Empowering Independence Through Van Life, Skateboarding, and Real Stories
From the heart of Spain to the open roads of North America, Lidia Rico has spent over 11 years redefining what it means to live authentically and independently on the road. Known for her practical advice, empowering stories, and unapologetic approach to van life, Lidia offers a realistic and raw glimpse into life off the grid. With a strong presence in the alternative living and skateboarding communities, Lidia continues to inspire with every mile she drives. Despite her growing following, Lidia avoids labels like "influencer," preferring instead to be known as someone who shares real experiences and encourages others to embrace their true selves in this ever-changing world.
LIDIA & HER VANS
LIDIA RICO
ORIGIN: Spain
AGE: 34 years old
TASKS: Producer, photographer / videographer, creative director, partnership and brand relationships, PR, social media strategies, lifestyle model.
BACKGROUND: Originally from Mallorca, Spain, currently living in California, USA. Skater / model combining social media marketing with growth strategies. She has spent the past 11 years exploring an alternative lifestyle traveling by van since 2014.
Through her Youtube channel & Instagram, Lidia shares her raw and unfiltered experiences of full-time van life, inspiring others to chase their dreams while embracing the reality of life on the road. As a solo female immigrant, she doesn’t sugarcoat the hardships—she believes in offering an honest perspective, highlighting both the beauty and the struggles of nomadic living.
Her mission is to empower others with realistic expectations, proving that while life is full of challenges, it is also filled with adventure, resilience, and endless possibilities.
BOMBONCITO
ORIGIN: United States 🇺🇸
AGE: 40 years old
TASK: Carries equipment, transportation, home / office.
DETAILS: 1985 Vintage 2WD Volkswagen T3 Westfalia Camper Van carefully preserved with most of its original components from the 1980s. Designed for full-time, off-grid living, this van seamlessly integrates vintage craftsmanship with modern technology.
It features a fully equipped kitchen with a two-burner stove, a 12V refrigerator, and ample storage. The interior includes beds/couch combo, swivel seats, and an efficient layout that maximizes space. A complete solar power system allows for full off-grid capabilities, ensuring independence while traveling.
This fully functional and self-sufficient vehicle retains its classic character while incorporating the advantages of today’s van life innovations. It serves as a reliable, independent living space built for long-term travel.
PEPE THE VAN
ORIGIN: Spain 🇪🇸
AGE: 31 years old
TASK: Daily transport, minimalist home, creative workspace under construction.
DETAILS: 1994 Citroën C15 RD Cumbre Diesel – a compact, reliable European utility van now being transformed into a modular camper for simple, slow living. This little diesel workhorse is entering a new chapter as a minimalist travel companion.
Currently under construction, Pepe will feature a removable, modular interior designed for flexibility and practicality. With a foldable bed platform, basic storage solutions, and space for creative work or rest, it’s built for functionality without excess.
Build fully mobile and off-grid ready. Its small size and nimble engine make it ideal for narrow roads, city navigation, and spontaneous countryside escapes across Europe.
This van marks the beginning of a new, downsized adventure lighter, slower, and deeply intentional.
1976 Dodge Chinook
ORIGIN: United States 🇺🇸
AGE: 49 years old
TASK: Long-distance travel, mobile living, creative base, classic American road companion.
DETAILS:
1976 Dodge Chinook powered by a V8 gasoline engine, a rare, compact fiberglass motorhome built during the early golden era of American RV design. Unlike mass-produced campers, Chinooks were manufactured in extremely limited numbers, making surviving examples increasingly hard to find today.
This model stands out for its solid one-piece fiberglass shell, lightweight construction, and distinctive profile that blends truck reliability with motorhome comfort. The V8 drivetrain delivers strong torque and highway capability, setting it apart from smaller, underpowered campers of the same era.
Designed for durability and long-term travel, this Chinook represents a time when RVs were built simply, mechanically, and to last. Its size makes it surprisingly nimble compared to larger motorhomes, while still offering the essentials for living, working, and traveling independently.
This van is more than transportation, it’s a rolling piece of American automotive history. Rare, character-driven, and increasingly collectible, the 1976 Dodge Chinook marks a return to intentional travel, mechanical honesty, and the freedom of the open road.
