Van Life Wanderer - Page 2 of 7 - Exploring Freedom

15 Things You Should Never Do In Vietnam – Must Read Before Traveling

January 11, 2021 Leave a Comment

Visiting a foreign country is both an exciting and nerve-racking endeavor. There are certain must-knows before immersing in a foreign culture. Vietnam isn’t your average touristy destination, although it is a fascinating place. Vietnam is in the most eastern part of Southeast Asia, it is most famous for Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, which is located at the bank of the Red River. It has been the capital of Vietnam for 1,000 years. Studying the culture and particular ways of life in Vietnam is important to do before arriving. Knowing the way the people’s values, beliefs, and daily practices can be the difference between an amazing or a traumatic experience.

The 6 Worst Tourist Traps In Los Angeles And Where To Go Instead

January 8, 2021 Leave a Comment

The City of Angels has a lot to offer. With its rich culture, delicious food, and beautiful beaches, it’s hard not to have a blast. But your trip to L.A. can easily be ruined by visiting the wrong places.

With such limited time, you want to make sure you go only to the best attractions.

Don’t know any locals to ask what’s good? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll go over the worst tourist traps to avoid in Los Angeles and where you should go insted. Let’s get started!

Everything You Wanted To Know About Hawaiian Pidgin

January 4, 2021 Leave a Comment

Hawaiian Pidgin is a language used amongst the locals of Hawaii. Overtime, the language has developed and taken on dialects from both the English and Hawaiian language. It is also known as Hawaiian Creole English, meaning it is an english based creole language. When traveling to a new area, it is common that you will run into dialects and a way of communicating that is unique to the area. Hawaii has become known for its pidgin lingo and will even be spotted on local advertising.

Is Stockton, California Safe?

December 29, 2020 Leave a Comment

(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.

How To Get To Havasu Falls Without Hiking

December 22, 2020 Leave a Comment

The great Havasu Falls is every adventurer’s dream water fall destination. What makes it so alluring? It is located in Grand Canyon, Arizona, known for its immense and vast beauty.

With growing popularity, access to Havasu falls now requires a permit. Aside from hiking, there are other means of transportation, no matter what the excursion is worth it.

As a part of the Havasupai tribal lands, the cultured atmosphere around the falls makes it even more desirable to experience. Today, the tribe has made the Grand Canyon home for more than 800 years with 600 members of the tribe.

Is Slab City Safe To Visit?

December 17, 2020 1 Comment

(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.

Is Barstow Safe To Visit?

December 15, 2020 Leave a Comment

(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.

5 Best Ghost Towns in Wyoming

October 25, 2020 1 Comment

“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.

9 Best Ghost Towns to Visit in Idaho

September 30, 2020 Leave a Comment

Gemstones, potatoes, appaloosas – these are just a few things Idaho is known for. However, some might be surprised to learn that the Gem State is packed with ghost towns. These abandoned areas were predominantly founded by miners who hoped to strike big. Below you’ll discover some of the best ghost towns to visit while in Idaho.