As this semester is wrapping up, post-graduation plans are becoming much more real. With one semester left of college, I have no idea what I’m doing with my life. Part of me is scared to death by that. But the other part sees that as an open opportunity for anything. The “normal” path would be finding a job that aligns with my major and working for the rest of my life. Let me be a bit unrealistic and tell you about my dream life instead.
Renovate a camper or van. Live in the van. Sleep in a new state every week. Hike in every national park. Work remotely or save enough to not work at all. Make new memories and go on spontaneous adventures for months. That is my dream life.
When I was in early high school, I discovered van life on YouTube. I watched people spend months renovating and redecorating vans to make them livable homes. I watched them go to the most beautiful places in America, and I knew I wanted to be just like them. Travel has always been something I love. One summer, my family decided to spend a month on the road. We wanted to drive to Los Angeles, California, and back. This was the biggest road trip I had ever been on. We slept in hotels and stayed at friends’ houses. We hiked and explored cities in over 15 states. It was crazy, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
After college, I want to do it again, but, like, times ten. The logistics of a three– to six-month road trip are boring, so I’ll skip to my ideal outcome. I graduate in May, then I work and save as much money as I can for one year. I buy a van or a camper, renovate it if I have to, and plan the route. If I got a van, it would be more expensive, but I would have much more room, and it would feel homier, which is important when you are on the road for that long. But I could also get a small, towable camper with only a bed and kitchen in it. This is way cheaper, but not as long-lasting. I’ll decide that later on, though. Then, in the summer of 2028, I begin my journey across the U.S. and Canada.
The top places I want to see are Banff, Moab, Wyoming, Oregon, and Havasu Falls. I have never been to Banff, but it looks like one of the most beautiful hiking spots in the world. The water is incredibly blue, with mountains surrounding it. I have never explored Canada, which puts Banff at the top of my list.
The next place is Moab, Utah. I have been here before, but it was so much fun that I would love to go back. Arches National Park was incredible, and I rode around on an ATV for the first time there. The red sand, dust, and mud surrounding me in the middle of nowhere were unlike anything I had ever experienced.
I’ve always wanted to go to the Northwest. Wyoming and Oregon are some of the few states I haven’t been to. In Wyoming, the Tetons are a must-see. My cousin took a trip to Oregon, and it made me so jealous. The greenery and beaches, mixed with rocky terrain and mountains, make it so versatile for any kind of vacation vibe.
Lastly, my most anticipated trip is to Havasu Falls in Arizona. My dad took a trip here when he was in his 20s, and we have always talked about doing this trip together. You are supposed to hike down into the canyon, which is about 10 miles, and you can stay inside the falls overnight! The water is crystal blue, and you can swim right up into the falls. Whenever I find myself in Arizona on this huge road trip adventure, I will surely do this hike.
I want to travel and explore new places before I get stuck in the routine of work. While I’m still young, I want to chase this goal that I’ve had for many years and live out younger-me’s dream of seeing the world. It may seem unrealistic now, but if I really want to make this a reality, I’m the only one who can make it happen. Once I can commit to this plan, I will work towards it every day until I finally set out on the adventure of a lifetime.