In this video, Ariel takes viewers on a tour of her cozy, custom-built van, Otter, where she lives and travels with her dog, Bobby. After years of working in Silicon Valley’s fast-paced tech industry, including at TikTok, Ariel decided to embrace van life for more freedom, adventure, and better mental health. Ariel worked in the corporate world, but the stress and rapid pace took a toll on her well-being.
source.image: Tiny Home Tours
Looking for a way to escape the daily grind, she realized that van life could offer the freedom and flexibility she craved. She decided to travel wherever she wanted, with her home always with her, prioritizing her mental health and happiness. Ariel isn’t a big cook, so she opted for a small but efficient kitchen setup. Equipped with a simple cooking arrangement and a powerful microwave, she can easily prepare her favorite meals while on the road. She maximizes storage space under her bed, keeping the kitchen essentials minimal but functional.
For someone who loves outdoor activities, having an indoor shower was a priority for Ariel. With a 35-gallon freshwater tank, she can enjoy warm showers up to 20 minutes long. Her shower space also doubles as a closet and changing room, making it a versatile and practical part of her van setup. Ariel designed her living area to feel inviting and cozy. By swiveling the passenger seat around, she created a perfect space to relax or host a friend.
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Ariel’s bedroom is a true sanctuary. With large windows, wood slats on the ceiling, and string lights, she created a space that feels both cozy and open. The bed is extremely comfortable, and she made sure to add thoughtful touches, such as a 12V air conditioner that can run for up to 7 hours, keeping her cool on hot nights. The builder helped her design a van with large windows for natural light, plenty of storage, and all the features she needed for life on the road. The total cost of the van and build came to $140,000, and Ariel couldn’t be happier with the result.
