Hello, fellow adventurers! Today, we’re excited to share how our family makes full-time travel possible while balancing remote work and maintaining a budget. It’s not just about hitting the road; it’s about smart planning, budgeting, and finding the best deals. Here’s how we do it:
Working Remotely: Our Income Source
One of the key enablers of our full-time travel lifestyle is our ability to work remotely. Both of us have full-time remote jobs, which provide the financial stability we need to support our adventures. With a reliable internet connection and a bit of discipline, we can work from virtually anywhere, giving us the freedom to explore new places while earning an income.
- Balancing Work and Travel: We structure our workdays to accommodate travel and exploration. Mornings are often dedicated to focused work, while afternoons and evenings are reserved for family activities and adventures. This balance helps us stay productive without missing out on the experiences we set out to enjoy.
Cooking at Home: Saving Money on Meals
Eating out frequently can quickly drain your travel budget, so we prioritize cooking at home. Here are some of our strategies:
- Meal Prep for Travel Days: On travel days, we prepare meals in advance. Picnic lunches at rest stops and bento boxes for the kids filled with healthy snacks keep everyone satisfied and reduce the temptation to buy food on the go. These preparations ensure we have nutritious meals ready, saving both time and money.
- Grocery Store Savings: We have every discount grocery store savings card imaginable. By shopping smart and taking advantage of these savings, we keep our food expenses low. We plan our meals around sales and discounts, and we stock up on non-perishables when they’re on sale.
- Creative Cooking: Cooking in an RV can be a fun challenge. We’ve become quite creative with our meals, using local ingredients and experimenting with new recipes. This not only saves money but also adds a touch of adventure to our culinary experiences.
Smart Shopping: Only Buying What We Need
Living in an RV means limited storage space, so we need to be precise with our shopping:
- Shopping Lists: We stick to a strict shopping list, buying only what we need. This prevents unnecessary purchases and helps us manage our budget more effectively. Planning meals in advance helps us avoid impulse buys and reduces food waste.
- Bulk Buying: For items we use frequently and can store easily, we buy in bulk to save money. This approach is particularly useful for non-perishable goods and essentials.
- Local Markets: Whenever possible, we shop at local farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Not only does this support local economies, but it also allows us to enjoy fresh, regional produce.
Fuel Savings: Stretching Our Travel Budget
Fuel can be one of the biggest expenses in a full-time travel lifestyle, but we’ve found ways to minimize this cost:
- Fuel Rewards Cards: We use fuel rewards cards like the Open Roads card, which saves us a significant amount at the pump. We also have other rewards cards that we scan before each purchase. These small savings add up over time, making a noticeable difference in our budget.
- Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF): We add DEF to the truck at every fuel stop, avoiding the need to buy the more expensive boxed versions. This simple habit helps us save money and ensures our truck runs efficiently.
- Efficient Travel Planning: We plan our routes to minimize unnecessary driving and avoid peak traffic times, which helps conserve fuel. By staying longer in one location, we reduce the frequency of travel days, further saving on fuel costs.
Choosing Our RV: Budget-Friendly and Reliable
When deciding on an RV, we opted for a budget-friendly travel trailer rather than a more expensive 5th wheel or Class A motorhome. Here’s why:
- Warranty Peace of Mind: We chose a newer model covered by a warranty, ensuring peace of mind and minimizing out-of-pocket repair costs. This decision paid off quickly; within the first six months, our awning motor went out, and the toilet bowl cracked. Both issues were covered and fixed promptly by Camping World, which provided excellent service despite some negative reviews.
- Avoiding a Large Truck Purchase: With a travel trailer, we didn’t need to invest in a large 350 truck. Instead, we traded in our two vehicles for a newer, low-mileage truck that was also under factory warranty. This kept our costs down while ensuring reliable transportation.
- Practical Choice: The travel trailer provides ample living space while being more affordable than larger RV options. It’s a practical choice for our family, offering the comfort we need without breaking the bank.
Affordable Activities: Exploring on a Budget
Traveling full-time doesn’t mean we spend a fortune on activities. We enjoy parks and history hunting, often researching ahead to find the best deals:
- Coupons and Discounts: We look for coupons and use websites like Viator for discounted tourist activities, guided tours, and group or family discounts. This helps us experience more without overspending.
- Value Passes: For example, in Williamsburg, VA, we found a “triangle pass” that allowed us to visit five different locations over seven days. This pass saved us a lot compared to paying for each location individually. Such passes often provide great value and multiple entry options.
- Free and Low-Cost Activities: Many of our favorite experiences have been free or low-cost, such as hiking in national parks, exploring historical sites, and attending local festivals. We research each area to find these hidden gems.
Campground Memberships: A Home on the Road
Finding affordable and comfortable places to stay is crucial. Our Thousand Trails membership has been a game-changer:
- Membership Benefits: For $350 per month, we can stay at each site for up to 21 days. This allows us to explore each area thoroughly without rushing and reduces our fuel costs by minimizing frequent relocations. The membership pays for itself quickly, providing significant savings over traditional campground fees.
- Extended Stays: Staying longer in one place allows us to immerse ourselves in the local culture, make new friends, and truly relax. It also gives us the flexibility to work without constant disruptions from moving.
- Onsite Amenities and Programs: We always check with campgrounds to see if they offer free kids programs, onsite events, pools, mini golf, and other amenities. This gives our kids lots of options right at the campsite. We’ve stayed at places with game rooms, outdoor movie nights, petting zoos, playgrounds, basketball courts, water parks, and lazy rivers. These amenities provide endless entertainment for our kids without the need for extra spending.
- Community: Campground memberships often come with a built-in community of fellow travelers. We’ve met many wonderful people through Thousand Trails, making our travels even more enriching.
Planning Ahead: Research and Preparation
To make the most of our travels, we plan ahead and prepare meticulously:
- Research Destinations: We research each destination to plan our activities efficiently and take advantage of any available discounts. Knowing what to expect helps us budget more accurately and ensures we don’t miss out on must-see attractions.
- Flexible Itinerary: A flexible schedule allows us to stay longer in places we love and move on when we’re ready, making our travels more enjoyable and less stressful. Flexibility also lets us adapt to unforeseen circumstances, like weather changes or work commitments.
- Local Insights: We often seek recommendations from locals or fellow travelers. They can offer insights into the best places to visit, eat, and explore, often pointing us to experiences we might have otherwise missed.
Conclusion: Our Journey, Your Inspiration
Living and traveling full-time on a budget is entirely possible with the right strategies. By working remotely, cooking at home, shopping smart, using fuel rewards, choosing a budget-friendly RV, and finding affordable activities and memberships, we’ve created a lifestyle that allows us to explore the world without breaking the bank. We hope our tips inspire you to plan your own adventures, tailored to your family’s needs and budget.
Thank you for joining us on this journey! Stay tuned for more tips, stories, and updates from the road.