GypsyWander Blog

van life tips, travel, lifestyle Catina Borgmann van life tips, travel, lifestyle Catina Borgmann

Test Drive Van Life: The Ultimate Try-Before-You-Buy Experience

Have you been binge-watching van life videos, dreaming of watching sunsets from a home on wheels or waking up to the sound of waves crashing just outside your door? Van life may be calling your untamed spirit, but before you sell all your belongings and hit the road, let’s talk about commitment.

So much goes into starting and living van life. Like any lifestyle change, van life is a big step, and it’s not for everyone. Here is the ultimate try-before-you-buy experience!

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Lifestyle Guides, Van Life, Nomadic Living Catina Borgmann Lifestyle Guides, Van Life, Nomadic Living Catina Borgmann

Unlocking the Freedom of Van Life: Your Complete Resource Hub

Welcome to GypsyWander, where the open road is more than just a route — it’s a lifestyle of freedom, adventure, and self-discovery. Did you know that van life isn’t just for younger generations? Many retirees and mid-lifers are now embracing this way of living, downsizing, and finding flexibility and joy on the road.

At GypsyWander, we’re here to support you on your van life journey, whether you’re just getting started or looking to elevate your experience. Dive into our resources at GypsyWander.life and discover everything you need to embark on this exciting adventure.

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Remote Work, Van Life, Travel Tips, Productivity Catina Borgmann Remote Work, Van Life, Travel Tips, Productivity Catina Borgmann

7 Unique Places to Work Remotely Beyond Coffee Shops

Remote work has its perks, but let’s be honest—it can get a little repetitive when your "office" is always a coffee shop. Whether you're looking for a change of scenery, a quiet space, or a dash of adventure, here are 7 alternative spots that offer unique environments for productivity.

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Affordable Van Life: How to Start Living on the Road

Embark on the ultimate adventure of affordable van life with our latest blog post. Discover how to transform a simple minivan into your dream home on wheels without draining your savings. From selecting the right vehicle to embracing minimalism and harnessing solar power, we provide practical tips and inspiring ideas to help you start your journey. Learn how to budget wisely, build a supportive community, and find freedom on the open road. Ready to live big in a small space? Click to read more and unlock the secrets to starting your van life adventure affordably!

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Van Life, Travel Tips, Insurance, Lifestyle Guides Catina Borgmann Van Life, Travel Tips, Insurance, Lifestyle Guides Catina Borgmann

Protecting Your Minivan Camper: Essential Insurance Tips

Dive into the essential guide to safeguarding your minivan camper home on the thrilling journey of van life. In our latest blog post, we unravel the secrets of van insurance, providing you with a blueprint to protect not just your mobile home but the dreams it carries. From liability and collision coverage to personal property protection, learn how to secure your home on wheels and embrace a lifestyle of discovery with confidence. Discover how choosing the right insurer becomes your ally in adventure, and why maintaining a home base is key to navigating this lifestyle smoothly. Plus, get insights on documenting your journey as a celebration of self-discovery. Are you ready to venture into the unknown with peace of mind and a spirit of adventure? Click to read more and find out how to stay insured, stay wild, and stay free on the road to self-discovery.

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The Cost of Van Life: Budgeting Tips & Free Template

Dreaming of van life and the freedom it promises? Dive into our latest post where I unravel the real costs of life on the road. From choosing your van to daily expenses, discover how to budget for your adventure with our free template. Whether you're a minimalist or seeking comfort, find out how to make van life sustainable for you. Ready to hit the road without breaking the bank?

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27 Essential Things to Know Before Starting Vanlife

Ever wondered what lies behind the allure of van life? Dive into this post and uncover the secrets to a successful journey on the road. This eye-opening guide is packed with firsthand experiences and wisdom from seasoned van lifers, offering a unique glimpse into the realities of this nomadic lifestyle. From practical advice to unexpected challenges, we've compiled 27 essential insights that every aspiring vanlifer needs to know. Click to read more and transform your vanlife dreams into reality!

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Van Life, Lifestyle Guides, Holiday Tips, Travel Tips Catina Borgmann Van Life, Lifestyle Guides, Holiday Tips, Travel Tips Catina Borgmann

Embracing the Holiday Spirit in Van Life: A Guide to Practical and Joyful Gifts

Looking for the perfect gift for a van lifer this holiday season? Check out our guide where we’ve compiled a list of both practical and enjoyable items that are sure to bring cheer to any van dweller's journey. From must-have travel accessories to cozy comforts, these picks are carefully chosen for the road.

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Van Life, Minimalism, Lifestyle Guides, Travel Tips Catina Borgmann Van Life, Minimalism, Lifestyle Guides, Travel Tips Catina Borgmann

Downsizing Tips for Vanlife: The Essence of Minimalist Living

Welcome to vanlife, where decluttering and downsizing is our friend! What is easy for some is difficult for others. Get ready for some valuable insights and tips on how to effectively downsize and declutter your belongings in preparation for a van life lifestyle. I will share my personal decluttering formula, offering practical steps and strategies to simplify and organize your possessions, including clothing, keepsakes, and important papers.

Here is your practical guide to downsize and declutter your belongings in order to embrace the freedom and simplicity of van life.

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Making Van Life Comfortable: RoadLoft Conversion Kit Review

Start Van Life with an affordable solution. The RoadLoft is easy to install without alteration to the vehicle. It was designed by experienced travelers to meet all your needs on the road. The layout includes a kitchen, multi-access storage, a toilet area, a bed with a panoramic view, and a table and bench seat. Best of all, it is made of sustainable materials. Marine quality wood that is hyper-resistant to humidity and protected by an ecological multi-layer varnish on all cutting surfaces. The assembly method is resistant to road vibrations. The RoadLoft conversion system is a great investment! All the modules fit together to store in the back of your vehicle even when it’s not in use. It will follow you everywhere, even if you change vehicles. A purchase that retains a very high resale value. Are you convinced? Use coupon code RL3249 to save $150.

RoadLoft paid attention to every detail to facilitate your best vanlife experience!

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Van Life, Safety Tips, Lifestyle Guides, Travel Tips Catina Borgmann Van Life, Safety Tips, Lifestyle Guides, Travel Tips Catina Borgmann

Van Life Safety for Women: Comprehensive Tips for a Secure and Joyful Adventure

Explore the unspoken intricacies of van life safety for women in our latest blog post. Delve into vital tips for ensuring your journey is both secure and enjoyable. From choosing the safest parking spots to stealthily storing your valuables, we cover every aspect to empower you for a fearless van life experience. Plus, discover how to go beyond safety concerns and unlock your van life dreams with our 'Create a Life You Love' workbook. Join us in embracing the freedom of the road with confidence and joy​​​​​​.

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Van Life, Lifestyle Guides, Travel Tips, Challenges Catina Borgmann Van Life, Lifestyle Guides, Travel Tips, Challenges Catina Borgmann

The Truth About Van Life: Challenges You Need to Know

There are struggles of van life that no one talks about or that often go unnoticed by outsiders in the pursuit of this alternative lifestyle. Living the van life dream is not always what it seems. Get ready for light to be shed on the challenges that you may not anticipate when embarking on this adventure.

I hope to provide valuable insights and practical tips to help anyone considering or already living the van life. By sharing our struggles, I hope to empower and support those navigating through the highs and lows of this lifestyle. I firmly believe that with the right mindset and preparation, one can overcome these challenges and make the most of every moment on the road.

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The Surprising Reasons I Chose a Minivan for Van Life

From its spacious interior to its impressive affordability, my chosen minivan provides the ultimate blend of comfort, functionality, and affordability. With ample room for a cozy bed, a workspace, kitchenette, and plenty of storage, it ticks all the boxes for an incredible van life experience. But it's not just about the practical aspects – this minivan allows me freedom and the ability to live life to the fullest. I'll reveal the practical ways I've customized my minivan to cater to all my needs, proving that limited space is no obstacle when it comes to creating a campervan. Discover the array of advantages that come hand in hand with embracing a minivan for van life. I'll delve into the reasons why this unconventional choice has been a game-changer for my nomadic lifestyle. Let me inspire you to embrace the minivan life too.

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3 Steps to Discovering Your Life Purpose

Determining our purpose in life can be one of the most daunting and complicated questions humans try to answer. There is no right or wrong way to determine this; it usually comes with a lot of trial and error. Sometimes, you need a guide to get you going, so let’s look at a step-by-step process exploring your feelings and options. By the end, you should have a reasonably solid tool to employ in helping to give you meaningful direction immediately!

There are three steps to the process of discovering the purpose of your life:

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Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Is it time to get out of your comfort zone?

Comfort zones are great. They're familiar, secure places where we feel at home and comfortable. But sometimes, it's time to get out of your comfort zone and experience something new. Here are some common reasons people stay in their comfort zones:

You've always done it that way.

It's easy to get stuck in your comfort zone. After all, why would you want to leave when you're comfortable and not being challenged? But if you always stay in your comfort zone, how can anything change? If there is no change in your life, nothing will grow or improve--and ultimately, this means stagnation and mediocrity at best. Who wants that? Challenge your status quo!

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Van Life, Wellness, Lifestyle Guides, Personal Growth Catina Borgmann Van Life, Wellness, Lifestyle Guides, Personal Growth Catina Borgmann

Having an Off Day or Week? Try These 2 Simple Solutions

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel less than great. Crabby, grouchy, sad, and bored are all words you could use to describe what I’m like in those days and I’m probably not the best company. The thing is, days like those are part of the deal with being human – it’s not an elective. There will always be off days, and that’s okay.

But what happens when you get a whole string of those off-days, maybe lasting weeks, months, or even years? Too many of us say that we’re in a rut, feel stuck, burned out, or bored, and admit that we don’t want things to be that way, but we don’t know what to do to change. That’s the problem, when you’re in a rut, you don’t have the energy or motivation to change things for the better, and it’s tough to find the insight or resources you need to make that jump.

Here are two fun and easy ways you can use right now to climb, or better yet, leap, out of the rut and start to get something better for yourself.

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This Is Some Heavy Stuff: Reflections on Life and Van Life

I get in moods where I just want to get rid of all the extra things and stuff I have accumulated. I feel the weight of all the excess, and I want to simplify, clear out, and clean out. I moved to North Carolina just over 4 years ago. Preparing for that move meant getting rid of a lot. I only took with me what would fit in my Trailblazer.

Since that move from Nebraska to North Carolina, I've moved a total of nine times! Yes, nine. There was no intention of moving after that initial move, but life happens and circumstances change.

I just passed the year mark of living at my current place. A year! It is the longest I have lived in one place during the last four years.

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Van Life, Lifestyle Guides, Inspiration, Travel Tips Catina Borgmann Van Life, Lifestyle Guides, Inspiration, Travel Tips Catina Borgmann

Welcome to GypsyWander: Your Van Life Adventure Begins Here! 

My goal here is to support, inspire, and encourage free-spirited women.

 Have you ever said:

  •  “I feel so unfulfilled in life. There has to be something more.”

  • “I’m restless and want to go on adventures.”

  • “I feel so tired and have no energy because nothing I do gets me excited.”

  • “I want out of this cage and to feel free!”

  • “I can’t wait until the day I can finally live my dreams.”

  • “I just don’t fit into these social norms.”

If you have ever had these thoughts, then you are in the right place!

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