Living My Van Life
Hey there, and welcome to Travels With Martin! This site is all about sharing my adventures as I travel throughout the United States in my van. You’ll find stories from my trips, insights into the gear I use, and, well, just about anything related to van life. We’re talking long journeys, unexpected discoveries, and the stuff that makes van life so exciting to me. So, whether you’re a fellow road warrior, a van life enthusiast, or just curious about this way of life, come join me on this ride as we explore the open road, uncover hidden gems, and embrace the van life spirit!
NEWS: I opened up my Etsy store. I’m creating designs on t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and other items. These would be perfect gifts for the travel enthusiast. Please click to visit me Travel gift store.
So what is van life? Well, it’s a unique journey that varies from person to person. It’s not a one-size-fits-all adventure but a diverse and customizable way of life. It’s about embracing a lifestyle on the road while tailoring it to your preferences and needs. In the world of van life, no two stories are identical, and that’s what makes it so intriguing..
(Disclaimer: This site may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life website and my journey.)
Current Thoughts From the Road
- Guitar Tees and More
Now, I’m thrilled to share my passion for music with all of you through this new collection of guitar-inspired apparel. Each design is a reflection of the joy and creativity that music brings to my life, and I hope they inspire you to embark on your own musical adventures. - “Where to Next?”
“Where to Next?” is my most recent design for shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and other travel gift ideas. - My Travel Gift Shop is Now Open
Hey everyone, I’m excited to share some news with you all—I’ve recently launched a new Etsy shop! In this shop, I’ll be designing a range of products including shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, and more, all featuring some travel-related inspiration from my road tripping around the country. You can find me here… https://www.etsy.com/shop/TravelsWithMartin Looking forward to sharing… Read More »My Travel Gift Shop is Now Open - What is the Mystery of Van Life?
What is van life but an enigmatic journey through the dimly lit streets of the Victorian Gothic mystery thriller? Join us as we delve into the cryptic realm of living on the road, embracing minimalism, traveling full-time, and encountering otherworldly mysteries. Welcome to a van life adventure like no other. - Windswept Beauty: Racine Beach and Wind Point Lighthouse Adventure
Join me on a weather-worn adventure along Lake Michigan’s shores as I visit Racine Beach and Wind Point Lighthouse. Despite the uncooperative weather, I discover the serene beauty of these extraordinary places, hidden from the crowds. Find out why these destinations, one a ‘best of’ gem and the other a historic marvel, left me feeling deeply grateful amidst the cold winds and rain. - Kenosha Chronicles: Jazz, Breakfast, and a Cheese Castle Adventure
Explore the musical charm of Kenosha, where I groove to lakefront tunes, enjoy jazz at Sazzy B, savor a famous Garbage Plate at Frank’s Diner, and discover the unique Mars Cheese Castle. Join me on this delightful journey through this Wisconsin gem. - Diving into Van Life: Navigating the Watery Mail Maze
Take a dive into van life’s underwater world and unravel the whimsical mail dilemma. Discover creative solutions to keep your van life adventure afloat in this enchanting realm. - Van Life Essentials: Save with the Upside App
Embarking on a van life journey? Make the most of your adventure with the Upside app. We review this cashback gem that offers rewards for everyday essentials like gas, groceries, and dining. Learn how it works and how I maximize savings on van life expenses. - Preparing for Full-Time Van Life: The Mail Dilemma
Embarking on the full-time van life adventure brings unparalleled freedom, but with it comes the challenge of managing mail. In our blog, we dive into the strategies and options that I’m exploring to ensure I stay connected to the outside world. From permanent addresses to mail forwarding services, legal address shifts, and digital solutions, there’s a world of possibilities to make van life a reality while keeping mail and documents within reach. Join me as I prepare for full-time van life and navigate the mail dilemma with practical solutions that will make life on the road more enjoyable. - What is the Point of Van Life?
Dive into the essence of van life and uncover what the point of van life is to me. Explore the fundamental reasons that make this nomadic lifestyle a transformative journey, from simplicity and freedom to nature and cherished connections. - On the Road Again: A Superdawg Pit Stop in Wheeling, IL
Join me on a delicious detour at Superdawg Drive In, where I savor the history and flavors of their iconic hot dogs. A pit stop that adds a dash of nostalgia to my van life journey. Come hungry! - Exploring the Midwest En Route to the Arctic Circle
Join me on a Midwest van life road trip as we continue our journey through Cincinnati’s vibrant scenes, explore the culinary delights of Ohio, and savor the charm of Carmel, Indiana. From savory bites to delightful discoveries, this leg of the adventure has it all. - What is Van Life But Poetry in Motion
In the realm of van life, the open road is a canvas, and every journey unfolds as poetry. This post delves into the poetic heart of van life, where life’s adventures are written in verses of travel, minimalism, and the great outdoors. - Preparing for Full-Time Van Life
Join me on the transformative journey of transitioning from part-time to full-time van life, as I shed possessions and embrace the boundless freedom of the open road. Explore the decision that led to a life of adventure and simplicity. - Exploring Georgetown, KY: A Culinary Journey at Fava’s Restaurant
Discover the charm of Georgetown, Kentucky, as I indulge in the iconic Hot Brown at Fava’s Restaurant during my van life adventure north. A culinary journey awaits in the Bluegrass State!
Disc Golf Adventures
One of the highlights of my van life travels across North America is the thrill of seeking out and indulging in disc golf courses. With nearly 10,000 disc golf courses scattered across the United States, I’ve set out on a quest to explore and experience as many of them as I can. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of teeing off at some of the finest disc golf courses that the country has to offer.
