Before setting out on this ten-day road trip, a sense of apprehension lingered in my mind. I found myself preoccupied with a cascade of practical concerns: where I would safely park overnight, how I would adapt to spending extended hours within the tight confines of a compact vehicle, whether the rising costs of fuel would strain my budget, and how I might cope if my internet connection faltered in remote areas. These uncertainties — along with countless other minor worries — collectively fed a quiet anxiety about the adventure ahead. However, it did not take long after beginning the journey for me to realize that many of these fears were either exaggerated or entirely unfounded. As the miles slipped by, initial doubts gradually dissolved into a sense of ease and growing confidence.
My careful preparation for worst-case scenarios ultimately made the trip far more enjoyable than I could have imagined. Because I had accounted for every possible inconvenience — from limited access to amenities to the unpredictability of weather and terrain — the moments of unexpected comfort and delight felt amplified. Each small convenience, such as finding a scenic rest stop or discovering reliable Wi-Fi in a rural town, became a pleasant surprise that lifted the entire experience. The underlying key, I discovered, was to start out with realistic expectations, or even intentionally modest ones. By anticipating potential obstacles rather than idealizing the journey, I left ample room for genuine satisfaction and spontaneous joy to emerge.
Of course, not every aspect of the trip was idyllic. If given the opportunity, I would have gladly traded the frequent fuel stops for longer stretches of open driving, and I certainly would have appreciated the luxury of a shower onboard after long days spent exploring. Yet these minor inconveniences did little to diminish the overall sense of fulfillment. In retrospect, they added a layer of authenticity to the adventure — a reminder that travel rarely unfolds without imperfections, and that those very imperfections often make the experience more memorable.
The lesson that stayed with me long after the journey ended was this: do not allow preconceived notions or unfounded hesitations to discourage you from venturing into unfamiliar territory or experimenting with new ways of travel. Each trip, no matter how small or seemingly inconvenient, holds the potential to change perspective and reveal unforeseen beauty. Ultimately, one can never predict what extraordinary discoveries — external or internal — await just beyond the horizon.
This story was first published in October 2022 and was most recently updated on October 28, 2025.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-things-first-van-trip-what-its-like-california-oregon-2025-10
