my title of “never getting the knock” has officially been revoked 😮💨 Honestly surprised I made it this long. I’ve had notes left on the van or tickets here and there. I did get knocked on once out on a campsite in the middle of AZ, but it was police trying to get info on recent gunshots in the area so I didn’t have to move the van. Breakfast details 👇🏼 gf everything bagel (best ones are from Trader Joe’s!!) toast bagel mashed avocado goat cheese pesto smoked salmon red onion chopped dill I will be having that every day. #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #lifeontheroad
items in this video 🫧👇🏼 (none of this is spons) • @TheScrubba wash bag (I think it’s worth it, other people say you can just use a dry bag) • @Ethique stain remover bar • True Earth laundry strips (I use these in the van as well, one tin lasts me 6+ months) For most of my time in SE Asia I used the laundry services. I definitely got clothes back multiple times that were just as dirty as I gave them, but other times it worked just fine. It’s cheap and easy. I have certain clothing items that I will always wash myself. These are things like wool clothing, my fleece, and any really delicate items or things I can’t easily replace. Honestly the Ethique stain remover bar gets out dirt and stains better than I expected, so that thing goes with me everywhere now. I don’t always bring the Scrubba bag, and I actually didn’t bring it on my 5 months to Asia. I brought it to Patagonia for 2 month and used it about once a week. I also carry a little clothesline from Sea to Summit that works great when there’s not places to dry the clothes. #solofemaletraveler #traveltips #backpacktraveller
ok what about a backup phone or other items?? 👇🏼 I know a lot of people that travel with a backup phone and while I haven’t ever done that, I think it can be a good idea. (People mostly just bring an older iPhone that they never traded in, I’m not talking two brand new phones) Phones can easily get lost or stolen in certain areas and it would be pretty nice to have an old one on hand ready to switch everything over to. Now that I type this out, I’m not sure if I even have an old phone to bring with me 😅 BUT that is a good reminder to make sure your phone is always backed up!!! Other backup items I bring not mentioned: • extra SD cards / hard drive • toiletries that I can’t easily get elsewhere (shampoo/conditioner bars if I’m traveling for a looong time) • alternate form of ID (drivers license) • charging cords (I always have 2+ iPhone cords or specialty cords on me) • @loopearplugs - I once lost my only pair of sleep earplugs and was so sad bc the foamy ones kill me ears and I sleep with the loop ones every night Usually anything else can be replaced in whatever city I fly into. #solofemaletravel #solotravel #packwithme
Driving my entire home on snowy mountain roads isn’t always the most settling feeling, so it’s super important that I have a camera documenting every minute I drive! AD The @Vantrue Dash Cam E360 is a user friendly, easy to install, reliable dash camera. I love the seamless 360 degree video, perfect A-pillar stitching, and day/night time recording! As an added bonus, the camera isn’t just a dash camera and you can easily pop it off the windshield mount to use in “handheld” mode! Then you have a 360 degree camera that can be used for gatherings and any activity outside the vehicle. #vantrue #vantrueE360
More about each item and honorable mentions below 👇🏼AD You can find the kit almost anywhere, the one shown in this video I got somewhere in the Philippines since I had forgotten the one I usually bring! I like to make sure it has: needle, thread, button, safety pin, mini scissors are an added bonus I got this lock from a friend but again, you can find them anywhere! Look for ones with the bendy metal clasp thing Probiotic from @enzymedica - I’ve been taking this everyday for months and I have noticed a big difference. It decreases bloating, boosts immunity, improves digestion, and most importantly maintains microbiome health! The core blend has 7 different strains of live probiotics that won’t die off in the bottle. They also don’t need to be kept in the fridge which is why they’re great for travel! Tiny clothesline from Sea to Summit. I like to wash my clothes in the Scrubba bag and then hang them up on this! More small but mighty items: My Loop Experience and Quiet earplugs Shampoo/Conditioner bars #subcultureparter #subcultureprobiotics
How ridiculous is it that this ENTIRE DAY costs less than a one day lift ticket at Vail Ok but here’s some more thoughts and tips for winter in Japan 👇🏼 - Hostels do exist in some of the areas but need to be booked in advance (I saw ranges of $45 - 90/bed/night) It’s better to book your accommodation in advance for the most part. The hotels in the tiny ski towns do have the possibility to fully book up ahead of time. Almost all the options for Furano had been taken and the ones for Otaru were slim. I use the Agoda app to make reservations. - In order to rent a car you need an international drivers license. I was able to easily get one in the US by going to a AAA office and the process took less than 15 minutes. The car rental can be reserved online ahead of time. - Tattoo friendly onsens do exist. Even some of the ones with a bunch of “no tattoo” signs let me in after asking. Odds are if you’re in a touristy place they’re more likely to allow them (aka Niseko). Just ask and be prepared for rejection. A popular tattoo friendly one is Hoheikyo Hot Spring - I have not been spending $50 on dinner every night, that one was out of the ordinary but SO worth it. A lot of meals have been 7-11 or Lawson options and that keeps the overall price down. - Eating gluten free - I have celiac disease and yes it can be tough to eat in Japan. Thankfully sushi is a safe bet majority of the time so I eat that for most meals. The touristy towns will have more dedicated GF options but be prepared for slim choices in the local towns. - Ski town recs: Niseko is popular for a reason. The mountain is close, you can get there without renting a car, it dumps almost daily and is extremely easy to navigate. There are SO many other small ski resorts around Hokkaido and on the main island, but they do take a little more work. On this trip so far I’ve skiied at Furano, Rusutsu and Kiroro. I’ve heard that you can get to these places via public transportation, but the car rental is easier. You will want to be comfortable driving through blizzards and on very snowy roads since it is almost always snowing at some point in the day #traveljapan #travelvlog
I’m heading to Europe this summer and will be using an eSIM the whole time I’m there [AD] I’ve used physical sim cards in the past and prefer eSIMs from @Airalo . The last time I used a physical sim I lost my original sim card for a while and did not want to encounter a situation like that again. I use the regional eSIM option from Airalo when I know I’ll be going from country to country, specifically for areas throughout SE Asia or Europe. To use Airalo: • Download the App • Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible • Brose the plans and pick a country or region • Use code KAYLI3 for #3 off your first purchase :) • Install the eSIM and follow directions for activation • Now you’ll have data once you arrive at your destination! #airalo #eSIM
This was easily the biggest and best snowstorm I’ve ever been in the van for ❄️✨ Over the years I’ve dealt with things like pipes freezing, water pumps breaking, faucets exploding, heaters malfunctioning, batteries freezing, mold, leaks, and driving your entire home on scary icy roads. It can be draining and each year I learn something new. Even with all of that, it’s still worth it to me. I’ve been able to snowboard more than I ever imagined and experience some of the best snow. So what happened with the tire chain and why do you need those?? Since my van is 2 wheel drive (rear) I have to carry chains with me in order to be able to drive certain roads throughout the winter. I switched out the stock tires for all-terrain winter ones, but that is not enough traction for some of these roads. I have put the chains on many times and never had an issue… until this day. Still unsure as to how the chain broke off (something was probably mis-attached) but I didn’t know it had broken off till it was too late. I’ve been stuck in sand and mud before but this was my first time getting that stuck in snow. thanks to @mendez_1230 and @ethan.northey for the tow and all the help 🫡 #solofemalevanlife #wintervanlife #lifeontheroad
Stomach problems have created some very interesting travel days for me in the past and they are not something that I ever want to repeat… AD I’m being very fr about learning about the gut microbiome and how much it affects everything. My skin breaking out? Probably something off with my stomach. Super inflamed or not feeling high energy? Definitely something I’ve been eating. I’ve known for years that probiotics are important in maintaining gut health, but I didn’t start taking them seriously until a few years ago. The daily SubCulture for bloat probiotic from @enzymedica promotes and maintains microbiome health, aids in digestion, stronger immunity, reduces bloating, and much more. The core blend has 7 different strains of live probiotics that won’t die off in the bottle. They also don’t need to be kept in the fridge which is why they’re great for travel! You can get 25% off their at their website right now :) #solofemaletravel #solotravel #subcultureprobiotics #subculturepartner
i am in loooooove!! big shoutout to @blacklambx (IG handle) for the incredible work and for cranking out long days!! you’re the best 🥹 can’t wait to add the shading!! also only have a few more spots on my left leg to fill then she’s “done” 👀 including the upper hamstring which oof that’ll be a fun time #tattoovlog #lifeontheroad #legtattoos
am I... perfect? no lol (If you don’t do these things, this video is not to shame, this is me trying to convey my thoughts about me) This job is weird and even making this video felt weird because the main part of my niche is literally promoting travel PRODUCTS. I’ve been going back and forth in my head recently of how I effectively convey this inner struggle. Often times the little voice in my head is just like shut up and do your job. My former math teacher self did not expect influencing to suddenly become my full time job, so I have learned MANY lessons along the way and know I will continue to learn more in the future. Have I promoted bad products in the past? yeah Have I worked with a company just for the check? uhhh yeah, especially at the beginning of starting this job when options are slim Do I accept PR? yes (depending what it is) Have I / will I ALWAYS do the 4 things I talked about in that video? No, but that’s what I go off of So what happens when companies send me new stuff I don’t need or already have items of? I’ll donate! Sometimes I’ll accept PR to stuff I don’t need but I know of someone that does. If I keep the items I go through my own stuff to then donate old items, also just so I have room for it in the van. Do I just thrift everything and never buy anything new? no lol These are guidelines I try to live by. I went shopping in Japan and didn’t “need” any of those things I bought. I have probably 30+ hats and beanies that I am well aware I don’t neeeeed. The van is currently overfilled and I will be going through and donating items asap 😅 #solofemaletraveler #underconsumption
I turn 30 in 2 months and when I saw @lib_claire post this, I related to it haaaard. I know 20 year old me NEVER imagined this is where I’d be at today. Honestly in a lot of ways I feel like such an outsider looking in at my other phases of life. 20 year old me never wanted to move out of Nebraska. 20 year old me was very intimidated to try new hobbies in the outdoor space. 20 year old me would’ve never dreamed of solo traveling outside of the states. The earlier version of me isn’t someone who I relate to now, but I also wouldn’t be here now without those steps of my life. Free will and the option (and privilege) to pivot your life are a beautiful thing!! ps my high school superlative was “most changed” so looks like I’ve been on this track all along lol #solofemaletravel #lifeontheroad
I started getting tattoos thinking I’d keep them all in “coverable” places. Then I started my left arm and thought I’d just do simple linework on the backside of my arm. Theeen I went for some more visible pieces (still small, still barely shaded). And now I am wanting to cover everything with bigger pieces and shading 😅 I’ve also started the process of giving a new life to old tattoos. There are some old ones that started as just linework that I want to be shaded now or look different and it’s been so fun to see how they can be changed! @blacklambx did these two new pieces on my leg and she crushes it every time 🥹 Other artists I’ve gone to and recommend below 👇🏼 Hanoi, Vietnam @firstorder.tattoo Tokyo, Japan @bubble_caat Buenos Aires, Argentina @katja.inkk Hamburg, Germany @sinahainzl El Nido, Philippines @ozelnido Budapest @queenofheartstattoobp South Lake Tahoe, CA @blacklambx Denver, CO @amandaboiktattoos Avondale, AZ @natta_tattoo San Diego, CA @pacificinksd Puerto Princessa, Philippines @dylantattooofficial #solofemaletraveler #tattoo
more information 👇🏼 ✨Where/How I book✨ I book almost every single hostel through @Hostelworld . Yes, sometimes it can be cheaper to find the hostel on the Hostelworld app, and then go directly to the hostels website to book through them. If I’m on a long term trip and hopping around a lot, I like the convenience of just having them all in one app. (this is not spons by them, they’re just what I use) ✨Have I had any bad experiences?✨ I’ve honestly had so many good experiences that the bad ones either don’t stand out or I’ve forgotten about them by now. There’s been the occasional night where I get woken up by people yelling or just being drunk, but since I sleep with earplugs I barely get woken up. ✨Favorite locations✨ Outpost Hostel in El Nido, Philippines Aylen Aike in El Chalten, Argentina Hiraya Surf Hostel in Siargao, Philippines Laura’s Backpackers 503 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia Chief Mau in Moalboal, Philippines Stamps in Chiang Mai, Thailand I’ve stayed in so many other good ones, the places listed above just stood out above the rest. ✨Costs✨ Cheapest hostels I’ve been in - Laos and Vietnam (averaging $5 a night for a bunk) Most expensive hostels I’ve been in - Japan ($40-$60 for a bunk booked pretty last minute) Time of year will impact how much you’re paying!! If you want to go more budget core, go in the offseason (but be mindful of weather). ✨What to look for when booking✨ ALWAYS READ THE REVIEWS!!!! seriously they will tell you so much. Recent bed bugs? Someone wrote about it. Weird vibe? Someone will tell you. Not like the photos? Reviewed. Now when I stay in hostels I want a social vibe but not a party hostel. There IS a difference. Party hostels might have music bumping till 1 am. Social hostels will have common places that are designed for people to meet and also may have activities and drinking but it’s different. ✨Can I book a female only room??✨ YES. If you feel uncomfortable sharing a mixed room, a lot of hostels have female only dorms. (Not all, but most) You’ll be able to see if this is an option when you’re selecting your bed on the Hostelworld app. #solofemaletraveler #solotravel #hostelworld
2025 is for feeling all the feelings and quality time with friends 🫡🤝🏼 friends in vid: @Operation Adventure operation.adventure @ethan.northey #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #lifeontheroad
I would like to thank YouTube university for letting me think I can be an electrician, plumber and carpenter 😤💪🏼 #solofemalevanlife #vanlifebuild #vanrenovation #vanconversion
it’s DONEEEEE!!! 🦄🌸💓🌈🌿 Purple cabinets, pink bedding, green cushion covers and a whole lot of different patterns. I feel inspired by a fun, colorful space and my job revolves around me being inspired and needing to be creative so what a good match!! ✨New additions✨ • Upper head cabinets completely redone • Built a new shoe rack • Redid the entire water system (still actually a work in progress but whatever) • Redid my spice rack (just added a lot). I just put Neodymium magnets on the spice jar and then another on the underside of the cabinet. ✨Items in this video✨ • Teal checkered cushion covers are actually my old pillowcases from my @brooklinen bedding. I kept the old bedding! • New bedding is from @Kip&Co . They have some FUN patterns and colors on their site (not spons, bought on my own) It is pricey if you buy regular price but they have had sales going on!! I switched to linen bedding 4+ years ago and now am very picky with it. I get SO warm when I sleep and it has been the perfect fabric for me. • Art above the bed is @Anna-Laura Art @abby moore is my inspo and helped me brainstorm you the best 🥹🫶🏼 #solofemalevanlife #vanbuild #lifeontheroad
(AD) If you have an iPhone, add a Suica card to your wallet before arriving. Go to Wallet > Transit Card > Suica. I add about 2000 Yen. You can reload as you go. Download and get your eSIM installed on your phone before arrival. My favorite one to use is @Airalo and I’ve been using them for years. You go to the app, pick your country and plan, download and install the eSIM, turn on “data roaming” for that plan, and it’ll be active once your plane lands! For this trip, I chose 10GB for 2 weeks. You can use code KAYLI3 for $3 off your first eSIM with Airalo! Fill out the customs declaration online beforehand. It can be found at https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001 Scope out or book your accommodation ahead of time. I am a big fan of booking on the fly and not having set plans, but in Japan that doesn’t always work the best. You’ll save more money if you book ahead and you’ll have way more options to choose from. If you’re going somewhere and don’t want to haul your luggage around, you can ship it via Yamato transport. This is what I do with my snowboard bag so I don’t have to drag it around the city. It’s located in the airport and they’ll take it directly to your next hotel. You can fill out this form ahead of time and be ready to go when you get to the kiosk. https://hands-free-travel.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ If you get lost in one of the subway stations (I have done this PLENTY of times), follow the sounds of the chirping birds and that means an exit is in that direction. #traveltips #airalo #eSIM #solofemaletravel