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Explore nomadic living with Kristin Hanes, who splits her time between a campervan in the U.S. and on a sailboat in Mexico. Learn how to work remotely, downsize and transition your lifestyle to full-time travel, whether you want to live the van life, go RVing, or live on a boat. Do you dream of exploring national parks in a campervan or an RV, or living on a sailboat in remote tropical coves? Do you want to ditch your mortgage and 9-5 day job for van life and don't know where to start? You're in the right place!
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In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, host Kristin Hanes interviews Eddie from the Vanabond Tales blog about his experience transitioning from van life to sailboat life. Eddie and his wife Kelly started out in van life, traveling through South America in a van they purchased, then building out their own van to continue adventures in Mexico. When Covid hit, they got stuck in Australia and decided to check sailboat living off their bucket list. They ended up falling in love with sail lif...
Feeling connected while living a nomadic lifestyle can be challenging. In this episode, solo female van lifer Courtney Stevenson shares her best tips for combating loneliness and finding community on the road. Courtney talks about how she leveraged social media connections to find and befriend fellow nomads online when she first started out. She then eventually met some of these internet friends in person while traveling. Courtney explains how attending van life gatherings and events is one ...
Running a business on the road as a digital nomad can be incredibly rewarding, but also confusing when it comes tax time. Our guest today, Heather Ryan aka The Tax Queen, breaks down key tax tips for nomadic entrepreneurs. Heather discusses making the leap from full-time RVer to international traveler, all while running her own business. She explains crucial mistakes that nomadic business owners often make when first getting started, like not tracking expenses properly or failing to open a se...
An Instagram-worthy van only goes so far - you need it to be functional and reliable for an enjoyable van life. Our guest, Kristen Bor from the popular outdoor and vanlife blog Bearfoot Theory, has lived on the road for 7 years and undergone 3 different van builds. She shares the nightmare experience of her first van build and the tough lessons she learned about hiring a custom van conversion company. Kristen walks us through the most important considerations when hiring a van c...
Want to turn your nomadic dreams into a reality without breaking the bank? Our guest, van builder and YouTuber Nate Murphy, has spent four years living the van life and boasts 18 years of experience building products, houses, and tiny homes on wheels. Join us as Nate shares his stories, challenges, and the joy of crafting your own space. We discuss the intimidating aspects of van building, including handling electrical and gas systems, and how you can approach these hurdles. Nate introduces ...
Imagine traveling the world in your camper van... and you never have to fill up the gas tank! In this week's episode, Kristin sits down with Sam Shapiro, CEO of the electric RV startup Grounded. Sam shares how the idea for Grounded was sparked after he converted his own van during COVID and traveled around the country for 6 months, constantly frustrated by issues with the gas engine and lack of available power. These pain points led him to conceptualize an electric camper van, free fro...
Are you ready to save money and live the van life? In this week's episode, I'll share my personal budget for life on the road, as well as some money-saving hacks I've discovered along the way. Of course, expenses for nomadic living can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle, just as they can in any living situation. But the beauty of van life is how flexible and customizable it is. And you have the significant advantage of saving money on rent or mortgage! Van life is n...
Have you wanted to travel to Baja in your campervan but just not sure how safe it is? What documents do you need? How easy is it to find campsites? We take a deep dive with van lifer Brooke Alexander, who drove Baja in her campervan last winter and is planning another trip this year. We navigate through the nitty-gritty, like border crossings, military checkpoints, and Mexico's indispensable FMM card. Brooke talks about finding campsites, essential gear, and why she recommends bringing you...
In this third and final episode of the Nomad Newbie series, we're diving deep into connections - how to make them, maintain them, and tips for getting connected from anywhere. First, we cover the ins and outs of maintaining a reliable internet connection while living a nomadic lifestyle with Cherie and Chris of RV Mobile Internet Resource Center. We'll start by identifying your specific needs, whether you're looking to casually surf or need a robust solution for those high-bandwidth activit...
Ready to lighten your load, both physically and mentally? In the second installment of the Nomad Newbie Series, we tackle downsizing - the first but often one of the hardest steps to transitioning to a life of freedom. With the help of two special guests, we share tips and advice for letting go of your possessions. Chris DeCroce, a former Nashville homeowner turned sailboat resident, successfully severed his emotional attachments to material possessions. He discusses the psycholo...
Introducing the Nomad Newbie series, where we've compiled some of the top tips from our guests on the hottest topics for aspiring nomads. Our topic this week is how to earn an income to support your nomadic lifestyle. This episode guides you through all of the options available to full-time travelers - from finding remote work, to becoming an entrepreneur on the road, to workamping. First, we hear from full-time RVer and remote work coach, Camille Attelle, who shares her insights on how to f...
What if you could ditch your 9-5 job, turn your passion into your career, and live life on the road? If you've ever wondered how to break into the world of photography to support your nomadic lifestlye, our guest, Quin Schrok, has you covered. Listen to Quin's inspiring story from when he left his job as a corporate accountant to travel across North America in his 1999 Toyota Corolla while learning the craft, to becoming a sought-after professional photographer and va...
Join me in this special episode recorded in Italy as I explore the stunning Dolomites, also known as the Italian Alps. Get an insider's look into my rental Road Surfer camper van, affectionately named the Cozy Cottage, as well as a rundown of the various camping options in Europe - from free, full service rest stops (called sostas in Italy) to luxury private campgrounds complete with wellness spa features. The Dolomites are not just a scenic backdrop but a culturally rich experience wa...
Want to live life on the road but don't know where to start? Our guest, Katie Larson from So, We Bought a Van, is here to share her wealth of experiences and insights as a seasoned full-time van lifer. Not only will she guide you through the practical aspects of choosing the right van and finding free campsites, but also the nuances and challenges that come with full-time van life. Nomadic living isn't just about choosing a vehicle - it's about choosing a lifestyle. Katie offers ...
Ever dreamt of selling everything and hitting the open road? Digital nomad and travel blogger Deborah Dennis did just that. This fearless world traveler decided it was time to explore her home country so she packed up her life, her two dogs, and her Airstream travel trailer, and started a journey across the country. Our conversation with Deborah is a deep dive into the realities of solo travel. Deborah candidly discusses everything from the fear of towing a trailer to the joys and challenge...
How do you know when it's time to leave life on the road behind and settle in to a home base? Tune in as we sit down with the adventurous duo, Joe and Kait Russo, who recently embarked on their journey from being nomadic wanderers to homeowners after six years of traveling full time. They share their experience of what it was like to initially start life on the road, when they realized it was time for them to transition back to a home base, and everything in between. Joe and Kait take ...
This week we're joined by Katie and Ben Zweber, the adventurous duo behind the popular travel blog, Two Wandering Soles, as they share their incredible experiences of exploring the world with their baby, Juniper. From the comfort of their custom-built camper van, to backpacking and flying overseas as a family, they have aimed to make the world their baby’s playground. We hear about how Katie and Ben customized their camper van for their growing family, what they did to help their daugh...
Ever wondered how to maintain a digital lifeline while leading a nomadic lifestyle? Envision the freedom of living on a sailboat or campervan, while still running an online business. My secret? The potent combo of a Visible cell phone hotspot and Starlink satellite internet. I'll break it down, exploring why Visible's $45 plan is perfect for me, and how it unlocks access to the 5G network and cross-border connectivity in Mexico and Canada. But, that's not all. Let's journey through the marve...
What's it like to swap the nomadic freedom of van living for the bricks and mortar security of a house? As I temporarily exchange my van life for house life, I've encountered an array of emotions and hurdles. The transition hasn't been smooth sailing— navigating my way from sleeping under the stars to being confined within four walls can be challenging, especially during a blistering heatwave. You don't always realize the significance of comforts like like a hot shower, or the convenience of...
Ready to transform your van into a dreamy home on wheels? We're bringing you something special with Steven Stolp, a pro in campervan conversions, who lays out the roadmap to help you envision and create your ideal van space. In our chat, he unveils the benefits of preplanning your layout, prioritizing your must-have features, and the unique edge you gain by sketching out your interior design with masking tape. And for those who are on the fence about what they want from their van build,...
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a nomad abroad, traversing the beautiful landscapes of Europe in a van? That's precisely the life Kathryn Bird from wanderingbird.com leads. In our enlightening conversation, she reveals her experiences on the road, contrasting the realities of van life and RVing in Europe versus the US. The chat also includes a peek into how passive income from travel blogs fuels our passion for this unique lifestyle. In one of the most thrilling parts of our con...
Overlanding in a truck camper in the Western US or exploring Europe in a self-built camper van? Join us as we embark on a journey of exploration with our guest, Sebastian Santabarbara. As a seasoned traveler and author of the books 'Van Life for Dummies', 'Road Life' and 'Tent Life', Seb has a wealth of knowledge to share about living on the road, building camper vans, and the ins and outs of pop-up truck campers. We learn about what it's like to travel in a Four Wheel truck camper based on...
1Ride along on a thrilling seven-month bikepacking journey across Europe, guided by our adventurous guest, Tobias Renggli, a 19-year-old Swiss university student. Toby's nomadic living took him through 44 countries, covering an average of 200 kilometers per day, as he sought to visit each nation's capital and highest mountain. Dodging wild dogs and navigating foreign terrains, Toby's epic adventure will have you gripping the edge of your seat. You'll hear about nights spent under the stars, un...
Ever dreamed of living life on the road, with the world as your backyard? Well, our guest Noami Grevemberg has not just dreamt it, but she's been living it every day since 2016! From adjusting to a Volkswagen Vanagon from a full-sized apartment, to the surprises that come with van life, Noami's stories are both inspiring and informative. She generously shares practical tips for those who might be considering this adventurous lifestyle and shares her love for her tiny home on wheels that's now...
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to abandon traditional living arrangements and embrace life on the road - or sea? Tune in for a little taste of both as we share what it's like to transition from winter on the boat to summer in the van. Learn about the process of taking our boat out of the water and preparing it to withstand the summer heat in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. In the second segment of our journey, we hear about what it's like to cross the border from Mexico to the ...
Have you heard of the Wingamm Oasi RVs yet? These tiny, luxury Italian-made RVs are taking YouTube in the U.S. by storm. And the best part? They are coming to the U.S.! In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, we chat with Tony Diamond, the CEO of W Motorhome Sales North America, the company which is importing the Wingamm RVs into the U.S. With their compact yet luxurious design, these Italian marvels have captivated European enthusiasts for over 45 years. Tony gives us a tour of...
Are you ready to power up your camper van adventures? I am super excited to be sharing a really simple solution to campervan electrical systems, something that stymies lots of DIY van builders. Join us for a chat with Gregory Keith, founder of Camper Van HQ and author of the Sprinter RV Conversion Source Book. We shine a light on the innovative EcoFlow Power Kit - a game changer that's redefining the DIY van life experience. Ever wondered about the common pitfalls of wiring a van sy...
Imagine living a life completely free from debt, traveling the world in a motorhome, a campervan and a sailboat, and making a living off your passion for blogging. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, the creator of the successful personal finance blog, Making Sense of Sense, this dream is her reality. Join us as we chat with Michelle about her incredible journey, how she conquered her $40,000 student loan debt in just seven months, and the different ways to grow ...
Ever wondered how to live the van life without actually owning a van? Join us as we chat with digital nomad and full-time traveler Jonny Mellon, who's found the perfect solution! Jonny shares his inspiring journey from converting a van in Australia to traveling the world using Travellers AutoBarn, a user-friendly rental service offering comfortable and well-equipped vans for a truly memorable van life experience. In this fascinating conversation, we discuss the differences between owning and...
Ever dreamt of hitting the open road, leaving the daily grind behind, and embracing the freedom of van life? Join us as we chat with Kristin Holden, who's been living the solo van life dream for almost four years across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Kristin shares her inspiring journey into van life, the vehicle she calls home, and the ups and downs of being a solo traveler. As a queer woman, she also opens up about the unique challenges and safety measures she takes to ensure her adventures ar...
Struggling with sweltering summer temperatures in your van? We've been there, and we're here to share our experiences and strategies for staying cool while living the nomadic life. Last summer in Oregon, we tried the Zero Breeze air conditioning unit, but it didn't quite hit the mark. So, we explored other options like rooftop air conditioners, but had to pass due to weight and space constraints. Thankfully, we discovered the game-changing Eva Polar Portable Swamp Cooler! This small, persona...
Navigating the sea of camping apps to find the best campsite can be a frustrating endeavor. I use just TWO APPS regularly to find campsites while traveling around in my Sprinter van during the summer months. We spend time both camping in paid campgrounds and boondocking (dispersed camping). We boondock 80% of the time, but also like to mix things up and stay in campgrounds, mostly for the convenience and amenities like hot showers, weater and garbage. Here are my two favorite apps I use...
Are you captivated by the van life movement and eager to get your OWN campervan? In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, we bring you an insightful conversation with the CEO of ExploreVanX, a company dedicated to connecting people like you with businesses in the van life community to help create the perfect adventure vehicles and get the van of your dreams. You'll learn about finding trustworthy van builders and even get the lowdown on the growing demand for used vans like the Mercedes S...
Are you struggling with how to insure your DIY campervan? I've been through the process myself and have learned quite a bit about the options available for insuring a campervan, especially for DIY builds. So far, I've insured TWO vans with different insurance companies. In this podcast episode, we'll talk about all the ins and outs of campervan insurance, what types of records you need to keep, and why it can be so hard to insure a DIY Rig. I also speak with Austin Green of Roamly...
If you're planning on living in a van, at one point or another you're going to have to try stealth camping. Stealth camping is when you park in or near a city and you're trying not to be noticed. You don't want anybody to think there's someone sleeping in a van. Stealth camping can be a bit disconcerting because oftentimes, you're parked where overnight parking isn't allowed. Or, you're just parking in a neighborhood and hoping nobody notices. Ryan Twomey specifically built his campervan for ...
Mental health used to be a taboo topic, but more and more young van lifers are bringing it to the forefront. In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, Katie Larsen dives deep into her own struggles with mental health, her advice for others who might be dealing with mental health issues on the road, and her journey to a better self through discovery, therapy, and self-healing through van life. What We Cover in Episode 31 of The Wayward Home Podcast Why Katie started living in a van in the ...
When we’re out on our sailboat in Mexico I am often thinking about trash. We have to rinse out, crush, compress and store our trash, sometimes for over a week - and then carry it to shore in a dinghy or on a paddleboard. It’s an annoying process that makes me seriously want to reduce the amount of trash I create both on the boat and in the van. And not only just GARBAGE, but food waste as well. In fact, I recently read a startling article in the New York Times about food waste whe...
Lots of people wonder how to make money while living the van life. Sierra Eberly did just that by ditching the corporate 9-5 life and creating her own business on the road called Boondock Consulting. Sierra is the first to admit this wasn't an easy process, and she had to overcome fear to say goodbye to her steady paycheck and go out on her own. In this podcast, Sierra gives tips and tricks for becoming a CEO from your campervan, and what she's learned along the way. Find Sierra here: ...
Starting van life can be challenging. There's so much to learn! From where to park and sleep, to how to stock your kitchen, to dumping black tanks if you have a Class B RV that comes with those. The learning curve can be pretty big, and we've all had those moments where we aren't sure what we're doing. I interviewed Our Mixed Journey for this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, which is a rebroadcast from the Van Life Virtual Summit. You can still get an All Access Pass for the summit, which...
So, you want to get a van converted? Many companies will quote you EXTENSIVE wait times, dashing your hopes of getting a campervan in time for the summer months. Brady Severt is trying to change all that with his new company Gravity Vans, which will get you a converted van in just SIX WEEKS. Check out Gravity Vans here: https://www.gravityvans.com/ And go here to see the full show notes with pictures of Brady's tiny house on wheels: https://www.thewaywardhome.com/episode27 Support the show...
When researching van life or RV living, you might not often come across box truck conversions. But these rigs are affordable, easy to build out and have a good amount of space. In this episode, I'm talking to Kurt Bradler, CEO and founder of Contravans, a van conversion company in Colorado that works on all types of vans, including box trucks! If your interest is peaked about box trucks and the pros and cons for van life, you'll want to give this one a listen. Check out Contravans: ht...
When Kressa Peterson was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had to undergo a double mastectomy. To help her heal and find herself again, Kressa started doing dirty, muddy Spartan races. What she soon discovered was that there was no easy way to shower when traveling to these races in her Land Cruiser, which she also used for sleeping and camping. Hence, the Shower Toga was born! Kressa started using her Shower Toga in a parking lot when she finished running a race, and people started asking he...
If you watch Scott Tatum on Instagram and TikTok, you’ll be struck by his message. He’s open, honest and REAL: staring right into your eyes as he gives you his daily “friendly reminder,” which encourages you to know your worth, live your best life, and take care of yourself. Scott is in his lower 60s and is a nomad, living and traveling full-time in a Four Wheel Truck Camper. This episode is sponsored by Four Wheel Truck Campers. Follow Scott on Social Media: ucanoutdoors on Instagram&nbs...
Are you wondering how to go to the bathroom in a van? Should you try a composting toilet, a bucket with a bag, or just digging a hole? In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, we're exploring all the ways you can go to the bathroom in a van with Engineers Who Van Life. How to find Engineers Who Van Life: Engineers Who Van Life on InstagramEngineers Who Van Life WebsiteLinks mentioned in this podcast: Cuddy composting toiletCuddy review Shower in a Bench Design plans101 Guide to Bui...
Sometimes, finding the best products for your campervan and getting help on your van build can be REALLY difficult. You typically have to browse tons of different platforms and company websites for everything you need. Ben Quesnel, a 4-year on-the-road nomad, founded Simpler Ways to try to change that. Simpler Ways is like the REI for van life, DIY tutorials, foldable laundry basins and other products to help modern nomads on the road. They also have a section dedicated to surfing and y...
Are you a van lifer, RVer, or sailor looking to turn your nomadic lifestyle into a profitable venture? It can happen! In this episode, we will explore various methods for making money as a travel blogger while living the van life. From sponsored posts and affiliate marketing to creating and selling your own digital products, we will cover it all. Laura Peters is our guest on this episode of The Wayward Home Podcast, where she talks all about scaling her own travel blog and creating a course t...
Are you wondering how to get rid of all your stuff, sell a business and hit the road in a tiny trailer? That's exactly what Justin and Kandace did. This couple has shared their passion for camping and travel ever since they rented a teardrop trailer and went on a camping trip shortly after they started dating. That first trip was the catalyst for many more camping adventures to come. Shortly after that first trip, Kandace bought a 10-foot teardrop trailer so they could go on weekend camping...
Logan and Taryn Pickard live on a 40-foot sailboat off Vancouver Island, BC, some of the most challenging cruising grounds in the world. And they decided on sailboat life when they had no sailing experience at all. In this episode, you'll learn why this couple chose a liveaboard boat, how they manage the crazy wind and current conditions, and how they learned how to forage to become as sustainable as possible on water. You can find Logan and Taryn below: Wayward Life Sailing on ...
Have you ever wondered what it's like being a campground host? RVer Kathy Belge loves it! She spent an entire season being a volunteer campground host around Oregon, and tells us all about and why she recommends campground hosting. Kathy's Links: Podcast host and writer Kathy Belge encourages women to live out their travel dreams by sharing stories, tips and advice from solo women travelers at https://solowomenrv.com/https://solowomenrv.com/solo-women-rv-podcasts/https://www.instagram.com/...
Have you ever wondered how to make money blogging? In this episode, I tell you all about how I made my website, The Wayward Home, a money-making machine. It took tons of time and effort but I hope this episode inspires you that it IS POSSIBLE. Sign up for my FREE 5-day How to Start a Blog course. Or you can join my BRAND NEW Niche Site Course here: Niche Sites for Nomads: The Nomad's Guide to Making Money Online Links and Resources DM me on InstagramVisit my YouTube channelThe Wayward Home...
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