Curious about full-time vs part-time RV travel and which is best for you. Today we answer your questions and share the Pros and Cons of these two RV lifestyles.
Recently, we received a series of questions from a viewer about full-time and part-time RV travel in retirement. It was a very thought provoking question and we wanted to share our insights with you as you may be considering a future RV retirement lifestyle.
The viewer wrote the following:“My husband is getting ready to retire and we are considering full-time RV-ing. We’ve done a lot of camping, but never full-time. Did you ever get travel fatigue? Did you ever feel like you were always camping? Did you ever feel isolation from community, church, and social activities?”
"Did you ever get travel fatigue?
This question made us reflect on our full-time travels. While we personally haven't experienced it, at times we did get tired from the constant planning and logistics of RVing, like finding campsites, booking reservations, and figuring out travel routes. Rick, on the other hand, sometimes felt fatigued from maintaining and repairing our Airstream. To help mitigate the risk of travel fatigue, we implemented the concept of "slow travel" to avoid burnout, staying in one place for longer stretches (like 3-4 weeks at a time).
"Did you ever feel like you were always camping?
In the beginning, it definitely felt that way, especially since we stayed at a lot of state parks. But there's a big difference between full-time RVing and traditional camping. Establishing daily routines helps make your RV feel more like a home. However, bad weather, like strong winds or tornado warnings, can definitely give you a "camping" feeling. Just make sure you have a hazardous weather plan ready and you know were you can seek shelter if needed.
"Did you ever feel isolation from community, church, and social activities?”
We both experienced this at times, but there are ways to stay connected. Joining RV clubs like the Airstream Club, attending online church services, and volunteering as camp hosts are all great options. You just have to be willing to put yourself out there and meet your fellow campers.
Ultimately, the decision between full-time and part-time RVing is a personal one. There's no right or wrong answer, and it depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. We encourage other to consider their priorities and comfort levels before making a decision. Here is a short list of some PROs and CONs of both full-time and part-time travel. It is not all inclusive but may provide you with some additional insights to consider.
Full-time RV travel Pros:
Adventure and freedom: You can travel wherever you want, whenever you want, and experience new things all the time.
Simplified lifestyle: You can downsize your belongings and live a more minimalist lifestyle.
Closer to nature: You can spend more time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Full-time RV travel Cons:
Maintenance challenges: RVs require regular maintenance and repairs, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Limited personal space: RVs are smaller than houses, so you may have to give up some personal space.
Weather impacts: You are more susceptible to the elements in an RV than in a house.
Constant movement: While exciting at first, constantly moving from place to place can become tiring over time.
Part-time RV travel Pros:
Flexibility: You can choose when and where you want to travel, and you can still maintain a home base.
Easier transition: It can be easier to transition from working life to retirement if you start with part-time RV travel.
Less maintenance: You will put less wear and tear on your RV if you travel part-time.
Part-time RV travel Cons:
Limited opportunities: You will have fewer opportunities to travel and experience new things than if you travel full-time.
Storage challenges: You will need to find a place to store your RV when you are not using it.
Maintaining a home: You will still have the responsibility of maintaining your home in addition to your RV.
Conclusion:
If you're considering RV travel in retirement, we hope this post and the video gives you some valuable insights from our experience, both full-time and part-time. Understanding the potential challenges and rewards can help you make an informed decision what is the right choice for you.
Happy Camping and Safe Travels,
Rick & Lisa
The Wright Life
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