From 30 States to Alaska: The Journey of a Full-Time Vanlife Couple in Their Custom Campervan

Sunny Lane
Jul 25
3 min read

Updated: Jul 26

By Sunny Lane, for The Drift

Not every journey starts with a dramatic leap. Some begin with a slow realization, a whispered idea that keeps circling back until it becomes something real.

For Mallory and Matt, that moment happened in 2020. The world was shifting. Their jobs went fully remote. And instead of staying in place, they chose to go—all in.

“We figured, if we could work from anywhere,” Mallory said, “why not actually go anywhere?”

Mallory and Matt taking a selfie with a spectacular natural view in the background, capturing their vanlife adventure.

A Life Built on the Road

What began as a long road trip across the U.S. quickly turned into a deeper lifestyle shift. They traveled from coast to coast, visiting national parks, chasing views, and booking way too many hotel rooms.

But one thing kept coming up again and again:

“This would be easier in a van.”

That was the beginning of their dream to become a full-time vanlife couple.

“We liked the idea of having everything with us at all times,” Mallory said. “No more unpacking and repacking, no more finding food or clean bathrooms—we wanted freedom and comfort.”

Mallory and Matt's Drifter Van parked in front of the world-famous Alaska Highway sign, marking a milestone in their vanlife journey.

Why a Custom Campervan for Full-Time Vanlife Couple is the Ideal Solution

Mallory and Matt knew they didn’t want a mass-produced rig or a bulky RV. They were looking for a clean, efficient space that still felt homey and personal.

That led them to Drifter Vans. They worked with the team to design a custom campervan built for full-time living, complete with a kitchen, cozy design touches, and easy maneuverability—even in cities.

“Everything was intentional,” Matt said. “We didn’t just want a van. We wanted a van that fit us.”

30 States Later: The Alaska Dream

Over the past two years, this full-time vanlife couple has visited 30 states—but they always had one goal in mind: Summer 2024 in Alaska.

From Denali to the coast, from glacier hikes to moose sightings, they made that dream a reality—with their van as their steady companion.

“Alaska was our north star,” Mallory said. “And having the van made it so easy to explore. We never worried about where we’d sleep or eat. It just worked.”

Mallory and Matt's Drifter Van parked in the picturesque Alaskan forest, surrounded by towering trees and natural beauty.

Vanlife That Feels Like Home

For Mallory and Matt, the biggest win wasn’t just the travel—it was the freedom of movement with the comforts of home.

“The van is our constant,” Mallory said. “We can drive into a city or a national park and always have what we need. It feels simple. Easy. Ours.”

Let’s Get You Moving in the Right Direction

Kick tires. Ask questions. Drift awhile.

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