Van Life Wanderer
Exploring Freedom - A Van Life Blog
(photo: LPS.1)
Stockton is one of the most dangerous cities in California. The city experiences crime twice as often as the national average and violent crimes nearly four times more than the national average.
There’s also high levels of gang activity, high poverty rates, and high unemployment rates in the city.
(photo: tuchodi)
Slab City is a self-sufficient squatter community made up of vagabonds, homeless, artists, snowbirds, and retirees.
It was once a decommissioned military-based but is now considered by many as the "Last Free Place In America."
It’s famous for artistic attractions such as Salvation Mountain and East Jesus.
The city has about 640 acres of public land. It has no formal infrastructure. It lacks electricity, water, and sewer systems. While it’s not entirely lawless, it doesn’t have a government.
(photo: “Somewhere Outside of Barstow – California” by ChrisGoldNY)
Barstow is a city in San Bernardino County, California. Visiting Barstow safely is all about gaining the knowledge and proper planning beforehand. Traveling smart and staying informed about the current atmosphere and potential dangers of Barstow will ease your mind for a safe and fulfilling discovery of the city.
“Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming” by Ken Lund
For many travelers, Wyoming is a desirable destination for its national parks. However, this state is home to much more than just beautiful landscapes. In fact, it’s famous for many reasons, including that it was the first in the country to give women the right to vote and for having 10 of the largest coal mines in the U.S. You might also be surprised to find that Wyoming has a handful of ghost towns scattered across it. Below you’ll discover five of the top ghost towns to venture to while in The Cowboy State.
If you talk to people who have driven Road to Hana, you will hear about gorgeous Hawaiian scenery, the wealth of exotic stops along the way, and the narrow and winding road. All are true; in fact, this could be one of the windiest highways you ever drive. Combined with sheer 300-foot cliffs, this is not a place for reckless driving. But with just a small amount of planning, you can safely travel this beautiful highway and experience for yourself why taking Road to Hana is one of the most beautiful drives in the US.
Like most of us, you may have seen photos and videos of the bright curtains of green, red, and purple light in the night sky that make up the Northern Lights and wondered what it would be like to see them first hand. The good news is seeing them is easier than you may think. You don’t need to be in Alaska, Canada, or Iceland. You can see them in the mainland United States, and Minnesota is one of the best states to view them.
[Read more…] about The 9 Best Places To See The Northern Lights In Minnesota
Glacier National Park is one of the top scenic destinations in the country. When you visit, the beauty is etched in your mind for a lifetime. And driving through the park is half of the fun.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only road to traverse the entire park and provides outrageously gorgeous views all along the way. It is best described by travelers in two words: spectacular and frightening. The road is one of the most scenic drives in the United States, but in some parts, it gets your heart racing – especially when it is your first trip on the road. Each time you use it, you’ll find it easier. It just takes some getting used to.
Let’s shine some light on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
[Read more…] about Is the “Going-to-the-Sun Road” Scary? Yes, and Worth Every Second
Independence Pass is a 32-mile stretch on Colorado’s Highway 82, which winds through the Rocky Mountains and reaches 12,095 feet at its summit, making it the highest paved pass in North America. It begins in Twin Lakes and ends in Aspen’s world-famous ski resort village.
The highway provides some of the most breathtaking views in Colorado, and the scenic lookouts are strategically placed so drivers can stop and see miles and miles of Colorado’s famous Aspen trees and the Roaring Fork River.
[Read more…] about Is Driving On The Independence Pass Scary?
Anyone who has even been remotely close to Death Valley, flown over it in a plane, or driven through it knows that it’s the closest thing we’ll come to seeing a true wasteland, especially the U.S. It’s unbearably hot, reaching 115-120 degrees 5 months out of the year, and there’s no sign of human life from the main road. Looks are deceiving, however, because a lot of people call Death Valley home.
Don’t let the name scare you off! Death Valley is one of the largest national parks in North America, and has one of the most adventurous histories in the West. From iconic Wild West stories and movie backdrops to its picturesque desert landscape, Death Valley is definitely worth the visit.
[Read more…] about Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?