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Katie Botwin grew up in Chicago, USA, and began traveling at a very young age. She never imagined surfing in Canada, skiing in Japan, climbing the rugged Tetons, or living in a 60-meter truck.2.
For four years, Katie and her partner Drew lived a life of constant travel and adventure. However, last year they felt the need for a change and chose to settle in a snowy town in California.
"After slowing down, I realized I wasn't running away from home. I was running to find myself," Katie shared with Insider.
Katie Botwin reads a book in her truck in Mexico.
Growing up and having a life in the suburbs.
As a teenager, deep down Katie felt she didn't belong in Chicago. She began to question her place in the world and wanted to learn more about life outside of it.
"If everyone I grew up with was happy living in the suburbs, then there's nothing wrong with the place itself. It's just that I didn't quite fit in," Katie shared.
She left Chicago for college, and the anxieties of life seemed to make her forget her original intentions. It wasn't until after graduating that she began her travel journey. She discovered happiness in activities like hiking, camping, climbing, and photography. Katie was captivated by it.
A life partner with shared interests
Katie met Drew, and they immediately found common ground and fell in love. Instead of finding an apartment, they built an old Chevy Express van to live in together. The van had a small kitchen, a bed, and a wood-burning fireplace. The wooden planks and blue paint made the 60-square-meter box feel cozy.2It looked like a house filled with their laughter and dancing.
Katie and Drew with their truck in Canada
Later, Katie became a freelance photographer, working in cafes, libraries, and parking lots. Their first truck trip was filled with unforgettable memories. They cycled along the rocky coast of Oregon, watched sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, and enjoyed the rain in Canada. Next came a journey exploring the American West, from the winding rivers of Wyoming to the deserts of Utah. And finally, the rocky coastlines of the Pacific Northwest.
Even when not in the car, Katie and Drew fill their schedules with new adventures. They spent two months in Japan skiing.
"I've grown and learned a lot from the experiences we've had together during this time," Katie said.
Worried about the worries ahead
Katie and Drew's priceless treasures are the photos they've taken on each of their travels. But sometimes she feels weary of the fear of not being able to take concrete steps in life. Her fear of a stagnant life grows stronger. The couple decides to pause their journey at a small house in the ski town of Sierra.
"After years of traveling, I'm surprised I can actually enjoy the quiet," Katie said.
A ski resort in Japan
The house gave her plenty of time to think, to sift through memories and moments. She chose to address her anxieties instead of running away from them. Katie realized that stillness doesn't mean stagnation. For some, travel is a form of healing or an escape from the harshness of reality. For Katie, it was a little bit of both.
For years, Katie and Drew have pursued new places and new adventures. But their most exciting adventure these days doesn't require passports, hiking boots, or snowboards. It's simply sitting in their favorite chair by the fireplace reading a good book, writing in their journal, and making new friends.
