For many of us, travel and exploration is something that we can only dream of. But, for some lucky ones, they got to experience the real thing. In this blog article, we will be following their journey as they explore the open road in a van with a van guide. Get ready for an adventure and learn what it takes to make such a trip come true!
Introduction
In 2015, my husband and I decided to leave our comfort zone behind and embark on a journey across North America in a van. We had no specific destination in mind, and we made sure to leave plenty of time for spontaneity and serendipity. As we prepared for our trip, people often asked us if we were going to get a guidebook. Our answer was always the same: “No, we’re just going to experience the open road.”
And that’s exactly what we did. For four months, we drove from coast to coast, stopping wherever caught our fancy. We camped in national parks, stayed in small towns and cities, and made new friends along the way. It was an incredible experience, one that taught us a lot about ourselves and the world around us.
If you’re thinking of taking your own open road adventure, here are a few things to keep in mind…
Packing the Van
We knew that we wanted to travel light and be able to move around easily, so we decided to pack our van accordingly. We brought along a few suitcases, some sleeping bags, and a small cooler. We also made sure to bring along a map and some snacks for the road. The most important thing was to make sure that we had everything we needed to be comfortable on the road.
Setting Out On The Road: Our Route and Stops
After spending months researching and planning, we were finally ready to set out on the road in our van. We had a loose plan for our route and stops, but we were open to changes and spontaneity along the way. Our main goal was to see as much of the country as possible and to experience different types of terrain and landscapes.
We started our journey in the Pacific Northwest, where we spent a few weeks exploring all that this beautiful region has to offer. We then made our way down the coast, stopping in California, Oregon, and Washington. We took our time driving through these states, making sure to stop at all of the must-see sights along the way.
Next, we headed inland towards the Rocky Mountains. This was one of the most scenic parts of our journey, and we were amazed by the beauty of this region. We spent time hiking, camping, and exploring all that the Rockies have to offer.
After leaving the Rockies behind, we made our way towards the Midwest. This was a completely different landscape than what we had been used to, but we found it equally as beautiful in its own way. We drove through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin before heading further west again.
Our final destination was Yellowstone National Park. This was an amazing end to our journey, and we were able to see some of the most incredible sights in this iconic park. After spending a few days here, we headed back home
Life on the Road: Daily Routines, Activities, etc.
Assuming you would like a detailed content section for the subheading “Life on the Road: Daily Routines, Activities, etc.”:
One of the best parts about living on the road is that every day is different. One day we could be exploring a new city and the next we could be hiking in the mountains. There is always something new to see and do. Here are some of our favorite activities and routines that we’ve developed while living on the road:
-Wake up early and watch the sunrise over our campsite
-Make coffee and breakfast outside
-Pack up camp and hit the road for the day’s adventure
-Stop at interesting places along the way, take pictures, and explore
-Find a place to camp for the night (often dispersed camping in national forests)
-Make dinner over the campfire
-Relax around the fire, stargaze, and enjoy each other’s company
Experiencing New Things and Meeting Interesting People
We’ve been on the road for about two weeks now and it has been an amazing experience. We’ve gotten to see so many new things and meet so many interesting people. We’ve also had a lot of fun just house movers around and exploring.
One of the best parts of this journey has been getting to know our van and all of its quirks. We’ve named her “Betty” and she’s become like a member of the family. It’s been really great to have our own space on this trip and to be able to just relax and enjoy the scenery.
We’ve also loved meeting new people along the way. Everyone we’ve met has been so friendly and welcoming. We’ve made some great new friends, both human and furry (we met a lot of dogs!). We’re really enjoying this unique experience and can’t wait to see what else the open road has in store for us!
Highlights of the Trip
After weeks of research and planning, we finally hit the road in our van. Our first stop was the Grand Canyon, and it did not disappoint. The views were incredible, and we even got to go on a hike down into the canyon.
Next up was Zion National Park, where we hiked to the top of Angel’s Landing. The views from up there were breathtaking, and it was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
We also made stops at Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. Each one offered something unique and memorable, and we’re so glad we got to experience them all.
Overall, it was an incredible trip full of beautiful scenery and amazing experiences. We’re already planning our next road trip!
Final Reflections
As we look back on our journey, we are so grateful for all of the amazing experiences and people we encountered along the way. We could not have asked for a more perfect trip and we feel so lucky to have been able to share it with our guide. We will never forget all of the beautiful places we saw and the wonderful memories we made. Thank you for joining us on this adventure!
Conclusion
Experiencing the open road with a guide has been an incredibly fulfilling and eye-opening experience. We have seen so many incredible sights, made great memories, sampled new cuisines and cultures, and learned more than we ever thought possible. Our journey in a van taught us to appreciate the beauty of nature and how small moments can make big impacts on our lives. It was truly an unforgettable experience that will forever remain embedded in our hearts!