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A Taylor Swift inspired guide to van life
You’ve belted out All Too Well (10 Minute Version) behind the wheel. You’ve planned your life around album drops. And now? You’re dreaming of freedom, adventure, and maybe a little folklore in the forest. Welcome to van life, Swiftie style.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just getting your ‘daydreaming in a van down by the river’ energy together, this guide blends your love for Taylor with the open road. Let’s hit it, Swiftie.
1. Create Your Own Eras Tour (Road Trip Edition)
Why not theme your journey like Taylor themes her albums?
- Debut: Small towns and country roads
- Red: Fall foliage, heartbreak cafes, and scarves lost in the wind
- 1989: Neon cities and coastal drives
- Folklore/Evermore: Quiet forests, misty lakes, deep thinking
- Midnights: Late-night drives under the stars with your deepest thoughts (and a good cup of gas station coffee)
Map out stops that match the vibe of each era. Bonus points if you dress the part for each one.
2. Build Your Swiftie Sanctuary on Wheels
Your van = your getaway car (and cozy haven). Channel Taylor’s aesthetics:
- Fairy lights like Enchanted.
- Plaid blankets & vintage touches for those Folklore moods.
- Vinyl or Bluetooth speaker setup to blast Taylor’s discography while cooking ramen or journaling.
- A mini bookshelf or a tote of your fave reads, because you just know Taylor would approve.
- Cat corner setup if you’re traveling with your own Meredith, Olivia, or Benjamin. Think: cozy bed, travel litter box, treats, and a window perch for dramatic staring into the distance.
Make it yours. Make it magic.
3. Curate the Ultimate Swiftie Van Life Playlist
Yes, you need a playlist. Or ten. Here’s a sample mood mix:
- Morning drive: State of Grace, Begin Again, Invisible String
- Rainy days parked in the woods: My Tears Ricochet, Tolerate It, The Archer
- Campfire nights: You Are in Love, Ours, Cowboy Like Me
- Dancing solo outside your van: Shake It Off, Style, Karma
Spotify it, burn a CD, or download for offline – just don’t forget the sing-alongs.
4. Van Life Lessons from Taylor Herself
Taylor’s music is a masterclass in growth, resilience, and reinvention – just like van life.
- Shake It Off – Things will go wrong. Laugh. Let it go.
- Out of the Woods – Sometimes the journey is messy and unclear. Trust it.
- Long Live – Celebrate the little victories. Every sunset, every new friend, every successful meal cooked on a camp stove.
Keep a journal. Take pictures. Romanticize it all – Taylor would.
5. Community is Key (Even on the Road)
Whether it’s a Swiftie meetup at a rest stop or bonding over your Reputation sticker at a campground, van life is better when shared.
Join van life forums, go to a Taylor-themed meetup, or simply park next to someone cool and say hi. We’re all just out here trying to find our own version of Wonderland.
✅ Swiftie Van Life Starter Checklist
🎵 Vibe Essentials
- Portable Bluetooth speaker
- Taylor Swift discography downloaded offline
- Fairy lights or string lights
- Cozy blankets (preferably plaid)
- Mini diffuser or candles (for the Folklore feels)
- Custom “Eras” themed decor (posters, Polaroids, etc.)
🛻 Van Life Basics
- Comfy bedding setup
- Camp stove or portable cooker
- Cooler or mini fridge
- Reusable water bottles
- Power bank / solar charger
- Road atlas (just in case GPS ghosts you)
- First aid kit
- Emergency repair tools + spare tire
🧡 Swiftie Must-Haves
- Red lipstick
- Journal + pens
- Polaroid or instant camera
- Taylor merch (tees, mugs, vinyl, etc.)
- Friendship bracelets
- “Eras Tour” outfit box (because why not?)
Ultimate Swiftie Van Life Playlist
🌄 Morning Mood
- State of Grace (Acoustic)
- Invisible String
- Begin Again
- Daylight
🚐 Windows Down, Vibes Up
- Style
- You Belong With Me
- Shake It Off
- Cruel Summer
- 22
🌧 Rainy Day Chill
- The Archer
- My Tears Ricochet
- All Too Well (10 Minute Version)
- Mirrorball
- Tolerate It
🔥 Campfire Core
- Ours
- You Are In Love
- Cowboy Like Me
- The Best Day
- Everything Has Changed
🌌 Night Drive Magic
- New Year’s Day
- The Lakes
- Enchanted
- Call It What You Want
- Midnight Rain
🎤 Bonus Tracks: Eras Edition
One fave from each album to represent your journey:
- Tim McGraw (Debut)
- Love Story (Fearless)
- The Story of Us (Speak Now)
- All Too Well (Red)
- Clean (1989)
- Delicate (Reputation)
- The 1 (Folklore)
- Champagne Problems (Evermore)
- You’re On Your Own, Kid (Midnights)
Final Thoughts:
Van life isn’t always glam, but it is freeing. Just like Taylor has shown us through every reinvention, you get to write your story.
So pack your gear, queue up The Lakes, and don’t forget your red lipstick (or your tire repair kit). Life on the road might just be your greatest era yet.
Stay fearless. Stay soft. Stay Swiftie.
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