Questions to Ask Yourself Before Traveling Full-Time

So you have been using your RV for weekend trips, or even longer vacations, for a while now. Have you been dreaming about what it would be like to live and travel full time in your RV? Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before traveling full-time.

As Steve and I have discovered, there are many rewards to a nomadic lifestyle. But we have also encountered plenty of challenges and obstacles along the way. Some of those hurdles would be enough to keep many from enjoying the full time journey.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Traveling Full-Time, or Even Seasonally

It takes a good amount of careful planning and arrangements to prepare to live and travel full time in your RV. Even more preparation if you own a home and/or still work full time. As you read and answer these questions you will find that each person’s travel journey is different. It’s important to design yours to fit your needs, wants and lifestyle. Go after what suits you the best.

To see if you have what it takes to cut the cord to your sticks and bricks, ask yourselves these questions:

1. Will You be Traveling Seasonally or Full-Time?

One of the first questions to ask yourself before traveling full-time is, “how long will you be on the road?” Some people like to travel for a few months out of the year while retaining their a home as a base to return to when not traveling. Others, like Steve and I, choose to live on the road all of the time.

There is no right or wrong option. It just depends on what’s possible with your schedule and what you want to pursue. For example, do you have school aged children and want them to stay in their school district as they grow up? Then you might consider just traveling during the summer when they are out of school. Or you might also decide that instead of them going to school, you would be willing to home school them which would allow for full time traveling.

Have you retired, but don’t really like the idea of living on the road all year? In this case RVing for a few months at a time is perfect for you to experience the seasons you enjoy in different parts of the country.

Obviously, everyone’s timeframe is different. However the length of travel and whether or not you plan on keeping your house, condo or apartment is going to impact your budget and planning for the future.

2. Are You Planning to Move Out of Your House?

Once you narrow down your choice of seasonal or full-time travel, you will now have to decide on whether or no to keep your house, condo, or apartment. Are you willing to give up your permanent residence? If you are giving up you permanent address you’ll have plenty of work to do selling and emptying your property before you can get on the road.

Downsizing is the most difficult and challenging hurdles. We know from first hand experience! What makes moving from a stationary residence into an RV so challenging? Lots of things like deciding on what is really necessary to keep and take with you. We are still realizing that we don’t need things we thought we did, after over 3 years of living on the road. But if you are keeping your home base then you need to arrange for someone to check on your home, water plants, check mail, etc. while your away for extended periods.

It’s amazing how much less STUFF we actually need to be happy on the road! Less is definitely more.

3. What Will Your Rig Be?

In a previous post I told you about all of your options for the types of rigs you can choose. Now is the time to ask yourself which one is best for your needs? To determine this you need to decide on how much space you need for living, storage and comfort. In which climates will you be spending the most time in? Some rigs are better suited to extreme hot or cold temperatures than others. And probably the most important factor in deciding on which type of RV to purchase is your budget.

To narrow down your options from a long list that includes vans, travel trailers, Class As or even short term rentals, you must start by looking at your needs.

According to campendium.com, “If you are traveling with a family, a motorhome or 5th wheel may be the best option, so you have the extra space. If you are traveling solo or with one other person, a van may be a good fit If you want to park your rig for weeks or months at a time, then you may want a travel trailer, so you have a day-to-day vehicle as well.

It’s also important to consider whether you prefer to stay in campgrounds with amenities or if you prefer to boondock your answer will help you determine which type of camper is best for you.”

4. Do You Need to Work on the Road?

One of the major hurdles many travelers face is how to bankroll their lifestyle. Some of you are retired or taking a break from your career, while others of you choose to work either remotely or pick up jobs on the road. Remember that this will be a very personal journey. Some of you will choose to live a simple lifestyle on the road which will result in lower costs and expenses. For others, traveling full-time will be equally as expensive as living in and owning your house.

Since COVID-19 we’ve discovered  that working remotely is an awesome option. Because of that many RVers have found that they can maintain full-time jobs on the road. to do that all they need is to  have access to a strong cell signal or are in a campground with a reliable WiFi connection. Others find seasonal work such as campground host, staffing a local gift shop, or being a guide might be just what they need to supplement their finances.

5. Are You Prepared for the Common Challenges of Full-Timing?

Our friends often tell us that everyone envies our lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean that it’s easy. It is most important to be flexible and adaptable!!!

Some awesome advice that we’ve garnered along our full time journey is that you have to roll with the punches. We have encountered wind damage, brake failure, slide room issues and electrical problems. Those were bad days, for sure. But those bad days are far out numbered by the great ones we have enjoyed week after amazing week.

Learn to take your time and enjoy the journey, even when problems arise.

Take lots of photos and videos! We have taken over 25,000 photos and many, many videos. We are creating a story for the ages.

Make sure to learn your tow vehicle limitations as well as your RV’s. It really doesn’t matter whether you paid several 100 thousand or 10 thousand dollars, they all will have issues arise and require regular maintenance.

When you begin to travel full time you will feel like you want to see the entire country right away. But I am cautioning you to take it slow. You have as many years as you like to see America. Just keep that in mind and enjoy the journey. Otherwise you will burn out, and I promise you, you don’t want to do that. This country is waaaaay to beautiful!

You remember that catch phrase Just Do It? Just do it!!! You will need to make adjustments but it is so worthwhile. We have seen so many things that we only read about and made so many great new friends. We pray G-d grants us many more healthy years to continue exploring this amazing country of ours.

Embrace the journey but don’t let your new lifestyle intimidate you. Remember that you’re not alone – we all started as new full timers – and we continue to learn and hone our skills as we traverse America.

Once you have answered these 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Traveling Full-Time you will be able to make an informed decision and get on the road. Hope to see you at a campground!

Information inspired by and article on Campendium.com