This essential guidebook for anyone looking to hit the road, from the weekend warriors to the full-time nomads, combines practical information, inspirational photography, and engaging stories of travel and adventure. It helps the reader transition past the 9-5 to the nomadic lifestyle, and then guide them to the best vistas, hikes, and adventures in the country. Get the inside scoop on building out a van, from insulation to plumbing, building a budget, and staying safe and well on the road.
Inside you'll find
5 Suggested Road Trip Itineraries complete with maps, highlights, and stop information:
- Denver, Colorado to Whitefish, Montana
- Moab, Utah to Yosemite National Park, California
- Seattle, Washington to San Francisco, California
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia to Charleston, South Carolina
- Millinocket, Maine to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
The van guide to National Parks:
- Northeast
- Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
- Southeast
- Congaree National Park (South Carolina)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)
- Midwest
- Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
- Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota)
- West
- Yellowstone National Park (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming)
- Yosemite National Park (California)
- Redwoods State and National Park (California)
- Southwest
- Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
- Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
- Zion National Park (Utah)
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)
- Northwest
- Glacier National Park
- Olympic National Park
Roxy and Ben Dawson have been writing about their outdoor adventures for over ten years. Their first title with FalconGuides, Falcon Guide to Van Life, was written after living full-time in their van for over four years. Both are from the East Coast but found their stride, and each other, in Colorado. Since then, they have hiked thousands of miles and shared their love of the outdoors with anyone who will listen. You can find them on their website at benthereroxythat.com or on their personal Instagrams, @roxyjan_ and @meetmeonthemountain.
Introduction
Dream + Prepare
CHAPTER 1 Defining the Dream
- What is Van Life?
- Why Pursue Van Life?
CHAPTER 2 Building a Budget
- Vehicle Costs
- Build Out Considerations
- Living Budget
CHAPTER 3 Choosing a Vehicle
- Types of Vans on the Market
- Considerations Before Purchasing
CHAPTER 4 Making Your Van a Home
- Quiet and Cozy
- All Things Electric
- Climate Control
- Where There’s Water There’s a Way
CHAPTER 5 Less IS more
- Keep, Sell, Donate, Toss
- How to Travel Lightly
- Maintenance
Travel + Thrive
CHAPTER 6 Live, Work, Stay connected
- Income Options
- Working From Your Van
CHAPTER 7 Nourishment and Coffee
- Cooking Options
- Food Storage
- Sample Van Meals + Dessert
- Morning Coffee
- Clean Up
CHAPTER 8 Van Life Basics
- Boondocking 101: How To Find A Free Campsite
- Getting Down To Business: Where To Go #2
- Keep it Clean
- Mail Call
- Topping Off the Water Tank
CHAPTER 9 Stay Safe, Stay Sane
- Keep Your Vehicle Safe
- Keep Yourself Safe
- Keep Yourself Sane
CHAPTER 10 Bring Your Pet Along for the Ride
- How to Start
- Food and Water
- Exercise
- Dirt in Your Home
- Health and Leaving Your Animal Unattended in Your Vehicle
- Extras
Exploring + Beyond
CHAPTER 11 Vanlife in the National Parks
- Northeast
- Southeast
- Midwest
- Badlands National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
- West
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Redwoods State and National Park
- Southwest
- Canyonlands National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Northwest
- Glacier National Park
- Olympic National Park
CHAPTER 12 Suggested Road Trips and Itineraries
- Denver, Colorado to Whitefish, Montana
- Moab, Utah to Yosemite National Park, California
- Seattle, Washington to San Francisco, California
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia to Charleston, South Carolina
- Millinocket, Maine to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
CHAPTER 13 Stay Connected and Keep On Keepin’ On
- Build Your Community
- Vanlife Apps to Keep it Rolling
- Keeping Your Close-Knit Community
- Where to Go From Here
CHAPTER 15 Checklists to get you started
- General Packing Checklist
- Kitchen Packing Checklist
- Winter Packing List
- Packing List For Pet Owners
- Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
- Living Budget Worksheet
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