Van Life: A New Alternative to RVing

RVing isn’t a hard sell.

Want to live life on the road, free from a monotonous day-to-day? Get an RV. Looking to meet other adventurous and like-minded travelers? Head to an RV park and start up a conversation. Dreaming of exploring the farthest reaches of the American frontier? Just load her up and press the gas.

The best part? RVers can do all of the above without saying goodbye to their home or their favorite amenities, from hot showers to comfortable beds.

While RVing comes with a few lessons learned, the merits aren’t hard to see.

Every year, newcomers leave their traditional homes behind to start a new life in their RV. In fact, one report from RV Nerd found that 2024’s RV sales numbers are up 11.1% from 2023. From travel trailers to fifth-wheel options, sales are increasing.

It seems that Americans are highly intrigued by the idea of a life lived fully on the road.

But not all roadies are interested in the standard RV fare.

Thanks to trending ‘van life’ social media accounts and a desire to get out of cities, there’s a new horizon in the realm of living on-the-go. Rather than opt for larger RVs, some Americans are gearing up camper vans.

Compared to the standard RV, camper vans are smaller and less amenity-packed—or more agile and off-road ready, depending on how you want to look at things.

Ever wondered about the merits of buying and customizing up a camper van versus an RV? Here’s what you need to know.

Rugged-ready adventures

Life on the road is inevitably more compact than life lived in an apartment or home.

And when it comes to comparing van life versus RV-living, that distinction is even greater. The average camper van is smaller than the average RV, which often poses challenges in terms of storage, electrical capabilities, and just about every other feature.

Except when it comes to getting into nature.

Vans are more agile, which makes it easier to explore national parks, reserves, and other remote destinations. Because vehicles are lighter, they’re better prepared to maneuver to off-road positions, especially those that offer jaw-dropping views.

To put it simply, vans are more ready for rugged adventures far from civilization.

DIY dreams

Vans also outmaneuver RVs when it comes to customization.

That isn’t to say that RVs aren’t customizable. However, most companies pack as many features into their RVs as possible in order to minimize the amount of work buyers have to do before hitting the road.

In other words, RVers are usually looking for the features they need when shopping around for their latest vehicle.

By comparison, vans are cheaper and easier to customize. That’s especially true for those who know a thing or two about carpentry, electric work, and plumbing—or those who know professionals that do.

That being said, there’s limited space in a van, which means they aren’t infinitely customizable. That’s doubly true when you factor in considerations like weight.

So this isn’t a no-holds-barred focus on DIY tinkering. It’s instead about minimalism and functionality.

All those cherished amenities

Broadly speaking, RV life comes with more comfort.

Van life, on the other hand, requires sacrifices related to space and amenities. That being said, adventurers who live out of their vans don’t need to sacrifice all the things they love the most.

If you want to see what’s really possible living inside a van, I suggest checking out this blog from Court & Nate. They’re a van-life couple with a bespoke vehicle that takes them to the US’s most stunning parks. They live with their Doberman and cat inside the van—and it looks comfortable to me.

Not only do they live with pets, but they also have modern amenities like Wi-Fi, hot water capabilities, a lovely shower, and even a compost toilet.

In other words, van life doesn’t mean ascetic living. In fact, the rules are constantly being rewritten when it comes to van life.

Who is van life best geared towards?

Van life requires a minimalist approach, no matter which way you paint it.

While that doesn’t mean saying goodbye to modern amenities, it usually involves a simpler lifestyle. In exchange, there’s the freedom of the open road—which doesn’t require hitching at RV parks.

So if you’re a do-it-yourself adventurist with a more limited budget, van life is for you. If you’re interested in customizing your van to meet your specific needs, even better.

The easiest way to start living in a van (down by the river), is to explore van blogs that introduce the basics. These resources can help you learn about the most important features of a starter van, along with things like electrical setups, compost toilets, water storage and heating, and more.

Here are the blogs I suggest exploring:

Water Worlds: US Cities that Use Ferries as Public Transportation

Who cares about an Uber when you can take a ferry to get around?

As cities become more congested, new solutions are emerging, from car-free districts to expanded public transport. You might have seen headlines covering Swiss workers who choose to get home by floating down a river.

While ferries aren’t nearly as cool as floating down a pristine river, they’re pretty close.

Especially for city slickers.

If you’re heading to these US cities anytime soon, consider tacking on ferry transportation to your itinerary. They’re more exciting than a taxi, smoother than a bus, and way more calming than a metro or train.

New York City

For decades, the Staten Island Ferry has serviced New York City.

As the oft-forgotten borough, the Staten Island Ferry has been a lifeline for locals. (And it’s also a bit of a cultural icon, having been shouted out in series like Sex and the City, amongst others.)

But New York City’s transport authority rolled out a brand-new plan over the last few years, sometimes known as the Waterway program. The city’s ferries now connect all five boroughs.

I have family in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn who regularly take them, as they’re faster than the metro and way more relaxing than a car trip.

If you want to use NYC’s Waterway ferries, simply use Google Maps or another top-tier app. It now incorporates the city’s ferries into its routes. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to buy tickets before boarding.

Bay Area

The Bay Area’s ferries aren’t quite as integrated as New York City’s, even if they’ve been around in some form or another for around 150 years.

The Golden Gate Ferry is the most well-known, offering routes between San Francisco and nearby points in Marin County and beyond.

There’s also the San Francisco Bay Ferry, which provides routes all around the San Francisco Bay. Some of its routes only run on weekdays, along with certain seasonal routes.

As with NYC’s ferries, San Francisco’s also offer some food and drink options for passengers.

Outer Banks

This popular vacation spot offers vehicular ferries and passenger ferries.

Both make it easy to hop around the various coastal islands and destinations with routes between Hatteras and Ocracoke.

I suggest looking into both ferries if you’re heading to a coastal resort or rental in North Carolina. Not only do they help transport you from Point A to Point B, but they can also be used to reach unique activities, like bird-watching, parasailing, surfing, and more.

New Orleans

San Francisco has been using ferries for well over a century—but New Orleans has the longest-running pedestrian option in the US.

The Canal Street Ferry has been safely transporting locals from Canal Street all the way to the Algiers Point neighborhood across the city… since 1827.

I don’t often see the Canal Street Ferry covered in relation to transportation in NOLA. That might be because of its catchier streetcar offerings. But the ferry is hugely popular for locals, and it’s been a staple for tourists in the know, as it offers an incredible view of the skyline and downtown New Orleans.

Hoh Rainforest: How to Visit a Rainforest Without Leaving the US

The US isn’t short on stunning forests.

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the towering Rockies, there’s a wild frontier for just about every taste.

The Pacific Northwest, though smaller than others, also leaves an impact.

It’s known for its cloud cover, rainfall, and peaks like Mt. Rainier. In fact, these forests are one of the primary reasons that people visit and even relocate to Washington State.

Olympic National Park, which lies on the Olympic Peninsula, is one of the most iconic landscapes in the region.

And it’s home to unique geographic features. There’s the rugged Pacific Coast, then the towering alpine forests and the wild meadows that stretch between them.

And, of course, the US’s largest temperate rainforest: Hoh Rainforest.

If you’ve seen images of moss-laden and jungle-esque scenes from Olympic National Park, they were probably of Hoh. Its trees are seriously laden with lichen and moss, making them look fuzzy and friendly… or spooky, depending on your outlook.

And despite the fact that loggers took to Hoh with gusto throughout the 1900s, it’s now protected and beginning to regenerate.

There’s even a National Park Service outpost that ushers you into the park, where rangers live year-round to monitor and protect the forest.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to visit Hoh Rainforest.

A rainforest? In the continental United States?

Hoh Rainforest is a temperate rainforest—not the tropical, lush Amazonian image you probably have in your mind.

Also, it’s not the US’s only rainforest. (That blew my mind.)

Temperate rainforests are a bit different than their tropical cousins in that they see much lower temperatures. Though winters are mild, temperatures stay cool year-round. Two of the US’s other temperate rainforests are located in Alaska, for context.

Most flora in Hoh is reliant on a near-constant drift of fog, which provides year-round moisture. This feeds the moss, lichen, and old-growth trees. These plants serve as an important resource for animals—and Hoh Rainforest is home to many unique creatures.

There are herds of Roosevelt elk wandering through the park, along with bushy-tailed marmots (they look like gophers), river otters, blacktail deer, and even black bears.

Welcome to Hoh

There are a few different ways that you can visit Hoh Rainforest.

If you’re interested in hiking, there are three trails to choose from.

The Hoh River Trail is an out-and-back trail that ends at Blue Glacier moraine with an overlook of Mt. Olympus. There are four main turn-around points on this trail, including First River, Mineral Creek Falls, Cedar Grove, and 5-mile Island
The Spruce Nature Trail
The Hall of Mosses Trail

But you’ll also have the choice to camp in Hoh Rainforest.

The campgrounds are open year-round thanks to the temperate winters. While facilities are limited, there are 72 different sites that guests can choose from.

During peak season, you can also reserve campgrounds up to six months in advance. (I’d suggest doing so!)

If you want, you can also let a guide show you around.

I’d also suggest doing this, as they’ll be able to point out important landmarks and different species, and otherwise tie together why this rainforest is so impactful.

Otherwise, you can easily find a place to stay outside of Hoh Rainforest. Nearby, you’ll find Forks—a town that I know about thanks to a certain sparkly vampire. Or if you want even more immersion in the Cascade Range, check out some of the best A-frames around Seattle.

Scenic A-frames Around Seattle: Top 5 Airbnb Picks

Ah, the humble A-frame.

For most Americans, this term conjures images of steep-roofed cottage-like homes tucked into the forest.

They’re often associated with summer camps and outdoor trips for large families—I can almost smell the wooden walls and furniture as I research this article.

At their most basic, A-frames provide a solid home base for travelers as they adventure through the outdoors. Others might be more design-centric or modern, or closely located to hotspots like Yellowstone and Denali.

But the very best A-frames are those that seem perfectly integrated into their environment.

They don’t just provide a place to rest your head and store your skis—they’re like tiny extensions of the forest. Ones that harken back to tales like Hansel and Gretel (with a happier ending, of course.)

On my hunt for the best A-frames out there, I’ve found a handful of truly remote, stylish, and bold A-frames.

Ones that are perfectly suited to the towering forests of the Pacific Coast and, more specifically, around Puget Sound.

Looking for a little escape from Seattle? Here’s where to go.

Hand Crafted A Frame—Private 80-Acre Forest

Meet the A-frame that inspired me to write this article.

From the outside, the construction looks like a forgotten oasis in the towering forest. The back patio is perfectly designed to let guests immerse themselves in the forest.

And on the inside, it’s a designer’s delight. From the light fixtures to the marble countertops, this spot has serious character.

Book here

Beachfront lagoon home

I know I’ve been raving about forests (which I’m right to do in the Pacific Northwest), but this gem also offers a beach view.

It’s fully surrounded by untouched forest, which gives you the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s one of the spacier A-frames out there for those who don’t want to feel too cramped.

Book here

Lake Front Retreat (Sauna & Hot Tub)

What’s better than lounging around an A-frame and soaking up the ripe-green forest? Doing that from a hot tub on a patio.

Welcome to the highly magical lakefront retreat. This place specializes in outdoor amenities, including a fire pit, hot tub, sauna, and boat-ready equipment like kayaks.

It’s also much larger than other A-Frames on this list (including the aforementioned beachfront lagoon), while its design is modern and cozy.

Book here

Escape to a romantic A-frame

This A-frame has all the basics you’ll need for a cozy retreat. Plus, it delivers on mood.

The interior is a blend of industrial metal and woodwork—a style that I think fits wonderfully with the forest outside. And speaking of the forest, the windowed walls let you seamlessly delve into the wilderness without leaving the couch.

The cherry on the top? It’s very pup-friendly.

Book here

Dael Hus: Whimsical A-frame

Whimsy is a fitting word.

From its shingled exterior to its angular innards, this spot will have you looking around in wonder. I’m in love with its unique construction, along with its features—things like brass faucets to its bespoke hot tub. (Say no more!)

Its only fault is that it’s not entirely surrounded by woodlands. However, it has a great patio that’s enclosed by trees.

Book here

Welcome to the Future: Travel Goes Green

One of the most impactful travel trends on social media in 2024 is eco-friendly travel.

Going green isn’t just a budding interest—it’s something that many travelers are focused on when booking.

So much so that airlines now offer passengers the chance to offset their carbon footprint by paying a small fee.

That makes sense, as travel creates strain on the environment. Flights, in particular, emit tons of carbon into the atmosphere. I’m talking metric tons, not just ‘lots’.

This puts travelers at odds with their goals.

After all, many people fly across the world to immerse themselves in our planet’s greatest wonders, from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to the Great Barrier Reef to the Amazon Rainforest.

But travelers—especially those in Gen Z—are all too aware that exploring nature irresponsibly can threaten our world’s most stunning biospheres. (And the communities that take care of them.)

With each year, the future of travel becomes greener, propelled by the interests of travelers.

While a truly carbon-neutral tourism industry is a long way away, I’m here to demystify what going green in terms of travel really means—and why the challenge of taking on eco-friendly travel isn’t so out of scope after all.

So, how did we get here?

Before we dive into green travel, let’s cover why it’s necessary.

As mentioned up top, aviation is the greatest contributor to carbon emissions in the context of travel.

Aviation as a whole contributes around 5% to the world’s total carbon footprint annually. But not all who fly are doing so for travel. Some are on business. Others are visiting family, or heading to an international university, or heading off to conduct remote studies.

Only around 2.4% of that total comes from tourists.

So, plane travel is a big issue—but it’s hardly the only one.

When we talk about ecotourism and green travel, our carbon footprint is only one part of the picture. We also need to discuss environmental degradation.

Hotels and resorts (especially those that pop up in fragile environments like jungles and small islands) contribute to contamination. Where does all that waste go? And where do all those construction materials come from?

Overtourism is also an issue. As areas become popular and tourist infrastructure is put into place, fragile ecosystems are pushed to the brink.

In other words, unfettered tourism destroys biodiversity and the environments that attract visitors to begin with.

The bright side

As a former student of foreign tourism investment and environmental sustainability (I have my degree in Global Studies), I can tell you first-hand that there are a lot of challenges facing the industry.

That being said, it’s not all doom and gloom.

As the travel industry matures, it becomes more ethical. I think this is a good point to bring up Hanlon’s razor, a philosophical argument that says we shouldn’t attribute to malice what can be attributed to ignorance.

What I mean is—now that tourists are aware of the hefty impact of their travels, we’re motivated to improve.

And now that tour providers and hospitality groups know that, they’re more motivated than ever to improve their ecological standings.

What green travel looks like

There are dozens of ways that you can incorporate green principles into your travel plans immediately. And let me shout this for those in the back: it’s not going to take away from your trip or make things less fun.

It’s going to do the opposite, in fact.

Here’s what green travel looks like today:

You can opt to travel with carbon-neutral travel companies and stay at carbon-neutral resorts. These experiences involve offsetting your carbon footprint by contributing financially to carbon absorption projects and environmental initiatives.

Usually, ecotourism companies seek to balance out their carbon emissions—but always read the fine print. Not all claims are backed up with evidence.

You can opt for forms of alternative travel. Sure, trains and ferries and carpools aren’t exactly carbon-neutral. But there’s a growing movement to offer more accessible forms of green transportation.

Train tickets tend to be pricy, but with new bullet trains running between major cities across Europe and Asia, options are expanding quickly.

You can opt for community-based tourism. If you have a background in anthropology and travel, then you might have been wondering when I’d bring up people.

Immediate efforts in sustainability are usually happening on the ground-floor. As in, the local communities know how to care for the environment, and they’re spearheading efforts to preserve and regenerate resources.

Opting for community-based tourism means your money goes straight into their projects—and your stay is guaranteed to be ethical because it’s overseen by locals.

One classic example of community-based tourism is Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida, a ‘lost’ city that can only be accessed via treks guided by local indigenous groups.

Carry-on Luggage: Top Picks for All Types of Travelers

The last time I checked a piece of luggage, I was moving to another continent.

Since that time five years ago, I’ve stuck to carry-on suitcases.

Carry-ons are a go-to for most travelers because of convenience and trip length.

In other words, they’re easy to carry, and not too many people need a checked piece of luggage to get through a weeklong trip.

On top of that, carry-ons are easier to keep track of.

There’s no risk of lost luggage, nor do travelers need to wait to pick up their suitcases after a long flight. Just deboard the plane and get where you’re going.

Best of all, carry-ons are easier to manage.

They’re easier to tug along cobblestone streets in chic cities, easier to haul into taxis when heading to a resort, and easier to unload and reload when you arrive at your rental.

That being said, not all carry-ons are created equally.

As travel becomes more and more commonplace, the number of travel products out there increases—good and bad alike. Avoid the duds with this list of the best carry-ons.

Top carry-on pick: Travelpro Maxlite

I’m usually a fan of hard-shell luggage. It tends to be more durable and less prone to damage and stains. I’m rolling that back on this recommendation (pun intended).

The Travelpro Maxlite stands out because it’s one of the most light-weight on the market. Also, it’ll give you the space you need to chronically overpack with 21’ inches in length and plenty of room to breathe thanks to that soft shell.

Shop here

Most rugged pick: Yeti Crossroads

Yeah, Yeti does carry-ons now—and they’re highly rated.

I also think they’re the most attractive soft-shell setup I’ve seen in a while. (Why do soft-shell suitcases always look shabby? Or is that just me?)

Its exterior is made of TuffSkin Nylon, so it’s ready to tumble—through mud, rain, and more. Even its wheels are thick and ready to go off-road. I’ve yet to see that kind of feature on a carry-on, which should make Yeti the go-to for adventurous travelers.

Shop here

Best for overpackers: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential

Though not quite as pricey as the luxury pick (below), you’re going to pay a pretty penny for the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential.

And speaking of pretty, this is a handsome carry-on. But it’s not just a pretty face.

The baseline essential has slightly more space than its competitors. While being 22’ versus the standard 21’ inch might not sound like much, only the baseline has the CX expansion feature—a button that allows you to expand the suitcase before compressing it back into shape. Like Spanx, but for a suitcase.

Shop here

Best mini option: Muji

What if I told you that I’ve been jet-setting around the world with a carry-on from a Japanese stationary brand?

And that it captured my heart even as one of the smaller carry-ons out there?

Though you can’t buy this hard shell on Amazon (only from the Muji site or a store), I highly recommend taking a look. The suitcase has all the necessary features needed, like interior pockets and a TSA-approved lock.

But here’s why I love it, aside from its tiny, sleek size and sexy design: its wheels are almost silent. Priced like a Camry, runs like a Rolls Royce.

Shop here

Top luxury pick: Tumi Alpha International Dual Access

It’s a luxury option that was created with frequent travelers in mind.

There are two exterior pockets that make it easy to store the items you’ll need the most, minimizing the need for a handbag. Plus, its four-wheel rolling system is ready to take on even the most destroyed cobblestones and sidewalks this planet has to offer.

Shop here