Traveling the American West in a Van: A Journey of Freedom
Suzann's love for road trips began at a young age:
"When I was around nine years old, my family took a road trip from Seattle all the way to Florida and back, and my love for road trips began!"
Today, she continues her road trip adventures whenever possible, with the freedom of the open road providing a therapeutic escape. "I call it my windshield therapy" she says, referring to the calming effect of long drives and spontaneous exploration.
Her minivan is her mobile home on wheels. The Vanpackers Sienna kit made it easy for her to transform her car into a comfortable living space, allowing her to enjoy both the journey and the destinations along the way.
Discovering the Beauty of Western U.S. National Parks
One of the biggest draws for vanlifers like Suzann is the opportunity to explore Western U.S. national parks. From towering cliffs to expansive deserts, these parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. For Suzann, one of her favorite moments so far has been visiting the Grand Canyon National Park: "So far it’s been the Grand Canyon" she says, adding that she’s excited to visit even more national parks in the future.
Traveling in a van allows for more flexibility when visiting these parks. You can camp within the park itself or find a nearby spot to park and enjoy the views. Whether it's hiking in Zion National Park, watching Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone, or taking in the iconic vistas of Yosemite, Suzann notes that the Vanpackers conversion kit made it easy to feel at home, no matter where she was.
Why Suzann Chose Vanpackers
When it came to equipping her minivan for a trip, Suzann was won over by our conversion kit for its ease of installation, comfort and practicality: "I really wanted a space inside that converted into a hangout—a dining room kind of vibe—and the Vanpackers Toyota Sienna kit did just that!," Suzann says. The kit’s design focuses on making life on the road simple and comfortable, with features that include a fold-out bed, lots of storage, and a fully equipped kitchen area.
One of the most important features for Suzann was the ease with which the kit can be installed. "I was SHOCKED at how easy it is to install and remove. A couple minutes and my minivan goes from an everyday vehicle to a road trip camper!". We agree with Suzann, the kit lets you quickly transform your minivan into a comfortable living space, making it ideal for anyone who wants to travel the American West in a van without too many problems.
Tips for a Smooth Road Trip Experience
While traveling in a van is an exciting adventure, Suzann offers several vanlife tips to help ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey.
Do a test run
Before hitting the road for an extended trip, Suzann recommends doing a few test runs to get comfortable with your setup. "Even sleeping in your driveway just to get the little things worked out," she advises. "This will help you make sure everything is as comfortable as possible before embarking on a longer trip.".Pack light, but smart
Packing for a road trip can be tricky, especially when you're limited on space. Suzann suggests packing only what you need, and focusing on versatile, multi-purpose items. "I recommend packing fewer clothes than you think you’ll need, except for underwear. Merino wool is my go-to clothing choice for comfort, breathability, and anti-microbial properties (so you don’t stink!)".Optimize your van setup
One of the most practical features of the Vanpackers conversion kit is its well-designed storage solutions. Suzann appreciates how the kit provides plenty of space to store gear without making the van feel cluttered. "I really enjoy the water and sink setup for everything from washing my hands to rinsing off dishes," she says. "The design is so well thought out!"Embrace the unexpected
Vanlife is all about flexibility, so don’t be afraid to go with the flow. Suzann loves the spontaneity of the lifestyle, noting that her ideal road trip day includes waking up in the van, making coffee, and exploring local parks and attractions. "A perfect day would be getting on the road, exploring new places, and finding a new spot to camp at night," she says.
Recommended Vanlife Destinations for Minivan Travelers
When it comes to traveling in a van, Suzann recommends staying in both established campgrounds and more remote locations. "Literally anywhere," she says when asked about her favorite destinations. "That’s what I love about this setup—it’s great for a weekend warrior trip, or even long road trips." Whether it’s camping at a state or national park, boondocking on BLM land, or even staying in a friend’s driveway or a Walmart parking lot, Suzann has found that the Vanpackers conversion kit makes it possible to explore a variety of environments with ease and comfort.
Adventure Made Easy with the Vanpackers Sienna Kit
Suzann’s road trip experience serves as a perfect example of how traveling the American West in a van can be an easy, comfortable, and highly rewarding way to experience nature and adventure. With the Vanpackers conversion kit, she has all the essentials for a successful trip: comfort, convenience, and a sense of security that comes with having a home on wheels.
If you’re ready to embark on your own vanlife journey, take inspiration from Suzann’s experience and consider the Vanpackers kit for your minivan. Not only will it help you make the most of your road trip, but it will also turn every journey into an adventure made easy. Safe travels!
Learn More About the Vanpackers Sienna Kit
Explore the full features of the Vanpackers conversion kit for Toyota Sienna and see how it can transform your minivan into the ultimate road trip camper. Click here for more details.
Discover the Best National Parks for Vanlife Adventures
Check out the official
National Park Service Guide guide to plan your next adventure in the Western U.S.
Vanpackers Sienna Kit: Transform Your Minivan
For a closer look at how to turn your minivan into a camper in just a few minutes, read this article on the Wayward Home’s blog.
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