10 Things Anna Vaus Learned Living in a Van on Tour 

10 Things Anna Vaus Learned Living in a Van on Tour 

When singer-songwriter and storyteller Anna Vaus, our inspiring brand ambassador, set off on tour, she didn’t just bring her guitar and songs—she brought her sense of adventure. Swapping traditional tour buses and hotels for a cozy, roaming van setup, Anna took to the open road in search of more than venues. She was chasing wide-open skies, quiet forest mornings, and the kind of moments that only happen when you leave room for the unexpected. 

Along the way, she and her fiancé Kevin discovered that van life isn’t just about minimalism or freedom—it’s about connection. To the world around you. To the people you’re with. And to yourself. 

Here are the 10 biggest things Anna learned while living, creating, and performing from the road: 

 

1. Nature is the Coolest

From mountain sunrises to desert moonscapes, nature became Anna’s favorite part of every tour stop. The beauty out there? Absolutely unmatched. Whether it was singing by the firelight or just breathing in fresh morning air, the natural world offered endless inspiration. 

 

2. Don’t Sleep on the Underrated Parks

Sure, we all love a visit to the big names like Yellowstone or Yosemite—but Anna found that some of the most jaw-dropping views came from parks she hadn’t even heard of before. Hidden state parks and lesser-known national gems are often just off the beaten path and full of soul-stirring beauty. 

 

3. Coffee Tastes Better in the Redwood Forest

 

It might be science, or it might be the smell of pine and peace—but sipping hot coffee under the towering redwoods was a spiritual experience. Every cup felt like a moment of magic. 

 

4. Making Breakfast in a Moving Van is… Hard

Lesson learned: cooking eggs while the van is still rolling? Not ideal. But part of van life is learning to roll with it—literally and figuratively. 

 

5. You Actually Adjust to Small Spaces Fast

There’s something surprisingly freeing about fitting your whole life into a few square feet. Anna quickly found herself embracing the simplicity, and even loving the rhythm of life with less. 

 

6. Build in Time for the Detours

One of the best decisions they made? Allowing extra time between gigs to pull over, breathe, and enjoy the view. Some of their favorite memories weren’t on the stage—they were on the side of the road with a beautiful backdrop and a moment to take it all in. 

 

7. Van Life is a Team Sport

Anna and Kevin wore a lot of hats on this tour—artist, guitarist, driver, merch manager, sound tech, tour manager, and yes, even camp counselor. Living in a van teaches you patience, teamwork, and the importance of giving each other grace when the Wi-Fi is down and the coffee runs out. 

 

8. Leave No Trace, Always

The road gave Anna so much, and she made it a priority to give back by camping responsibly. Leaving no trace became second nature—because these places are too beautiful not to protect. 

 

9. First-Come Campsites = Wildcard Adventures

Many of the campsites they found were first-come, first-served—and while that led to the occasional scramble, it also brought some of the most unexpected and delightful surprises. You never know what you’ll find when you trust the journey. 

10. If You Ever Get the Chance—Go

Living in a van wasn’t always easy, but Anna wouldn’t trade a single sunrise, campfire, or winding road for the alternative. Her advice? If van life is calling your name—even for a short season—go for it. The world is waiting, and you never know what (or who) you’ll find out there. 

 

Whether she’s playing to a full crowd or singing to the stars, Anna continues to remind us that the best journeys are the ones that bring us closer—to nature, to people, and to ourselves. 

Stay tuned—she’s just getting started.