Melissa Hungerford, a former nurse from Montana, US, has made a dramatic shift from her career to embark on a nomadic lifestyle, exploring the United States solo in her van. Feeling exhausted and burnt out from her job, Melissa decided to leave the 9-to-5 routine behind and venture into a life of travel, visiting 38 out of the 50 US states with plans to check off the rest by the new year. However, this decision has affected her relationship, as she now only sees her husband, Todd Hungerford, every four to six weeks.
While Melissa’s passion for nursing remained strong, she desired the freedom to explore new places. To achieve this, she became a travel nurse, taking up shifts at children’s units across the country. Although she still loves her husband, Todd, his job in the music industry prevents him from joining her on the road. Despite the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship, Melissa and Todd have discussed the possibility of living in a tiny home if they were to settle down.
Melissa invested £59,089 ($75,000) in an already-renovated van she found on a camper app and spent an additional £7,875 ($10,000) to personalize it. She modified the van by lowering the bed, adding cabinets, countertops, and a skylight. She also upgraded the toilet to a composting model, changed the fridge, and transformed the shower area into a couch-like bench. Outside, she enhanced the van with a roof rack, a rear ladder, solar panels, and Starlink, a broadband system for travellers.
Living in a van presents its challenges, such as water usage, waste disposal, and downsizing, but Melissa feels fulfilled by the minimalist lifestyle. She discovered that she doesn’t need as much stuff as she thought, and downsizing has brought a new perspective on what is truly essential. Melissa plans to continue her scenic journey through Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and California.
Melissa encourages those considering a similar lifestyle to go for it, emphasizing the need to be prepared for the inevitable challenges that come with van life. She advises others to stay focused on the freedom and fulfillment this lifestyle offers, despite the less glamorous aspects that may not be portrayed on social media. Ultimately, Melissa believes that with the right mindset, determination, and a passion for nomadic living, the rewards of this lifestyle far outweigh the challenges.
