Long thought of as a ‘hippies’ style mode of travel, more people are joining in the ranks of the recreational vehicle (RV) nomadic lifestyle, a lifestyle replete with all or none of the luxuries from home, making this travel trend one you craft yourself. This lifestyle became my reality as I embarked upon living full-time in a motorhome, travelling North America while researching and writing for a Master of Arts degree, and the submission of an ethnographic graduate paper on this subject. The second installment in this three-part series explores the affordability aspect of this way of life.

Life on a Shoestring

The tourism industry has been turning its attention to a burgeoning RV lifestyle travel trend which encompasses a desire for quality and the delivery of optimal experiences. This trend, which has sparked an interest in affordable travel in a slowing economy, is making inroads with travellers,  sending an SOS to the sputtering tourism industry to take a second look. As a consequence of the rising popularity of the RV lifestyle, this tourism sector is gaining momentum, attracting travellers destined to refresh an old concept with a new idea.

The release from large holiday travel costs or, in the case of full-time RVers, from former financial responsibilities,  is a draw to this lifestyle. City and community infrastructure costs continue to rise, and many RVers are stating that affordability and quality of life has evaporated in the expensive and often hectic pace of residential centers. To this end, consumers wishing to attain the highest level of customer satisfaction in the location in which they live are joining the ranks of full-time RVers.  Jeff and Linda from Sioux City, Iowa told how they had both been laid off from their jobs. Although not cash-strapped, they made the decision to downsize from a large home to an RV. “We thought we’d died and gone to heaven” states Linda, “We didn’t want to go back to that expensive lifestyle of bills every month and worrying about jobs.” Pat from Sugarloaf Key, Florida added “It was a relief to sell the house. In this economy, you get an offer, you take it.”

There is also the flexibility afforded those who wish to work part-time or volunteer in local communities. Melitta from Clyde River, Prince Edward Island, a ‘snowbird’ or Canadian who winters in the southern United States, advised that she works seasonally with an optical company, returning each spring to a job she’s familiar with and to an employer who appreciates not having to retrain her for their busy season. RVing is the great equalizer in income strata backgrounds whether the RVer is a labourer or professional. George of Six Nations, Ontario, stated “It’s not about the money. The guy with the fancy rig is the same as the guy with the small one.” More so than hotel/rent-a-car or air/cruise options, the RV lifestyle is an economically affordable venture that offers the added advantage of being able to take home comforts along. Carlotta from South Carolina says “You have your own kitchen, bed and bathroom and linen.” She also laughs and admits “If we have critters, they’re our own critters”.

Pat from Watertown, Connecticut noted that she and her husband won’t be embracing home ownership again soon as “It’s (RVing) a much leaner way to live. You don’t have to pay taxes or deal with yard upkeep. RV maintenance is still needed but even with some larger expenses, there are years you come out ahead; there are years you come out the same. At the worst, it’s a wash. There are a lot of people who can’t afford a home, but they could probably afford an RV. ”

RVers have found this lifestyle to be pet friendly with less need to fund boarding accommodation while travelling, whether full-timers or vacationers. Campgrounds, in increasing numbers, are installing dog friendly parks and services such as fitness centers, pools and spas, and restaurants. Another bonus for many is the access to affordable travel to visit family and friends without having to impose on others’ hospitality in order to reduce costs. As an economic asset, the RV is like a home, replete and sellable at the end of the ‘travel’ day as it holds its value, “squeezed between two sinking markets: autos and housing” states a study by Weber, 2008.

Rose Nadon, MA
Tourism Management
250-228-5552

To read all three installments of The RV Lifestyle: Part 1   Part 3

See all articles by Guest Author