Amanda
@2girlsonecamper
A dog and her human eating and drinking their way through the United States in a remodeled RV. Working from the road, learning something new every day, and hosting friends in their tiny space.
Who are you ? How old are you ? Do you travel completely alone... if not who do you travel with?
Hi! I'm Mandy, I am 26 years old. I travel with my dog, Opal, and an everchanging stream of good friends.
How long have you been living full time in a Mobile-Home (camper-van, RV, etc)
I bought the camper in February of this year, so I'm kind of a newbie! Honestly, I still haven't even showered or used the bathroom in it yet because I'm nervous to "dump"!
How do you decide on where to stay?
There's an app for that! Actually, there are a lot of apps for that. I use Campendium the most. I also have a membership to Harvest Hosts which allows you to stay at various wineries and farms fo' free as long as you support their business (basically just an excuse for me to buy wine)!
What is the most surreal places that you visited?
When I think of "surreal", I picture an indescribably beautiful place like the mountains in Montana or the Grand Canyon or the sunset over the desert. However, I looked up the definition of "surreal" for this one and Webster states: "marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream" - which made me think of Marfa, TX. It's definitely an irrational place. If you've never heard of it, it's basically a ghost town in the middle of no where that was transformed into a hipster paradise. It's the gentrified neighborhood of Western towns. On the outside it's an inconspicuous little town with a highway running through the middle of it. On the inside, it's artsy and boujee and just an... intensely irrational reality of a dream.
What are some common items savvy travelers bring with them (that less-savvy travelers don't)/ what could you not live in a mobile-home without?
An eye mask and ear plugs! If you don't bring these two items to every new place you'll be sleeping, you're doing something wrong.
How do you get work everywhere?/ How do you have an income?
I work remotely for a digital marketing firm, so I do everything from the computer. I have a portable WiFi router from Verizon, but I am very cautious not to stay anywhere during the week that won't have very good connectivity. The 9-5 life definitely has some downfalls on the road, but gas is expensive, man!
How did your friends & family feel/ react when you told them you were going to travel full time?
Literally no one was surprised at all and everyone has been SO supportive. I had no idea how receptive people would be - everyone in my life has been so extremely excited for me (I have an amazing tribe).
What inspired you to hit the road?
I've always loved travelling and I've always had an obsession with old school VW vans. I have traveled internationally a lot recently and was looking for a more long-term solution. I wanted to have a home-base and (obviously) to be able to bring my dog everywhere with me. Although a vintage VW didn't make sense, an RV was the perfect answer.
Is solo travel dangerous as a female?
As someone who has traveled solo across the U.S. and beyond, I have found that being alone allows for so much freedom and forces you into some pretty awesome situations. Some of my favorite adventures have been on solo travels! As long as you are vigilant of your surroundings and make smart/deliberate decisions, you are more than likely to always feel safe. There is "danger" no matter who you are, where you are, or who you're with. BUT there is far more good out there, so don't let a lack of a companion (or not identifying as a male) keep you from exploring!
