Last Updated on November 6, 2024

Ariel, the proud owner of this cozy campervan named Otter, has an inspiring story. After working in the fast-paced tech industry in Silicon Valley, including a stint at TikTok, she decided to leave the corporate rat race behind.

Ariel's life took a dramatic turn as she embraced the freedom of van life, traveling with her dog Bobby. "I got this idea that I should just go and do what I want to do with my life because you only live once," she says.

With a focus on simplicity and functionality, Ariel's van is a testament to her adventurous spirit and desire for a more fulfilling life. In a video from Tiny Home Tours, we highlight the 7 things we loved about Arie's van.

1. The Shower Area

"I prioritize this shower area because I do a lot of outdoor activity," Ariel explains. This small but efficient space allows her to clean up after a long day of hiking or exploring. The shower doubles as a storage and closet space, making it a multifunctional marvel. "It's not just a shower; it's my changing room too!" she laughs. Who knew a shower could be so versatile? Just don't drop the soap!

2. The Kitchen Setup

Ariel's kitchen is minimalist but effective. "I purposely choose to have a very small kitchen area because I'm not a big cooker," she admits. The Lagoon table supplements the limited counter space, and a powerful microwave handles quick meals. "I usually cook easy meals like Asian stir fry," she adds. The fridge, though a bit tricky to access, holds all her essentials. Cooking in a van? It's like playing Tetris with your groceries!

3. The Control Panel

The control panel is the nerve center of Ariel's van. "I have all my information about the van usage here," she says, pointing to the inverter and solar charge readings. With 300 watts of solar power, she can keep everything running smoothly. "It's like having a tiny power plant on wheels!" she jokes. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility... to not overuse the hairdryer.

4. The Living Room

Ariel's living room is designed for comfort and socializing. "I swivel the passenger seat around so now I can lay here and host friends," she explains. The space is cozy yet functional, perfect for hanging out with a friend or enjoying the view. "I can see my view outside here, and my friend can see the view outside there," she says. It's like having box seats to nature's best show!

5. The Bedroom

The bedroom is Ariel's sanctuary. "I have a big window on two sides to avoid feeling claustrophobic," she notes. The space is adorned with fall leaf decorations and string lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. "I can lay here and enjoy with my dog," she smiles. It's like a tiny, mobile bed and breakfast, minus the breakfast in bed service.

6. The Bench and Storage Area

Ariel's bench area is another multifunctional space. "I have a foldout table for my drinks and snacks," she says. Under the bed, there's ample storage for camping gear and essentials. "I have my doggy cart, camping chair, and all the stuff I need for cooking," she lists. It's like a Swiss Army knife of storage solutions—everything has its place!

The YOLO Series

After quitting her job, Ariel started the YOLO series, documenting her travels and adventures. "I read so many books and realized you only live once," she shares.

Her content is a mix of travel tips, van life hacks, and inspirational stories. "If you want to watch more of these YOLO series travel contents, you can find me on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok," she says. It's the ultimate guide to living your best life on the road!

So there you have, make sure you watch the full video tour and follow Ariel while you're there!