• Darren stays at Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Lodge
    Feb 6 2025

    Photos and Resources for this Episode are at https://odysseycamper.com/bright-angel-lodge-grand-canyon/

    OdysseyCamper details a visit to the historic Bright Angel Lodge at the Grand Canyon. Darren recounts his experience staying in a remodeled room during the off-season, highlighting the lodge's amenities and proximity to the canyon rim. The review covers dining at the Harvey House Tavern, hiking trails, and booking mule rides. Practical tips are offered for planning a visit, including information about winter conditions and reservation details. The author expresses awe at the canyon's beauty and encourages readers to consider staying at the lodge.

    Lodge photos and details are on OdysseyCamper.com

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    32 mins
  • Overcoming Travel Fears
    Feb 6 2025

    A companion post from this episode is at https://odysseycamper.com/van-life-obstacles-that-are-not/

    This OdysseyCamper.com blog post addresses common fears associated with van life, reassuring potential travelers that many concerns are overblown. It tackles issues like vehicle breakdowns, lack of restroom facilities, showering options, staying warm, and personal safety by providing practical solutions and personal experiences.

    Notes:

    Darren shares his insights on roadside assistance, hygiene strategies, and safety precautions. The overall message encourages readers to overcome their anxieties and embrace the freedom of van travel, offering resources like product recommendations and campground reviews to facilitate their journeys. Ultimately, the article aims to dispel myths and promote the positive aspects of nomadic living.

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    12 mins
  • Finding Nomadic Work in 2025
    Feb 6 2025

    A companion post with all resources for this episode is at https://odysseycamper.com/11-ways-to-find-nomadic-work-in-2024/

    Darren from OdysseyCamper.com provides a list of eleven resources for nomads seeking work opportunities. The list includes traditional job boards like Cool Works and USA Jobs, as well as freelance platforms such as Upwork and Dynamite Jobs. It caters to both digital nomads and those seeking seasonal work in interesting locations like national parks. Several options like house-sitting and campground jobs, are also mentioned for their potential to provide low-cost accommodation. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steady income stream while traveling and suggests leveraging one's skills to find work. Finally, he shares his work philosophy and ethic, encouraging readers to brainstorm income ideas and remain open-minded.

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    29 mins
  • Hacking Mount Rushmore with kids (or without)!
    Feb 6 2025

    Photos and Resources from this Episode are at https://odysseycamper.com/hacking-mount-rushmore-with-or-without-kids/

    Darren travels the country in his van and has travel tips and tricks for your RV trips. In this episode, we go to Mount Rushmore and talk about a hack to make YOUR visit special. We also give tips for some good RV campgrounds and resorts!

    Notes:

    OdysseyCamper.com is a travel blog focused on minivan camper conversions and nomadic lifestyles. The author, Darren, shares tips, reviews, and guides related to camping, cooking, and DIY projects for vans and RVs. Specific topics include stealth camping, solar power, and destinations like Mount Rushmore and national parks. The blog also features resources for making money while traveling and reviews of campgrounds and RV gear. A central theme involves budget-friendly travel solutions and practical advice for converting and living in a minivan. Darren offers insights into both the technical aspects of van conversions and the lifestyle considerations of nomadic living.

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    10 mins
  • Introducing OdysseyCamper
    Feb 6 2025

    Learn about OdysseyCamper (aka Darren) and his travels in a DIY minivan camper. In this episode, we introduce you to the concept of traveling the country in a van (both the challenges and the triumphs). You'll learn a little about what's coming up in other episodes and Darren's travel philosophy. If you think you can't afford to travel, if you are afraid to go it alone, or if you're just curious, check out this podcast about REAL vanlife.

    Notes:

    OdysseyCamper.com is a website dedicated to converting a Honda Odyssey minivan into an economical camper to travel the country. The site's creator, Darren, provides DIY articles and videos to help others travel on a budget by converting their own minivans. The focus is on reducing travel costs and enabling people to explore National Parks in the US and Canada without spending a fortune. The site offers tips, travel stories, and information on DIY projects, with the option to follow on social media or sign up for email updates. Darren also offers many posts focused on traveling as a family, stealth camping, and travel for solo women.

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    8 mins