I Bought a Camper Van! Now What?

It’s been a dream of mine for a few years, and I finally did it. I traded in my Pathfinder and got a brand-new camper van. So, what now?

I have so many road trips in my head, so many routes, so many places I want to see that I don’t even know where to start.

I bought it in California before my Europe vacation two weeks ago. I just picked it up a couple of days ago after I came back. Little did I know about the hassle of getting it registered in Arizona. I made an appointment at the MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) and will bring all the documentation I got from the dealership, along with a few other things I need to get from the bank. Hopefully, I’ll be able to register it or at least get a temporary permit so I can drive it here.

Anyway, besides the boring legal stuff, I had my first little adventure: I drove it home to Tucson!

I have to be honest, it was intimidating. I was super nervous and insecure about my ability to drive safely for so many hours at high speeds in a vehicle that big and tall. Well, I didn’t exactly do high speeds. All the big semis were passing me the whole way. Yeah, every single one of them—and there were many! However, I truly enjoyed driving it!

I got home late. I think it took me over seven hours, maybe eight. I stopped at the grocery store because I knew I wouldn’t be able to drive it around Tucson without the proper documentation. I left San Diego at 1:00 PM and got home at 9:00 PM. By the time I unloaded it, including getting the bikes off—oh, I got a new bike too, but that’s another story—and taking the bike rack off, it was close to 9:30 when I was finally texting friends and family that I had made it home safely.

And I had food in the fridge for the week!

It feels a bit surreal. It was a dream that sometimes felt impossible, like something very far out of reach, and now I have it and don’t know what to do with it!

I mean, I do. It just feels overwhelming.

I had to think about storage because it doesn’t fit in my carport—it’s too tall—so I got that sorted out before leaving San Diego. Luckily, there’s a storage place very close to my house, just a three-minute walk away, and at a very reasonable cost.

Parallel parking was hard, though. But I did it!

I guess I need to write a checklist to make sure I have everything I need for my first road trip. I had a mental checklist and started putting things I want to bring on the kitchen counter, but I need a proper one so I don’t forget any essential items.

I’m just back after being away from home for three weeks—one week for work and two weeks in Europe. The last thing I want to do is leave again, so for now, I’ll just write a checklist or a to-do list or whatever I need to get ready for my first road trip, van-life style!

Actually, I have a work trip next week, and if I can get all the documentation I need to drive it in Arizona, I’ll drive it to San Diego. I’ll be there for almost two weeks, but after that, I will really plan my first true road trip.

During the drive, I kept thinking: Dreams do come true if you’re really brave and open to making them happen.

It’s still scary and overwhelming, but amazing all at the same time!

Cheers to dreams coming true!

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