Introduction
Life on the road takes on a whole new meaning with Toshi and Gary, former flight attendants turned full-time travelers. From embracing minimalist living in a teardrop trailer to exploring vegan culinary adventures across the U.S., their story is as inspiring as it is unique. In this blog post, we dive into their journey, including tips for boondocking camping, remote vegan cooking, and pursuing alternative lifestyles.
Meet Toshi and Gary: Flight Attendants Turned Full-Time Travelers
Toshi and Gary have spent over 60 years combined navigating the skies as international flight attendants. Their shared love for travel sparked a deep connection, ultimately leading to marriage and a unique partnership built on adventure. In 2020, an extended leave opportunity from their airline gave them the freedom to trade the skyways for highways, embarking on a nomadic lifestyle in a compact teardrop trailer.
“We wanted to explore America in a way that felt immersive and connected to nature,” says Toshi. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that would redefine their approach to life, food, and travel.
Living Simply on the Road: The Choice of a Teardrop Trailer
Choosing a 5×9 Hiker Trailer over larger RVs was intentional for Toshi and Gary. It aligns with their desire to embrace simple living and remain connected to the natural world.
“We love the feeling of camping and being outdoors,” explains Toshi. Their minimalist setup includes a cozy sleeping area and an outdoor kitchen, proving that simplicity can coexist with comfort and adventure.
Boondocking and Exploring Nature: Adventures Beyond the Comfort Zone
One of the couple’s favorite aspects of their lifestyle is boondocking—remote camping without modern amenities. Whether foraging for mushrooms or herbs, Toshi revels in the chance to reconnect with nature.
“We’ve found such joy in exploring untouched landscapes,” she shares. While boondocking presents challenges like limited resources, the rewards of solitude and natural beauty far outweigh them.
Vegan Culinary Journey: Toshi and Gary’s Approach to Food on the Road
For Toshi and Gary, food is a cornerstone of their travels. Their vegan lifestyle has inspired them to adapt traditional recipes, often sourcing ingredients from local markets and their foraging adventures.
“Our travel is food-based,” says Toshi. “With the right seasoning, even the simplest ingredients can become extraordinary meals.” From crafting vegan ramen in a brewery parking lot to preparing elevated camp meals, their culinary creativity shines.
They are also excited to launch their Road Dust Spice Blends, designed to simplify outdoor cooking while elevating flavors.
Creating Content on the Go: Balancing Travel and Digital Media
Through their YouTube channel, Skyways to Highways, Toshi and Gary document their adventures and share tips for sustainable travel and vegan living. Toshi also plans to launch WandeFull Vegan Eats, a platform dedicated to foraging, global vegan recipes, and veganized traditional dishes like Madrid’s iconic calamari sandwich.
“Content creation is a labor of love,” they admit, balancing filming and editing with their nomadic lifestyle.
Lessons from the Road: Embracing Freedom and Simplicity
Toshi and Gary’s journey offers valuable lessons about freedom and simplicity. Their advice to aspiring full-time travelers? Embrace adaptability, prioritize experiences over possessions, and seek connection through shared meals and stories.
“Life on the road isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding,” says Toshi.
Exploring Vegan Cuisine in Remote Areas: Tips from Toshi
Navigating veganism in remote areas can be challenging, but Toshi offers practical tips:
- Bring essentials: Stock up on shelf-stable vegan staples like grains, beans, and spices.
- Forage locally: Fresh mushrooms and herbs add unique flavors to meals.
- Stay flexible: Adapt local dishes by substituting plant-based ingredients.
Their philosophy? “Good food doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be loved.”
Why Toshi and Gary Chose to Break Free from Conventional Living
For Toshi and Gary, the decision to leave conventional life behind was about pursuing freedom and joy. “We wanted to go where we want to go, when we want to go,” Toshi reflects. Their journey is a testament to the power of stepping outside traditional boundaries to create a fulfilling, intentional life.
Join Toshi and Gary on Their Journey
Toshi and Gary’s story is a powerful reminder of the beauty of living authentically and connecting deeply with the world around us. From their teardrop trailer adventures to their vegan culinary explorations, they’re paving the way for a more conscious, connected lifestyle.
Follow their travels and recipes:
Looking for more inspiration? Subscribe to the World Vegan Travel Podcast for more inspirational stories!
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Discover why they chose a minimalist teardrop trailer for full-time travel and how it complements their love for nature and simplicity.
- Learn how Toshi finds and creates incredible vegan meals on the road, including foraging for mushrooms and adapting local recipes.
- Get inspired by their signature spice blends designed for easy and flavorful cooking while traveling. Perfect for veganizing global dishes!
- Explore their experiences camping off-grid, connecting with nature, and living simply without modern conveniences.
- Toshi shares how she embraces local cuisines abroad, adapting dishes like calamari sandwiches in Spain to fit a plant-based lifestyle while staying true to regional flavors.
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- S2 Ep 6 | Why & How I Quit My Job to Eat at Every Vegan Restaurant in the United States | Kristin Lajeunesse
- Discover the Vegan Oasis: Black Sheep Inn & Spa
- Rancho Vegano: A Gateway to Tucson’s Natural Wonders | Colin Eosom
Connect with Toshi & Gary
- Email : [email protected]
- Website
- YouTube
