In this interview series, “5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Living on the Road”, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Ismar “NextJen”, Holistic Health and Mindset Coach, Vanlifer, and Personal Development Junkie. She speaks on her journey to living on the road and how Vanlife is liberating and empowering.
By Bekah Whitney
This is my first! I bought this rig used and already converted (by Rossmonster out of Colorado) to get out there and get some experience under my belt. I really wanted to build my own but I wasn’t sure how I would be living on the road and what I would need/want in my van. Buying a used van allowed me to get out there sooner with the idea that I will build my own rig once I’ve learned exactly what I want. So far, it’s been perfect!
There wasn’t a specific moment when I became ‘interested’… there was a specific moment when I DECIDED it was going to happen. For years, I’ve longed to travel more and had been seeing all the #vanlife posts and videos. I thought “one day” I’ll do that. Well, 2 years went by and I was no closer to ‘one day’.
It was Jan 1, 2022 when I was on the beach with some friends that I DECIDED this life was a must for me. I didn’t know how, or what rig, or what I was going to do for money… I just knew it had to happen.. And that year. I was tired of waiting for one day to arrive so I decided to MAKE it arrive.
Amazing – yes. My first vanlife event was TinyFest in Phoenix, AZ and my van was in the Nomad Village for others to look at. It was an incredible event! Not only was I introduced to such great people already living this lifestyle, but I met all sorts of people hoping to make it their lifestyle… one day. The weekend was filled with great conversations an many connections made. I even spent the next week camped with a group that all came from the show. It was just spectacular.
Well, this is still very new for me! 1 month in 🙂 So far the sunsets in Arizona have been the most beautiful things I’ve seen. I even saw my very first “moon rise”!!! Wow.. just wow.
I did not expect planning – where I’m going next, where I would get water, when my next shower was happening, when I needed gas again, where to do laundry, etc. – to take as much time and mental real estate as it has. I had expectations of having all this time to “work” and create content for social but balancing everything has been a challenge.
Did you know your cassette toilet builds pressure when you drive in the mountains? The first time I went thru some elevation change and then opened my cassette toilet (at 2am to pee), it sprayed all over me and the van. I almost cried. I stood there for probably 5 min’s just trying to figure out what to do next.
I have experienced some of the highest highs and lowest lows already on the road. It’s been important to keep myself grounded. It’s easy to go from “I love vanlife! Everything is perfect” to “I’m scared, lonely and frustrated”. I’ve been able to fall back on all my mindset work and not get too hung up on either side. Stop. Take a deep breath. And realize, this to shall pass 🙂
I have a couple really heavy days and the idea of not having a regular bathroom was daunting. I watched a YouTube video (totally don’t remember who) and the girl suggested checking into a campground for a couple days! Seems so obvious but I had set out NOT to use campgrounds and boondock mostly.. It was a great reminder that I have the option to check into a campground (or hotel or airbnb) whenever I want. It’s like she gave me permission. And I’m giving you the same permission
It’s a very different mindset when you shift from always having power and water at your fingertips to the idea that these resources RUN OUT and you will need to find more. I have learned to be way more conservative with my water use (doing dishes mostly), power (I bring my phone and battery banks to charge at the gym when I’m there) and even laundry! I’ll wear things a few times now before I consider them “dirty”
Great question. I’ve learned to let go. Let go of needing to control everything. I trust myself more.. I know I can figure out whatever I need in any situation. I already feel more confident and empowered from this lifestyle… and can we talk about the freedom. The freedom to do what I want, when I want, with who I want, wherever I want! It’s better than I imagined when I started this journey.
Website: https://nextjen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.ismar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextjen09/
Hi! I’m Bekah, but you can call me Beks, all my friends do! I travel full-time in a tiny home on wheels that my partner, Sawyer, and I built from a cargo trailer shell in 2019. We started out in beautiful Colorado and have been all over the United States over the years. This space is designed to inspire and guide the nature obsessed nomad, weekend warrior, and future roadlifer. I’m so excited you’re here!
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We wanted a watercraft for a long time, but didn’t quite know what to pull the trigger on. We wanted something that was durable and folded up nice and small. After watching videos of a jeep driving over the kayak and hit it with a hammer, we knew it was the one for us!
If you don’t already have a hammock, you really need to get on it! The Eno is a lightweight, packable, and durable hammock perfect for anyone living on the road. We have a single nest because neither of us seem to want to be in the hammock at the same time, but they do make a Double Nest if you are looking to cuddle up with your significant other in it.
Listen, everyone with photos of their van door wide open has flies. Adding a screen door was an absolute game-changer for us, plus it is attached through velcro so that you can easily remove it when you are ready to take those idyllic photos. If you haven’t hit the road yet, just get one. If you already have, this is the answer to your fly problem, you’re welcome.
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