I have lived full-time in my van for three years and greatly underestimated how life-altering it would be. When I began, I told everyone it would be for a year. I believed that at the time, but I now realize it was a safety net I’d created. An out. An exit strategy. It was a fear tactic I’d put in place in case I got on the road and decided it wasn’t for me — a way...
It’s hard to believe this is my third December living in the van. When I first began traveling, I told myself each year would be different. I would travel new roads, venture to new towns, and see sights I hadn’t seen before. While there were certain areas that drew me back for a second meeting, I mostly stayed true to my original idea, which had me zig zagging all...
I recently acquired a mountain bike and it has introduced me to so many unexpected delights. The bike belonged to the daughter of the family I pet-sat for in Breckenridge, CO, and while she had outgrown it, the bike perfectly fits my small frame. It’s an older Santa Cruz Juliana with a full suspension – a term I’d never uttered about a bike before this one...
I’m excited to announce the launch of my new Art Storefront: lisabussett.com/store Some of you have already discovered my store, and I am grateful for your orders! In addition to original artworks, you can now purchase various items with my paintings printed on them. Don’t have any more wall space for another painting? Add some art to your sofa with a vibrant throw...
My friend Lindsey recently interviewed me for her blog. I’d read some of her previous posts and was familiar with their length and depth, so I knew this wasn’t going to be just a few shallow paragraphs. Instead, it became a deep dive into my story and how I ended up living in a van. I had so much fun corresponding with her, and she did a beautiful job at...
The van recently underwent renovations to transform into a mobile art studio. I wanted to make things more easily accessible so I would be inclined to maintain a regular routine of doing something creative every day. If it’s not convenient, as it wasn’t before, I won’t do it. Simple as that. Previously, I had to dig through cabinets and move things this way and that...
When I moved into the van, I packed only the bare minimum of art supplies. I needed a break from painting, and at the time, I didn’t have the space to store wet paintings or additional supplies. Fast forward a year and a half, and I’m wielding paintbrushes again. Painting on the road is quite different from painting in the comforts of a home studio, and I’m...
I recorded another podcast with my friend Steve Harper of The Ripple Effect: Vanventures with Lisa Bussett – Part Two This time, Steve got fancy and recorded our talk as a video too. So kick back with a snack and listen to all Paco and I have been up to on our journeys through the American West. If you’d prefer the audio-only option, search for “The Ripple...
I often get asked how long I plan to continue living in a van. The answer: I have no idea.
February 15, 2020, was my last day in Austin, TX. Last day as a homeowner. First day as a van dweller. I have a lot of wonderful stories from this year on the road. So much more amazing than I ever could have imagined. I’ll share more insights and photographs of our joyous adventures, but first, I want to reflect on this time last year, when my journey...
Turns out I’m not so great at keeping this website up to date. I’ve traveled through five states since my last post, and taken thousands of photos, some of which I’ve posted below (not in chronological order). Right now, I’m in the Arizona desert. Don’t automatically assume desert = warm. I wake to temperatures anywhere between 18 – 38 degrees, but I’ve gotten...
A common sticker seen around Montana is a simple outline of the state, with the phrase, “Get Lost” in the center. It was spotting one of those stickers on a sign along a remote Forest Road that made me realize I’ve inadvertently spent the past two months doing just that. I’ve wanted to visit Montana for as long as I can remember. I’m not sure when that seed was...
Let me take you on a tour of my van! Watch the video 'Solo Female Van Traveler Quits Her Job, Sells Her Home, to Live on the Road'
It feels so nice to be on the road again. Paco and I left our safe self-isolation home in New Mexico at the beginning of June. We traveled slowly through Colorado, taking a quick dip through the northeast corner of Utah before moving into Wyoming. I greatly underestimated Wyoming. All this time, I’ve been so focused on getting to Montana, that I didn’t give Wyoming...
First and foremost, Paco and I are safe and healthy. Our first month on the road was full of unanticipated adventures, stunning landscapes, and ample pleasant surprises. What wasn’t anticipated was how much became unavailable with the onset of a pandemic. Of course, no one could have anticipated things would unfold as they have. While I felt safer out in the middle...
Let me begin with a disclaimer: I’m currently parked on the shoulder of a highway to upload this post. I’ve caught a signal and am staying put while I’ve got it. This being the first time I’ve created a new post using only my phone, I’m certain something wonky will occur, so just ignore it if it happens. It feels as though we’ve been on the road much longer...
I’ve finished all of my van updates, and now it’s time to hit the road! For those of you wondering, “where will you go first?” – my answer is, “west.” I don’t have a route mapped out, but have a few stops in mind, so I at least have a vague idea of where I’m headed. Most of my updates will be on Instagram, but if...
The first question most people had when learning about my plans was, “Where’s your first stop?” I imagine they expected me to name off National Parks, or elaborate plans for big, grandiose adventures, but my response was always, “Kellyville, Oklahoma,” which warranted more than one confused expression. Home. Originally, I thought it...
A brief history of my van. If you read this and still want to know more, listen to the podcast linked below to learn about my motivations, fears, and process for beginning this new adventure. I bought my van from a neighbor in July 2018, two days after I had surgery on my shoulder. I had to wait four months before I could begin working on it, so I spent my shoulder...