Like so many others in their mid-twenties, I was bitten—hard—by the wanderlust bug. I’ve always loved to travel, but lately I’ve found myself drawn to life on the road, exploring the treasures right in my own backyard.
Arizona has been home my whole life, and its diversity makes it the perfect playground for an explorer. From vast desert landscapes in the south to the cool mountain ranges up north, there’s so much to see. While I’m not ready for full-time trailer life, having a little house on wheels felt like the perfect solution to ease my “quarter-life crisis.”
I’ve always had a soft spot for old things. You’ll usually find me wandering antique stores, digging through flea markets, or cherishing family hand-me-downs. I’m even renovating a 1970s home—because every trailer needs a good parking spot. So when it came to finding a travel trailer, I knew I wanted vintage. Why buy new when you can preserve something with history and character? That belief was confirmed the moment I laid eyes on a 1953 Fleetwood. It was rough—abandoned for years and weather-beaten—but it still stood tall.
Originally, I thought I’d find the perfect already-restored trailer, but I quickly discovered just how rare (and pricey) those can be. Then I came across a restoration team who showed me the Fleetwood. Even in its decrepit state, I knew it was the one. Together, we designed my dream trailer: rebuilt with safety in mind, modern touches for comfort, and charming details that honored its history—like original iron vent grates and even a custom pet feeding station for my two travel companions.
Since then, my little “canned ham” has adventured along the Pacific Coast Highway, camped beneath towering California redwoods, gone off-road in Arizona’s Mogollon Rim, and nestled among Sedona’s red rocks. One of my favorite quick getaways is Lost Dutchman State Park, just an hour east of Phoenix, where desert landscapes meet stunning mountain views. In the spring, wildflowers cover the area in a blanket of color—I’ll definitely be back for that.
Long-term, I dream of extended road trips to bucket-list destinations like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Banff, and Zion. For now, weekend escapes and week-long vacations keep the wanderlust alive. Sometimes, just sitting in the parked camper with a cup of coffee and planning future adventures feels like enough.
I named the trailer after one of my favorite musicians (and for a little wordplay): Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac. Like many others, I share my travels on Instagram and through a blog, where I write about favorite destinations, camping hacks, and lessons learned along the way.
This journey hasn’t been easy—I had zero experience with trailers when I started—but it’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Life at this age doesn’t always feel figured out, but when I’m sitting in a folding chair outside my camper, coffee in hand, and taking in the view, I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Before Photos:
