🎵
Driven by Music
Fueled by Freedom
Vanlife Adventures | Reggae Road Trips | Full-Time Travel
Meet Mat Sands
Living the Vanlife Dream
I’m Mat Sands, a full-time traveler living with Juvenile Arthritis. Diagnosed at just 13 months old, I’ve spent my life adapting, growing, and eventually thriving—thanks to one powerful realization: warm weather, live music, and a positive attitude helps me feel better, and the road helps me feel alive.
So I made a choice—while I still can—to chase the sunshine, follow the music, and turn my journey into something bigger than myself.
Ride along as I explore hot springs, attend reggae music festivals, soak in epic views, and embrace the freedom of nomadic vanlife.
This isn’t just travel—it’s a lifestyle built on courage, connection, and chasing joy every mile of the way.
Nomadic Living
In 2018, I gave up my conventional life, sold nearly everything, and hit the road with my dog in a travel trailer pulled by my Toyota Tundra.
What started as a need for comfort turned into a way of life—chasing warmer climates, open skies, and the healing energy of nature and music.
For five years, I lived in that trailer, discovering natural hot springs, jamming at concerts, and making memories in national parks and desert hideaways. Later, I transitioned into a more compact vanlife setup that allows even more freedom and flexibility.
Now I travel full-time across the U.S. in my Sprinter van, connecting with amazing people, exploring new places, and sharing the ride with anyone who’s ready to live a little louder.
Vanlife Roots
Limitless Routes
☀️ Why I Travel Full-Time
Living with chronic pain from Juvenile Arthritis taught me that comfort and climate matter. I discovered that warm, dry weather helps relieve my symptoms, and that music keeps my body and mind in sync.
Over time, that medical need transformed into a passion for adventure and a deeper connection with the world around me.
Vanlife isn’t an escape—it’s how I thrive.
🌍 How I Stay Connected on the Road
Though I live a solo nomadic lifestyle, I’ve never felt more connected. My community spans the country—family, friends, other nomads, fellow reggae fans, and the beautiful people I meet along the way.
I stay in touch and share the journey through social media, where I post vanlife photos, festival stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from reggae concerts and other stops that I make along the way.
📍Tracking Me Down
Where I’ve Been – Where I Am – Where I’m Headed
- Recently: Followed the Stick Figure Island Holiday Summer Tour
- Now: Making my way back west
- Next Up: I’m open to suggestions
➡️ Updated regularly as the road unfolds!
42 states visited – 8 more to go!
⛽ Fuel the Journey
Want to help fuel my travels? Whether it’s gas for the van, a beverage on the way, or gear to make life on the road easier, your support means the world.
📦 Amazon Wishlist: Traveling On And On Wish List
💸 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/mathewsands
💳 PayPal: paypal.me/mathewsands
🛤️ Join the Journey
Whether you’re navigating life with a disability, dreaming of living on the road, or just vibing with the music—I’m proof that you can do it your own way.
👉 Follow on Instagram: @travelingonandon
👉 Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/mathewsands