The Wayward Home Podcast cover logo

58: Nomad Newbie Series - Staying Connected (Online and IRL)

27m · The Wayward Home Podcast · 01 Nov 14:00

In this third and final episode of the Nomad Newbie series, we're diving deep into connections - how to make them, maintain them, and tips for getting connected from anywhere.

First, we cover the ins and outs of maintaining a reliable internet connection while living a nomadic lifestyle with Cherie and Chris of RV Mobile Internet Resource Center. We'll start by identifying your specific needs, whether you're looking to casually surf or need a robust solution for those high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing. They walk us through all the options, from Starlink and cellular plans, to hotspots (with a dedicated device our your cellphone), routers, signal boosters, and how you can build a redundant system to meet your needs.

The internet isn't the only connection we're exploring. We're going beyond the tech and diving into the social aspects of life on the road. In the latter part of our conversation, we chat with solo traveler Amber Baldwin about how this unique lifestyle opens the door to new friendships and a sense of community. Whether it's the spontaneous encounters on the road or the vibrant nomad groups and gatherings, tune in to discover how living nomadically may just make you more connected than your stationary life.

So come along and equip yourself with the knowledge to stay connected, both digitally and socially, no matter where the road takes you.

We hope you enjoyed the Nomad Newbie Series, with some of our top tips to help you ditch conventional life to hit the road or the waves. To hear more of the conversation with our guests, check out these episodes from the archive:

Episode 7 - How to Get WiFi When Traveling Full-Time with the RV Mobile Internet Resource Center
Episode 15 - Solo Van Life with Amber Baldwin: What is it Like Living Alone on the Road?

Links mentioned:
www.thewaywardhome.com/visible
https://www.thewaywardhome.com/visible-wireless-review/

Want to make money blogging? Grab your free download 10 Profitable Blogging Niches Ideas with Examples here. 

Want to live the van life but have no idea where to start? My FREE Van Life Starter kit has specs and measurements on 10 different vans, van buying and build ideas, remote work ideas and websites I use to find free campsites.

Download it here: https://thewaywardhome.lpages.co/van-life-starter-kit-podcast/

Support the show

Connect with Kristin Hanes and The Wayward Home!

  • Send me a DM on Instagram
  • Follow The Wayward Home on Facebook
  • Join The Wayward Home Facebook Group!

The episode 58: Nomad Newbie Series - Staying Connected (Online and IRL) from the podcast The Wayward Home Podcast has a duration of 27:33. It was first published 01 Nov 14:00. The cover art and the content belong to their respective owners.

More episodes from The Wayward Home Podcast

66: Van Life vs Sailboat Life - The Best of Both Worlds?

In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, host Kristin Hanes interviews Eddie from the Vanabond Tales blog about his experience transitioning from van life to sailboat life.

Eddie and his wife Kelly started out in van life, traveling through South America in a van they purchased, then building out their own van to continue adventures in Mexico. When Covid hit, they got stuck in Australia and decided to check sailboat living off their bucket list.

They ended up falling in love with sail life, purchasing a 29-foot boat in Croatia. Eddie shares the learning curve of sailing as beginners, having to dock repeatedly for 10 days straight to get the hang of maneuvering their new boat.

Kristin and Eddie compare notes on the differences between van life and sail life - the sense of space, costs, finding community, and facing the elements. They agree both lifestyles have their pros and cons, and complement each other well.

Eddie has continued doing some van trips between sailing seasons. He offers advice for van lifers considering switching to sailboats - overcoming fears around storms, seasickness, and learning to sail.

Kristin and Eddie remark on how rewarding it is to be self-sufficient and explore beautiful, remote areas by wind power. Listen in and be inspired to explore the world, whether on the roads or on the waves.

Follow The Vanabond Tales:
YouTube
Instagram
The Vanabond Tales' Complete Van Life Guide

Subscribe to my newsletter

If you listen on Apple podcasts or Spotify, a quick rating or review will really help me out. Thanks!

Want to live the van life but have no idea where to start? My FREE Van Life Starter kit has specs and measurements on 10 different vans, van buying and build ideas, remote work ideas and websites I use to find free campsites.

Download it here: https://thewaywardhome.lpages.co/van-life-starter-kit-podcast/

Support the show

Connect with Kristin Hanes and The Wayward Home!

  • Send me a DM on Instagram
  • Follow The Wayward Home on Facebook
  • Join The Wayward Home Facebook Group!

65: Finding Your People: Building Community on the Road

Feeling connected while living a nomadic lifestyle can be challenging. In this episode, solo female van lifer Courtney Stevenson shares her best tips for combating loneliness and finding community on the road.

Courtney talks about how she leveraged social media connections to find and befriend fellow nomads online when she first started out. She then eventually met some of these internet friends in person while traveling. Courtney explains how attending van life gatherings and events is one of the best ways to meet fellow wanderers. She discusses some popular events like Descend on Bend and the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous.

We also chat about the pros and cons of seasonal travel and how winter brings more interactions by nature while summer allows for more exploration and independence. Courtney weighs in on the need to find balance between community and solitude, even as an extrovert. She also talks about dealing with loneliness amidst the highs and lows of van life.

Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to make road friends or a couple hoping to connect with other nomadic pairs, this episode covers actionable tips for combating isolation. Tune in to hear Courtney’s hard-won advice after 3+ years living in her van.

Follow Courtney on Instagram

Want to live the van life but have no idea where to start? My FREE Van Life Starter kit has specs and measurements on 10 different vans, van buying and build ideas, remote work ideas and websites I use to find free campsites.

Download it here: https://thewaywardhome.lpages.co/van-life-starter-kit-podcast/

Support the show

Connect with Kristin Hanes and The Wayward Home!

  • Send me a DM on Instagram
  • Follow The Wayward Home on Facebook
  • Join The Wayward Home Facebook Group!

64: Taxes for Nomads: Tips from the Tax Queen

Running a business on the road as a digital nomad can be incredibly rewarding, but also confusing when it comes tax time. Our guest today, Heather Ryan aka The Tax Queen, breaks down key tax tips for nomadic entrepreneurs.

Heather discusses making the leap from full-time RVer to international traveler, all while running her own business. She explains crucial mistakes that nomadic business owners often make when first getting started, like not tracking expenses properly or failing to open a separate business bank account.

Heather shares surprising write-offs she’s seen clients attempt, clarifies rules around deducting travel expenses for content creators, and offers advice on business entity structures. She also provides suggestions for affordable bookkeeping software to use.

Whether you’re a blogger, freelancer, or solopreneur, this episode sheds light on handling finances and taxes for your nomadic enterprise. Tune in to pick up Heather’s best tips!

Links mentioned in this episode:
Nomad Business Academy

Follow Heather:
Facebook
Instagram

Want to live the van life but have no idea where to start? My FREE Van Life Starter kit has specs and measurements on 10 different vans, van buying and build ideas, remote work ideas and websites I use to find free campsites.

Download it here: https://thewaywardhome.lpages.co/van-life-starter-kit-podcast/

Support the show

Connect with Kristin Hanes and The Wayward Home!

  • Send me a DM on Instagram
  • Follow The Wayward Home on Facebook
  • Join The Wayward Home Facebook Group!

63: Red Flags to Watch Out For When Hiring a Van Builder with Kristen Bor of Bearfoot Theory

An Instagram-worthy van only goes so far - you need it to be functional and reliable for an enjoyable van life. Our guest, Kristen Bor from the popular outdoor and vanlife blog Bearfoot Theory, has lived on the road for 7 years and undergone 3 different van builds. She shares the nightmare experience of her first van build and the tough lessons she learned about hiring a custom van conversion company.

Kristen walks us through the most important considerations when hiring a van conversion company. First, learn what to look out for in a builder, from asking for references to examining their work firsthand. Kristen stresses the importance of getting educated on van systems beforehand so you can assess builders’ expertise, and to make sure their construction approach matches your planned van use.

We also compare notes on the many van builds we've each experienced, uncovering some key insights on features, materials, and components that might look good but do not always hold up for real life on the road. This episode will not only equip you with the necessary insights for a successful van build but also avoid the potential pitfalls in the process.

Links mentioned in this episode:
Free Van Life Email Series

Follow Kristin:

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Want to live the van life but have no idea where to start? My FREE Van Life Starter kit has specs and measurements on 10 different vans, van buying and build ideas, remote work ideas and websites I use to find free campsites.

Download it here: https://thewaywardhome.lpages.co/van-life-starter-kit-podcast/

Support the show

Connect with Kristin Hanes and The Wayward Home!

  • Send me a DM on Instagram
  • Follow The Wayward Home on Facebook
  • Join The Wayward Home Facebook Group!

62: The Secret to Zero-Cost Van Life with Van Builder Nate Murphy

Want to turn your nomadic dreams into a reality without breaking the bank? Our guest, van builder and YouTuber Nate Murphy, has spent four years living the van life and boasts 18 years of experience building products, houses, and tiny homes on wheels. Join us as Nate shares his stories, challenges, and the joy of crafting your own space.

We discuss the intimidating aspects of van building, including handling electrical and gas systems, and how you can approach these hurdles. Nate introduces the concept of 'zero cost van life,' explaining how selecting the right van model and thoughtful planning can help you sell your van for profit or break even after a few years.

Get ready for some practical advice as Nate reveals his tips on building a van on a budget, and how you can source free materials and resources for your build. He speaks about his course and webinar on zero cost van life, curated with lessons drawn from his own experiences. From the fulfilment of creating your own tiny home on wheels to the transformative experience of van life and its financial benefits - Nate's insights are sure to inspire you.

Links mentioned in this episode:
Zero-cost Vanlife Webinar
DIY Hero Course
The Van Conversion Guide Ebook

Follow Nate:
YouTube
Instagram

Check out the full blog post on TheWaywardHome.com.

If you listen on Apple podcasts or Spotify, a quick rating or review will really help me out. Thanks!

Want to live the van life but have no idea where to start? My FREE Van Life Starter kit has specs and measurements on 10 different vans, van buying and build ideas, remote work ideas and websites I use to find free campsites.

Download it here: https://thewaywardhome.lpages.co/van-life-starter-kit-podcast/

Support the show

Connect with Kristin Hanes and The Wayward Home!

  • Send me a DM on Instagram
  • Follow The Wayward Home on Facebook
  • Join The Wayward Home Facebook Group!
Every Podcast » The Wayward Home Podcast » 58: Nomad Newbie Series - Staying Connected (Online and IRL)