lots more to say about all of this 💭👇🏼

First, a timeline for context:
In 2020 the van was bought
Finished the build and moved in in 2021
Started doing more international travel in 2022
Began longer term international travel in 2023/2024
Solo travel started end of 2023
I still have the van and that’s what I live in when I’m back in the states. Once I’m done with the current trip I’m on I’ll move back into the van for some months and then will go back out on another international trip. As of right now, I see myself living nomadically for quite a few more years.
A big question amidst all of this information has been how this all even started on a teachers salary?! So let’s talk about that a bit more…
• I built the van myself so that in itself is drastically cheaper than hiring someone to do it (shoutout UA-cam University)
• I lived in Nebraska where the cost of living is significantly cheaper than other parts of the states
• I didn’t have any previous debt when the van build began. I lived at home with my mom for 2 years when I was first teaching so that I could use essentially 80% of my income to pay off my remaining college debt and pay for my masters classes.
• My teaching income was not the regular base income. The masters degree and additional classes bumped me up multiple levels on the pay scale.
• Logan (my ex) and I had two incomes to work with - mine to build the van and his to live off once we moved into the van. Later when the social media took off we then switched to living off that.
There is also privilege to be recognized here and where/how I grew up all plays a role in getting me to this place. On the other side, it’s also been a nice chunk of hard work and strategizing.
Money is a tricky thing to talk about on the internet and it opens you up to a lot of criticism but I hope this answers some very common questions!
#solofemaletraveler #vanlife #lifeontheroad #solofemalebackpacker

[@jayes8191]

Bravo! Very well said. Your voice is wonderfully soothing, you could read anything and I’d listen. Thank you for making entertaining content that allows us glimpses into your fascinating life. I adore Big Chungus so the grandma vacation videos are a plus! Wishing you much joy, peace and safety on your travels! 😊

[@kellygreene6752]

I really miss not seeing Big Chungus more. She and van life were the reason I started watching Kayli’s videos. They’ve evolved in a very short time.

[@courtneyisaseagull]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us!~

[@meganwydler]

you got this queen