Always on the move, in more ways than one, the diverse community of Pleasure-Way owners is broad and alive across North America. While constantly learning and finding new ways to create their next RV adventure, the Pleasure-Way traveler is forever globe-trotting. Recently, we have had the great fortune to learn more about one of our vanlifers, Saveria Tilden, an outdoor enthusiast and Tofino owner.
Saveria is the Founder and CEO of AdventurUs Women, a women-owned and led company dedicated to providing opportunities for women of all ages, races, sizes, backgrounds, and experience levels, to learn new skills and try outdoor activities in beautiful places. We are excited to share her in-depth knowledge and travel advice with you!
Get to know Saveria as we sit down and ask her a few questions.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I LOVE dark chocolate, sunsets, sleeping-in, water… lakes, rivers, oceans, and road trips. I am NOT a fan of driving at night, milk chocolate, waking up early – hence why I like sunsets – and sand – which is inconvenient based on my love of
Just prior to creating AdventurUs Women I was the partner & program manager for a national outdoor retreat series for women and worked for REI Outdoor School as an instructor, teaching kayaking, SUP, biking, rock climbing, map and compass/navigation, hiking, backpacking, and more.
I believe in giving back and volunteering, this includes being a member on the Board of Directors for the American Hiking Society, a backcountry trip leader with the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, and a regional event coordinator for Camber Outdoors. I am certified as a Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator, and AMGA SPI climbing guide.
When/where did you first hear about Pleasure-Way?
We had been talking about getting a camper van and knew we were not the DIY/build your own van folks. A friend was selling an amazing 1970 Westfalia and I was doing research because we were nervous about getting a vintage/foreign vehicle knowing that things would break, and issues were inevitable. Doing this research an ad for the Tofino popped up and I clicked.
We found a Tofino locally and we knew immediately this was the right choice. We loved the roomy interior, the modern conveniences, and the fact that it was new which meant warranties on everything… see previous comment about not being DIYers. When we did our research on PW, we liked the history they have with camper vans. This gave us confidence that, although this was year 1 for the Tofino, PW knew what they were doing. We waited a week to decide and the one we saw sold! We looked up and down the west coast and found our van in Oregon at Johnson RV. We had an amazing experience getting our van from them.
What initially sparked your interest in RV travel?
My first trip to Europe after college sparked my travel bug. For a long time when I dreamed of traveling it involved visiting other countries. In 2008 I got a job working with State Park systems across the US that involved spending lots of time visiting the parks. It was then that I really began appreciating how little of the US I had seen and how much I enjoyed road-tripping.
Where have you traveled to in your Pleasure-Way?
Our Tofino has been all over the western US… AZ-CA-CO-ID-NM-NV-OR-UT-WA-WY! We have logged over 25,000 since May 2019!
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
The Tetons will always have a piece of my heart… both Wyoming and the Teton Valley side in Idaho. However, I really loved my latest adventure exploring Eastern Oregon and hope to return soon.
Many folks “name” their PW, do you have a name for your rig?
The answer to this is tricky… we have not mutually agreed to a name. So, I plead the 5th.
What has travel taught you about yourself?
Travel has taught me to embrace and appreciate other cultures and communities. I love trying to find authentic local experiences even when traveling to touristy destinations. Food is one of my favorite ways to do this!
What are the benefits today of owning a Pleasure-Way?
Being able to travel in a self-reliant (lodging, food, pet-friendly) manner and stay in incredible out of the way places is always great, but with COVID our Tofino has created additional opportunities for safe and responsible travel that would not be possible otherwise. I also love the ample USB and AC outlets in the Tofino as they allow me to work remotely and stay connected.
Do you have a favorite memory, or experience with your PW?
One of our favorite experiences in our Tofino is camping in remote places where we do not put up the shades and we wake up completely surrounded by nature.
What RV tips or helpful ideas you’d like to share regarding your Pleasure-Way van?
Oh goodness – I have lots… but you will have to wait for future blogs for these!
If you could travel to any place in the world right now, where would it be?
As much as I have been enjoying exploring here in the US, I would hop on a plane to Bora Bora for a beach vacation (never been) or if I had more time head to New Zealand and do an extended road trip to both the North and South Islands!
I spend a lot of time on the road both working and adventuring. Our Tofino has opened up our world to a whole new kind of adventuring and freedom that we love. One of the best parts has been embracing van life and learning along the way. I am stoked to share our experiences with like-minded folks in our upcoming PW Blog Series, “Tips from the Road.”
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