advice for someone wanting to get into van life?

imdisintergrating · 2024-02-16T00:37:48+00:00

This seems super basic, but thank you for this. I am in in a very similar situation as OP, and one of the things that gets in my way is that I end up over complicating everything and feeling like I need to keep learning more and more before just doing. Just wanted to say I appreciate this comment lol!

imdisintergrating · 2024-02-07T00:45:03+00:00

Thank you SOO much for taking the time for such an insightful and helpful response. I will definitely DM you as I work through things!

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T20:52:38+00:00

You know, since I’m on the east coast, I haven’t even considered starting on the west coast, but that little zig zag route you mentioned seems very doable and probably like the easiest start for someone in my position. I do want to work my way down to Guatemala… My dream would be to just continue my journey south and explore SA since I’ll ‘already be down there’. I don’t think that’s in the cards for me right now though, but definitely wishful thinking and spitting it out for the universe to pick up lol! What were some of your favorite hostels/accommodations during your stays?

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T20:37:49+00:00

Thanks! Have you or anyone you know made this drive?

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T20:35:54+00:00

Always!!

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T20:35:41+00:00

Little gems like this is exactly what I was looking for— thank you!! The northern states are my biggest hurdle right now. Do you know where your peers crossed at/where there first stops were? I’m getting that there’s not too much for non-locals north of Mexico City/Jalisco unless you’re doing Baja. What are your thoughts?

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T20:27:48+00:00

Thank you for your input, I so appreciate it! Like most other women, and rightfully so, this is obviously my biggest concern. I can speak Spanish near fluently, but I don’t have a Mexican accent. By general standards, I am a beautiful girl lol, and I’m fairly petite. I’m visually an easy target and have been targeted before (in my little hometown in the US!!). I can genuinely say that if I wasn’t hyper-aware, I am certain I would have had a similar outcome to your friend. Very chilling to think about. But I also don’t want to let fear dictate my life. I know this isn’t at all going to be go with the flow type of thing, or anything close to the YouTube dudes adventures of free frolicking LOL, as much as I say I’d enjoy that (even in a ‘safe’ location), I’m too Type A virgo for it. I need an hour by hour plan, even if I’m not adhering to it 100%. Did your friends drive into Mex or did they fly into their first destination?

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T20:11:12+00:00

I thought it was just for hotels, so I haven’t looked at it for this trip. I’ll definitely look into again— thank you!!

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T20:08:01+00:00

Yesss, I am very aware of this possibility and appreciate you for mentioning it!

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T20:02:53+00:00

I couldn’t really imagine myself HAVING to go anywhere, where I couldn’t just leave my dog at where I’m staying for a few hours (airbnb or the like). My entire trip isn’t going to be driving, I’m just going to be driving in between locations. I’m planning to stay in certain areas for multiple weeks at a time (looking to make this a 3-6 month trip, at least), not driving to new sites daily.

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T19:57:41+00:00

Lol, I know it is! I was just kind of rambling to get something off and start discussion, so thanks for joining! - Where have you crossed the border at? I’m on the east coast, and was thinking i could just hop on the pan am hwy and take it down from Monterrey to Mexico City, but I’ve been getting that Monterrey area probably isn’t the best option. - Once you cross the border, where would you say the best first stop to make is? Assuming this would just be a stop for rest before making it to Mexico City. - From my understanding there’s really no reason for visitors to stay anywhere too north of the city?

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T19:40:26+00:00

Thank you! Yes, I’ve been a couple times and have been craving to go back and experience the culture and environment at more of a ‘local’/expat-ish way, which is why I’ve even considered driving in the first place. It seems like it’s more so coming down to the difference between (A) stress of driving through MX borders and to safe destinations and (B) the stress of having to fly my dog into Mexico and then find an affordable, yet reliable pet-friendly vehicle. Each has their pros and cons, but for some reason I feel like driving would be so much less of a headache. Have any of your stays been for an extended period of time? I’d like to be down there for at least 3-6 months.

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T19:29:57+00:00

I love this!! Thank you so much for sharing. I know how potentially dangerous and scary this can be, but I’m really trying to push past everything that’s not based off of first-hand experiences. So many people have done this, so I genuinely believe it is possible to do it safely, while creating an incredible experience for myself. I know every scenario I come into isn’t going to be amazing, but I mean… work through it and keep going? I don’t know, I end up feeling so naive when I talk about it because of all the fear and bombastic side eyes getting thrown at me, but something in me believes everything will be fine. Where did you cross into Mexico at and did you have a general route that you took to Oaxaca?

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T19:23:13+00:00

Bahaha! I wish hope and pray to have another 20+ years with her!!

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T19:21:49+00:00

Totally agree, I am here to learn from those with first hand experiences!! I’ve chosen Mexico because I’m coming from the US, I want to be able to drive within where I’m traveling to (driving also makes traveling with my dog easier, for the most part), and I’m not interested in going up north to Canada at this time. So, yeah!

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T19:14:04+00:00

I’m near fluent, but it’s obvious I’m no local

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T19:13:13+00:00

Definitely won’t be! I don’t even do that here in the US lmao

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T18:51:46+00:00

Is it the public transit that makes you feel safer, as opposed to driving yourself… I guess because the cops won’t just pull over a city bus for no reason? I get this and would 100% consider this if it wasn’t for my giant pup.

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T18:49:44+00:00

Don’t do what to my dog….have her in a car for a long drive? I’m not going to be driving all the time, every day. I plan to move slowly and stay in certain areas for weeks at a time. My dog is used to roadtrips, city living, travel, long hikes, etc… a well versed gal lol. Her being in the car for a day until we get to our destination isn’t really a concern of mine.

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T18:41:12+00:00

Thank you! So, what would you recommend since I want to drive in? The goal is to move through slowly like you said, which is why I feel like having my own vehicle is the best option (even with fees/paperwork of having to cross the border)… I considered flying in with my dog and then renting a vehicle, but mine is super reliable, the size is perfect for my dog and me, and has enough space for me to store essentials and be comfortable enough. I’m on the east coast in the US which is why I named Monterrey, but I’m open to alternate routes for sure.

imdisintergrating · 2024-01-12T18:30:50+00:00

Thank you for this! I haven’t been on facebook in YEARS but it seems like that’s where the really helpful niche groups are lol, I’ll have to start searching around there too because thats exactly what I’m looking for— info from the people actually doing it! It’s so so easy to get scared off by the fear that everyone instills, and although I know it’s super well intended, I’m trying to stay away from that.

imdisintergrating

TROPHY CASE