An array of rigs fill the parking lot at Palisades Tahoe for the Adventure Van Expo Sept. 20-21. (Image: Kathryn Reed)
I was at a crossroads in 2018. I was selling my house in South Lake Tahoe, closing my business, Lake Tahoe News, and ready for a new adventure.
What that adventure was going to be kept changing.
Travel has always been one of my loves. There wasn’t any place in particular I wanted to live other than where it didn’t snow. An RV of some sort seemed like a fantastic option—travel, a home on wheels and endless options.
Instead I opted to head to Baja to live at my sister’s place and be her Airbnb manager of sorts. Three years of winters in Mexico and summers in Tahoe were glorious.
Even so, as the years pass I still dream about an RV. These days I’m leaning more toward a van.
My friend Darla knows I still have this fantasy of traveling around on wheels. While she has had a van before, she is now ready for another one. That’s how we ended up at the Adventure Van Expo Tour at Palisades Tahoe on Sept. 20.
People find creative ways to haul all of their outdoor toys inside a van. (Image: Kathryn Reed)
I already figured out I didn’t want a custom build. Maybe one day. But until I have been using/living in a van, I don’t know what I really want. It makes more sense to go with a company that does van builds. I’d like to think they have been listening to customers, making changes along the way and creating something most of us will be happy with.
Of course the actual van is pretty important too—Mercedes, Ford, Ram, something else.
I don’t know what I want yet. As I told one vendor: I’m in the dreaming phase, my friend is in the shopping-buying mode.
This expo was better than I imagined. To see all of these vans in person instead of online is so much more educational. To stand in them, to see the kitchen layout, the garage space (that’s what it’s really called—the room under the bed), where the seating is, tables, and any extras.
While Darla hasn’t figure out (last I spoke with her) what she is going to buy, she did come away with good information. So did I.
We have different plans for the rigs. She wants it to play in; I think one day I would quasi live in it at least for a short while. We’ll see. It sure is fun to dream.
🫶🏼 what an adventure it’ll be!!!
I think of that often myself because all my three daughters with spouses use their RVs a lot. I loved camping and RVing with my husband through the years, but now that I’m alone, I’m not quite so adventurous.
It is a great way to travel. Many women are independent and do it alone or join groups/clubs. Some of those new vans are very expensive.
I imagine it would be perfect for you! how fun!
Sounds like fun & freedom to explore at whim to me. Along with comfort, I would consider gas mileage. Wondering where van people park their vans when traveling, as have heard the RV parks have become costly. Also are there showers and toilets within and if not, where does one go for that when traveling? Obviously, I have many questions, yet find the concept an absolute blast Kae! RV’s are too big of a hassle for sure! Have friends tht just sold theirs. The man spent an many hours prior to travel preparing it. No thanks!
Some have showers, most have toilets — usually compostable. Parking is wherever you want … USFS and BLM land is often free.