Van Life: A Journey to Liberation from Societal Norms
For years, I found myself captivated by the allure of #vanlife, watching countless videos of people transforming their vans into cozy mobile homes and embarking on nomadic adventures. Yet, I deemed it an unattainable dream, tethered to a traditional lifestyle that society had prescribed for me – a college-educated, career-driven individual on the path to a stable income, homeownership, and the conventional markers of success.
Embracing Every Curve: Body Inclusivity in Vanlife
As a vanlifer who spent over two years living on the road, I can attest that it was the most liberating decision I ever made for myself. Yet, in the picturesque world of vanlife and the ski community, my plus-sized identity often felt underrepresented.
Sunnie with a chance of SNOW STORMS
After months of preparations, building, planning, glueing, anxious excitement, and dog drama, this trip was the "biggon".
To begin, I want to preface this by saying, this trip made me confident! In myself as a woman traveler, in Sunnie as a fully equipped livable rig, and in my friends for being THE BEST EVER. This journey came with its hardships, but was WAY outshined by its amazing memories.
Death Valley: New Friends in the Van
With a name like Death Valley you know just how important it is to visit at the right time. As a hater of heat, I chose to go in winter so I could enjoy the absolutely beautiful landscape in the comfort of a cozy sweatshirt. My friend Sarah (we’ve been besties for 13 years now!!) isn’t entirely into the full time “vanlife” thing, but she still wanted me to show her the ropes so we planned a little weekend friend-cation for just the two of us.
The Grand Canyon: Our Maiden Voyage of VanLife
And so it begins...
Have you ever wanted to do something so badly that once you’ve accomplished it, it doesn’t even feel real? That is exactly what this trip felt like for me