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Do you live in your van full time, or do you have a home base?

I did vanlife full-time from 2021-2023. I still use Herm part-time to travel a few times a year. I currently home base out of North Idaho and live on a 6-acre homestead with 3 other families in my 2025 custom Tiny House from TinyIdahomes!

How do you afford to travel while living a nomadic lifestyle?

I was working remotely for an IT company when I first started vanlife. After about a year, I was laid off and took a 9 month sabbatical. Due to my overhead being so low, I was able to live off of unemployment and my VA disability pay. In March of 2023 I started picking up some part-time work and quickly found myself juggling 7 part-time jobs. In March of 2024, I got a full-time job at the local hospital in their IT department.

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What safety precautions do you take when traveling solo?

I like to have 2-3 options for where I'll park for the night, especially in new locations. At night, I lock my doors and put up window covers for added privacy. And I secure the driver’s door with a seatbelt hack I found on online.

My best practice while not in the van is faking it. I've found that acting like I know where I am or going has kept me safe, especially in foreign countries. I wear a ring on my left hand to give the impression I’m not alone. I also exercise my 2nd amendment rights and share my location with friends and family and keep them updated if I'm heading out on a remote hike or adventure.

What's the most essential gear you always travel with in your van?

Living in my van means I’ve got everything I need packed into a small space, but there are a few essentials that I never travel without. On the practical side, items like DEF fluid, a shore power adapter, an extension cord, and a potable water hose keep my van running smoothly and my power and water supplies in check. My hotspot device helps me stay connected, and I carry a shovel, mechanic’s gloves, a lighter, firearm with spare ammo, headlamp, and a fire extinguisher for safety and emergencies. I always keep a small broom and dustpan to keep things tidy, and a pair of cozy slippers for unwinding after a long day. Magnets are a surprising must-have for hanging gear or securing things while in the van. These essentials make life on the road easier and safer.

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What are some of my favorite apps while traveling?

Navigation - Google maps (offline), Alltrails+

Cheap airfare/flights - Google Flights, Skyscanner 

Places to stay - Ioverlander, Sekr, hipcamp

Weather - Accuweather

Itenerary/travel planner - Wanderlog

Gas Discounts - Gasbuddy

What inspired you to transition from military life to van life?

It was through social media and Instagram that I first became intrigued by the idea of van life. During 2019/2020, my ex and I often talked about pursuing a nomadic lifestyle, but we ultimately chose a more traditional route, buying a 5-acre off-grid homestead in Southern Colorado. In January 2021, I went Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) with my Reserve unit and ended my abusive relationship. The homestead, while beautiful, was isolating and was a constant reminder of the trauma I endured. I knew this was my second chance at life, and van life became more than just an intriguing concept—it became my path to healing and rediscovery.

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