Our First Impressions of Van Life in America (USA Road trip)

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We are back in Frank exploring around USA during our Van Life series in our tiny home on wheels as we continue exploring...but we have a fun night planned as we spend the night inside an old prospector Wagon, before making our way to Sedona.
Where we picked our van up from Vancraft Campervans: bit.ly/3Vku8Ji
Where we stayed at the Wagons: zionwhitebison...
#vanlife #tinyhome #vanlifeUSA
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Hi, we are Stephen, Jess, Hunter and baby Koa - an Australian family who have had quite the journey. After travelling the world as a couple in 2020 we had our very first baby, we then spent the following year self-converted a van before moving into it full-time to drive around Australia. Cut to 2023 we welcomed our second child Koa into the world before resuming full-time travel around the world.
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0:00 Intro

[@ZoeShears]

I can't get over how grown up Hunter is looking, she's so fearless.

[@katielemos8590]

When I am feeling a little bit down or just kind of blah, I watch your videos. They always make me smile.

[@cristinaanandan876]

Agreed!!❤

[@elainegonet4991]

Me too

[@NZKiwi87]

That’s lovely 😊

[@potatoking8468]

Fr

[@Awareness-00]

Whenever you feel down I'm there for you and I mean it

[@FireCracker3240]

Hunter's love for Tumbleweed has really stolen my heart. How hilarious. If she could take it with her, put googly eyes on it, and tuck it into bed with her at night, I imagine she would. I wonder if she has given it a name.🤣🤣🥰

[@katkni]

When you were hanging up your postcards, I actually love that Hunter’s little brain remembers what you all experienced in each of these places (the kayak, the wind, etc..) instead of the names of the places…. Those are memories that will stay with her! So amazing the adventures and experiences you are giving your kids! Safe travels!

[@alliecurrie4693]

16:27 it’s less of a mess just to use both sides of the graham cracker to take the marshmallow off the skewer. Put the graham cracker and chocolate on the bottom, then put the other side of the graham cracker on top. Squish down a little and pull it off the skewer. 👍🏻🥰

[@jonorton303]

This is what I came here to say! No stickyness!

[@wardarcade7452]

Since you all have slept in a 'covered wagon' in Utah, if you get to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky (with lots of fun underground caves and woods to explore), try sleeping in a wigwam (or teepee) in the Historic Wigwam Village #2. Yeah, it's like sleeping inside a conical-shaped motel room and somewhat retro but it's an unforgettable way to spend a night!

[@flyingthenest]

Oh wow that sounds cool! will have to look out for it!

[@ThePassportPilgrim]

It’s always a good day when you guys post!!!! How can you not smile when hunter and koa do!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@flyingthenest]

Aww thanks so much for joining our little adventure

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Fun vlog as always! Hunters giggle is contagious:) Ps. Sometimes blue-tack reacts on wood and leaves an "oil-like" spot. .. just check.. especially if its a rental van!

[@ThePassportPilgrim]

Hi, Thank you for sharing your life and story with the rest of the world

[@Mr_randome14]

I watch your channel at night when i am very tired because it is so relaxing

[@xoxellerose]

The RV’s in America are large for people who full time in them it’s a huge trend here. My parents actually live in the RV full time while my mom is a travel nurse !

[@jessbest3151]

I can't get enough of Hunter , she is so smart and articulate !

[@MegaTwinkie4]

you’d be amazed at all the RVS, fifth wheels and trailer set ups we have! i’m sure if you ask any of them they would LOVE to show you the inside of their houses on wheels!

[@3rin817]

As a Southerner with a thick Southern accent... Y'all pronounced graham correctly 😂

[@dominika85]

I loved seeing Koa first time swinging! As a nanny I got to see the first time swing for a few kids and I just adore their facial expression from a conffusion, sometimes a little fear, to total joy and excitment.

[@ChrisSmith-sd4pw]

love your van life videos!!! When you come back to the USA....come to Durango CO...we have an old steam locomotive and great rv camp grounds!!!!

[@skpettit1]

I lol’d when Steve said why is the mystery machine here 😂

[@Melanie-xx1fc]

The US made Koa's hair turn blonde out of nowhere 😅😂 Pinball is my heritage ❤

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Loving every min of this trip. One of my dream trips. Hunter is so adorable and knows her own mind! Brilliant!

[@susanandfamilycookingtv]

So cutie kids 🥰 your daughter is adventurous little girl 👍🏾 she is always ready anywhere her parents wants them to go🤎Big hug from my daughter 🙏🏾 and me to your cutie kids 🥰 beautiful family 🥰

[@hopehawkins8384]

I've been watching a few months before hunter was in the belly. ❤❤❤ I love the way you see the world. The great parents you are!! 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@chrisevans6471]

Next time you make s’mores use a Reese’s peanut butter cup instead of chocolate. It’s game changing

[@DVaccarelli1988]

Here in America, we call a caravan a travel trailer. There is also the fifth-wheel trailer, which is supported by a hitch in the center of the bed of a pickup truck instead of a hitch at the back of a vehicle, like the one you saw in this video. It's interesting to go to a campground that's the same name as your son, Koa. KOA is short for Kampgrounds of America. Also, what's interesting is that the cantina you went to in Sedona, Arizona is named after the state highway that goes through the city, called Route 89A.

[@lisaward7519]

I’m loving your van life US series!!! So cool to see y’all traveling to places that I am familiar with here in the US.

[@boppermacca9346]

Such incredibly beautiful scenery and those wagon accommodation were awesome. Great video yet again

[@flyingthenest]

yaaay so glad you enjoyed it! Next weeks is fun to ;-)

[@ryanrobinson7178]

I love how you all say "ready steady go", and in America we say " ready set Go". I adore your family and have been watching for years, you have the cutest kiddos. #bigfan # loveyourfamily ❤

[@carolseabourne5725]

Her giggle is so cute

[@The_Travelling_Jonoberries]

Hey Jess, Hunter’s vocabulary understanding and awareness is absolutely fabulous we have as others on this channel have watched her grow and you both have a most gorgeous, adorable and very clever daughter, Stephen is ok as well and so is Koa of course you combine to be one of Australia’s most popular and beautiful family who are now adored world wide 🌎. Thank you for uplifting all our lives ❤take care, be safe and God Bless 😇👍🇦🇺🚐

[@KimKelly-l4o]

Always and always since life began, you all have been a part of my plan. God Bless you all. So wonderfully innocent and relate able. Please, please have another baby!!!!

[@エレナ澤本]

Love to watch your family adventures 😍 Hunter and Koa was so cute and behave ❤ Keep safe 😊Have fun

[@flyingthenest]

Aww thanks so much!!

[@ameliaroure7426]

Amused that you’ve been out of Aus for awhile now… the names of things start slipping. Thinking you were meaning Big4 Caravan Parks. They often have awesome playgrounds with the big bouncing pillows. Enjoying this series, keep it coming 🎉🎉

[@flyingthenest]

Haha yep!!

[@soxrox2574]

Just got caught up with the new Van Life videos. It is amazing that Koa is the same age as Hunter when you were in Cooper. Plus the flashbacks of being at Horseshoe Bend and the 1st time having Smores shows how the channel has grown. Look forward to more US adventures 😊

[@renatenouta5630]

This brings back beautiful memories❤. We visited the us with our kids in the summer of 2017 and did a roadtrip in a van. We camped at state parks and also at KOA. Nice campsites to do laundry take showers but most of all playgrounds and swimmingpools for the kids. And an opportunity for them to make friends and connect with other kids. Loving your vids! You guys are great parents and are a loving family

[@JackieScoggins]

Hello from Chattanooga Tennessee. Love the videos. Safe travels. 😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@sasvanach7859]

Chattanooga is a great place name 🤣

[@LancerX916]

We call them RV (Recreational Vehicles) or motor homes. A new one can easily be $200k+. A lot of retired people will buy or rent them and just drive around the country for a couple of years.

[@angelamouland8012]

Stunning, stunning, stunning. What scenery!!

[@georgemiller9713]

I love your KZbin adventures. You guys have a beautiful family. I'm glad you're enjoying America as Scott is issues but most of all is a really beautiful country. I worked in East Africa for 20 years and I always enjoy coming back to America. You guys are precious. I'll keep watching.

[@hyunjiyoon4610]

I cant believe how I’ve watched you guys got engaged, got married, had hunter WHO IS NOW 4 and baby koa🥲 been watching you guys since I was 16 and now I’m 24!!

[@flyingthenest]

That is wild!!!!!

[@martinalemmerhofer6937]

Another video full off fun and beautiful moments to brighten my Sunday, thanks!

[@katielemos8590]

The wagons most pioneers took to cross the plains were about 1/4 the size of the one you stayed in. No wagons were that size. The smaller more common wagons were pulled by horses. The larger wagons that were pulled by oxen.

[@flyingthenest]

Oh wow! Would be awesome to see what the old traditional ones looked like

[@baronetessdawson]

My Heart Always Overflows with Tremendous Amounts of Treasured LOVE for you and your Darling Family Such a wonderful gift you have been! Cherished 🥹🥲😂☺️

[@mamabear3oh375]

Hunter and her Tumbleweed friend. I love it. I love your videos you guys. y'all go on the best adventures!!!!!!!

[@lorrainelonardo975]

I’m soo glad you’re doing van life again !! You go 😅 p a to the neatest place s and find such amazing sites and settings!!! Would you believe I’m an American and didn’t know about Zion National Park!! It was soo much fun exploring it with you !! The Covered Wagon Camp Ground was such an exciting experience!!! I’m traveling vicariously with you!!! Thank You!! You are a family filled with , love, warmth ,caring, enthusiasm and vitality!! God bless you !!! 😢 ❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tamallia74]

New Jersey is usually given a bad wrap, however, from tubing down the Delaware to eating the best bagels in the country and having the oldest boardwalk in the world in Atlantic City, there’s quite a lot to do packed into a small state. The western part of the state is quite beautiful while the eastern side is more industrialized

[@NMorse]

Cool that you stayed at Not Enough Nelson's campground

[@NZKiwi87]

Fabulous stuff fam! Hunters enunciation has really sharpened, it’s amazing to hear. What a lovely ready smile she has, you’ve given her a fantastic well rounded childhood already. And Stephen seems so comfortable in his skin, fatherhood and being a husband really suits him. What a wonderful little family you’ve got Jess! I’ve got a Steven as a husband too, aren’t we both lucky? Thanks for another fantastic video :)

[@thecommonadventure]

Love the wagon accommodation! How unique 😍 can't believe how quick the kiddos are growing up, especially Koa... he's looking so big now!

[@sherriekeller319]

LOVE you both and your beautiful little family. You have so much energy and are great parents. Hope your van life in America is a wonderful experience. Gotta love those everything bagels, eh!? I would dearly love to see Australia. Be safe, drive with care and enjoy your journey!! With love.

[@lisavantonder294]

Hi from South Africa❤Love this new series of you in the USA. It is a dream of ours to travel in the states with a camper van. Maybe one day😉....but for now we join you on all the adventures. Thanks for taking us a long and sharing all those beautiful spots. Have a safe trip!

[@mrscb5303]

You make your videos feel like we are your friends 😊 I wanted to call and tell you what I was thinking…so a comment will have to do 😉 5:09 what was making Hunter giggle so hard, it was adorable!!! 6:51 Totally saw Dad in baby Koa’s face when eating his avocado! 7:33 really neat to hear about some of the ways you are teaching Hunter!! 20:27 Hunter will love these videos more and more as she grows, someday when she is in her golden years, these will be treasures worth everything (Koa too of course) 22:09 wow you read my mind !! I was just thinking a few minutes before you explained…how do you deal with a baby wanting to be “free” while you do all that driving 24:29 who was that? Baby Jess? 33:50 awwww over too soon 😊 I’m recovering from surgery and you really put a smile on my face today. Thank you. 🧡🖤🧡

[@amyhawks370]

Each new place is a new world. What a wonderful perspective ❤

[@monicamestas7566]

Sedona is awesome. But you just drove past a lovely mini Sedona in Utah. Kanab sits a few miles south of Zion's east entrance. And in between Kanab and Zion is Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a world class animal rescue facility on hundreds of acres and caring for 700-plus dogs, cats and farm animals. Maybe if you head back that way. You can tour for the day or stay the night in their cabins for rent.

[@monicamestas7566]

Saguaro cactus

[@AdamW77]

Love this. What superb places to go and how great these children get to see them when not many from outside the USA do. Love that school online too. Knew you’d be looking after your kids properly in every way but interesting to see it anyway. I have friends who do online schooling and they love it and the kids had a meet up recently, which they loved. Hunter is such a clever little kid too. Listening to this she’s made me laugh.

[@FireCracker3240]

Sundays have become my travel vlog days! I LOVE watching new content with you and your little family. I also watch Kara and Nate, and Nicki Positano for my international travel fix! I'm always thrilled to see you guys tour our country. Love from PA, USA.😘

[@SuePlorin]

Love seeing our country through your eyes! Happy you are enjoying yourselves..happy trails..😊

[@flyingthenest]

Thanks for joining us :)

[@Peterraymond67]

Hello all. I’ve toured the states many times. I think Utah is my favourite. The countryside is so spectacular, it’s always been the summer when I was there. I love Bryce Canyon the best, shame you didn’t visit it. I’ve been there 4 times, twice I stayed in Ruby’s Inn at the entrance to the park and twice in the National Park hotel. The food there was marvellous and the service great and not too expensive, on one occasion, visiting with my brother, sister-in-law and 12 year old nephew we took a horse ride to the canyon rim and another day a flight in an open cockpit plane along with a day hike into the valley, great experiences.

[@mave251]

You are fantastic, guys! Your videos give so much hope and fun and love)))

[@jonellesandel1066]

My favorite places Zion, Moab, Sedona all with the beautiful red rocks. Hard to get into for summer so good time for you to go. Welcome to my Southwest 🎉, I’m in Colorado.

[@cathyholt5215]

I would rather make a banana boat than a s'more. Banana (with a wedge carved), mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips. Replace the carved wedge over top of marshmallows & chocolate, wrap in foil & place in fire coals until banana is softened and ingredients are melted. DELICIOUS 😋!

[@deniseu2119]

I love those!

[@bronwynquinn4477]

Oh my goodness! Loved loved this…once again warm, real, funny and so interesting..Love you lot! Stay safe ..Love from Central Victoria Australia 💜💙💜💙

[@deniseu2119]

I love seeing the place I live thru fresh eyes. We live about 20 minutes from Zion, and can see Kolob from the kitchen window. We've talked about doing a staycation at the wagon place - thought it would be fun to take visiting friends. Definitely want to do it now. Such a fun vlog! Reminded me how beautiful it is here.

[@doinaenescu9993]

J., nobody in the world pronounce "chocolate" so beautifull. Almost can taste it. I missed you so much because I had no internet in my vacation on a tiny greek island.

[@annebaines6916]

I love you adventures! Be sure and check out the junior ranger programs in the national Parks. Hunter will LOVE earning her own junior ranger badge!

[@janesmith761]

I keep thinking of doing a trip in a van too. It’s having the confidence to drive it and setting up the gas etc!

[@JeffSpangler75]

Poems, Prayers and Promises by John Denver. You need to make your way to Colorado.

[@ldhpc]

I love Colorado! 🎶 Rocky Mountain High 🎵!! I also love John Denver!

[@priyapurushothaman1108]

Amazing videos! I really wish to see hunter and Koa celebrating their first American Halloween wearing costumes in the USA! Also wanna see more of fall colours from you guys, really wishing that all happen ❤️

[@emlizw1]

My family LOVES that tunnel in Zion!! You also drove through Kanab which is here my great uncles who brought the movie industry to Utah lived. Perry Lodge is my mom's side of the family's family. I think I am going to start using Hunters names of the locations you went to call all of those spots, they are way cuter. Ok, the Wagon hotel is something I have never done. I will have to try it. I love that you all loved S'mores. I think that was the 1st two thumbs up I have seen Hunter give so far! I can't wait for Sedona!! Awe the classic RV trailer camper or motor home.

[@amyschapel7566]

The cow looks like the one of Rocco’s Modern Life

[@cliffzimmerman3551]

happy trails and safe travels! Don't forget NW Arkansas if you make it that far in, Bentonville and Fayetteville are waiting on you.

[@yvonneparent585]

A fan who lives in Flagstaff, Az. Hope you loved your stay and hope you come back soon! Many things to do and see here!

[@flyingthenest]

aww you live in such a beautiful state!!

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

Great video your Footage was stunning 😍 such lovely places you have visited so far in America . Like the idea of the Christmas decorations of where you have been , with the postcards 😜. Hunter & koa are grownup very fast ,where the time going 😅🫶. Looking forward to your next video see where your off too next. Safe travels 🥰

[@kellyowen72]

Hunters laugh is wonderful

[@trenakeyes9924]

In America we do call what you're driving a caravan but the big ones you were talking about is called an RV. ALOT of people have them as their home and they travel around the US full-time.

[@adriannacabrera9013]

Aww thank you so much for sharing this beautiful family journey with us you guys are amazing keep up the good work

[@flyingthenest]

yay thanks so much for your support!!

[@adriannacabrera9013]

@@flyingthenest aww you’re welcome

[@kristaready8812]

Thanks for making me smile today. You guys are awesome! 🤗💞

[@flyingthenest]

Aww you’re too kind thank you

[@cspvideo]

During "the season" in Zion cars can only drive along roads on the outskirts of the park. You have to drive to lots and use the buses. The park gets very crowded in summer. Last time we stayed in the park hotel. The stay comes with a pass that permitted us to drive to that lot. Then we had to use the bus too.

[@anniedonnelly7416]

I adore his little hair!!!!

[@jenniferhertz5501]

I’m obsessed with your content x you’re vlogs are so good

[@chelseywickham650]

Was thinking it may have been a not enough Nelson’s collab!! The dad built those!

[@danyellehoisington6091]

I love Hunters adventures spirit. She is so fearless! Baby Koas first time swinging was great! I love seeing your videos! Here in Washington, there is a town that the theme is German. The name is Leavenworth. They have a Reindeer farm there. It is a beautiful town in the mountains!! 🏔️

[@danyellehoisington6091]

Leavenworth is only 2 hours away from Seattle.

[@daviddeitering6012]

To bad you aren’t up near Yellowstone area we would be happy to let you tour our 43’ RV, my wife and I have currently have been full time traveling for two years.

[@tereasia]

Yellowstone is incredible!!!

[@daviddeitering6012]

@@tereasia yes it is amazing we are currently boondocking across from the entrance to the Grand Tetons, because our RV is too big to fit in the national park campground spaces for the most part. And we like free camping when we can do it. 😂

[@flyingthenest]

WE 100% want to head up that way!! we have to drop the van off back in Utah so hope to go through!

[@darceyheath263]

It's 5th Wheel Camper and yes just has everything like a house at home 😊

[@flyingthenest]

A 5th wheel camper?? oh wow never heard of them before! Im sure theyre super luxurious inside but ic ouldnt imagine driving one!

[@sunrise1201]

What a wholesome video! Hunter is so funny ❤

[@flyingthenest]

Thank you!!!

[@jennymichelle81]

My Daughter used to say "smarshmallow" And "Candy flossom" instead of candy floss 😊

[@tracyzehnder2902]

I really love you guys so much and I wish you were somewhere near me in the Prescott area of Arizona. I would love to meet you. I’m always so happy when I see your videos they make me smile. Love to you all and your little family. Enjoy the s’mores❤😂😊

[@carylmaisie7058]

i’m so excited for this van life series again!!!!

[@flyingthenest]

yayyyy!

[@monicamestas7566]

Your kids are so lucky!!!

[@DyanK614]

Wonderful video as always! I’m not the biggest fan of marshmallows but Hunter definitely made those s’mores look delicious- I think it’s time for me to give them another try.👍👍

[@paulasymonds9100]

First the wagon is called a Conestoga Wagon. Settlers packed up their belongings in St.Louis and set out across the country to Oregon or California in them. Second a s"more isn't right unless the marshmallow is crispy black. Third putty is pronounced patty (short a). Fourth when I first visited Australia to meet my in laws I thought I would die if we didn't get some spicy food. So I made enchilladas. My in laws loved then so much my father in law took all the left overs in to work to share with his work buddies. The desert is so lovely. Your trip is like giving me a gift. Thank you!!

[@flyingthenest]

aww thanks so much!! love your comment appreciate it :)

[@michaelailgnerova7786]

OOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! Hunter should have her own channel :DDDD

[@flyingthenest]

😂😂 she does crack us up

[@njjen3953]

I agree.

[@lindamoulton1560]

OMG Hunter playing Pacman was the best! I just freaking love old school arcade games! Also- S'mores tip, try different chocolates with them! Like the Cookies and Cream Hershey Bars, Reeses Cups, Mr. Goodbars- so freaking good!

[@flyingthenest]

Hehe the alien cafe actually turned out fun!!

[@ЮлияСуетова]

You family so amazing, love your videos.

[@yogerke]

Flagstaff is beautiful. 30 min west of flagstaff is Williams a cute western town. There is a train to the grand canyon Also the road 89 a from flagstaff to Sarina is beautiful

[@kawardle]

I like my smores with Reese’s peanut butter cup. I also suggest roasting a starburst, be sure to let it cool a bit before eating.

[@cathleenburrows6963]

Hunter’s laugh is the cutest thing! If y’all want to try a different version of a s’more use a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup as your chocolate… so so yummy! As always loving the vlogs ❤️

[@lynnecollins3284]

Thank you, another great video. Loved every minute of it.

[@awakenedone4989]

I am so glad you all enjoyed my state of Arizona!! This was a fabulous video :-)

[@flyingthenest]

LOVED it!

[@kburdy]

We like to make our s’mores with Reese’s peanut butter cups or Hershey’s cookies and creme bars 😍 just a suggestion to try for next fire! Also here in Canada our wall puddy is also blue! It’s called sticky-tack or fun-tack here

[@lisaward7519]

We have blue sticky stuff here in the US as I referred to it as a teacher. The blue stuff is so much better than the white stuff.

[@beverlysboutique]

Good job Hunter helping your Mom to make eggies!!!👍

[@kimharris9226]

Great video! Cute kids, ( Hunter is changing) lovely family ❤ I've never tried a smorse

[@KatyHerbst]

Hey guys I was wondering were you planning on visiting every state with Frank the van? If so if you haven’t been already we would love to see you in Wisconsin and meet your beautiful family! 🥰😊 Katy

[@alliecurrie4693]

I second this! Wisconsin is beautiful this time of year! ❤

[@luisamedina5998]

The wagons you stayed at are actually developed by the dad of another youtube family Not Enough Nelsons!