Wyoming: A State of Firsts

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When I hit the road back in June 2019, Wyoming was one of the first states I visited, and the first that I would describe as a mountain state. Crossing from Idaho into the Northwestern corner of Wyoming brought me almost directly into Yellowstone National Park: the country’s first National Park, and widely regarded as the first National Park in the world.

Wyoming is a state of firsts when it comes to protected land. From the first National Park, to the country’s first National Monument, to some personal firsts along my own journey, Wyoming will always hold a special and important place in my wandering soul. Having visited four of Wyoming’s National Park Service Sites, I’ll be the first to jump up and explain the state’s diversity, but it’s the firsts that really make this state unique. Yellowstone and Devils Tower (the country’s first National Monument) are two incredibly different landscapes, and yet are two must-visit places for anyone visiting Wyoming for the first time.

Artists Paint Pots, Yellowstone National Park, WY

Yellowstone National Park

Of course, while there’s definitely more to do in Wyoming, Yellowstone is a good place to start. As the world’s first National Park, Yellowstone offers incredibly vast landscapes, some of the best camping I’ve ever experienced, and diverse wildlife (including the famed “bison traffic jam”).

 Yellowstone is a unique experience that everyone should have at some point in their lives. The park itself is an active volcano, and it’s known for its geysers, prismatic pools, and incredible views.

I only had the fortune of staying one night in Yellowstone, but it was one of my favorite nights of my whole 3 months traveling the US.

My first day in the park involved sightseeing. I’m usually a huge hiker, but with my limited time in the park, I was determined to see as much as I possibly could. My first stop was the Artist Paint Pots, little pools of boiling water that give Yellowstone such an iconic landscape. The Paint Pots smell a bit like sulfur and are definitely too hot to even go near, which is why the park has built a boardwalk surrounding the pools. It’s not one of the most famous places to stop, but it was definitely cool enough for me to put it on your radar.

Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park, WY

From there I made my way to Old Faithful: the famous geyser. While it’s not the largest in the park, it’s the most famous because of its predictability. If you love Old Faithful, you’re in luck because there are tons of other geysers just waiting for you throughout Yellowstone. Unfortunately, I got to Old Faithful about five minutes after it erupted, which meant I had to wait about an hour and a half before it would go off again. Luckily, this forced slow-down was just what I needed and let me stop and have my lunch and hit the visitor center.

After being wowed by Old Faithful, I made sure to hit some other iconic sites on my way to my campground. I passed the Grand Prismatic Spring, Mud Volcano, and Yellowstone Lake, and finally ended my drive for the day in Canyon Campground, one of my favorite campgrounds I’ve stayed in. It was definitely a chilly night, and Yellowstone made it easy to handle with everything that came with my campground reservation. Located in Canyon Village, Canyon Campground had the most amenities included in a campsite I’ve ever experienced. I got 2 free showers, access to laundry, access to a dishwashing station, flush toilets, and my own personal bear box, and the campground was close to the store and café where there was spotty wifi available (not super strong, but enough to use to get in touch with my family). It was also one of the only places in the park with a gas station. Canyon was a fantastic experience, yet it was a bit pricey. For one night, though, it was more than perfect.

These bison proceeded to surround my car after I took this picture

My second day in the park, as I made my way toward the Tetons, I made sure to hit one more stop: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The South Rim has one of the most famous views in the park—Artists Point—which is known for attracting painters and photographers from all over the world. On my way in, I spotted one lone bison eating his breakfast, and on my way out, I found myself in my own personal bison traffic jam, alone on the road, surrounded by animals nearly as big as my car.

The one thing I wish I did when I was in Yellowstone was to head up to the Lamar Valley. The Lamar Valley is known for having some of the best wildlife in the park, so it’s definitely on my list for next time!

Artists Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, WY

Devils Tower National Monument

I wasn’t expecting to return to Wyoming, but after learning how close Devil’s Tower is to South Dakota, the science fiction nerd in me couldn’t help by head back into this familiar place from the beginning of my trip.

Devil’s Tower is the country’s first National Monument, and was used as the set for Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It’s the only rock formation of its kind, and attracts climbers from all over the world. While it’s much smaller than Yellowstone, I actually stayed two nights here because I wanted some time to rest and not drive for a day.

The park only has one campground, and I lucked out and got a site with a direct view of the Tower (A12, if you’re curious). During the summer months, the campground offers fun ranger programs at night (I learned all about prairie dogs), and everything in the park is super close to everything else.

Devils Tower from Tower Trail Loop

My second day involved hiking the “Devils Tower Marathon,” a connection of trails recommended to me by a ranger I got to know while I was there (since the park is so small, there were only a select few rangers around). The trails start with the Joyner Ridge Trail. You can find the trailhead by driving up a little dirt road near the visitor center, and you’ll be greeted with amazing views of the tower once you’re up there. You’ll then take this to the connector trail between Joyner Ridge and Red Beds, and from there, if you want, you can connect to the valley views trail (which I didn’t do because of stinging nettles), or continue to the Tower Trail loop before finishing the Red Beds and Joyner Ridge.

The entire series of trails gives you an awesome, diverse look at the park, and plenty of views of the tower and the climbers that have set out to summit it that day.

Devils Tower is an incredibly unique place that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet, so if it wasn’t on your radar before, it definitely should be.

Devils Tower from Red Beds Trail

Wyoming is a state of firsts, and while I visited two other National Park Service sites while I was there, these are the two that have made the biggest lasting impact on United States public land conservation throughout the years. They’re both very different from both each other and all other public land in the country, and deserve to be on your list, no matter where you’re from.

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10 Reasons You Should Actually Visit the Dakotas

The United States is home to a certain section of the country that Americans like to refer to as “fly-over states.” These are typically states that people don’t see the point in visiting, either because they’re “flat,” “boring,” or, “there’s nothing to see.” Two of the most notable fly-over states are North and South Dakota. North Dakota specifically has a reputation for being the 50th state people visit (to the point where you can get a t-shirt in Fargo that says so).

Well, I might be the first person on Earth to say this, but I disagree with all of the above statements. The Dakotas have tons to offer, from unique, and even dream-like landscapes to incredible wildlife.

Badlands National Park, SD

Here are 10 reasons you should actually visit the Dakotas:

1. They don’t get a lot of tourists

If you’re like me and like to travel like a local, the Dakotas are two fantastic destinations for you. They’re some of the least populated states in the country and all the spots that would normally count as “touristy” had far less people than even other states in this part of the US. The lack of people makes you feel like you’ve discovered some unknown secret, and allows for you to be completely immersed in these northern grassland landscapes without the crowds.

My car/super tiny home in Badlands National Park, SD

2. The wildlife

I’ve seen a lot of North American wildlife in my travels, but the Dakotas had some of the most interesting animals I’ve encountered. From a herd of bison welcoming me to Theodore Roosevelt National Park to sleeping in a prairie dog town in the Badlands, the Dakotas were never disappointing when it came to spotting wildlife in their natural landscapes. I even got to see some pronghorn sheep during a Badland sunrise, which was made even more unique by the fact that I was one of the only people out that early.

Pronghorns in Badlands National Park, SD

3. The grasslands

The Dakotas are some of the only places in the country where you can experience pure, untouched grassland and prairie, and doing so gives you an awesome peek into what the landscape of this country looked like before mass industrialization. I got to spend the night in the Sheyenne National Grassland (where I was one of three campers), and the clear skies and vast prairies that surrounded me gave me an amazing sunset and sunrise.

4. Sunflower farms!

Something that was completely unexpected was North Dakota’s sunflower farms. First of all, they’re everywhere. Second, they’re huge. Third, they’re absolutely gorgeous. When I told people I’d be driving every state in the country, I got “I hope you like cornfields” as a response more often than you’d think, but North Dakota surprised me in incredible ways with its bright yellow rows of sunflowers off the sides of state highways. So, keep an eye out if you’re road tripping these states! Or don’t, you can’t really miss them.

Sheyenne National Grasslands, ND

5. Badlands National Park

You knew I’d be getting to the National Parks at some point. There are actually 3 National Parks across both states, and they’re all on this list, but the one with the most unique and anticipated landscape is Badlands. Located in South Dakota, the Badlands is made up of a mixture of vast grasslands and unique geologic formations. The Badlands is an interesting experience, and the rock formations are best experienced at sunrise and sunset (but I’d recommend sunrise—way less people!), but the park has so much to offer. From backcountry camping that’s allowed anywhere in the park to roaming bison, the Badlands is going to leave you with something to remember. I got to stay in the park’s free campground: Sage Creek, which is technically in the backcountry. The campground was situated in a prairie dog town and was insanely hot during the day, but was fantastic for morning wildlife viewing as I made my way back toward the main road and spotted tons of bison enjoying their breakfast.

Disclaimer: do not feed prairie dogs anywhere you encounter them. They might look cute, but they do bite, and are known to carry bubonic plague in this part of the country.

Badlands National Park, SD

6. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

My personal favorite of the three Dakota National Parks is Theodore Roosevelt. Located in North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt is home to expansive grasslands, rolling hills, and unique wildlife. I was able to hike about 7 miles here, and was super happy to find out that this park is actually dog friendly! The hike I did was called Jones Creek and it took me through 3 separate prairie dog towns, which was so exciting because it allowed me to get close enough to them to enjoy their company without feeling like I was violating their space. Theodore Roosevelt just kind of surprised me when it came to how beautiful of a park it really was, so it’s definitely one that shouldn’t be missed, no matter when you end up making it to the Dakotas.

Disclaimer: while the trail’s proximity to the prairie dog towns does not allow for the Leave No Trace principle of staying 25 yards away from wildlife, please make sure that you’re staying on the trail while hiking in Theodore Roosevelt and any other National Park. This is for the safety of you and the wildlife around you, as well as the conservation of the natural landscape. You can, however, hike freely in Badlands National Park.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND

7. Wind Cave National Park

While the elevators into the cave were broken due to a lightning storm when I visited, Wind Cave is still known as one of the country’s oldest National Parks. With barometric winds at the cave’s entrance, Wind Cave is known for its complexity, length, and surrounding intact prairie lands. The park is also home to tons of wildlife, including huge herds of bison, and elk (if you’re lucky enough to spot them).

Me in Wind Cave National Park, SD. This National Park is so close to Wyoming that the pine trees start to appear here, where the grasslands end.

8. These states are unique

I’ve been to nearly every state in the country, and the Dakotas stood out as incredibly unique to me. They didn’t feel like the rest of the Midwest, and they didn’t quite feel like the North either. The Badlands aren’t quite desert, but they look like they almost are. The wildlife seems borrowed from other parts of the country, but they’re actually native. All around, it’s a special feeling being in these Northern states, one that’s almost impossible to describe, but I think the thing is, their landscapes don’t quite feel like they’re part of the United States. The Badlands feel like another, distant country, and the animals feel like they’re something out of a storybook.

Prairie Dog Town in Sage Creek Campground in Badlands National Park, SD

9. Fargo and Mount Rushmore

You’ve probably heard of Fargo from either the movie or the TV show, and saying this town in front of any group of people who aren’t from the Midwest or the North usually prompts a chorus of people trying to pronounce it in that characteristic Northern accent. Fargo is probably one of the most “touristy” parts of these two states because of its recognition in pop culture, but the good news is, you won’t be bombarded by a ton of people in this little Midwestern town.

Mount Rushmore, on the other hand, is known for being one of the most touristy spots in the Dakotas (which is why I actually skipped it during my time there, although I kinda wish I hadn’t). It is managed by the National Park Service, so there is an entry fee, and you can’t get too close to the mountain, but seeing this iconic piece of American history is something worth doing.

10. Clear skies

Both of the National Parks I camped in were in super low light pollution zones, which meant that once the sun went down, I was greeted with amazing views of the stars. If you’re into night sky photography, these parks are great choices for you, and while they aren’t on the list of International Dark Sky Zones, they’re close enough.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Jones Creek Trail, ND

The Dakotas are far more than just fly-over states. They’re home to unique, authentically American landscapes that seem a bit more untouched than other famous landscapes the US has to offer. Here, you can escape the norm, and venture into the unknown by exploring everything from expansive grasslands to Badland rock formations that will make you feel as if you’re on an alien planet (or at least another continent). So, what are you waiting for? The bison and prairie dogs are waiting for you.

Your Guide to Joshua Tree National Park

Local visitors and out of town tourists alike are drawn to this mysterious place hiding out in Southern California’s desert for many reasons. Whether it’s trees that look like they’re straight out of The Lorax, rocks just begging to be scrambled and climbed on, or the Milky Way waiting to come out of hiding in this designated dark sky zone, Joshua Tree National Park truly has something for every type of traveler, from the hiker to the artist.

Joshua Tree is the park that I’ve spent the most time in so far. Part of the reason for that was its proximity to my old university, but even after graduating, I still find myself pining for the dry, expansive landscape of the California desert more often than I’d expect, considering I’m such a lover of mountains. Joshua Tree truly comes with a certain type of desert magic, and it’s something you definitely shouldn’t miss during your next trip to California.

Hemingway, Joshua Tree National Park, CA

So… where exactly is Joshua Tree?

Joshua Tree is located between Yucca Valley, CA and Twentynine Palms, CA, and is about an hour from the Inland Empire. It’s nearly exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, if you draw a triangle between the three, Joshua Tree being the most inland. Joshua Tree is also located nearby other famous California road trip destinations, such as the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, and Salvation Mountain.

What is a designated dark sky zone?

There are only a few spots in the US that are considered “designated dark sky zones,” Joshua Tree being one of the most famous, but what makes them different from other areas where there’s simply low light pollution?

Well, the basic idea is that it’s really low light pollution, and it’s protected land. So, these areas are specifically set aside in a way that ensures that light pollution like we have in many major cities can’t reach them, allowing for incredibly dark nights, and incredibly clear stars. Many people have their first views of the Milky Way while staying in Joshua Tree National Park, and photographers love playing with light here: the contrast between the strange silhouette of the Joshua Tree and the bright stars up above creating dream-like landscapes one usually only finds in children’s books.

Joshua Trees off the side of the road near the Yucca Valley park entrance

Hiking Joshua Tree

If you’re a hiker, like myself, it’s important that you visit Joshua Tree prepared for a couple things: most of their trails are fairly flat, it’s easy to get lost, and there’s no potable water in the park. While there are marked trails, no one will yell at you for going off trail here to explore, as long as you don’t damage the plants or rocks, but make sure you know your way back—most of this beautiful desert looks very similar!

Of their marked trails, there’s really only one that truly gains any elevation: Ryan Mountain. Ryan Mountain is an awesome hike with truly amazing views, but as there’s no potable water in the park, make sure you bring enough on your back if you’re there in the hot season.

That feeling you get when you summit Ryan Mountain and there’s still snow on the ground

There are other flat trails in the park as well, and plenty of rock scrambles to climb if you’re sick of just wandering through the desert! Some other notable trails include the Boy Scout Trail (16 miles out and back, or 8 miles one way) and the Cholla Cactus Garden trail (only .25 miles of family friendly trail through a spot where tons of cacti grow). Of course, there are plenty of other trails, out to old mines, abandoned ranches, and rock scrambles, so be safe, choose a trail right for your ability, and get hiking!

Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Sightseeing in Joshua Tree

If you’re not a hiker, there are tons of sites to see that don’t involve tons of energy exertion. These are also great places to stop if its too hot out to hike! Some favorite sites are Skull Rock, Oyster Bar, Hemingway, and Hall of Horrors.

While Hemingway and Hall of Horrors are known as rock climbing and scrambling spots, they’re still only a short walk from the parking lot, and feature cool rock formations to photograph. If you are looking to scramble though, Hemingway is more known for bouldering and climbing, while Hall of Horrors is full of fun rock scrambles and hidden caves.

Skull Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Camping in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a super popular park, so if you’re going on a long weekend, or really any weekend except in the summer, my advice would be to get there early! I’ve personally camped in three of the park’s campgrounds: Jumbo Rocks, Belle, and Ryan. All three are beautiful and offer very different experiences! Ryan is definitely closest to the sites, but as Belle is a bit harder to find, it tends to be a bit quieter. Both are first come first served.

Most campgrounds in the park are first-come-first-served, but Jumbo Rocks is available for reservation, and is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park due to its proximity to, well… huge rocks! On top of that, it’s by far my favorite of the three I’ve stayed in. The rocks are perfect for late-night scrambling and provide fantastic views of the stars away from the noise and light down below. It’s also home to one of the most famous photography spots in the park (pictured below).

Go on a treasure hunt for this famous spot in Jumbo Rocks Campground

What to be prepared for…

Like I said earlier, there’s no water in the park, so bring at least one gallon per person per day, and more in the hot season. The last thing you want is to get dehydrated 40 miles away from the Yucca Valley entrance (the only place with potable and running water).

It’s also either incredibly hot or incredibly cold, so check the weather before your trip.

The park is also home to tons of wildlife, if you know where to look! I’ve spotted tarantulas, giant hawks, snakes, lizards, jackrabbits, and tons of mischievous chipmunks!

There is a $25 entrance fee at the gate as well, so if you plan on visiting more than 3 National Parks within the next year, I suggest purchasing the $80 Interagency Annual Pass or Lifetime Senior Pass (for adventurers ages 65+).

When’s the best time to go?

Personally, since I’m a winter girl, I’d say go in the cold season. While it does still get below freezing in the winter here, I’d rather have to use more blankets than sweat through my sleep. It starts getting hot around late April, and cools down starting around November, so anything in that winter season would be perfect in my book, as long as you bring enough firewood and warm clothes! It does snow in Joshua Tree if it gets cold enough, though, so check the weather, or the Joshua Tree official Instagram, and be prepared with chains if needed.

If you insist on going in the hot season, know that it’s not just hot, it’s incredibly hot. There’s next to no shade in J Tree land, and I’ve found myself climbing rocks to find caves to hide in during the heat of the day. In the hot season, the only time you’ll have for exploring is early morning and evening. For a summer visit, I’d suggest getting one of the nearby Air BnB’s instead of camping, so that you have some AC to escape to!

Joshua Tree in February is beautiful, but chilly!

Joshua Tree truly is a unique place to visit, and has amazing sites hidden around every bend. If you’ve never experienced the California desert, this is a great place to start. This is truly one of my favorite spots in California, and the National Park I’ve spent the most time in (and for good reason). Whether you simply want to take pictures with the cool trees, or insist on staying up late to stargaze, Joshua Tree will not disappoint, and its strange desert magic will keep you coming back again and again.

If you want to learn more about Joshua Tree and how you can fit it into a huge California road trip, check out my ebook: Exploring California’s Interior.

What It’s Really Like To Drive Across the US

When I first hit the road on June 19, 2019, I started in California. I’d grown up around friends saying how badly they’d want to drive to New York from our home City of Angels one day, but never did I imagine that I’d end up doing it the long way, and that I’d do it solo.

I started my first cross-country venture by journeying into the Southwest, leaving behind the roads I knew as I passed Vegas, and saying goodbye to the West for the rest of the summer. The desert is harsh, and driving the Southern route to the East coast in late June and early July was no exception.

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

My route East went a little like this:

I started with this weird North-bound loop that took me from the deep red Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada to the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to what looked like another planet in Idaho’s Craters of the Moon. I explored Wyoming’s National Parks, and ended the first leg of my trip in Colorado, where I met my entire extended family for a few days in the high altitude, before heading straight South, through New Mexico, and deep into the deserts of Texas.

Texas is exactly how everyone describes it: huge. And while I loved Big Bend’s cacti and hot springs, by the time I entered my third day in the Lone Star State, I was more than ready to move on to my next destination. Traveling these distances solo in what feels like the middle of nowhere can be taxing, it can be tiring. You have to know the distances between stops, the amount of hours you’re able to stay on the road. You have to be honest with yourself about when you need breaks. But the journey will be so rewarding that these things feel insignificant.

Hot Springs National Park, AR

Leaving the desert behind for the humidity and general strangeness of the deep South was an interesting experience to say the least, and while there were plenty of beautiful and interesting places to explore (hello, Hot Springs National Park!), one of Louisiana’s famous storms pushed me East a little faster than I’d originally planned.

The thing about plans, though, is that really, everything is going to work out the way it’s meant to, and although I planned on spending more than an hour in Alabama, I was feeling drawn to the ocean anyway, so Florida felt like the right place for me to journey to next. The road will bring you to the places that are supposed to change your life, I think, and once you spent enough time letting highways guide you, you’ll start to realize this change taking place.

I landed in Florida at a time when my California soul was craving the ocean again. The Atlantic was a surreal experience, as I set foot on the sand and smelled the familiar ocean-salt air again after a month on the road, because being here meant that I’d done it. Well, one way. I’d driven from Pacific to Atlantic. Now, I just had to drive back, and to do that properly, I’d have to make my way to Maine up the coast.

Making my way from Florida to Maine felt like a breeze compared to driving through the hot, muggy, South, especially because the East coast is conveniently made up of a bunch of tiny states, instead of huge ones (I’m looking at you, Texas). So, once I finally made it to Maine, a milestone clearly marked by pine trees and “Caution: Moose Crossing” signs, I started making my way West, and began the second cross-country road trip I’d do in my life.

Starting in New England was a completely different experience when compared to starting in the Southwest. Instead of red rocks and cacti, picture pine trees, mountains, and very little cell service. On top of that, New England’s states are so compact that I found myself back in New York before I knew it, and ready to brave the section of the country I’d been worried about from the beginning, the Midwest.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

While it’s hard to spend a lot of time in the Midwest as a traveler, especially a vanlifer (there just aren’t a ton of places to park for the night, but the spots I did choose were amazing), there are a few great hidden gems scattered around these “fly-over states.” From Cuyahoga Valley to the Great Lakes, there truly is something for everyone in every state in the country, even the ones people tend to avoid. My time in the Midwest ended in the beautiful Minnesota Northwoods, where I met a deer on a short, wooded trail and finally felt like I’d accomplished something grand for the first time in a while.

The northern route, in my humble traveler’s opinion, is far prettier and far more unique of a destination than the South. And yes, the route itself counts as a destination (more on this later). Making my way into the Dakotas, I didn’t know what to expect. Everyone told me they’re not worth it, and North Dakota actually has a reputation for being people’s 50th United State. However, North Dakota, to me, will forever be the home of the herd of bison that greeted me as I entered the state’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the sunflower farms I passed on my way to its southern counterpart, South Dakota’s Badlands.

Badlands National Park, SD

The Northern United States is so full of wildlife, rolling grasslands, and towering mountains, and because of that, it felt like so much more of an adventure than my Southern route East I’d completed just a couple months prior. The North is home to a multitude of mountainous National Parks, from Glacier in Montana (aka my favorite place on Earth) to Washington’s Mount Rainier. And because of these vast destinations along the way, it’s almost impossible to get sick of these landscapes as you make your way West, toward the Pacific Ocean.

As someone who grew up near the Pacific, seeing it appear again through the trees as I drove toward Olympic’s Rialto Beach, after not seeing its waves for 2 and a half months, was an emotional experience. But, come to think of it, driving across the country twice, solo, is an emotional experience in itself.

Glacier National Park, MT

You’ll be tested against all odds, you’ll spend more time with yourself than you ever thought you would, and you’ll see things and experience places you can only reach via the open road. Planes don’t land here. And while it’s cliché to say that it’s about the journey, not the destination, that old saying is mostly right. While the destinations are going to be the things you post online or tell your friends about, it’s the journey that changes you, whether you want it to or not.

What I Packed For Three Months On the Road

The trip that inspired me to want to live on the road full time was a 3 month solo road trip around the United States. This trip involved me living full time out of my car and staying mostly at free or cheap campsites in or around National Parks. But the one question I got the most often when people heard this was: “But where does all your stuff go?”

Honestly, I didn’t have that much stuff. I basically packed just the essentials and the only souvenirs I got the whole trip were stickers that went on a storage trunk that I used during the trip for actual storage. So, pretty much everything I had in the car, tucked in corners or hidden in secret compartments to save space had at least one essential purpose… except a few things.

Here’s everything I brought with me on my 3 month road trip around the country, and some things I wish I’d had:

Me and Theon, my Kia Soul, aka my house for three months

Absolute Essentials (things I brought and used literally all the time)

Of course, there were some things that I used every single day, without exception. Since I was simply living out of my Kia Soul, I didn’t have a lot of space, so I wanted to bring things that could serve multiple purposes for the most part, or that were 100% necessary to my survival in what was basically the wilderness.

Kitchen

I didn’t have an actual kitchen so my “kitchen” consisted of what could make up a kitchen on any table at a campsite or rest stop I was parked at (and the occasional tailgate out of my trunk).

·       Camp Stove: my camp stove was absolutely necessary. This camping kitchen must-have will make things so convenient for you, and open doors for you to have actual meals, rather than just sandwiches for three months. I have a Coleman 2 burner camp stove, but there are plenty of options available depending on your needs. Make sure you know what propane your stove uses before you hit the road though!

·       Cooler: honestly, I wish I’d gotten an electric cooler, but regardless, keeping your food cold in some way in a necessity. The only downside is having to buy ice every three days or so.

·       Dishes: I didn’t bring a ton of dishes. For camping on the road, you really need to just think about what you’ll use at each meal. The things I used the most were my mess kit, spork, big pot, little pot, knife, tea kettle, mug, and plate (which doubled as a cutting board).

Camp Stove Kitchen on a bear box in Yellowstone National Park, WY

Clothes

It was super necessary to bring clothes for all seasons because I’d be starting in June in the desert, and ending in September in the mountains, and I did actually experience all weather! But when you’re packing for your own trip, really think about the time of year and destinations you’ll be hitting (or might hit), and don’t bring anything more than that. I probably had about 20 shirts total (t-shirts, tank tops, and long sleeve base layers), 4 sweatshirts/sweaters, 15 pairs of pants, leggings, or shorts, two thicker jackets, 10 pairs of socks, and about 2 weeks worth of underwear (so I could avoid doing laundry as long as possible).

Camping and Hiking Gear

As far as camping and hiking gear other than food-related stuff, I didn’t have or need very much. I had my hiking backpack and water bladder ready at all times, as well as easy access to my hiking boots. But I did use my lantern and multitool a few times!

For Fun

Of course, you need entertainment on the road, especially solo. So, my storage trunk I mentioned earlier was the home for things in my “fun” category. Essential for me when it came to entertainment on the road was my yoga mat and ukulele. I did pack a few books, as well as my sketchbook and journal, but I found myself playing my uke and practicing yoga more than any of those other things. A lot of times when you’re on the road, you don’t want to be in your own head, so these things allowed me to step out of that a little bit.

The inside setup of the car for the whole summer. Yes, I made the curtains myself…

What I Wish I’d Left at Home

We all overpack. This time around, my suitcase just happened to be a bit bigger than normal (car sized, to be exact). So, although I didn’t bring much to start with, there were definitely a few things I didn’t use even once on my trip. Leaving these things at my home base would’ve made the car lighter, and allowed me to have a little more space in the car, so what is it that I could (and did) live without?

·       My tents: I was planning on pitching a tent once or twice on this trip, but instead, I slept in the car every single time I wasn’t staying at a family member’s house. This meant my tents sat squished at the bottom of the car the whole time (and yes, I brought two—one backpacking size and one normal).

·       My ski jacket: while I did need one of my thicker jackets I mentioned in the clothing section, it never got quite cold enough for the actual winter coat I’d lugged around for three months.

·       Lighter fluid and fire starters: I didn’t light a fire once. If I had a campfire, it was because someone invited me to join them, and otherwise, I just went to bed early if I was too cold.

·       Dresses and nice clothes: let’s be honest, I was living in the woods for three months. When I was in cities (on the very rare occasion), I could easily just throw on my one pair of jeans and a t-shirt and be perfectly acceptable. I really didn’t need to take up space in my clothing compartment with the dress, romper, and other nice clothes I thought I’d end up needing.

What I Wish I’d Had With Me

It’s easy to miss the luxuries of home when you’re on the road, so of course there were things I wished I’d thought to bring.

·       Electric cooler: The ice chest was fine, but it would’ve been nice to not have to buy ice all the time, and produce would’ve lasted me longer.

·       Car charger for my laptop: there were so many times I was working out of the back of my car on hotspot and was racing against my battery for time. The Surface Pro does have an available car charger, so I was kicking myself the whole summer that I hadn’t invested in one.

·       A van: honestly? I wouldn’t do this trip in a car again. It was too easy to miss things that I simply could never have in a car no matter what, like a sink and a toilet, so if you’re super committed to long term travel and don’t feel like you need to test it out before hitting the road for months at a time, maybe it would be best to splurge and buy the van instead of doing it out of the car like I did.

One of my beautiful free campsites, somewhere along a Great Lake

Overall, I was happy with everything I brought. Of course, there were a few things I didn’t end up needing, but they didn’t take up all that much space. So, if you’re planning a long term trip, just really think about what it is you’ll need, from shampoo to a tiny refrigerator. The thing is, what I considered necessary might be totally different for you, so go with what you know you’ll use, and consider these things: where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, what season it is/will be in your destinations, and what you love! And remember, everything works out—there’s always shopping to be done on the road.