsite beside ours. It didn’t take long to strike up a conversation and figure it out. They were artists, creators, free spirits supporting themselves with their creations. A quick search on Instagram told me the rest of the story—they were creative badasses, making a living with the kind of work dreams are made of. At the time, I was a digital nomad working a remote 9 to 5 job, dreaming of writing a lot more and being on my computer a lot less. They had my attention.
By Celeste Orr
For the next three years, I followed the couple online, bought their programs, kept in touch with them, and took any advice they had to offer. I started meeting other creators, saw my own creativity blossom, and found the courage to start working for myself. But I was also watching to see how quickly their creative business would grow, or if they’d have to pivot. What I saw inspired me even more—they were making their creativity work for them in a big way. I recently found myself in the same campground as that young couple again, so I sat down with them and another creative couple to ask about living and working as creative nomads.
In 2016, Anna was working as a graphic designer in Los Angeles for a small business she loved while James was building his career in the film and photography industry, having already jumped a few dozen rungs on the ladder. But when they started dating and discovered their shared love for travel, everything changed.
Anna had always done creative work on the side, building her own graphic art portfolio and playing around with photography and social media platforms for fun. At the same time, James had been doing small film projects both for his own creative pleasure and for a few paying side gigs.
When they spent their honeymoon traveling in a van and loved it, their goals became clear—they wanted to leave the rat race, travel full time, and create their own jobs as photographers, artists, filmmakers, and brand ambassadors.
Anna started building vision boards and spending all her downtime on creative projects. She took classes, joined mastermind groups, and went on a couple of trips to Scotland and Bali that helped propel her into taking social media more seriously and building it into her own business. She found
herself loving the work.
James started increasing his side jobs and spending nights and breaks working on his own creative photography and film projects. With his employer’s blessing, he was able to use weekends and vacation time to build a stellar portfolio and his own client base.
They created a financial goal and told themselves they’d hit it by 2019. When they hit the tipping point, they went for it—they left their jobs and started traveling all over the world and working with their dream clients. They haven’t looked back since!
It sounds like pure magic, but Anna and James are quick to admit how hard they have to work to keep their dream life sustainable. They had loads of tangible advice to share for anyone interested in joining them.
“Sometimes it’s too easy to say ‘just go.’ The reality is you need to build your net while you’re falling. It’s both action and preparation at the same time, all the time.” Anna teaches at Adobe conferences and big events now, and she and James have brand partnerships, influencer chops, and a YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok following. It’s refreshing to know that doesn’t just magically happen.
“It’s actually a lot harder working for yourself because you have to set your own schedule and project timelines, but the good news is you can work anywhere, and there’s no ceiling to what you can make as your own boss.” When a person stops trading time for money and starts sharing experience, expertise, and quality outcomes in exchange for a client’s investment, everything changes. What doesn’t change is having a commitment to show up for your clients and for yourself, too.
“Mindset matters more than anything else. Once you switch your mindset you can see opportunities all around you.” Changing the way you see the world and yourself will allow you to see opportunities you wouldn’t have recognized before.
“We always looked at people doing what we wanted to do and said, ‘If they’re doing it, we can totally do it.’ The same is true for everyone—if we’re doing it, you can totally do it, if you want.” It won’t be overnight, the work will be grueling sometimes, and it may require you to take lots of side paths along the way, but you can create the life and work you love and do it.
Logan was living in his converted campervan on the West Coast, happily traveling solo as an artist. He’d left behind the concept of a traditional life and career path as soon as he realized his love for photography and the freedom it gave him.
Then he met Melanie, and they fell in love. They spent the next three years (and three van conversions) roaming the western United States, then switched to a class C during the pandemic and kept going.
When I asked Logan about his work and how it’s going, he was quick to let me in on his two-pronged approach to a successful creative career:
• Consistent work on as many personal projects as a person can manage
• A long-term full-time gig in the field
Their personal passion projects include Logan’s longterm photography book endeavor and Melanie’s woodburning hobby. They also create tourism videos for small towns
they love, design their own tattoos, book as many real estate photography shoots as possible, and are working on a new T-shirt business.
The long-term, full-time gig allows Logan to work as a photo editor for a large company, so he’s able to build his skills while he earns a consistent income. Melanie has also had several full-time gigs along the way.
As Melanie tells me about how they work together to find real estate photography gigs by meeting people in each town they visit and reaching out to people on Facebook Marketplace, it occurs to me to ask an important question: Could you ever see yourself giving up art completely?
“I’d go insane without my art. It’s not even about the money, it’s about fulfillment. And we get to share some really cool stuff with our family, too.”
Back home after the interviews, I comb through my notes and see similarities in the two couples’ advice for other creatives.
• Start before anyone pays you for what you’re doing.
• Be consistent and stay open to all kinds of opportunities.
• Hone your craft every day.
• Stay disciplined and work harder than you ever have before.
• Money can be a great motivator, but it has to be about so much more than that.
• Be okay working two or more jobs for as long as it takes.
• Family is important. Lean on them; love on them.
Now more than ever, I’m convinced anything is possible for creative souls working their creative jobs on the side, stepping into unfamiliar self-employment waters, and doing whatever else we need to do for our creative work.
Anna McNaught and James Bonanno can be found at leavethemaptravel.com; on Instagram @leavethemap, @annamcnaughty, and @jamesbonanno ; and at youtube.com/leavethemap
Logan and Melanie Fessler can be found at lf-studios.com or on Instagram @lfstudios1, @logan.fessler, and @melloadventures
Celeste Orr is the author of Togetherness Redefined: Finding a Different Kind of Family Togetherness. Connect with her at celesteorr.com or on Instagram @celeste_redefined
Nate and Christian, the husband-and-wife duo Project Trek, are full-time RVers who love to experience the outdoors with their two kids, Ella and Andersen.
After suffering from the financial collapse of a failed business, Nate and Christian decided to take matters into their own hands and began the process of pursuing financial freedom. After completing their debt-free journey, they realized there was still something missing. They had a deep rooted desired to travel and spend more time with their children. Inspiration for full-time travel came from a week-long trip in a borrowed RV. Shortly after, the family dove head first into full-time RVing in April of 2017, when they hit the road in their Open Range Fifth Wheel by Highland Ridge RV. They have no plans of going back to the suburban life! Follow along with them as they navigate road schooling, healthy living and forming a community for other full-timing families.
TEPPING
16-foot Airstream Bambi, the sun starts to illuminate the sky as a thin fog rolls through the meadow. Long grass gently sways in the breeze. The birds swoop from tree to tree, dancing between the branches as they sing good morning. I hold my hot cup of coffee against my chest with one hand, the other arm cradling my laptop. I place the steaming cup under my nose and breathe deeply. I sit at the picnic table and log in to my laptop as my alarm chimes—6 a.m.
I love mornings. I feel fresh and better able to focus. By the time I’m ready to work, I have been up for at least two hours, giving myself time for meditation, creative space, movement, and a cup of coffee before I get ready for my work day. This routine is especially important because a nomadic lifestyle can be unpredictable, and I thrive with a sense of normalcy.
I love my mobile office—I can work from the edge of a gentle stream, from the base of towering trees, or overlooking the ocean, and the views are ever-changing. On cold, dark, rainy days, I sit at my tiny dinette or stand at my kitchen counter. When the views are too good to miss, I sit on my bed at the back window with my dog on my lap. People often ask what I do for work. I write textbooks! I have always had a love of learning; I’m a self-proclaimed life-long learner. I started working remotely part time many years ago, and this evolved to full-time remote work in March of 2020. I spent the first year fully remote by day and wandering through my 2,000-square-foot house by night. Then I sold my house and almost everything I own, determined to downsize to a small or tiny house. I didn’t realize at the time that I would be purchasing my Bambi.
Currently, I work as a curriculum developer/instructional designer, creating instructional materials that teachers use in classrooms to facilitate learning. I meet with experts on specific topics, gathering as much information as possible about what learners need to know. The experts share resources and references with me, and I begin my research by consuming as much information
as I can. My goal is to understand the information so I can group it together into nice little chunks (lessons) and put it into a format that helps learners.
I craft course outlines, write entire textbooks, and write instructors’ books with guidance on teaching classes. I also write exams, create PowerPoint presentations, and work on other job aids and tools for learners and instructors.
I do very well writing in a quiet environment, so working remotely has improved my productivity. The quick commute also adds to my quality of life. I carefully schedule my work time in my calendar and try to stick to my schedule
as much as I can. Because I get started early, I am also off early, giving me afternoons and evenings free.
When planning my travel, I keep two things in mind—my work schedule for the week and the adventures I want to experience during my off-work time. When I move to a new location, I plan travel times after work, and occasionally early in the morning before work starts. I work fewer hours or take vacation days when needed, and I like to give myself time while traveling to make stops for adventures along the way.
Staying at an RV park or campground can create a challenge with my work schedule, as check-out times and
availability sometimes create a problem when I need to be working. The best solution is to plan ahead, read the rules, and plan for check-out times and checkin times. When I travel using resources such as Harvest Hosts, I message the host and ask if they will allow me to arrive or leave in certain windows that work with my schedule. Most are very accommodating, and sometimes there is a nice place to work along the route.
It’s important for me to have internet access for my work, and I use apps such as Campendium and RV Life to research cellular service strength. I have three options for internet access—my iPhone hotspot (Verizon), an on-board
I do very well writing in a quiet environment, so working remotely has improved my productivity. The quick commute also adds to my quality of life.
PepWave Max Wi-Fi router that came in my Airstream Connect (runs off AT&T signal), and Starlink satellite internet. Most places have one of these options for connection at varying strengths. Because the PepWave is always connected while I’m towing, I can check for Wi-Fi signal strength before selecting a spot to park.
I am still fairly new at the nomad life, and I’m always learning. Some days I wing it, but most days I try to have a plan so I know I won’t miss an important meeting or deadline. Most of all, I try to find balance and do what I can to take care of myself and my well-being. I take a break every two hours to hydrate, walk the dog, get a snack, and stretch. I set my alarm to chime when I’m off work as a reminder to switch off, which means turning off the laptop and storing it for the night. I fill my time outside of work with adventures, rest, movement, play, and seeking creative outlets. I ask myself—does this bring me joy? I find the more I do to nurture the joy in my life outside of work, the more joy I have at work.
For more on Angie’s work and travels, follow her on Instagram @naturegirlangie
HAS become more common than ever, thanks to the evolution of office infrastructure during the pandemic and companies’ success with the movement. Technology for digital nomads is also constantly improving, making it easier to do many jobs from the comfort of your home, even if that home is an RV. Here are five jobs that require minimal experience and can be done from anywhere.
If you excel at planning every aspect of your travels, working for a company that provides travel itineraries could be a great fit for you. Companies like AvantStay hire remote employees to help manage client travel planning and bookings, and to provide on-demand trip assistance for when travelers run into issues. Some of these services also provide travelers with safety information for each location.
Experience required: None, but some customer service experience may help with getting hired
Schedule: Varies depending on company and role
The demand for virtual assistants is on the rise, and since every client needs something different, you probably have the skills someone is looking for. Whether it’s administrative
management, creative assistance, or online support, entrepreneurs all over the world are looking for people to help fill the gaps in their skills. The Virtual Savvy has tons of helpful information on how to get started, including how to determine what services you can offer as a virtual assistant.
Experience required: None, but willingness to learn new skills helps!
Schedule: Generally part-time Monday to Friday, but varies based on the schedule you set with clients
People from all over the world pay tutors to teach them English and practice their conversational skills. Companies like Cambly only require that you are a native English speaker and have a computer with good audio and video capabilities—no degrees or teaching certificates are required. You can provide sessions when they fit into
your schedule, but tutors who schedule their sessions receive priority. Other companies, like Allschool, allow tutors to set up a profile and teach any subject, but they require teaching experience. There are several companies that offer jobs for remote English tutors, so be sure to compare their pay rates, scheduling practices, and requirements to choose the right one for you.
Experience required: None, but must be a native English speaker Schedule: Varies depending on your role and how much you want to work
Fulfilled By Amazon, or FBA, is one of the best ways RVers can sell on Amazon, because Amazon houses the inventory, ships orders directly to customers, and handles all customer service issues. This makes it really easy for digital nomads to create an income through what is called retail arbitrage.
Essentially, retail arbitrage means finding products at discount retail stores like Walmart, T.J.Maxx, and Ross, and selling them online for a profit. Our chief editor, Nikki Kirk, has been hugely successful with this method and shares tips in her online
course at yoursellingguide.com Many successful sellers have started with as little as $200, and Nikki replaced her Los Angeles-based salary in just four months, working part-time hours.
Experience required: None
Schedule: Varies depending on how much you want to work
While it’s potentially tedious work, data entry requires very little experience and can be a great way to earn extra money in your spare time. The actual tasks involved with data entry can vary depending on the company and the datasets they’re working with, but generally speaking, it includes manually entering information into a computer system. Applicants need strong attention to detail and basic computer skills. If you’re interested in learning more, you can take a course provided by Udemy that will give you the tools you need to get started.
Experience required: None
Schedule: Varies depending on your role and how much you want to work
MORE JOBS
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IF YOU HAD told 18-year-old me that I would be making a living cooking over campfires in the wilderness—we Aussies call it the bush—he would have been slightly appalled. (He was such a snob!) Back then, I was on track to become an investment banker and make millions. I imagined that by the time I was 30, I’d probably be living in Sydney or New York, driving an Aston Martin, and living in a mansion. I only liked camping and overlanding because I didn’t have the money to live the high life yet, right?
I finished college and went to work as a big-shot accountant, wearing a suit and tie every day. I enjoyed it, but whenever a rural file would come in, I would jump on it. Any excuse to get away to the bush!
I also found myself camping more than ever. I’d spend all week dreaming of Friday, when I would sneak out as early as possible to find a good spot to cook a meal and sleep under the stars. Nothing made me happier
than camping and having a beer with mates around a fire.
On these trips I was always in charge of the food, whether the others liked it or not. All week I would read blogs and recipe books, brainstorming things I had never cooked before that I could try to make on the campfire.
In May 2017, I was at Desert Queen Baths in the Pilbara (remote Western Australia) with a mate of mine, Ronny Dahl. Ronny was an ironworker who was obsessed with making YouTube videos. One night by the fire, Ronny told me he was impressed that on a 10-day trip, I had cooked everything over a fire (even when he brought us into camp at
11 p.m.), and I hadn’t cooked the same meal twice. He suggested I start an Instagram page and YouTube channel about my cooking.
The Instagram page sounded easy enough—I had worked as a photographer in college, and I had a bit of gear and some ideas—but I hated video editing, so YouTube was never going to happen … until I got bored on one camping trip. I launched Fire to Fork, and people seemed to be into it, but it was always going to be secondary to my career. I was getting that Aston Martin!
Then in 2019, the small software company I was working for changed
direction. I decided to resign and take a month or two to assess my options and find another job. I definitely didn’t want to do Fire to Fork full time, partially because I thought I would start to hate camping and cooking if it became work. Well, I never did get that new job. I gave up entirely on my Aston, married my girlfriend, Sam, and have never loved cooking or camping more. The recipes in my book are the highlights of that journey. This recipe — with steak, fire, salt, and a basic sauce — is my favorite meal to cook when I’m camping solo and just want something easy and super tasty. It’s what I’m cooking on the front cover of my book.
Fire To Fork is published by Exploring Eden Media. Get a copy
Serves: 2
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, diced or crushed
1 chili finely chopped (optional)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 steaks of your choice, I recommend bone-in ribeye
1/2 tsp. rock salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1. Dice the parsley, garlic, and chili and combine in a bowl with the oil and vinegar to make the chimichurri. Set aside.
2. If the steak you’re using is thick, reverse sear it by slowly cooking it offset from the fire until the internal temperature is about 15 degrees from its ideal doneness, being sure to regularly check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
3. Once your thick, thin, or somewhere-in-between steak is nearly done, it’s time to do the most important, but also easiest, bit—the sear. First, pat the steak dry with a paper towel and season it generously with cracked pepper and salt flakes or rock salt. This should be the last thing you do before you put it on the grill to sear it.
4. The surface itself doesn’t matter too much; you can use a cast iron frying pan, a grill basket, a hotplate, or simply lay the steak straight on the coals. Whatever you do, it should be scorching hot and burning cleanly without too much smoke.
5. Sear the steak until it has a nice brown crust all over it—this can take anywhere from 90 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on your fire. Ideally, you’re aiming for about two to five minutes of total cook time, depending on the size of the steak. Thick steaks take longer because you need to sear the sides, too. Grill until it has a nice crust and is the correct doneness for your liking.
6. Cut the steak into thin slices and spoon the chimichurri over it. Enjoy!
Harry shares more delicious cooking inspiration on Instagram @firetofork
Photo credit: Grace Picot @shotbygrace
from exploringedenbooks.com
By Shonda Sinclair
ON OUR WAY to De Smet, South Dakota to stay the night in a covered wagon at the Ingalls Homestead, ominous clouds swirled, and wind raced us as we pushed to outrun a tornado. I travel with my husband and three dogs in our camper van. Taking on fulltime travel has meant freedom, adventure, and bucket list checkmarks, including four of the Laura Ingalls Wilder home sites: check. After touring the Walnut Grove Museum and the Banks of Plum Creek historic dugout in Minnesota, we learned the storm was barreling toward us from the exact direction of our next destination.
We quickly reversed course and pulled into a KOA to shelter in place just as tornado sirens wailed. Hail pounded, rain pelted, and wind howled. At sunrise, we got back on the road toward the Laura Ingalls Wilder original homestead. As we drove, I imagined myself traveling this dusty route in a covered wagon behind a majestic team of horses, as did Laura’s family when they first arrived in Dakota Territory. De Smet, the “Little Town on the Prairie,” offers several ways to meet history. You can visit Laura’s home sites and see thousands of artifacts in the local museums. The Loftus store downtown is one of two remaining original historic wooden buildings. Its creaky floorboards still whisper of Laura and her family buying their supplies.
If you know the Little House on the Prairie book series, you know about The Long Winter of 1880-1881 when a blizzard
lasted from October through April and many townsfolk almost starved. If you didn’t read the books, you might still be inspired to know that Laura Ingalls Wilder did not publish her first book until the year she turned sixty-five. She is proof that it is never too late to do what you’ve wanted to do, including travel.
The original homestead is dotted with five Cottonwood trees that Charles Ingalls planted. A steeple-spired church and a replica schoolhouse beckon visitors to take a covered wagon ride around the grounds. During the summer season from May through September, children can hold the reins to drive the big ol’ draft horses. I was lucky enough to take a turn driving the team. Jingling
harness straps and creaking wheels added their music to our ride. My feet planted firmly on the buckboard, I leaned into the task while clucking to those horses. Gee! Haw! Ho! The horses turned and stopped as asked, and I tucked another life experience into my belt.
We made corn cob dolls with gingham fabric dresses tied on with yarn. We made rope and hay twists. Hay twists are twisted knots of hay or slough grass that were used by the Ingalls family to burn for warmth when their wood and coal ran out. I drove a pony cart. We pumped water from the well with an old hand pump and used a washboard and an old wringer washing machine to practice washing clothes the way they
did before electricity.
Our reserved covered wagon was near enough to the bathroom and gift shop to allow for easy access. Unlike in Laura’s day, these covered wagons have electricity. If you like, you can catch up on modern tasks and stream a movie on your laptop. There are showers on site to get you moving in the morning. After a day of exploring, we made a campfire outside the wagon and ate hot dogs while watching an orange sunset fade on the horizon. We slept cozily in our covered wagon under a vast sky full of stars and dreamt prairie dreams of wild historic adventure.
Find more of Shonda’s travels on Instagram @_shondasinclair
Perhaps other fifth wheel RV inspires owners like Montana. Built by generations of experienced craftsmen, Montana and Montana High Country are the pinnacle of luxury fifth wheel travel. Stunning interior design, profound attention to detail, and the highest quality materials come together in this collection of unforgettable RVs. With our eyes firmly on the horizon, Montana is driven to deliver innovation that transcends expectations and delights new owners, year after year.
Whether you’re traveling across the state or the country, audiobooks can be a great way to break up the miles of monotony. All of these books are available through libro.fm, an independent audiobook company.
Narrated by: Dion Graham
Genre: Childrens
Length: 3 hours 56 minutes
On a last-minute spring break trip with his grandma, 11-year old Scoob discovers the South through the eyes of his grandma and her travel guide: The Green Book. A fun and educational story, this adventure is perfect for the whole family.
Narrated by: Jacqueline Woodson, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Peter Francis James, Shayna Small, and Bahni Turpin
Genre: Fiction
Length: 3 hours 52 minutes
From the New York Times bestselling author of “Another Brooklyn” and “Brown Girl Dreaming” comes a story that demonstrates how critical decisions can make lifelong impacts—decisions often made at a young age, when consequences are not understood. As the author takes you forward and backward in time, we learn about the life of Melody through her parents and grandparents, including their ambitions and sacrifices.
Narrated by: Ben Onwukwe
Genre: Fiction
Length: 12 hours 20 minutes
Jamaican immigrant Hubert Bird lives the lonely life of a widower, lying to his daughter by describing a perfect retirement in their weekly phone calls. When his daughter decides to come for a visit, Hubert embarks on a quest to make his real life resemble the one he’s been describing all of these years. Throughout the scheme, he ends up renewing an old friendship, finding love, and realizing he had a community all along.
“Hubert’s adventures are hilarious and heartwarming, and Onwukwe’s depiction of him makes this production shine.” —AudioFile
“‘Red at the Bone’ is a slim novel that has all the heft of a family saga but reads like poetry... Woodson nailed the ending, leaving me thoroughly satisfied and awed by her talent.” —Lynn Neary, NPR
“A road novel that serves in part as a primer on important scenes and themes of the civil-rights movement... [A] poignant caper.”
—The Wall Street Journal
SUMMER IS THE perfect time to hit the open road in your RV and explore some of America’s most beautiful regions. But with so many incredible places to visit, how do you decide? Here are five of our family’s mustsee summer RV destinations that are sure to provide you with a memorable experience. Whether you’re looking for stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear lake views, or beautiful rocky beaches, these destinations have something for everyone. So pull out your map and start planning your adventure today!
After traveling to 42 states so far, Maine is our favorite summer destination. All of Maine is beautiful, but you just can’t beat the scenery and outdoor adventures found in Acadia National Park. Acadia has something for every RVer to enjoy. Whether you camp at one of the national park campgrounds or outside of the park, the mix of mountain and rocky coastal views is a sight to see.
While in Acadia, be sure to take a walk along the Ocean Path, which has overlooks at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff. A stop at the Jordan Pond House is essential—you can step back in time and enjoy a delicious popover on the lawn the way visitors have since the late 1800s. Don’t miss driving to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Most people flock to watch the sunrise, but it’s just as beautiful at sunset without the crowds.
One of our favorite lesser-known spots in Acadia is Little Hunters Beach, a favorite among locals because it’s somewhat hard to find and usually less crowded. This gorgeous spot is covered in uniquely colored, perfectly smooth round pebbles that rattle as the waves hit. Locate it on your mapping app before you enter the park, because it’s an unmarked location and phone service is poor near this area.
One great feature outside of Acadia National Park is the adorable seaside town of Bar Harbor, which is chock-full of cute stores and tasty local treats. Foodies love to visit Maine to indulge in lobster dishes and fresh Maine blueberry products. We are huge fans of lobster rolls and locally-made blueberry soda.
The best hidden gem in all of Acadia is a separate section of the park called the Schoodic Peninsula. This area is an hour and a half away from the main section of the park, but it’s worth the drive or ferry ride over. It’s every bit as beautiful as the main section of the park without all the crowds. It’s also the location of the big rig friendly national park campground, Schoodic Woods.
New Hampshire’s White Mountains are among the best summer destinations for outdoor fun. This area is truly a nature lover’s paradise, with beautiful and unique adventures for the whole family. The cog train was first invented here, and you can still experience this steep train trip to the peak of Mount Washington. This breathtaking ride is by far the most fun and relaxing way to reach the summit of the highest mountain in New England.
The White Mountains are also home to one of our favorite state parks in the country, Franconia Notch State Park. This park boasts incredible hiking and mountain views. One can’t-miss hike in the park is The Flume, a 2.2-mile rock gorge loop trail that really packs a scenery punch with waterfalls, rock formations, and covered bridges. Another must-do in Franconia Notch is the aerial tram to the top of Cannon Mountain. This scenic gondola ride drops you off at the top of a ski resort that offers a lookout tower and a short loop hike around the mountain peak. The views can’t be beat! At the base of the mountain is the New England Ski Museum. Most people pass this by, but don’t miss the opportunity to check out local skier Bode Miller’s World Cup and Olympic medals on display.
For a truly magical fun family day, check out Santa’s Village. This amusement park is a kid’s dream—all of the entertainment, rides, and treats are Christmas-themed, and it’s a unique thrill to visit Santa in the summertime. For us, the live reindeer you can feed are the highlight of the park. This place is so much fun, our daughter said she liked it better than Disney World!
If you’re looking for a summer destination that’s a little out of the ordinary, be sure to add Mackinac Island to your list. This small island in Lake Huron is only accessible by ferry, and once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There are no cars on the island, and we even saw a horse-drawn wagon delivering the mail.
The island is surrounded by gorgeous clear blue water and has several interesting rock formations, such as Arch Rock and Devil’s Kitchen. The best way to get around is by bicycle—you’re welcome to bring your own bike on the ferry or rent one when you arrive. It’s a blast to ride the 8.2 scenic shoreline miles around the island.
Another popular way to enjoy the island is by horse-drawn carriage. This is a great way to relax and experience the traditional method of travel from generations past. There are also many cute shops to check out, and don’t miss trying the world-famous Mackinac Island fudge. Mackinac Island is actually known as the fudge capital of the world!
Door County is probably the bestkept secret in Midwest travel. This little peninsula near Green Bay is surrounded by the scenic waters of Lake Michigan. The area is full of adorable towns with shops and restaurants on the water. There are also many cherry orchards here, and you can pick your own during the summer. You can find everything imaginable made with delicious local cherries, as well as lots of Wisconsin cheese.
One of the most unique places to eat is Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik. Not only is the food great, but the roof is made of grass and they have live goats that graze on the roof in the morning! They also have an outdoor bar area filled with fun yard games. This place is a blast!
After you’ve indulged in all the tasty local treats, why not enjoy some hiking? One trail not to miss is the 2-mile Eagle Trail in Peninsula State Park. It runs along the water’s edge with out-of-this-world cliff rock formations and caves. These formations are part of the Niagara Escarpment, which is a special geological formation of dolomite limestone. This hike is considered strenuous, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
One of our favorite West Coast destinations is Olympic National Park. This park is one-of-a-kind, not only because of the stunning scenery, but because it has so many unique biomes. Most people think about the mountainous areas, but while the mountains are incredible, the park also has sections of forest, beach, and temperate rainforest.
Don’t miss the coastal sections of Olympic National Park. Kalaloch Beach features the Tree of Life, a unique tree that seems to be suspended mid-air above its roots. There is also a national park campground and historic national park lodge near the tree right on the beach. It’s a beautiful location to stay or visit.
Ruby Beach is our favorite coastal area. All along the coast you will find interesting rock formations, including a tall keyhole formation. The day we went was brisk and foggy, and it was so eerie and beautiful to explore in the fog. If you can only visit one coastal spot in Olympic, make it this beach.
The Hoh Rain Forest was the biggest surprise in the park for us. The whole area is lush and dripping with moss, and we found many brightly-colored mushrooms we had never seen before while hiking. It’s a must-see in this park!
By Kathryn Frazer
THIS PAST SUMMER, we spent two and a half incredible months road tripping around Alaska in our home on wheels, and it was hands down the highlight of our three-plus years living on the road.
When we return to Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park will be one of the top spots on our list to revisit. In this one park, you can experience almost everything iconic about Alaska. During our three days exploring the park, we witnessed giant glaciers calving, hundreds of seals floating on icebergs, plus other wildlife, stunning mountains, and an endless sheet of ice. I think we said “wow” more times than we could count!
But beyond its beauty, what makes this park extra special is that anyone can enjoy it! With accessible activities in addition to the tougher experiences, folks of all ages and abilities can immerse themselves in its beauty. In this article, we’re sharing everything you need to know to visit the park yourself, including the best things to do, and a three-day itinerary.
Although you technically can visit Kenai Fjords National Park in the winter, the best time to visit is in the summer, when the trails are free of snow, boat tours are running, and there’s a bit more to do in the town of Seward. Keep in mind that Alaska summers are not quite the same as in the lower 48. It was rainy and chilly during our July visit, so we recommend packing layers and being prepared for changing conditions!
Seward is the best home base for those looking to explore the park, as it offers hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants, and is the launching point for any water excursions.
For those looking to boondock, which is what we did, there are a couple of areas off Exit Glacier Road, before the park entrance. These spots are right along a riverbed and have sweeping views of the area. However, it is a tight drive from the main road, so we wouldn’t recommend it for large RVs; just vans, truck campers, and tents.
We suggest spending at least two days at the park, which gives you enough time to experience it by water and foot. Three to four days will be better if you want to experience multiple hikes, take a handful of tours, or spend more time in Seward. We’re including a three-day itinerary at the end of this article!
Kenai Fjords National Park was established in 1980 and is named after the numerous fjords that have been created by the glaciers in the park. It’s home to forests, ocean, mountains, tons of marine and land wildlife, dozens of glaciers, and Harding Icefield, the largest icefield located entirely in the United States.
Unlike most national parks, Kenai Fjords is totally free to visit, minus any paid tours.
The park is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Be sure to carry bear spray, make noise while you hike, and brush up on what to do if you see either type of bear.
Similar to most national parks, dogs are not allowed on trails in the park.
We suggest booking any tours you’d like to take in advance, just to ensure you don’t miss out!
Harding Icefieldis located near Seward, Alaska
It is home to the largest icefield in the United States, the Harding Icefield 50% of the park is covered in ice
Kenai Fjords
Harding Icefield
If you can only do one thing at Kenai Fjords National Park, this is it! Since so much of the park is not accessible by foot or vehicle, getting out on the water is one of the best ways to see the glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and fjords.
We did a 7.5-hour tour with Major Marine Tours, and it was jaw-dropping. We saw more wildlife than we could count and got to witness multiple glaciers calving, which is when the ice breaks off and slams into the water, making a thundering roar.
It was truly one of the most spectacular days of our lives, and next time we hope to do the 8.5-hour Northwestern Fjord tour in order to see more of the park.
If you want something more adventurous, Liquid Adventures offers kayaking tours that take you out by boat to some of the same glaciers as the boat cruises, and gives you the chance to kayak by the glaciers!
This is the only area of the park that’s accessible by road. Exit Glacier is one of the many glaciers that stems from the Harding Icefield. It got its name from an expedition in 1968, when the first group of mountaineers to officially cross the Harding Icefield “exited” the ice at Exit Glacier.
There are a handful of short and easy trails in the Exit Glacier area that will take you to different viewpoints of the glacier. Some of these are stroller
and wheelchair accessible. We suggest hiking all of these trails, but we especially loved the Outwash Plains area, where we got to see the toe of the glacier head on.
The Harding Icefield is one of the wildest things we have ever seen! It covers about 700 square miles, is up to 4,000 feet deep, and is also the source of 38 glaciers in the park.
Viewing the icefield requires a 9.2-mile (round trip) hike, with 3,600 feet of elevation gain. It’s a tough hike and takes most of a day, but for those able to accomplish it, it’s one of the best things you can experience in the park.
The hike features a wide variety of scenery, from forest and mountain views to more barren, rocky land that felt like walking on another planet. And there is a good chance you’ll see some wildlife too, including marmots or even a bear!
You can actually go onto Exit Glacier while you’re in the park. Exit Glacier Guides offers a handful of experiences, including walking on the glacier, ice climbing, and helicopter tours. While we did not go ice climbing at Kenai Fjords, we did ice climb on another glacier in Alaska, and it’s a thrill!
Alaska is known for incredible fishing, and Kenai Fjords is no exception! There
Alaska is home to eight national parks, and only three are accessible by car. Kenai Fjords National Park is one of those three, but out of the park’s 600,000-plus acres, you can actually only drive to the Exit Glacier area.
The park is located on the Kenai Peninsula, and the Exit Glacier area is just 20 minutes from the charming seaside town of Seward, which is a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage. But a car isn’t the only way you can get to the park—you can also take a train from Anchorage to Seward, along the Alaska Railroad, which we hear is an amazing ride!
are many guides in the Seward area that can take you fishing in Kenai Fjords National Park, which is not only an epic fishing experience, as you catch many salmon, halibut, and rockfish, but also gives you spectacular views of the park and the chance to see wildlife.
You should definitely spend some time in Seward when visiting the park! Seward has different shops and restaurants, as well as some trails outside of the park boundaries, including Mount Marathon (4.1 miles round trip), Tonsina Creek Trail (3.4 miles round trip), and the Lost Lake Trail (13.8 miles round trip).
We spent about three days at Kenai Fjords National Park, including travel to and from the area, and were able to see the major highlights, including one tour and two hikes. Here’s how we suggest spending three days in the park.
• If you’re not already in Seward, head toward the park! The 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage is beautiful, so be sure to plan extra time to stop and enjoy the views.
• Grab some coffee with a view at Barrio Coffee + Kitchen in the Millers Landing area.
• Visit the Exit Glacier area of the park and hike the short trails.
• Spend the rest of the day in Seward.
Go on a tour with Major Marine Tours. This will take almost all of your day, but when you return, spend the rest of the day enjoying Seward.
• Hike the Harding Icefield Trail. Start early, as this will take up the majority of the day.
• Head to your next destination in Alaska or stay a bit longer to explore the Seward area.
Find more of Kathryn’s travel guides and adventure inspiration on Instagram at @adventuresofaplusk
-32.34972, 142.36888
We learned about this lake from our first road trip to the outback of New South Wales. We love it because it’s remote. There’s no internet reception, and it’s free to camp right next to the lake, so the water is just outside your door.
This spot is approximately 111 kilometers southeast of Broken Hill on a sealed road. Another starting point is Wilcannia town, 143 kilometers southwest on a mostly unsealed road. We were driving from Mungo National Park, and the road was unsealed and corrugated for approximately three hours. When we reached the outskirts of Broken Hill, we drove on a sealed road/ highway for about 10 to 15 minutes and turned off to a dirt road which is pretty much along Menindee Lakes.
The lake can be shallow, but is deep enough to swim, canoe, fish, boat, or even paddleboard. It’s a long lake, so there are many free camping spots, but it can get busy during peak season. The area is first come, first served. Because it is quite far from Menindee town, be sure to bring your own food and water. People can stay as long as they like with all the essentials.
Kinchega National Park is 30 minutes away from Menindee Lakes, so travelers and tourists can go there for a day trip, or even drive to Broken Hill for supplies.
Contributor Tedy Pham @ouradventerousdays
Vancouver Island, Canada
50.47750, -126.42673
This campsite, directly next to the Johnstone Strait, was a recommendation of our friends, but it can also be found on iOverlander. You need to drive a 30-kilometer gravel road, but it is in good condition and accessible with nearly every vehicle. The free recreation site has space for about 20 vehicles or tents, plus pit toilets and fire pits.
The most amazing part about this spot is that with a little luck, you can see dolphins, orcas, or humpback whales passing by. A three-legged bear lives in the area too, along with sea lions. One day we woke to the exhalation of a humpback whale. Three orca families also swam by, and a group of dolphins gave us a little show. It was incredible and made this campsite one of our favorites during our travels through Canada.
Contributors Judith and Arthur
@yoda.travels
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Stay clean on the road, and use this biodegradable soap just about anywhere. It gets bonus points for multiple uses, including hair, body, laundry, pets and more!
With a bucket of warm water and this portable handheld shower head, you can rinse off just about anywhere! Once charged, stick the pump end in a container of water and you're good to go.
With the Shower Toga, you can shower anywhere. This covers all and allows you to undress, shower, and get dressed again all in the privacy of your own personal space. It's a great alternative to a pop-up shower tent when traveling or living on the road.
When you don't have much space, but would like the convenience of a washing machine, this is a great option. It's collapsible, and allows you to get a few light items washed and spin dried.
Swedish dishcloths are an Earth-friendly alternative to paper towels. They are highly absorbant and can be used for months, plus are wash-and-reuse.
For those looking to upgrade their rig and enjoy the luxury of hot water on demand, check out Fogatti's tankless water heater. Enjoy hot showers on the road again!
Keep messes outdoors where they belong and have the option of using this sink outside. It's collapsible, so can easily be set-up and taken down when needed.
Upgrade to a composting toilet and be done with the black tank. It's an investment, but RVers that have these, love them!
Have a product you love and want to share? Tell us about it! Email collab@rootlessliving.com for a chance to have your product review featured in an upcoming issue.
Generations of campers have traveled toward their dreams with Cougar travel trailers and fifth wheel RVs. We invite you to explore the new 2023 floorplans featuring Amy Gray Signature Series interiors, iN-Command SMART RV control systems, SolarFlex solar power, and now shipping with best-in-class Dragonfly Energy Lithium-ion batteries.
