Aloha Everyone,
When we told our family and friends about taking a year off to travel in a RV, here are some typical reactions we got:
1) WOW! That's what I always wanted to do.
2) I am envious!
3) How can you afford such a lifestyle?
4) Are you crazy? What kind of life would that be?
5) Aren't you scared of unknowns? There are many bad people out there.
6) Where would you go; what would you do; what happens if you get sick; and what happens next?
RV living full time is definitely not for everyone. Can you live in a RV full time? I think the bigger question is who would you be traveling with. Are you going to be a solo traveler or with a partner? We met some people who told us that they started out with their spouses or partners but along the way, they decided to go separate ways. Too much closeness. Too much sharing of your time and everything else.
For us after 41 days on the road, our living in the RV home is working out very well. During the next couple of weeks, we will be staying with family. I thought of sharing with those of you who might have entertained the idea of trying out this lifestyle some of our tips and suggestions on various topics:
Tips & Suggestions #1) PLAN AHEAD AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK
J.J. started to begin doing research on RV living long before we seriously considered jumping into this lifestyle. We knew that once we begin, it's difficult to turn back the clock. According to some RV data, there are about 1.3 million Americans who are full-time RVers. Many with whom we spoke to have learned it the hard way, by trial and error.You can also pick up lots of good, free tips from your fellow travelers in RV parks. For example, there are RV membership clubs you can sign up and save from 10, 20 up to 50% off your nightly stay at participating RV parks.
Passport America - In 1992, Passport America started the 50% Discount Camping Club. Today there are over 1900 campgrounds across the US, Canada and Mexico currently participating in their program. Following the Passport America directory, when we arrive at a new state or city, J.J. and I first try to find the RV sites that are members. Approximately 90% of the RV sites we stayed during our maiden trip across the United States were members of Passport America. Among those we stayed, approximately 25% were excellent and we recommend them to others, 25% were good, 25% were nothing to write home about and the bottom 25% were "rustic" places which we will never revisit.
Our granddaughter loves to invent games. Shy of 11 days to her 7th birthday, she has high energy and imagination that keeps us entertained and charmed. Out of old tissue paper, she created snow "blobs" referring to oversized snow flakes.
We also punched out snowflakes using a hand pressing tool and spent hours playing the "winter wonderland." This is one if the blessings we are able to enjoy as we can visit her more frequently with our mobile life-style.
Aloha -- Cathi
