The Downs

I discovered the most challenging part about van life just recently when I got food poisoning and had bodily fluids coming out of both ends. As you can imagine, that is challenging even when you have a bathroom in your home. Thankfully I have an amazingly supportive and loving community of friends who took care of me, so I was able to hang out inside with a bathroom and good company. In usual circumstances, not having a bathroom is probably the only challenge of van life, but I usually start my day at the local co-op or coffee shop where I can use a restroom and also socialize with the morning birds of the area. When nature calls in the middle of the night, I call to nature like an Earth mama would.

Go-To Van Items

Squeegee: For the morning condensation on the windshield

Incense of any variety: To keep life smelling sweet.

My dog, Koda: For vital companionship to my lifestyle. I am not sure I would be able to live van life and travel alone if I didn't have her. I could, but it would be different.

Showering, Parking & Health Insurance

I get asked a lot about where I park and where I shower. Residential parking where I can blend in is always my go-to. However, nothing beats being the only vehicle or home for miles in wide-open spaces or in a forest, looking up at the stars from my bedroom or listening to a fire crackle. Natural water sources are a gypsy's paradise for bathing or recreation. When I am in a city, I shower in either a yoga studio, which gives me a chance to practice and meet like-minded people, or I use a 24 Hour Fitness gym, which are conveniently located in almost every city.