Reclaiming Freedom: Siena’s Inspiring Journey from Adversity to Prosperity

Siena’s vanlife journey began at 22, not just as a pursuit of adventure but as a way to start fresh and rebuild. Now 24, she reflects on how this lifestyle has shaped her in unexpected ways—bringing healing, self-reliance, and a sense of community she never anticipated.

The Beginning: Building My Escape

Vanlife wasn’t something I stumbled into by chance. It was my way out. 

At the time, I was in the midst of leaving an abusive relationship and needed a place to live. I didn’t have the luxury of time or money, so I found a tiny Ford Transit Connect and built it out in just three weeks.

Those three weeks were intense. I worked full-time in a restaurant, did social media management in the mornings, and spent every other moment building that van. 

My dad helped me, which made the process special despite the Missouri heatwave we worked through. My dad’s a construction worker, so his skills were invaluable. I learned so much from him, and the bond we formed while crafting my tiny home is something I’ll always cherish.

At the time, I didn’t appreciate the process as much as I do now. I remember being miserable in the heat and thinking, “I hate this.”

But looking back, it was empowering to create a space that was entirely mine. I poured myself into every detail, making that tiny van a sanctuary as I transitioned into a new chapter of life.

A Shift to the Truck Camper

The Transit Connect was a great start, but it had its limitations. It was constantly breaking down, and I couldn’t stand up inside it. After two years, I decided to invest in something that would better suit my growing love for off-grid living. That’s how I ended up with my current setup: a truck with a 2011 Palomino pop-up camper.

It wasn’t smooth sailing at first. Just two weeks after buying the truck camper, the roof blew off—not once, but twice. The previous owner had done a poor DIY job of replacing the roof, which I didn’t realize until it collapsed. I rebuilt it mostly on my own and used the skills I gained from the van build to tackle the repairs. Then, Palomino offered to replace the roof.

That summer was tough. I spent most of it rebuilding the camper, learning how to construct cabinets, redo the electrical system, and essentially overhaul the entire roof. It was frustrating, but I’m grateful for the experience. Now, I have a home on wheels that’s reliable, sturdy, and fits my off-road lifestyle.

Finding Community in Crisis

One of the most unexpected gifts of vanlife has been the incredible community. When my truck camper roof failed, twice, the vanlife community showed up for me in ways I’ll never forget.

They rallied around me, started a GoFundMe to cover repair costs, and even physically helped put the roof back… twice 😀.

I grew up in Missouri, in a place where community felt distant, especially during my abusive relationship. Experiencing this kind of love and support from people in the vanlife world healed something deep inside me. Their generosity and kindness changed my life, and it’s something I’m striving to reciprocate as I continue this journey.

Living Simply, Living Fully

Life on the road has taught me to value simplicity. My setup is basic: a 100-amp-hour deep cycle battery for power, a Jackery for charging my devices, and a 15-gallon water tank for daily use. It’s not fancy, but it’s all I need to live off-grid for a week or two at a time.

I’ve learned to embrace the little things. Baby wipes and paper towels are my best friends—they’re lifesavers for cleaning dishes, counters, and even myself when showers are scarce.

Funny enough, my friends and I joke about how “vanlife bougie” it feels to have more than one roll of paper towels 🤭. It’s the small, quirky realities like this that make vanlife so unique.

Safety has also become a priority for me. I’ve invested in a satellite device for emergencies, which gives me peace of mind when I’m in remote locations. I also take precautions to camp in areas where I feel secure, usually far away from heavily trafficked places. These measures help me fully enjoy solitude without unnecessary worry.

The Rhythm of Life on the Road

When I’m out in the wilderness, my days are a mix of adventure and creativity. I love hiking, climbing, and soaking up the peace of nature.

I’ve also rediscovered my love for writing, painting with watercolors, and making videos—though I often keep those creations to myself.

Disconnecting is an important part of my routine. I’ll intentionally go to places without service to unplug and think. At first, it’s uncomfortable. The thoughts and emotions you’ve been avoiding tend to catch up with you. But after a day or two, a sense of peace settles in. It’s freeing. I’ve found that these moments of stillness allow me to process experiences and gain clarity about my life and goals.

The Magic of Moab and the Tetons

Some places stick with you, and for me, it’s the Tetons and Moab. The Tetons were my first destination when I started vanlife, and they still hold a special place in my heart. Moab is another favorite—it offers the perfect balance of off-grid solitude and the convenience of a nearby town for resupply.

My truck camper isn’t ideal for city life, but that’s okay. I prefer the quiet, wild spaces where I can feel connected to the land and the rhythm of nature. These places have a magic that keeps calling me back, grounding me in the beauty of the present moment.

Advice for Aspiring Vanlifers

If you’re thinking about vanlife, my biggest advice is simple: just do it. You don’t need a fancy rig or a huge budget to get started. My first van cost $5,000, and the build was around $1,000. Even if you’re living out of your car or trying vanlife for just a month, it can be a transformative experience.

Yes, it’s hard sometimes. But it’s the rewarding kind of hard. It’s the struggle of finding a shower after a week off-grid, or making paper towels last as long as possible. It’s not the kind of hard that drains your soul like an unfulfilling nine-to-five. If you feel drawn to this lifestyle, trust that pull and take the leap.

Looking Ahead

While I love life on the road, I’m also dreaming of new adventures. I’ve lived in South America before, and I’m itching to go back to explore places like Bolivia, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Mongolia is another dream destination that I can’t stop thinking about. Traveling internationally again feels like the next step in my journey.

I’m also working on transitioning into YouTube to share more of my journey, including long-form content about backpacking in third-world countries. Storytelling has always been close to my heart, and I’d love to show people the raw, unfiltered side of exploring the world as a solo traveler.

For now, I’m grateful for this lifestyle and the stability it provides me. My truck camper is more than just a vehicle—it’s a home that no one can take away from me. And that, above all, is what makes vanlife so special to me.

Follow Siena’s journey:

Instagram: @solo.siena
YouTube: @solosiena
TikTok: @solo.siena