Welcome!
Hey there! My name is Kristin Hanes and I’m a former radio journalist turned publisher of The Wayward Home. I started my journey to tiny living in 2015 by living in a Toyota Prius to pay off debt and save money. I worked at KGO radio in San Francisco at the time, and lived in a car for four months to accomplish my financial goals.
In 2016, I was laid-off from KGO along with the entire newsroom, so I moved onto my partner Tom’s sailboat so I wouldn’t go into debt paying rent. For years, we lived on that boat while he fixed it up to go cruising. I started The Wayward Home in 2017 as a way to tell stories of people living an alternative lifestyle, and to connect with others in this community.
I bought my first campervan, a Chevy Astro, in 2018, and then a Sprinter van in 2021 which we are building out ourselves.
We now spend half the year in our Sprinter van in the United States and half on our sailboat exploring the Sea of Cortez in Mexico.
Along with running The Wayward Home, I am also host of The Wayward Home podcast.
My goal with The Wayward Home is to provide community and resources for YOU to achieve your dreams as well, whether that’s as a part-time van lifer or full-time nomad. I’m so glad you’re here!
ARE YOU READY TO LIVE IN A VAN?
FREE Van Life Starter Kit!
- The Best Vans for Van Life + Tips
- Where To Buy a Van
- Van Build Resources
- Remote Work Ideas
- And More!
The Wayward Home In The News
I’ve been featured on many news outlets so far, including magazines, newspapers and on TV. I’m also an accomplished freelance writer with articles published in Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, SF Gate and more.
Check out my writer profile and accomplishments on MuckRack.
ARTICLES:
- Apartment Therapy: 5 Surprising Signs that Small Space Living is for You
- Nerdwallet: This woman lives on a boat to avoid Bay area rent
- The Coast News: In the sailboat lifestyle, adventure is always around the bend
- The Huffington Post: This woman lived in a tent, a car and a boat to escape insane San Francisco rents
- The Lonely Planet: Living between a vintage yacht and a van taught this couple to love small spaces
- Marin Magazine: Locals Embrace Living the Van Life
- Fodors: We Predict 11 Ways Travel will Stay the Same as Before
- Business Insider: Here’s how a California couple is quarantining in a van
TV:
- News Nation: Homeless by Choice with Brian Entin
- Hello Rose City: My Favorite Van Life Items
- KPIX TV: Wayward blogger loses her job and finds a new career
PODCASTS:
- The MindUnset Podcast: Strong Women, Strong Coffee with Kristin Hanes
- Fire Drill: Digital Nomading on a Sailboat
- Tiny House Lifestyle: How to Prepare for Boondocking and the Off-Grid Life
- This Girl Sails: Living Life on her Own Terms
- The Newsworthy: Van Life Takes Off
Looking for an interview: Write to kristin [a] thewaywardhome.com
The Wayward Home’s Team of Writers
Here at The Wayward Home, I am dedicated to bringing articles and blog posts from those currently living an alternative lifestyle. I am proud to support those living in vans, RVs, sailboats and tiny homes.
Meet our writers:
Tucker Ballister is a lover of the open road and the proud owner of a 2021 Sunlite Classic travel trailer (his 3rd RV to date). Check out more of his RV adventures, gear reviews, and outdoor advice at thebackpackguide.com. Read more about Tucker here.
Brooke Alexander is a full-time van dweller, living in a Ram Promaster with her 16 year-old scruffy sidekick, Tressel. She loves to blend van travel with her other favorite things including the arts, local coffee, craft breweries, farmers’ markets and live music. A self-proclaimed sunset chaser and dinosaur aficionado, Brooke frequently stops the van to photograph both. Read more about Brooke.
Alaska Wagoner is a millennial who wasn’t having it with the American narrative. So after a three-year breakdown and deep dive for meaning, she quit her life and started over in a tiny house. In 2021 she founded The Tiny House Concierge, a company that provides writing and speaking services throughout the tiny home industry. When she’s not conducting tiny house experiments or encouraging the public to examine what they value, she is adventuring and enjoying a life filled with tiny house magic.
Sierra Eberly. Sierra is a full-time nomad and has been traveling in her converted camper van with her dog, Snow, since 2020. She started her copywriting business, Boondock Consulting, in 2021 and is living her dream while working on the road. Read more about Sierra here.
Elena Manighetti spent her childhood holidays exploring Europe in her parents’ motorhome. Once she hit 30, she traveled the world on a sailboat with her husband Ryan. They’ve now settled in the Italian mountains but are preparing to live the van life part-time with their pooch Ziggy. Read more about Elena here.
Nicholas Marshall is a writer, photographer, and musician who lived in a ‘97 VW Eurovan with his wife and six-year-old daughter. Since selling their house and hitting the road, Nicholas and his family have meandered through the Western States. Van life has been everything they hoped it would be: challenging, rewarding, relaxing, and exciting.
Get In Touch
Write to me anytime at Kristin [a] thewaywardhome.com.
Click here if you’re a brand looking to work with us.
Click here if you’re looking for guest post opportunities.
I look forward to assisting you on your tiny journey!
