Inspiring Millennial dog moms to live modern, meaningful lives.
When I bought my 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan in June of 2020, I got started on converting it into a camper right away. After years of research I was ready to embark on my van life journey.
Wynston and I are going to be living in our minivan camper conversion as we explore the United States over a period of five weeks. This sort of solo undertaking takes research, preparation and a lot of open-mindedness.
Travel is not new to me, and neither is driving a long distance by myself. But because I will be living on the road for five weeks with my dog, it’s important that I prepare properly.
In this post I share how I’m preparing for a five week road trip with Wynston around the USA. I’m working on my van, mind, body and soul so I am fully ready to be living out of our vehicle.
I chase weather. I go where it’s cold, raining, snowing…anything but sun. Living in the desert for 22 years has taken it’s toll on me and I’m over it. Therefore, I like to travel where the weather is not going to fry my soul if I walk outdoors.
But anyways, that’s what brought Wynston and I to San Diego for a van life trip – weather in the 70s. The San Diego area is about a 5.5 hour drive from our house, which is super close for us! When you’re used to driving 12+ hours to visit a beautiful spot, only having to travel less than 6 is awfully appealing.
I decided to book a stay at the San Diego Metro KOA. If you aren’t familiar with KOAs (I definitely wasn’t), they are family-oriented campgrounds with lots of activities and amenities.
I’m attracted to KOAs because they give you the ability to camp with the amenities of a hotel such as showers, bathrooms, electric hookups, activities for the family and often a pool and cafe. At most KOA campgrounds, you can camp in a cabin, tent or RV. Some even have tiny homes and yurts. Whatever your style is, the KOA probably offers it.
I hadn’t been to San Diego since I was a teenager, so I was especially excited to visit. I wasn’t really sure what to expect of a campground in the middle of an ocean “city,” but I gave it a whirl, and it was worth it.
