Tips for Families Living in an RV and Traveling the United States
Our family is about to embark on an exciting (and somewhat scary) adventure!
My husband, twin girls (Kenna & Layla), two mini Goldendoodles (Riley & Lucy) and I will be moving into a fifth wheel RV and traveling the United States for a year! The Dixon Detour starts September 2023!
Living in an RV and traveling the United States can be an exciting adventure for families. However, planning for a year of complete togetherness on the road can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips for planning a successful year of family togetherness on the road.
Determine Your Why & Your Goals
When planning for a year of togetherness on the road, it’s important to determine your why and your goals for what you want. What are you hoping to achieve by embarking on this adventure? Are you looking for quality family time, new experiences, or personal growth? Once you have a clear understanding of your purpose, you can set goals and plan your trip accordingly. This can also help you stay motivated and focused throughout your journey.
Plan Your Budget
Another important aspect of planning for a year of togetherness on the road is creating a budget. Traveling can be expensive, so it’s important to determine how much you can afford to spend and plan your trip accordingly. Consider factors such as gas, food, and lodging, and make sure to leave some wiggle room for unexpected expenses. You can also look for ways to save money, such as cooking your own meals or taking advantage of free activities.
Remember to enjoy the journey and take time to appreciate the experiences along the way. By planning ahead and staying flexible, you can create a year of togetherness that your family will never forget.
Choose Your Routes
One of the most important aspects of planning for a year of togetherness on the road is choosing your route. You’ll want to consider factors such as weather, road conditions, and attractions along the way. Make sure to involve your family in the route planning process, and consider their interests and preferences. Use online resources and apps to help plan your route, and make sure to stay flexible in case of unexpected changes.
Create Your Routines
While the freedom of living on the road can be exhilarating, it’s important to establish a routine for your family. This can help create a sense of stability and structure amidst the constant change of travel. Consider setting aside time each day for family meals, exercise, and education. This can also help balance work and play, and ensure that everyone is getting the most out of the experience.
It is a different mindset that has to be adopted. We are not vacationing for a year, we are traveling and living on the road for a year. While we will be exploring new places and having lots of mini “vacations”, we will still be living, going to school and working and will need routines to stay sane.
Stay Organized
Living in an RV can be a challenge when it comes to organization. With limited space, it’s important to make the most of every inch. Consider investing in storage solutions and compact furniture to maximize space. Make sure to keep a regular cleaning schedule to avoid clutter, and involve your family in the process. This can also be a great opportunity to practice minimalism and learn to live with less.
Master Planning & Pivoting
With all the moving pieces of traveling, moving to new cities, homeschooling, working and adventuring – You will have to have a solid plan, but also be ready to pivot and make changes when plans don’t go the way you want. As long as you can master the muscles of planning and being flexible, you will be able to keep things on track. Involve everyone in the planning process and make sure to take everyone’s opinions into account for everything that is planned.
Conclusion
Planning for a year of togetherness on the road can be a daunting task, but with proper planning, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience for families. By determining your why, planning a budget, choosing your route carefully, creating routines, and staying organized, you can help ensure that your family’s journey is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Happy travels!
For more about The Dixon Detour – Follow along on social media @thedixondetour on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube & Pinterest.
