3 Truths About Road Tripping // Guest Post by A is for Ampersand

Hello, all of you pretty Bubby and Bean readers! My name is Amy, and I run a silly little blog called A is for Ampersand. I'm a writer, a designer, but mostly just a secret cat lady. Melissa's gallivanting in Mexico inspired me to write about the one and only thing I love most in the entire universe--road tripping.

The thing is, road tripping at the Morby household is a little more intense. We own a 1984 Westfalia Vanagon, and not only is she our baby, but she helps us road trip like it's our job. She sleeps four and comes equipped with a complete kitchen, including a stove, sink, and fridge. We've spent a lot of time on the road in the Westy, and today I'm going to share with you 3 truths I've learned in all my travels.



1. Road trips can solve anything.



Whenever I'm feeling particularly bummed about life or if things are piling up and affecting my mood, I try to plan a road trip--even if it's a quick weekend trip or an overnighter. I'm a firm believer that being on the road clears your mind. You've got all of that time alone with your thoughts or maybe with someone you dig, and your brain loves it. Some of my best ideas have come to me while road tripping, and no matter what, I always return feeling completely refreshed with a brand new perspective on my life, my work, and everything else. Plus, travelling in a van straight out of 1984 has a way of getting you away from screen time and away from cell phone service, which definitely helps realign your priorities. Sometimes you need a break from what the world has to say and just let yourself be you.

2. There are so many good people in the world



As a complete introvert, it's hard for me to get over my shy inclinations and meet new people. But being in the Westy community has completely changed my outlook. Last May we went to a Westy meetup in Moab, UT--think 40+ vans camped out in the desert geeking out over solar panels on our vans. Every van fan was in a completely different place in life--married, retired and traveling America, recent college grad, etc. Whenever a van broke down (which was often considering all of our vans were 20+ years old) the entire caravan stopped to help out. Every single Westy adventure opens my eyes to how genuinely good people are.

3. Life is short. See the world.



I think the best part about road trips in the Westy is the constant reminder that I live in a beautiful country, and that life is too short to stay in our bubble. Having lived in the same state I was raised in, I'm always prone to wanderlust. It's so refreshing to get out and see what the world has to offer. Even the most rural dirt road can be strikingly beautiful and incredibly inspiring. I love the way nature makes me feel completely insignificant and reminds me that I'm such a small part in the grand scheme of things.



So, there you have it. Three very sappy life lessons I learned whilst traveling in my Westy. This year we're hoping to make a big road trip to Yosemite and maybe even Alaska. Luckily the van came equipped with bear spray, so maybe it'll come to good use.

Any other road trip fans out there? What was the best road trip you've ever taken?

Big thank you's to the amazing Amy for sharing her road tripping truths with my readers!  I spent several summers in my '20s traveling the country in a 1978 Southwind RV, and her post is giving me the itch to plan another road trip soon!   Make sure you take a few minutes to check out Amy's awesome blog.  It's full of good stuff about thrifting, fashion, and of course, her sweet little Westfalia.

Oh, and P.S.!  Our wedding was featured on Rock N' Roll Bride this week!  It is my VERY favorite wedding blog, and I can't tell you how thrilled I was when I got the email that they'd be writing about us.  I'll post more about it when we get home from Mexico next week, but couldn't wait to share the news. :)