With just four days left in 2015, now is the time to reflect on the last 361 days and ask yourself: how many times did you say “I should have . . . (fill in the blank)” this year? If you put “gone full-time RVing” in the blank space then guess what? You have another chance to do it again next year! Today I’m going to show you three easy ways to make your road trip dream happen in 2016.
Rene Agredano
Step 1: Don’t let age hold you back.
Whether you’re 80 or 20, there’s no reason why age should stop you from hitting the road. Unfortunately many people use age as an excuse for not living their dream. To them I say: did you see the recent RV Life profile of Eleanor Leeper? She’s “On the Road at 89” and I don’t mean 89 miles-per-hour…she’s eighty nine years young! Nothing is keeping this solo traveler from traveling and seeing the places she’s always wanted to enjoy.
And if you’re one of those who believes that you can’t go anywhere until your kids are grown, I ask “Why?” Work is more portable than ever before and whether you turn a wrench or crank out computer code, families on the road like those who work at Team Snap prove there’s no need to wait until the kids are out of the house to have a road trip education. GO, your kids will thank you for it some day.
Step 2: Get clear on your finances.
Lots of people are all talk when it comes to hitting the road, but only a few will actually turn that talk into meaningful action. How do they do it? One step at a time. Most of us full-timers began our quest for the ultimate road trip by figuring out how to pay for the lifestyle. Whether you’re working age like me or collecting a retirement, get clear on your financial picture and teach yourself good money habits that will put you on the road without worry. My best tip for getting started? Pick up a copy of Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover,” book to learn solid money-management skills and debt-free living.
Step 3: Talk to other RVers.
The most common refrain among the RVing community is “RVers are the nicest people you’ve ever meet!” and after eight years on the road I know it’s true. Whether you talk to them in person or online at places like the iRV2 Discussion Forums, full-timers are especially generous with tips and suggestions that will help you winnow down your choices about rigs, destinations and even workamping if that’s something you’ll pursue. Just remember though: when it comes down to it, only you know what’s best for you so don’t go looking for the “perfect” this or that, because nobody has the answer but you.
Every day I am grateful that I’m a full-time RVer in this era of worldwide friendships and information sharing. There’s never been a better time to jump in and gather all the facts you can before hitting the road, so don’t be shy. Make 2016 the year that you take your first steps toward living the road trip lifestyle you’ve always wanted and when December 2016 rolls around, you’ll have a lot less “should haves” hanging over you.
Rene Agredano and her husband, Jim Nelson, became full-time RVers in 2007 and have been touring the country ever since. In her blog, Rene chronicles the ins and outs of the full-timing life and brings readers along to meet the fascinating people and amazing places they visit on the road. Her road trip adventures are chronicled in her blog at LiveWorkDream.com.
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