The Falcon Guide to Van Life: Every Essential for Nomadic Adventures

by Roxy and Ben Dawson

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781493059072
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	06/01/2021
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	400,555
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

In the early spring of 2017, fueled by the same sense of adventure that drives most modern nomads, Roxy and Ben Dawson quit their full-time office jobs to hit the road. Their work as outdoor writers, photographers, and videographers has taken them from the rolling and peaceful Blue Ridge Mountains, through the tranquil and rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies, and right up to the Pacific Ocean, parking on moody overlooks and below towering redwoods. Through the course of their work, they have had a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the modern nomadic culture. Ben and Roxy hold van life talks and info sessions all over the country. Ben and Roxy share their adventures on social media, their personal website BenThereRoxyThat.com, and through partnerships with Elevation Outdoors and Blue Ridge Outdoors. They live on the road and in Denver, Colorado.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Dream + Prepare

Chapter 1 Defining the Dream 2

Chapter 2 Building a Budget 11

Chapter 3 Choosing a Vehicle 22

Chapter 4 Making Your Van a Home 35

Chapter 5 Less is More 63

Travel + Thrive

Chapter 6 Live, Work, Stay Connected 72

Chapter 7 Nourishment and Coffee 84

Chapter 8 Van Life Basics 99

Chapter 9 Stay Safe, Stay Sane 111

Chapter 10 Bring Your Pet Along for the Ride 128

Exploring + Beyond

Chapter 11 Van Life in the National Parks 142

Chapter 12 Suggested Road Trips and Itineraries 168

Chapter 13 Stay Connected and Keep on Keepin' On 208

Chapter 14 Checklists to Get You Started 218

Editorial Reviews

"Their book is rich with information about vans both humble and sumptuous; the strategies for finding free campsites; and the best websites for scoring regional work." - The Wall Street Journal

From the Publisher

08/13/2021

The authors, who have been living on the road in a van since 2017, present the ultimate guide to van living. The first section of the book covers how to buy a vehicle and what to consider before buying; choosing between motor homes, conversion vans, and "build it yourself"; budgeting for both van-related and personal expenses; and the intricacies of noise reduction, climate control, generating electricity, water usage, and toilet solutions. In the second section, they discuss working on the road and ideas for generating income, food storage and cooking (with recipes), safety issues, and how to live on the road with pets. The third section includes suggestions for camping in national parks, including free sites and recreational opportunities, and suggests several road trips with itineraries and maps. The final chapter consists of checklists for packing and vehicle maintenance, and a budget worksheet. The authors don't sugarcoat the hardships of living in a small, mobile space, but do present an enticing argument for it. VERDICT Of interest to anyone who has ever contemplated setting aside their stationary lifestyle for a nomadic life on wheels.—Rachel Owens, Daytona State Coll. Lib., FL

Library Journal