24-Year-Old Dumps Her Boyfriend, Quits Her Job, And Now Is Living The Van Life With Her Dog
Interview With Owner
Most of us dream sometimes about giving up our old lives, following our dreams and our passions, and going on an epic adventure that will change our lives. A bit like Frodo and Bilbo. Well, Sydney Ferbrache is the perfect example that it’s not just a daydream, but actually possible to achieve in reality.
The 24-year-old now travels all over America with her dog, Ella, after she dumped her boyfriend. She even has her finances sorted out and works full-time from her laptop. Sydney is a true inspiration for all potential adventurers out there, and it’s no surprise that her story went viral as it captured the hearts of many internet users.
Sydney worked three jobs and other side-gigs to afford to buy her van and she also revealed that she uses a tripod camera to take pictures of herself and her dog.
Bored Panda reached out to Sydney and spoke to her about her travels, how people reacted to everything, and what advice she’d give to people who are yearning to go on an adventure but might be too afraid to start.
“The thing I love most about traveling is getting to experience different people and cultures. Nature is insanely beautiful and getting to spend time outside every day is nothing but a gift. However, getting to spend time on native lands and learn about the people who live there from those very people is the best learning experience I could ask for,” Sydney told Bored Panda. Scroll down for the full interview.
More info: Divine on the Road | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram (Ella the Van Dog)
Sydney Ferbrache travels over America with her doggo Ella
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
“You would never guess that there so many interesting backgrounds in our very own country. My biggest challenge has probably been big life things happening and not having my family with me for them. I got into a car crash and my van was in the shop for a couple of weeks. So I was literally homeless and had to stay in really cheap motels that allowed dogs. My first little one Ella has surgery when she was just 4 months old and I had no one to help me through that either. My family does what they can from Indiana but sometimes a hug is really what’s needed.”
The pair have visited more than 20 states
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
Sydney said that she has been “extremely lucky” with the internet’s reaction. “I haven’t gotten too much ‘hate’ or negativity. I try really hard not to read too many comments on Facebook or YouTube because that’s where trolls can really come out. I like my people and family on Instagram because they support what I do and surround me with positivity instead of the negative stuff. I know it’s out there! Out of sight out of mind though.”
Sydney started traveling by herself after dumping her boyfriend
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
“I actually do respond to critics whenever I do catch a comment. I like explaining myself and seeing someone change their opinion. It doesn’t always work but at least at that point, I tried. So I explain my story or my side and walk away from it knowing I did what I can.”
She saved up for the van all by herself by working three jobs and doing side-gigs
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
Sydney explained that everyone is capable of going on an adventure. “You don’t need a ton of money. You can do it with kids. You can do it no matter what your circumstances!”
“It might take a little time to get things figured out and save up the money you can. But don’t write it off completely. You are fully capable and I am here to help you get there if needed. Once you hit the road, nothing else matter besides the future you now have exploring a new adventure.”
Ella the Van Dog even has her own Instagram account
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
Having dumped her boyfriend, the woman from Indianapolis, Indiana wanted to prove to the world that it’s possible for a woman to travel on the road alone. Well, not completely alone—she travels with her pup, Ella, who has her very own Instagram as well.
Sydney’s first contact with solo-adventuring started with traveling outside of the US, to South Africa. “I said screw it, I’m doing it on my own. I did a ton of research on safety and women in South Africa and I backpacked around Cape Town and Johannesburg for three-and-a-half weeks,” she told Insider.
Lots of people support Sydney who is an inspiration for everyone who wants to go an adventure
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
Image credits: divineontheroad
“My parents were petrified the whole time I was there. Everyone was so apprehensive about it. But I knew I would be okay. And when I got home I said, ‘I’m totally capable of doing anything.’ That was my first trip alone, and it really changed my life.”
She then set out on the road with her then-boyfriend of just over a year after buying a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van for $18,000 dollars, and renovating it for another $10,000 dollars. That was back in September 2017. However, she soon dumped him because they weren’t compatible and had different dreams.
Sydney then worked three jobs for two months, saved up enough money for a new van, launched her website about her lifestyle, and was ready to hit the road in September 2018. But she got a friend for the journey ahead—a golden retriever doggo, Ella. Since then, the woman and her dog have been to more than 20 states.
“I always just say it’s a three-to-five-year plan. It’s been one year, maybe two years from now I’ll re-evaluate and make sure I’m still happy and this is something I still want to do,” Sydney said to Insider.
“I’ve never woken up once in the last year and not felt like this isn’t exactly what I should be doing. I don’t foresee anywhere in the near future where I want to stop, but I also don’t want to hold myself to this idea that I have to be on the road.”
Sydney answered some questions on Facebook after people showed how supportive they are of her
122Kviews
Share on Facebook
Commenting to Carol, she got into the van lifestyle in 2017 when she was still with her boyfriend. They bought the first van together and renovated it. She dumped him, got a dog, sold the first van and bought a different one.
Load More Replies...
She makes it sound like such an easy-peezy thing to do, ditch everything, take your dog and go on a cross country road trip. Typical Instagram influencer glamourization, look-how-wonderful-my-life-is fake facade. Not saying I wouldn't love to do this and that this wouldn't be awesome. It looks like a wonderful life. But c'mon, there's more going on with her and she probably deals with a lot of c**p in between those lovely shots.
You mean the common c**p of being alive, I suppose. Yeah, I reckon that she deals with that too, besides obviously doing something that she loves doing. KUDOS TO HER FOR THAT! Not everything is fake, even on Instagram. I see no photos of her "living the life" at five-star hotels, posting pictures of herself from all the "in" globe-trotting-like-a-millionaire places, pouting her artificially inflated lips into the lens while a fan makes her hair flutter around her face. She works, be it not your typical 9 to 5 job, and her living costs are obviously very low indeed. Maybe you could work up the nerve to do what you want, too, whatever that is, instead of giving her back for what other people do.
Load More Replies...
I don't understand how some people can be envious of others for having what they worked their a*s off for.
(Lady, that's 1/2 of the internet). Who has too much? Anyone that has more than I do, of course. All my successes are because of my hard work, and everyone else's success is from being a fake trust find kid with white privilege.
Load More Replies...
I love the idea of doing what she's doing, but I also know that living out of a van with or without dogs is not as clean and tidy as she makes it look. A certain amount of slumming it is required for traveling on the cheap.
Load More Replies...
I feel like this title could be able for a really sad article if the pictures portrayed things differently. Oh also I keep picturing Chris Farley saying "in a van down by the river!"
I didn't realize until this post that in 2019, a woman could travel on her own. Thank you, brave soul, for proving it to the world.
They keep stressing how she dumped her boyfriend to the point that they're making it sound like she dumped him to travel. Like the bf was requiring her to stick around so cutting him out was what allowed her to do this.
I would love to do something like this, but being a teacher is hard to do (from a computer) and that the wife wouldn't be game is (I think) the biggest challenge. To be young and have fewer responsibilities. I wonder what that is like.
Maybe a fun sabbatical year of travel is in your future? Or an adventurous retirement? It could happen!
Load More Replies...
This is awesome. It's been my plan for a few years... Still saving for a van, getting my skills up to par to freelance...Then there's the build itself, while working full time. Not all something one can do overnight, as Sydney has demonstrated. It keeps me going, as a goal in sight, however! Thanks for the inspiration! Blessings to you ~
I just want to know, where does she go to the bathroom and shower???
I only read these to find out where they go to the bathroom. Of course, I'm in my late 30s...But seriously, where is the toilet in that van?
Probably the nicest looking custom conversion of a Fordie that I have seen - did you do it yourself?
I wondered why "dumped her boyfriend" kept appearing. What happened to "left her boyfriend"? Or just saying "dumped" once. Are you trynna make ladies question their relationships and choosing to let go?
Call me cynical, but those perfect insta-vistas outside the perfectly-framed rear van doors? Not buying them. The ones reflecting the parking lot, and outside (what is probably her parent's) house? Yeah, OK.
So she is incapable of finding spots with vistas to take photos of? They are not hard to find. I mean, like, at all.
Load More Replies...
Update, 2019 she acted as a single van life but wasnt so scary to be alone bc she was sleeping with another van lifer IG dog person in his separate van traveling in same destinations , all the while cheating on her California bf. As long as she can live with her actions. Dont judge her cheating ways.
What is the model of the van? I want to camperize a van and I love this one
Great idea. Do it while you can. Always keep enough money in a bank somewhere in case you have to get home quickly.
JetBlue Flights Reservation Number 1-888-390-0411 Please Call me to visit & More information for this Website. https://jetbluereservations.net/ https://www.facebook.com/jetbluereservations/ https://twitter.com/jetblue_airway
JetBlue Flights Reservation Number 1-888-390-0411 Book JetBlue for your next excursion? fantastic! Be set up to appreciate complimentary bites, drinks, Wi-Fi, and constant diversion. In any case, explorers who have selected Mint® Premium at the hour of JetBlue Airlines Reservations Flights are qualified for the agreeable solace that accompanies open to seating that is completely admitted to flatbeds, craftsman eating alternatives, and extravagant courtesy packs.
So who took the photos of her and her dog? And by the way - my daughter did the same thing 10 years ago, except she left her home country and travelled all over SE Asia where she has now settled....for the time being. She'll probably take off again in a couple of years. It takes guts to do what she did.. So maybe the article about this girl is unusual but it ain't unique - and she stayed in her own country, so what's the big deal!
I think it’s great, what she’s doing good for you Sydney life will catch up with you so do what you love with who you love that being your devoted pup while you can! At some point you won’t be able to!
One can be surrounded by loads of people and still be lonely. She's doing what she has wanted to do and loves it. She does mention that this is a 3-5 year plan. Maybe she'll settle - maybe she won't. It all matters if she's happy and it surely seems it.
Load More Replies...
It is illegal to just not work. especially quit your job because of a f*****g dog
i wish i could travel the states but without a dog
Load More Replies...
There are things things called tripods and timers. Let's you take your own pictures without anyone else being there.
Load More Replies...
Silly girl? Did you even read the article? Have you ever heard about tripods?
Load More Replies...
Commenting to Carol, she got into the van lifestyle in 2017 when she was still with her boyfriend. They bought the first van together and renovated it. She dumped him, got a dog, sold the first van and bought a different one.
Load More Replies... She makes it sound like such an easy-peezy thing to do, ditch everything, take your dog and go on a cross country road trip. Typical Instagram influencer glamourization, look-how-wonderful-my-life-is fake facade. Not saying I wouldn't love to do this and that this wouldn't be awesome. It looks like a wonderful life. But c'mon, there's more going on with her and she probably deals with a lot of c**p in between those lovely shots.
You mean the common c**p of being alive, I suppose. Yeah, I reckon that she deals with that too, besides obviously doing something that she loves doing. KUDOS TO HER FOR THAT! Not everything is fake, even on Instagram. I see no photos of her "living the life" at five-star hotels, posting pictures of herself from all the "in" globe-trotting-like-a-millionaire places, pouting her artificially inflated lips into the lens while a fan makes her hair flutter around her face. She works, be it not your typical 9 to 5 job, and her living costs are obviously very low indeed. Maybe you could work up the nerve to do what you want, too, whatever that is, instead of giving her back for what other people do.
Load More Replies... I don't understand how some people can be envious of others for having what they worked their a*s off for.
(Lady, that's 1/2 of the internet). Who has too much? Anyone that has more than I do, of course. All my successes are because of my hard work, and everyone else's success is from being a fake trust find kid with white privilege.
Load More Replies... I love the idea of doing what she's doing, but I also know that living out of a van with or without dogs is not as clean and tidy as she makes it look. A certain amount of slumming it is required for traveling on the cheap.
Load More Replies... I feel like this title could be able for a really sad article if the pictures portrayed things differently. Oh also I keep picturing Chris Farley saying "in a van down by the river!"
I didn't realize until this post that in 2019, a woman could travel on her own. Thank you, brave soul, for proving it to the world.
They keep stressing how she dumped her boyfriend to the point that they're making it sound like she dumped him to travel. Like the bf was requiring her to stick around so cutting him out was what allowed her to do this.
I would love to do something like this, but being a teacher is hard to do (from a computer) and that the wife wouldn't be game is (I think) the biggest challenge. To be young and have fewer responsibilities. I wonder what that is like.
Maybe a fun sabbatical year of travel is in your future? Or an adventurous retirement? It could happen!
Load More Replies... This is awesome. It's been my plan for a few years... Still saving for a van, getting my skills up to par to freelance...Then there's the build itself, while working full time. Not all something one can do overnight, as Sydney has demonstrated. It keeps me going, as a goal in sight, however! Thanks for the inspiration! Blessings to you ~
I just want to know, where does she go to the bathroom and shower???
I only read these to find out where they go to the bathroom. Of course, I'm in my late 30s...But seriously, where is the toilet in that van?
Probably the nicest looking custom conversion of a Fordie that I have seen - did you do it yourself?
I wondered why "dumped her boyfriend" kept appearing. What happened to "left her boyfriend"? Or just saying "dumped" once. Are you trynna make ladies question their relationships and choosing to let go?
Call me cynical, but those perfect insta-vistas outside the perfectly-framed rear van doors? Not buying them. The ones reflecting the parking lot, and outside (what is probably her parent's) house? Yeah, OK.
So she is incapable of finding spots with vistas to take photos of? They are not hard to find. I mean, like, at all.
Load More Replies... Update, 2019 she acted as a single van life but wasnt so scary to be alone bc she was sleeping with another van lifer IG dog person in his separate van traveling in same destinations , all the while cheating on her California bf. As long as she can live with her actions. Dont judge her cheating ways.
What is the model of the van? I want to camperize a van and I love this one
Great idea. Do it while you can. Always keep enough money in a bank somewhere in case you have to get home quickly.
JetBlue Flights Reservation Number 1-888-390-0411 Please Call me to visit & More information for this Website. https://jetbluereservations.net/ https://www.facebook.com/jetbluereservations/ https://twitter.com/jetblue_airway
JetBlue Flights Reservation Number 1-888-390-0411 Book JetBlue for your next excursion? fantastic! Be set up to appreciate complimentary bites, drinks, Wi-Fi, and constant diversion. In any case, explorers who have selected Mint® Premium at the hour of JetBlue Airlines Reservations Flights are qualified for the agreeable solace that accompanies open to seating that is completely admitted to flatbeds, craftsman eating alternatives, and extravagant courtesy packs.
So who took the photos of her and her dog? And by the way - my daughter did the same thing 10 years ago, except she left her home country and travelled all over SE Asia where she has now settled....for the time being. She'll probably take off again in a couple of years. It takes guts to do what she did.. So maybe the article about this girl is unusual but it ain't unique - and she stayed in her own country, so what's the big deal!
I think it’s great, what she’s doing good for you Sydney life will catch up with you so do what you love with who you love that being your devoted pup while you can! At some point you won’t be able to!
One can be surrounded by loads of people and still be lonely. She's doing what she has wanted to do and loves it. She does mention that this is a 3-5 year plan. Maybe she'll settle - maybe she won't. It all matters if she's happy and it surely seems it.
Load More Replies... It is illegal to just not work. especially quit your job because of a f*****g dog
i wish i could travel the states but without a dog
Load More Replies... There are things things called tripods and timers. Let's you take your own pictures without anyone else being there.
Load More Replies... Silly girl? Did you even read the article? Have you ever heard about tripods?
Load More Replies...
112
82