She Left Everything to Live Affordably in her Camper Van

Van Life had just started to become popular, and my best friend really pushed me to try it. She encouraged me by saying that there were many people doing it affordably, more than I initially thought. I wanted something that felt retro and vintage but with modern touches. So, I dove into van life and decided to build a cozy space, starting with my kitchen. The previous owner made some changes, like installing a butcher block countertop and a modern sink faucet, both of which I love. My kitchen has a propane/electric fridge, but I wasn’t fond of the black front, so I covered it with wallpaper that matched my style, instantly making the space feel more “me.”

I have a compact stove with two burners, which is enough for my needs, though I sometimes miss having an oven. However, there are portable collapsible ovens for propane stoves that I’m considering getting for baking. My favorite item is my Bellman coffee maker, powered entirely by the stove. It lets me make my favorite white chocolate mochas, bringing me immense joy every morning. Initially, the space felt empty, so I added a scratch-off National Park map, which reminds me of my travels and my goals of visiting more parks.

My love for travel is what truly inspired me to pursue van life. I’ve backpacked through 27 countries, often solo, and I used to take annual road trips with my best friend. We would camp and hop between national parks, a tradition that made me realize how much I wanted to live a different lifestyle, away from the rat race. With my best friend’s encouragement, I saw that van life could be affordable and attainable, and I made the leap—quitting my job, ending my relationship, and moving out of the city I had lived in for a decade.

The van I chose is a 1992 Dodge Ram camper built by Coachman, which had most of its original features when I bought it. The previous owner made some updates, like installing hardwood flooring. Inside, I have ample storage, from overhead cupboards to hidden compartments under the seating area. The seating space converts into a bed, but I often leave it set up as a bed since it’s comfortable, and I can use the nearby counter for meals.

My color scheme reflects my love for thrifting. I wanted a combination of browns, oranges, and yellows to match the blue interior. A lot of my decor came from thrifting, including a vintage National Park postcard pillow that my grandma made for me. Every time I’m in the van, I feel her presence through the unique touches she helped me add. When I’m not outside hiking or exploring, I’m in the van reading, working on my thrift shop, or enjoying a moment of peace with my dogs.

The van also includes a small bathroom with an RV-style toilet and curtains for privacy. While I don’t have an indoor shower, I make do with an outdoor one or visit Planet Fitness for showers like many van-lifers. I love the setup—it’s functional and suits my lifestyle perfectly. The whole design is very me: retro with a modern twist.

I was fortunate enough to save up for the van while living with my mom. The van cost me $15,000, and after a few mechanical fixes and adding some personal touches, I was ready to hit the road. I did a lot of research before buying, making sure I understood what features were most important to me. In the end, this was the first and only van I looked at in person, and I knew instantly that it was the right one for me.

Inside, I have everything I need, including a closet for my clothes and storage space for my thrift shop inventory. One of my favorite features is the seating area I built for my dogs, complete with safety hooks for their harnesses and a toy bin on the dash. The space is compact but functional, and it brings me so much joy to have everything I need while still being able to travel freely.

Van life has given me a new sense of freedom and simplicity. I love the retro, vintage vibe I’ve created, while still enjoying some modern conveniences. And most importantly, I’ve learned how possible it is for women to travel solo and live a nomadic lifestyle. With the right precautions, it’s not only doable but incredibly rewarding.

If you’d like to continue following my adventures, you can find me on Instagram at “Adventures with Alisa” and my thrift shop at “High and Thrifted.”

My entryway is one of my favorite parts of the van. It has two big double doors, perfect for enjoying the morning sun with a cup of coffee. A friend even made me a custom welcome mat that matches the daisy theme throughout the van. It’s such a cozy space, and despite being only 9 feet tall, even people over 6 feet can stand up comfortably inside. Deciding on shoe storage was a bit of a challenge, but I found that using a $2 curtain rod to hang my shoes keeps them organized without damaging them or taking up valuable cupboard or floor space. This small, thoughtful design element has made a big difference.

As for security, I’ve always been mindful of keeping myself safe as a solo female traveler. I learned from other women who live the van life or travel alone that while it requires extra precautions, it’s just as safe, if not safer, than living in a city. Familiarity with your surroundings can sometimes make you complacent, so I’m always cautious and aware on the road. I hope other women who are interested in living a nomadic lifestyle feel empowered to try it—it’s much more affordable and achievable than most people think.

For anyone interested in following my journey, you can find more of my adventures on Instagram under “Adventures with Alisa.” And if you want to support my small business, check out my thrift shop, “High and Thrifted,” also on Instagram. Thank you so much for joining me on this tour of my van and lifestyle!

Continuing with my van life story, one of the aspects I cherish most about this lifestyle is how it aligns with my passion for sustainability and minimalism. Living in such a small space forces me to be mindful of everything I bring with me. I’ve had to pare down my belongings to the essentials, which has been incredibly liberating. Each item I keep has a purpose, whether it’s for functionality or comfort. The process of curating my van decor and belongings through thrifting has not only been cost-effective but has also allowed me to fill my space with unique, meaningful pieces. It’s rewarding to know that much of what I use has been repurposed rather than bought new.

My dogs are a big part of my van life experience. I specifically designed a space in the front of the van for them so they can be comfortable while we’re on the road. The setup allows them to move around, play, and relax while still being safe. I’ve created little storage areas for their food, water, and toys, so they have everything they need, just like I do. Having them with me makes this journey even more special because we get to explore new places together, and they enjoy the freedom of being outdoors as much as I do.

While van life isn’t always glamorous—there are challenges, like dealing with mechanical issues or finding a safe place to park overnight—it’s still a deeply fulfilling way of life. It’s about embracing the unpredictability of the road, learning to adapt, and finding joy in the little moments, like cooking a meal in my tiny kitchen or waking up to a beautiful sunrise from the back of the van. The simplicity of it all has brought me so much peace and a deeper connection to nature.

Since transitioning to van life, I’ve learned the importance of community as well. There’s a whole network of van-lifers out there, and the sense of camaraderie is incredible. Whether it’s sharing advice on the best places to park, tips on maintaining your van, or just swapping stories around a campfire, the van life community has been supportive and welcoming. It’s nice to know that even though I’m often traveling solo, I’m never really alone.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue exploring new places and documenting my travels. Each destination adds a new layer to this journey, and I’m always excited to see where the road will take me next. There’s still so much of the world to see, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be living this lifestyle. Whether it’s national parks, hidden trails, or small towns off the beaten path, I’m always on the lookout for new adventures.

Thank you for coming along on this journey with me. If you’re ever curious about van life or just want to see where I’m headed next, feel free to follow my travels on Instagram at “Adventures with Alisa” and check out my thrift shop at “High and Thrifted.” It’s been an incredible ride so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!