It was 103 degrees in Rome, and I was standing in line at the Colosseum wondering if I’d made a terrible mistake. My shirt was soaked through, my energy was tanking, and the couple next to me looked remarkably comfortable — each wearing a sleek device around their neck that was quietly blowing cool air. … Read more
I’ve been dangerously sick from bad water exactly twice in my traveling life. Once from a seemingly innocent tap in a coastal Mexico town, and once from a backcountry stream in Wyoming that I was too tired to filter properly. Both times taught me the same lesson: clean water isn’t a luxury, it’s the foundation … Read more
I’m standing on a ridge in the Smokies when the sky splits open. No warning, no gentle drizzle to ease me into it—just a wall of water that turns the trail into a creek in about thirty seconds flat. And you know what? I’m fine. My pack’s dry, my phone’s dry, and I’m actually enjoying … Read more
The Game-Changing Freedom of Powering Your RV While You Drive There’s a particular kind of anxiety that strikes every RVer when you’re miles from the nearest campground, watching your battery monitor dip toward that dangerous red zone. Maybe you’ve been there— parked in some stunning dispersed camping spot, far from electrical hookups, doing the mental … Read more
Why E-Bikes Are Transforming Van Life Adventures The freedom of van life meets the thrill of two-wheel exploration in a combination that’s redefining adventure travel. Electric bikes have emerged as the ultimate campervan companion, solving the perennial dilemma of how to explore beyond your parked vehicle while carrying everything you need. No longer limited to … Read more
I’ve done some questionable things for coffee on the road. Brewed grounds in a sock over a campfire in Big Bend. Paid eight dollars for lukewarm convenience store sludge outside of Amarillo. Once, in a moment of pure desperation somewhere along Highway 50 in Nevada—dubbed the Loneliest Road in America for good reason—I dissolved instant … Read more
I’ve logged somewhere north of 2,000 miles on trails across North America over the past eight years, and if there’s one piece of gear that can make or break your day hike, it’s the pack on your back. Too small and you’re leaving essentials behind. Too big and you’re carrying dead weight. The wrong suspension … Read more
Why Natural Light Matters in Van Life There’s something magical about waking up to sunlight streaming through your windows, even when your bedroom happens to be on wheels. After spending three years living out of a converted campervan, I’ve learned that natural light isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for mental health and making a small … Read more
The Weather Whiplash Reality of Spring Camping I learned this lesson the hard way in Yosemite back in April 2022. One day I’m hiking in a t-shirt under brilliant sunshine, the next I’m huddled in my tent watching snow pile up on my rain fly. Spring camping in national parks serves up this kind of … Read more
The dream of quitting your job, buying a van, and traveling full-time used to mean completely disconnecting from the digital world. No video calls with family. No streaming movies on rainy days. No GPS navigation beyond downloaded maps. But in 2026, van life and remote work are not just compatible—they are becoming the norm for … Read more