FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Open Road Nomad is my, Brian Gailey, travel and lifestyle project where I share life on the road with my Golden Retriever, Ruby.
Together, we explore scenic drives, hidden gems, and unforgettable destinations across Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. Through videos, photos, and stories, I aim to inspire others to travel more, explore deeper, and embrace the freedom of the open road.
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For me, nomadic living means embracing a lifestyle of freedom and movement — living life on the road instead of staying in one place.
It’s about exploring new destinations, meeting new people, and finding home wherever I park for the night.
Nomadic living doesn’t always mean giving up comfort or stability; it’s about choosing experiences over possessions and letting the journey shape your story.
Whether I’m traveling through Oregon’s backroads or camping by the coast with Ruby, every mile reminds me that adventure and peace can exist anywhere.
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I chose vanlife because it gave me the freedom to travel, create, and live life on my own terms.
After years of working in traditional settings, I wanted something simpler, more flexible, and more connected to the places I love to explore. Living in a van lets me chase sunsets, wake up to new views, and spend more time outdoors with Ruby by my side.
It’s not always easy — there are breakdowns, weather challenges, and tight spaces — but the rewards far outweigh the struggles. Every day feels like an adventure, and that’s what keeps me going.
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When I say “experiences over things,” I’m talking about choosing memories and moments instead of material possessions.
For me, it’s not about how much stuff I own — it’s about the places I go, the people I meet, and the adventures I share with Ruby along the way.
Every sunrise on the coast or quiet night under the stars means more to me than anything I could buy. Living this way reminds me that happiness doesn’t come from what we have, but from what we experience.
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I travel with my best friend and co-pilot, Ruby, my Golden Retriever.
She’s the heart of Open Road Nomad and brings joy to every adventure. Whether we’re exploring mountain trails, cruising the coast, or stopping for a roadside photo, Ruby is always ready for the next destination.
Traveling with her makes every mile a little brighter — she reminds me to slow down, enjoy the moment, and never pass up a good swim.
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I am a full time van dweller, this is home. I do not have a traditional sticks and bricks home at this time.
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Open Road Nomad started as a simple idea: to share my love for travel, photography, and storytelling.
After years working in branding and journalism, I wanted to combine creativity with adventure — and bring others along for the ride.
What began as a few road trips with Ruby turned into a full-blown project with videos, blogs, and partnerships that celebrate life on the road.
Today, Open Road Nomad is about more than travel — it’s about a community inspiring others to explore and live life with curiosity and freedom.
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I travel in a Ram ProMaster van named Georgia. She’s been rebuilt, repaired, and customized over time to fit the way I travel — simple, efficient, and comfortable.
The ProMaster gives me the space to live, work, and explore full-time with Ruby. Like most vanlifers,
I’m always improving the setup, whether it’s for better storage, more comfort, or the next adventure on the map.
More information on the van is in its own section below.
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I fund my travels through a mix of content creation, brand partnerships, and marketing work.
My company, Rogue Branding, handles brand strategy and communications for businesses, while Open Road Nomad creates travel content, affiliate partnerships, and collaborations with outdoor and travel brands.
It’s a mix of creativity and entrepreneurship that allows me to keep exploring — and share stories from the road along the way.
General Questions
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Most of our travel guides, destination features, and vanlife tips are completely free to read.
However, some posts are exclusive to members who join our paid tier. This premium content offers a more personal look into our day-to-day life on the road, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections that go beyond the public blog.
Membership helps support the journey and keeps the adventures (and stories) rolling!
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Nope! You don’t need a membership to enjoy most of the blog. Nearly all of our travel guides, destination stories, and vanlife tips are free for everyone to read.
A membership is only required for exclusive posts that dive deeper into my daily life, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal reflections from the road. Think of it as a way to support the journey while unlocking a few extra stories along the way.
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Creating the stories, photos, and videos I share takes a lot of time, travel, and resources — from fuel and gear to editing and website upkeep.
Offering a paid membership helps support the work that goes into producing quality content and keeps Open Road Nomad running independently, without relying on heavy ads or sponsorships.
Plus, members get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes posts, personal reflections, and deeper stories that aren’t shared anywhere else. Your support helps keep Ruby and me rolling down the road and sharing more of our adventures with you.
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Absolutely! You can subscribe to our email list and get notified whenever new stories, travel guides, or updates are posted.
I don’t send spam — just genuine updates from the road, special announcements, and the occasional behind-the-scenes note. It’s the best way to stay connected and follow along with our latest adventures.
You can sign up on the footer of any page, or by clicking here.
Nomad’s Notebook (Blog) Questions
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This section is under development and coming soon.
Membership Questions
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Showers on the road aren’t as complicated as most people think. I have memberships to a couple of national gyms — Anytime Fitness (my go-to) and Planet Fitness — which makes staying clean and refreshed pretty easy.
Both chains have locations in or near most cities and towns I travel through, so it’s usually just a quick stop to work out, grab a hot shower, and recharge before hitting the road again.
I also have an affiliate partnership with Planet Fitness, a brand that supports travelers, nomads, and anyone chasing a healthier lifestyle while on the move. Click our link to start with just $1.
On the rare occasions when I’m far from a gym, I make do with good old-fashioned camp hygiene (wet wipes and warm cloths)
It’s all part of the adventure — staying flexible and finding comfort wherever the journey takes me.
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It’s one of the most common questions I get — and honestly, it’s not as tricky as it sounds.
Most of the time, I use the gym, coffee shops, fast food restaurants, rest areas, big box stores, day-use areas, or campgrounds when I need a restroom. There’s almost always something nearby if you plan ahead.
When I’m out in a remote area without access to facilities, I keep things simple and responsible. I have a couple of bottles for liquids and an emergency bucket setup with waste bags for solids. Those bags get sealed and disposed of properly with my trash.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s clean, efficient, and part of life on the road.
Staying prepared just means I can focus more on the adventure and less on worrying about where the next bathroom might be.
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Yes — sometimes I do. Traveling solo can be incredibly freeing, but there are moments when the quiet hits a little harder.
I miss friends, family, and familiar faces. Having Ruby with me makes a huge difference; her energy and companionship keep me grounded and smiling.
When loneliness does sneak in, I make an effort to connect — whether that’s chatting with locals, joining other travelers at a campground, or simply calling someone I care about.
Living on the road has taught me that it’s okay to miss people — it just means you’ve built meaningful connections worth missing.
There is also a different in being lonely and feeling alone. Either way, when those emotions creep in, its time to change something - location, calling my kids, or going for a walk.
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Bad days happen, even on the road.
Sometimes it’s a van issue, bad weather, or just a wave of loneliness that hits out of nowhere.
When those moments come, I try to slow down and reset. I remind myself why I chose this life — the freedom, the adventure, and the peace that comes with simplicity.
Taking Ruby for a walk, finding a quiet view, or just making a cup of coffee can shift my whole mood.
I’ve learned to give myself permission to rest, to not force productivity or positivity when I’m struggling.
Some days I just need stillness — a pause to breathe, blog, or reflect.
Living on the road has taught me that mental health isn’t about avoiding bad days; it’s about learning how to move through them with patience, gratitude, and perspective.
Health, Hygiene, and Wellness
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Ruby is my Golden Retriever and travel companion, and the heart of Open Road Nomad.
She’s friendly, loyal, and always ready for the next adventure — whether that’s chasing waves on the coast, exploring forest trails, or greeting every stranger like they’re her new best friend.
She has a calm, playful spirit that makes every stop along the road feel like home.
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Ruby is a senior pup that I estimate to be 8 years old at the time of writing this FAQ.
I don’t know Ruby’s exact birthday, but I have a pretty good idea. Her previous owner has a photo on Facebook dated December 9, 2018, taken the day she brought Ruby home as a puppy — probably around two or three months old at the time.
Based on that, I calculate her birthday sometime in the fall of 2018.
We celebrate on September 22. As that is when I adopted her in 2024. She’s been part of my life — and this adventure — ever since.
No matter her exact age, she’s full of energy, love, and the perfect spirit for life on the road.
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Ruby came into my life in September 2024. A friend of mine was in a tough situation and needed to rehome Ruby. I took her in without question. And we have been together since. I could not imagine my life without her.
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Traveling with Ruby makes every journey better. She keeps me active, brings joy to every stop, and helps me meet people wherever we go.
Of course, traveling with a dog also means extra planning — from finding pet-friendly campgrounds and trails to keeping her comfortable during long drives.
But for me, the company and happiness she brings make every bit of extra effort worth it.
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Ruby’s safety is always a top priority.
She is free to roam in the van on travel days. But typically she rides on the floor right next to me she likes to be touching me when we drive. She is also often in the passenger seat.
I make frequent stops so she can stretch, walk, and explore.
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Simply put, anywhere she wants to. But at night you can find her sleeping right next to me on the bed.
During the day, she can be found sunbathing outside, or curled up on the floor.
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Ruby eats high-quality food that keeps her healthy and full of energy. I stick with consistent brands she enjoys and trusts, like Blue Buffalo, and Sundays for Dogs, both of which make it easy to keep her meals balanced while traveling.
I also keep a stash of her favorite treats (thanks to BarkBox) for training, rewards, or just because she’s being her lovable self.
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Absolutely! Ruby loves the van and everything that comes with it. She’s at her happiest when the windows are down, the wind’s in her fur, and there’s a new trail ahead.
Whether we’re parked by a lake or tucked into a quiet forest, she’s quick to settle in and make it feel like home.
Her tail wags say it all — she was made for this life.
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Before hitting the road, I make sure Ruby’s vaccinations, records, and medications are always up to date. I also research local vets in the areas we travel to and keep a list of emergency animal hospitals just in case.
Ruby’s microchip helps ensure she’s always identifiable, no matter where we are. Thankfully, we’ve been lucky so far, but it’s reassuring to know we’re prepared for anything.
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Without a doubt, it’s the freedom — the open spaces, new smells, and endless chances to explore.
Ruby loves water, so lakes, rivers, and beaches are her happy places. She’s also a big fan of attention, and she gets plenty of it from people we meet along the way.
Whether it’s hiking, swimming, or just riding shotgun with her head out the window, Ruby’s favorite part of vanlife is the same as mine: being free to roam together.
Ruby Questions
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This section is under development and will be coming soon.
Gear Questions
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I plan most of my trips based on a mix of season, scenery, and storytelling.
Some destinations are carefully mapped out for filming or photography, while others happen spontaneously when the road looks interesting.
I rely on tools like Roadtrippers, Google Maps, and Harvest Hosts, along with local recommendations.
My favorite journeys are the ones where plans change, detours lead to hidden gems, and the adventure unfolds naturally.
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It really depends on the trip. I stay at a mix of free public lands boondocking, paid campgrounds, Harvest Hosts & Boondockers Welcome locations, day-use areas, and the occasional overnight lot when passing through a town.
I prefer places that are quiet, scenic, and safe for both me and Ruby.
Sometimes it’s a beach, other times it’s a forest clearing or a small-town park. Over time, I’ve learned that the best spots aren’t always the ones on the map — they’re the ones you stumble upon by chance and remember forever.
Travel Questions
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I drive a 2015 Ram ProMaster 2500 159” 3.0 ecoDiesel cargo van, which has become my home on wheels and travel companion across countless miles.
It’s roomy enough to live comfortably but compact enough to handle tight turns and backroads.
The ProMaster’s front-wheel drive makes it great for everything from mountain roads to coastal highways, and it’s given me a reliable base for this lifestyle.
I just have to be careful in soft or slick terrain. So I plan my travels accordingly.
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Yes — her name is Georgia and is named after my mom.
I like to say every van that’s lived a few stories deserves a name, and Georgia has definitely earned hers. She’s been through breakdowns, rebuilds, and some incredible adventures right alongside Ruby and me.
When she’s running strong, there’s nothing quite like the sound of that engine rolling down an open highway.
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Yes, I built Georgia myself. She’s designed to be functional and comfortable, not flashy or over-the-top.
From the outside, she still looks like a regular work van — which I actually like — and on the inside, everything has a purpose. Actually everything has at least 2 purposes to be included
It’s not fancy or elegant, but it’s practical, efficient, and built around how Ruby and I actually live.
Every shelf, outlet, and storage space was added with intention.
She will never win any vanlife design awards, but she’s ours — and she works exactly how we need her to.
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Right now, Georgia runs off a combination of battery power and shore hookups when available.
I use a solar power station by Dabbsson, but I have had issues with it.
Instead I would recommend setups from brands like EcoFlow, Bluetti and Anker Solix, which make it easy to keep the essentials going — lights, fans, cameras, laptop, and even
It’s simple but reliable, and it keeps me working and creating wherever we end up parked.
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The ProMaster averages around 15 to 17 miles per gallon, depending on the terrain, weather, and how much gear I’m hauling.
It’s not great, but it’s not terrible either for a full-size van that doubles as my house, office, and everything in between.
I’ve learned to plan routes and fuel stops smartly, and honestly, every mile feels worth it when the view out the windshield changes daily.
Van Questions
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My YouTube channel is called Open Road Nomad.
It’s where I share our travel guides, scenic drives, and vanlife stories from the road.
Each video is crafted to help others explore new places, discover hidden gems, and get a feel for what life on the move is really like. You’ll find everything from Oregon road trips and national park adventures to simple day-in-the-life stories featuring Ruby and our van, Georgia.
If you love travel, storytelling, and the open road — you’ll feel right at home there.
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I’m active on most of the major platforms — each one gives a different window into life on the road. Our travel guides and storytelling videos live on YouTube, while Instagram is where I share behind-the-scenes moments, photography, and live updates from wherever Ruby and I are traveling.
For day-to-day life and community updates, you’ll find us on Facebook. I’m also on TikTok for short-form travel clips and quick vanlife moments. I do have an X account too — I don’t post there as often as I probably should, but it’s still a good place to catch the occasional thought from the road.
Wherever you follow, you’ll find a mix of travel stories, vanlife inspiration, and everyday moments from our journey.