It has been one year since we sold our house and moved into our camper to live the full-time RV life! Brian turned 50, I turned 40, and we have traveled the entire east coast twice. It has been an amazing year! I found a job that I love and I actually feel appreciated, which I have never had at a job before. The last year has had some downs, but the up’s make it all worth it!
I was going to do a Pro and Cons list and answer any questions you all had. I can only find one con and no one asked any questions, so I will just do a normal blog post.
The only con I can think of in the first year of living this lifestyle is laundry. Yes, laundry. Most of the campgrounds we stay at have laundry, but you never know how the machines are going to work. When we were in Maine (Timberland Acres RV Park), the laundry room was ALWAYS full with 8 washers/dryers, and I ended up going to a laundry mat most of the time. Which was nice because the dryers at the campground never fully dried our bedding. Where we are now (Pine Island RV and Marina), there are 2 washers and 2 dryers. I know which washer is “possessed” and which dryer is wonky, so I avoid those. I have not had to go to a laundry mat since we have been here.
The number one pro that both Brian and I agree on is how freeing it is to be able to just go wherever, whenever we want. We don’t have a full-time/year round job keeping us grounded to one area. Yes, my job in Maine (Oli’s Trolley) restricts us to one area, but it is a beautiful area that we did not even fully explore in the 6 months we were there. I agreed to return to my job in Maine for the 2024 and 2025 summer seasons because it is a great paying job and the owners are wonderful to work for. Brian also agreed to return to this job that he is working now for the 24/25 winter season. After 2025 summer season is over, it’s up in the air. We may trade our ocean and lake views for desert mountain views and head west. Who knows! That is the best part.
Having a Harvest Host membership is wonderful. We have the opportunity to stay at amazing hosts locations like the winery, brewery (even though we aren’t drinkers), farms, drive-ins, stores, and even a church. If we could just go from one Harvest Host to the next, I would be in heaven, but we are not independently wealthy.
If we don’t like our neighbors, we don’t have to deal with them long. It does not take long to clean the camper from top to bottom, but it does get dirty pretty quick with 2 dogs. We have made friends with a few people that are now followers of our page (thank you!). We have seen many gorgeous sunsets here at our current campground as well as gators, birds, turtles, and lizards. We are not stressed from work as our jobs are fun and engaging. We like to experience new places and meeting new people.
Some other things that can be considered cons are it can be lonely, but you need to get out and engage. I have a hard time with that sometimes. Also, there is very little privacy in the camper. Our bathroom door is a sliding barn door that is right across from the door to outside and the dogs can easily open the door while we are using it.
I was talking to my boss the other day and she asked if I was excited to come back. I told her I really don’t want to work, but I get bored easily, so I will work. I am actually using my degree (Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism) at both of the jobs I have, so I am grateful for that. The last couple months, I have been cleaning the rental units here at the campground, which is technically part of the hospitality industry. If I was independently wealthy, I probably would still do “work”, but I would look more into volunteering at state or national parks.
Speaking of independently wealthy, if anyone reading this is familiar with renting out homes/townhouses/condos, please let me know. I was thinking about buying a condo or townhome to rent out to generate income. Obviously, this would be in a high tourist area with a high turnover. I would like to know the pros and cons of doing this type of thing.
Here are some photos from the last year! It has been great and we are looking forward to MANY more years out here on the road!
~Happy Travels!
Valerie is a full-time RV’r. She has her degree in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism. She loves to travel with her husband and 2 dogs. She would love to answer any questions and can be reached at owner@worklesscampmore.com
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