Meet Alexandra, the 25-year-old Michigan native and face behind @alexandra_abroad that traded in the familiar day-to-day schedule for a life of freedom and spontaneity living on the road. She sat down to chat with us from Moab, Utah about her life on the road – where she’s traveled to, where she’s headed, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from and where are you going?
“My name is Alexandra. I’m a 25 year old from Michigan. I decided to try vanlife after losing my job as a medical assistant and starting my own photography and videography business with a friend. Since then, I’ve been going wherever life takes me. For me, part of living vanlife was about not always planning, and focusing on living in the moment and taking whatever life throws at me.”
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A post shared by Alexandra Gabrielle (@alexandra_abroad) on Jan 23, 2019 at 8:36am PST
How long have you been on the road?
“On and off for over a year.”
What is it about Moab that made you want to stop and settle there for awhile?
“On top of it being one of the most beautiful places I’ve traveled to, it has some of the most beautiful people. Before I moved here I was traveling through with a dog I had rescued. The people of Moab went above and beyond helping me, and my injured dog, Bo. Dog people are my people.”
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A post shared by Alexandra Gabrielle (@alexandra_abroad) on Mar 23, 2018 at 9:31am PDT
Have you picked up any new hobbies while there?
“I started slacklining a bit, as well as climbing.”
What kind of vehicle are you traveling and living in?
“I’m traveling in a Nissan Xterra with a custom made pull-behind teardrop camper. When I originally started living on the road I was in an ’87 Itasca RV. It didn’t make it far!”
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A post shared by Alexandra Gabrielle (@alexandra_abroad) on Feb 16, 2018 at 9:59am PST
What are some of the challenges about living in a camper?
“Honestly to me there aren’t many. Traveling in bigger cities can be a struggle to find legal overnight camping spots and it’s hard to find a place to set up that feels comfortable with limited modern conveniences.”
In contrast, what are the best parts about living in a camper?
“The freedom and control. I’ve never felt so free in my life. I’ve been posted up in Moab for a few months now and have moved into a house while doing renovations, but I still feel this sense of freedom. Most of the things that matter to me (people excluded) fit into that tiny camper and, if I start feeling overwhelmed, I know I have a house and a car that I can jump into and drive until I’m in the right mindset or in the right place.”
“It’s also cheaper for me. I own my camper compared to renting a house and there isn’t as much room for stuff so I’m not spending money on unnecessary things.”
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A post shared by Alexandra Gabrielle (@alexandra_abroad) on Jun 21, 2018 at 8:25am PDT
What’s been the most special location on your trip so far?
“Moab and some remote hot springs in Nevada. There is something so strange and beautiful about the Southwest; it’s like being teleported to another planet. I think I might have lived here in a past life.”
Describe what a typical day looks like for you?
“The days aren’t very typical and that’s one of my favorite things. I might spend the whole day in my hammock, or hiking or biking somewhere. I might be in location for a photoshoot, then spend a few days editing. You learn to go with the flow.”
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A post shared by Alexandra Gabrielle (@alexandra_abroad) on Jun 1, 2018 at 9:13am PDT
What advice would you give someone looking to do a van trip, or live in a van for awhile?
“Just do it. Start small, start big, but figure out if it’s what you want. There is no one perfect rig to get, way to travel, or job to get on the road – you have to learn to adapt.”
What has traveling and living in a camper taught you about yourself?
“That I don’t need to shower as often as I think. It’s taught me to adapt to things life throws at you. When you get away from the safety net of a familiar setting, it makes you become comfortable in uncomfortable situations. ”
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A post shared by Alexandra Gabrielle (@alexandra_abroad) on Feb 19, 2018 at 4:04pm PST
What’s your next destination and do you have long term plans to travel and live on the road?
“Alaska to Baja! I was planning on being in Baja for the winter but things changed. The plan is to finish some remodeling and get a newer Xterra there. [Now the plan is to] head north in the summer and be in Baja by winter.”
