She Left Everything to Live Affordably in her Camper Van

Her Social Media Links:

VIDEO DESCRIPTION:

Join Alyssa as she takes you on a tour of her 1992 Dodge Ram camper van, which she transformed into a retro-inspired tiny home on wheels. In this video, Alyssa shares her journey into solo female van life, explains how she left behind the traditional "rat race," and embraced a simpler lifestyle filled with travel and adventure. Whether you’re curious about van life, RV living, or how to live affordably on the road, this tour is packed with insights and inspiration.

Retro Kitchen with Modern Touches Alyssa’s van kitchen maintains a vintage feel with modern updates. The propane/electric fridge was revamped with adorable wallpaper, while a butcher block countertop and updated faucet complete the look. With a two-burner stove and ample storage space, Alyssa has everything she needs to cook on the road. Plus, she shows off her favorite purchase—a Bellman coffee maker that brews delicious lattes every morning using only her stovetop.

Living Room, Bedroom, and Dining Space in One Alyssa's van is designed like a miniature RV, with a space that converts from a living room to a bedroom. She explains how the dinette folds down into a bed, but she often leaves it as a bed and eats at her counter instead. With thrifty decor, including handmade items from her grandmother, Alyssa has created a cozy and personalized home that reflects her retro-inspired style with brown, orange, and yellow tones.

Travel Inspiration & Empowerment for Solo Female Travelers Alyssa’s passion for travel started long before van life—she’s backpacked across 27 countries and loves National Park hopping. Encouraged by her best friend, Alyssa realized that van life was an affordable and achievable way to live her dream full-time. After leaving her job, relationship, and apartment, she hit the road and hasn’t looked back. Her journey shows that with determination, women can safely and affordably pursue solo travel.

Functional Miniature Bathroom Alyssa's van also features a compact bathroom with an RV-style toilet and black water tank, allowing her to enjoy the convenience of not having to remove or dump her toilet manually. While she doesn’t have a shower inside, she uses Planet Fitness for showers and keeps an outdoor shower as a backup.

Maximizing Storage & Custom Dog Space Alisa’s van is packed with clever storage solutions. From her closet area with a hanging bar to the custom-built dog space at the front of the van, she’s found a way to organize all of her essentials without sacrificing comfort. Her dogs have a dedicated spot with safety harnesses and can even walk up to the dash while on the road.

Affordable & Thrifty Van Life Alyssa purchased her Dodge camper van for $15,000, added $1,500 in mechanical fixes, and outfitted her home with thrifted decor for under $600. Her advice for women considering van life is to start by researching affordable options, and she emphasizes how important it is to take the leap and follow your dreams.

Solo Female Travel: Encouragement & Safety Tips Alyssa offers encouraging advice to women who want to explore solo travel, noting that with the right precautions, it’s no more dangerous than staying in a city. She emphasizes the empowerment that comes from living a nomadic lifestyle and how travel has opened up new possibilities for her life.

TINY HOME TOURS LINKS:

LIFE ON THE ROAD IN A SKOOLIE LINKS

[anitavonderheid]

I am 80 and travel alone in a 23 ft motorhome. Drove 9000 miles this summer and love it. Sincerely Anita

[randywatkins]

I am a 78 year old male, and been living in my R V for starting my 7 th year ! After my wife passed away, I ended up in a nursing home, a year after she passed . They said this is your new home ! Being single and her loss sent me thier ! They said if you don't get you self togeather this will be your new life ! Well that's not going too happen ! I went too work and was first in line every day for physical therapy ! I was 205 lbs when I woak up in thier ! 8 months later at a weight of 165, & I was FREE ! 🎉 STILL LIVING MY LIFE, MY WAY FREE IN MY R V ! 😊

[Gail-Storm]

During covid I bought a 2020 Ford Transit. I'm 71 years old, female. I'm a snowbird in florida and I travel 4 months every summer and put on 10, 000 miles traveling in my van. I have a bed, flushing toilet, running water, 1 burner Propane stove, and a12 V Frig. This was my 4th summer traveling in my van.

[moonchild]

So cool that your grandmother supports you and makes you cool stuff and that you appreciate her.

[GiuliaMitchell]

so proud to call this woman one of my best friends 🥰 she is pretty great

[meridethhendry]

Just absolutely love her space. It looks so comfortable and cozy. She sounds like she has a good head on her shoulders and loves her life. It doesn’t get much better than that.

[kyfeam]

bought a piece of land in Nevada.. selling everything and moving there next April.. putting a shed and 2 RV's on it.. completely off grid.. 20 minutes from nearest town.. serenity..

[bklynrules]

Your van is amazing! It is so cozy and you can see the quality of the build. Cute doggies too!

[hughess]

We lived full time in our 40 ft diesel pusher with 4 slideouts, always impressed with those of you who manage it so well in vans. Hats off to you and your beautiful dogs.

[jayswah]

this woman is awesome and i love her outlook

[MichelleSeverino-kdge]

This exactly the way I would want a Van to live in. Everything You added really compliments the AREA. I love the double doors, seating ( flip bed) and the bathroom are my favorites <3 thank You for sharing Your Van. <3

[unacarafea]

I did this in 1989, when RV's were for "retired people only". I was young and ready for adventure. My dog and I lived in a Lazy Daze class C for 3 years. Quit my job as a photographer and ended up publishing a photo book about abandoned buildings across the U.S. Ended up settling down in Seattle and selling the RV. It was a high point in my life. I encourage the adventurous and "interested in the world beyond my nose" spirit.

[cherylbasil]

I love it and love your retro 🌼🍄 decor.

[MrZipdang]

I love your shoe rack! Great idea, I’m going to steal that idea for my van, I’m always tripping over my shoes! Your van is fabulous, your dogs are too! Happy trails!

[ennzee]

I love the Wedgwood Blue theme in your van. And especially the bed/sitout/work area; looks spacious with the windows and light that i need otherwise i would feel claustrophobic❤

[Amie]

I make great cornbread & cookies in my iron skillet on the stove. Just put a good lid on & boom - instant oven!! Love your van, it’s perfect ❤❤

[Shora-ho]

Beautiful Van and the fur babies are so cute God them be safe out there..🙏🏽🙏🏽

[Shannon-uv]

I've seen so many different van builds and I think this is the perfect size and configuration!! I am currently looking for another one like this!! Thanks for sharing!
Safe travels

[kianhu]

I love this van the whole vibe, and I love the doggies ❤

[darelljackson]

Your van is amazing! Love the layout. You look very happy as well. Congratulations 🎉