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 life, ...
Dec 27, 2023•37 min
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 of t...
Dec 20, 2023•36 min•Ep. 65
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 separ...
Dec 13, 2023•32 min•Ep. 64
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 conversion company...
Dec 06, 2023•44 min•Ep. 63
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 the ...
Nov 29, 2023•35 min•Ep. 62
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 from the mai...
Nov 22, 2023•41 min•Ep. 61
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 not one-size-fits-all; th...
Nov 15, 2023•25 min•Ep. 60
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 your own ...
Nov 08, 2023•42 min•Ep. 59
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 activities l...
Nov 01, 2023•26 min•Ep. 58
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 psychological aspects of...
Oct 25, 2023•11 min•Ep. 57
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 find ...
Oct 18, 2023•31 min•Ep. 56
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 vanlifer, capturing uniquely b...
Oct 11, 2023•47 min•Ep. 55
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 waiting to b...
Oct 04, 2023•20 min•Ep. 54
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 valuable advice ...
Sep 27, 2023•37 min•Ep. 53
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 challenges of ...
Sep 20, 2023•35 min•Ep. 52
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 us through...
Sep 13, 2023•47 min•Ep. 51
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 daughter get co...
Sep 06, 2023•41 min•Ep. 50
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 marvels o...
Aug 30, 2023•21 min•Ep. 49
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 fre...
Aug 23, 2023•23 min•Ep. 48
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, Steven's...
Aug 16, 2023•30 min•Ep. 47
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 conversa...
Aug 09, 2023•26 min•Ep. 46
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 Seb'...
Aug 02, 2023•32 min•Ep. 45
Ride 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, unexp...
Jul 26, 2023•30 min•Ep. 44
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 an...
Jul 19, 2023•32 min•Ep. 43
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 US in a va...
Jul 12, 2023•25 min•Ep. 42
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 these intri...
Jul 05, 2023•35 min•Ep. 41
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 system? We've g...
Jun 28, 2023•38 min•Ep. 40
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 a b...
Jun 21, 2023•31 min•Ep. 39
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 ren...
Jun 07, 2023•24 min•Ep. 38
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 are b...
May 31, 2023•27 min•Ep. 37
