If you think full-time RVing is out of the question because you have young kids, think again. Some families are hitting the road in RVs of all sizes with kids and pets too, living without borders as they get a hands-on education in history, geology, sociology and more. Many of them keep blogs about their adventures, like Alex and Elizabeth Martin, aka “The Traveling Kids.”
This dynamic duo says they’re “traveling full-time with their two parents and two cats in a 1998 Foretravel U320 in pursuit of adventure, education and meeting new friend.” This month the Martins are celebrating one year on the road in the 42′ rig dubbed “Shadowbeast.”
From their send-off in Nagadoches, Texas (the home of Foretravel manufacturing), to Florida’s Space Coast, Alex and Elizabeth are reviewing the highs and lows of exploring the best that America has to offer for kids and families. From campgrounds to restaurants, the Martins are sharing their insight about what life is like for full-timing families.
Alex describes himself as a 14-year old computer programmer, and the second-in-command engineer aboard Shadowbeast. His sister Elizabeth is 13 years old and an aspiring chef. As chief restaurant reviewer, curator of images as well as cat tamer, she is co-creating this fun kid-centric adventure travel blog and regular e-newsletter with her brother. In one restaurant review she writes:
“Hymans Seafood Restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina is a seafood restaurant, with a cheery owner and a wonderful vibe. The sea food is great and they have some killer sides. If you have kids at the table at the end of the meal the waitstaff or owner might hand you a coupon for free ice cream in the shop down below, and if that happens you are lucky. I went for the chocolate mint chip but that’s just my personal taste. They only give you one scoop in a paper cone but it’s delicious. In conclusion this old-timey seafood shop is amazing, has some really nice people, and delicious food.”
The Traveling Kids blog is a fun way to experience full-time RVing through the eyes of two teenagers. If you’re dreaming of hitting the road with your own family, make it a point stop by.
Also consider check out the iRV2 Fulltiming Discussion Forum to meet others who are on the road with kids of all ages. Two more great resources to learn about RVing with kids are Fulltime Familes and Families on the Road, both of which offer online support groups for “out of the box families” about everything kids, including “roadschooling” education, budgeting and more.
Often called “The O.G. of full-time RVing,” Rene Agredano and her husband Jim Nelson hit the road in a fifth wheel trailer in 2007, after their dog Jerry lost a leg to terminal cancer. Sixteen years later they are still traveling and sharing their nomadic adventures at LiveWorkDream. As a self-employed wordsmith, Rene shares her expertise for many RV industry videos, publications such as the Escapees RV Club Magazine, and has authored numerous books, including the Essential RVing Guide to National Parks, and Income Anywhere, a guide to earning money on the road. She has been featured in global media outlets including the PBS documentary “NATURE: Why We Love Cats and Dogs,” The Guardian Sunday Edition, and the Dan Pink book Free Agent Nation.
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