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Signing the papers to sell my house tomorrow. I bought a van that will be built into my home. I should be on the road by late August. I can hardly wait. I live alone inside four stationary walls now, very little family left. I'm ready for new people and new adventures. ❤
My mother and her sister took my moms motor home and drove it to Alaska when she was 80, My aunt raved about the trip for several years before she died, She said it was one of the best trip she ever did. My mom sold her motor home shortly after that trip but continued to drive my Winnebago till she was almost 90. She lived to 96.
Oooh thanks I’m 81 & got van picked out and no health probs. Have never thought twice about hitting the road. Got thousands of miles under my belt and as they say mechanically inclined. Really appreciate your comments.
Re: loneliness. I’m not a nomad but I do a LOT of big, long solo travel and trips. People always ask about being lonely, they fear that. But it’s like you said: it’s truly easier to meet people-good fun people- on the road than at home. I can’t really explain it here, but many others agree.
Great video. I just had a conversation last night with a friend who needed a little support. She was just driving a couple thousand miles alone with her dog. Most people were afraid for her and trying to tell her that it wouldn’t be safe. So reached out to me knowing that I have traveled well over 10K miles solo. We had a lovely conversation and she is on the road this morning 🥰
Last year this time I was on 8,000 mile 9 week road trip. Took my two little senior citizen dogs with me. Went from Mich to Calif , then Florida then east coast and home. Explored everywhere along the way. Had friends and family concerned 68 year old female traveling alone. Pointed out had two dogs. Truth is they were harmless. Had great time. Getting ready to do again.
It’s hard getting friends to get out of their ruts , I’m traveling and then staying for months , then doing it incrementally since it’s all unknown for me .
Taking care of Mom is worth it. I’m the youngest of five siblings. A few years ago mom was diagnosed with cancer and told she had two to four weeks to live. Mom fooled them, she lived for almost exactly two years. It required two of us with her 24 hours a day. It was extremely hard but none of us regret being there for her. Mom was there for us, fortunately we were able to be there for her.
@@johnandjackiesjourneys @markmayo380 I'm sorry for your losses. I think that was kind of you to take care of them and for you @johnandjackiesjourneys get her out in nature in her final days.
I get it! As a 64 yr young female I LOVE my alone time. I walk everyday 1 to 1.5 mls a day on any nature trail I can find. The backlash I get from people is incredible thinking I’m going to be murdered, robbed etc. I’m heading to Iceland, London, Scotland & Denmark this summer alone and am so excited. My husband is a homebody so does not mind my wandering as he knows I’m intelligent, confident and capable of taking care of myself. BTW as a retired Sexual Assault Counselor the fact is assaults are committed by someone you know 8 out of 10 times.
Bob Wells is correct. You take yourSELF wherever you go. My take: if you arent good at looking at the silver lining in a tough city, you probably wont make it as a nomad. But many positive thinkers are doing very well as nomads.
So happy you said "you know who, call you know who". You saved millions of us making that phone call by "you know who". For that very reason I changed my "you know who" name to a less common choice to keep it from being triggered by commercials and videos.
i was ft for 3 years and then had a very unexpected health issue come up. i had to pick a city, where I could find excellent care and rent a home. 10 months and 2 surgeries later, I'm gearing up to head back on the road and very very grateful I'm able to do this! i would love to see two topics from your perspective: dealing with health and wellness on the road and, since you seemed to have owned every kind of RV, a comparative analysis of ft life in different types of rigs. thanks for your content!!
I 💯% agree with you that Robin should consider having a discussion of health issues & illness while on the road. It hit me after I bought my used RV last spring. I had planned to live in it while I try to recoup financial losses. The RV has shown me that I’m not quite able to handle the physical challenges yet. It was the repetition of going up & down the stairs & stepping up to the driver’s seat that grounded me (for now). So, I’m going to sell the Class C in the next couple of months & I pray that my back surgeries this month (first surgery on Tuesday 4/9) will help me regain enough strength to give this another shot! If so, I’ll search for a smaller RV that I can buy for the same amount I paid for my Class C. I pray that will be soon, because my savings are depleted with the expenses of owning my mobile home. Social Security alone has never covered my monthly bills.
I just met the president of RVing Women when I went to my first FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association)! The ladies there were older than me and super positive and very knowledgeable! I just bought my first RV, a used 2020 Tiffin Wayfarer 24TW (that’s how I found you)! I’m finishing my first 3.5 weeks on the road with my “Bonus parents” and mentors who have taught me so much! I’m looking at being a snowbird! Whooo hooooo!
I’ve been “out here” since 2004, when I took off in my Class A and towing my car. During that time I did do two interim jobs, one in Vermont and one in Orlando, where I was stationary for three years in both spots. The rest of the time has been on the road. I have downsized into a Chevy van. All my possessions are in it. It’s amazing how much stuff you really need. I keep a good relationship with folks on FB and Messenger. But, I’m also very comfortable in my own skin. Loneliness has never been an issue for me. Part is of the reason for that is the contacts I keep. I would encourage everyone to do that.
I have my dogs, but would be nice to have folks to hike with . I do get lonely in crowds wishing i had a partner to travel with . I’m only part time but learning
Good morning! Sweet husband bought me a 2000 Ford E350 Econoline van converted by Sportsmobile in Austin for our 30th anniversary...the purpose is for me to take solo trips and see parts of the country that I've missed. I'm 70 and leave this next week for a 30-day solo trip to the west coast, through Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and wherever strikes my fancy along the way. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm not nervous, but as an ultra planner, learning to lean into spontaneity will be good for me. I wanted to thank you for your videos as when one strong woman ventures out, she gives the rest of us the courage to do the same. I don't plan to video anything, but I will blog about it, write, paint, and make some morning campfires along the way. XO
Was a full time nomad for several years. I agree with everything in this video. This past winter, a severe rain storm, followed by an icestorm, overwhelmed my van in one night..and blew every side and rear window in. Ice got in..and it was a long night. The water froze in the panels..and wrote off my van. I'm now back in a sticks and bricks, saving up...and retiring in a few years. And I'll be back to full time nomad life happily. - this time..with a tarp large enough to cover whatever RV I get in case I face a storm like that again!
Loneliness? Hmmm....I am speaking from experience when I advise everyone to "embrace" feelings of loneliness and not try to soothe yourself by seeking out companionship with people who may not have your best interest at heart or may have bad intentions. I have discovered a level of joy and happiness in solitary activities such as writing, crocheting, sewing, knitting, embroidery, ironing clothes, and even cleaning the kitchen floor! Feelings of loneliness are very fleeting so find hobbies that you truly enjoy and are fulfilling to you and I promise you that what you once called "lonely" you will now call "freedom". Nothing feels as GOOD as the happiness we feel from being free to live each moment as we choose ❤.
I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is to sell their homes, sell everything, buy a rig, and go out full-time before they even know if they like this lifestyle. A better approach would be to take a few weeks or a month, rent a rig, go out traveling, and see how it feels. Then, don't go full-time (yet,) but ease into it where a home still is waiting for you to get back whenever. In fact, selling a house might be a mistake altogether. There are other options available, and it doesn't have to be black or white, but there are many shades of gray that might be optimal. At some point people say full-time isn't sustainable for them anymore and then they're in the phase of having to rebuild their lives, find a house, buy stuff again, etc.
Yes, agree. But how many can afford both at once? The expense of a house ownership or rent as well as travel for a long enough time to "know" if it works.
People can try it and rent out their house if they want to go full-time and preserve their property for later. For myself, occasional car camping or traveling would be fine; I like having my house & won't give that up. Nor do I want a "rig." I've seen minivan setups that are no-build and rather genius. ModernDayPilgrim on youtube uses a no-build Dodge Caravan for her traveling adventures, and it's clutter-free and fantastic!
I agree with you photogher. Too many get on fantasy island about the whole idea and jump in with both feet. I would never sell my house to go full time. Too hard anymore to get back into the housing market if you ever want to or need to and rent is sky high everywhere. It's nice to have a home to come back to when traveling gets to be too tiresome or expensive, or both.
I’m 4 yrs post cancer and I wanted to hit the road when I finished treatments! Hubs understands this need in me and while he doesn’t believe he can be in the road at this time. But he ensures I’m able to get out, I have a rig and I pack up my dogs and hit the road! I love the time by myself and I get to fill this need to wander. I recently learned about Waze and the share option so I can ensure he know where I am. I go cross country and visit family so I can also let them know my whereabouts
Remember one can always leave their rig in a site at a park, notify management. Use Rover for pets or pet hotel. This has been helpful for us. This lifestyle is all about no stress!
Robin, see now THIS is why I love your channel. This real, important, and valuable information, not just drama. THANK YOU! I retire in 238 days and am hitting the road full time -- so your insights on embracing the nomadic lifestyle are incredibly inspiring and TIMELY! The explanation of the Expatriate Scale and how it relates to nomadic life really puts the emotional journey into perspective and it's valuable information for me (or anyone) to have as they embrace a new lifestyle, be it RVing or something else. It’s fascinating how you’ve navigated the emotional highs and lows with such grace. Sharing your journey offers a unique perspective that many of us crave, showing that it’s possible to live a fulfilling life on the road. See you out there real soon!
@thefilersjourney? Married life turned out to be the greatest disappointment I ever experienced 🫤 In my third marriage I actually considered getting a tattoo across my entire back that read "disappointed". I honestly don't understand how two people stay married. I hope you develop good, healthy coping skills for staying married because I completely understand that "loneliness" in marriage you mentioned.
That's really sad. That definitely needs some exploration on why you feel so disconnected with your husband. I wish you the best and find a way to connect.
Relate with that peak and valley when I sold a house and moved into stationary RV on land. The rebound didn’t happen. Discovered there were a number of physical challenges I just can’t overcome….stairs, tight space to navigate, lack of insulation in walls, lack of natural light through small window openings….the most difficult was not having touch stone with nearby neighbors. I’m almost seventy. Think it would have been a different story if I was much younger. Now moving into a senior community with a very active community center.
Excellent content as usual. My husband and I travel full time with 2 Labs in a 5th wheel and they keep us happy and laughing every day! Laughter is a big key to happiness!
Hi Robin! I’m a part time boondocker in a Class B & have infused your videos into my life for courage & inspiration. I travel w/small dogs & stay @ Harvest Hosts when I can, so only get lonely once in a while (usually in cities). Love this lifestyle!🥰🚐
I haven't hit the road yet but my family and friends are all urging me to stop planning and get out there NOW. 😄 I started solo tent camping 20 years ago - they don't understand my love for it but I've done it all over the world. They've seen and heard the difference in me when I go camping and know that the stress of my current work/life situation is unhealthy. So, my goal for 2024 is to figure out how to take care of myself financially (by going fully remote with work) and just take the leap part-time. Also, I agree that it's so important that at least 2-3 people you trust know your location at all times when camping or hiking - especially if you do it solo. Thanks for another great video and topic, Robin!
@@deedeeotero4475 Keeping my fingers crossed that you can find a caring community of people in time who would fit the bill. I realize I'm very blessed because my community is pretty large and filled with people who would lose their minds if I went off grid for too long.
If you can… start now, maybe 1/4 or 1/2 time! (We are 1/2 timers or a bit less, hubby still like the bricks & sticks💁🏻♀️) Independent strong women who loves adventures NEEDS to get out there! 👏🏼 Blessings to you on your next adventures! I have lived in 5 different countries (curtesy of the US Navy), I am really loving seeing our HUGE wonderful American country. PS,,, I’m following you now and looking forward to seeing your adventures!
@@arbonneladyTN Thank you for that amazing encouragement. I'm trying! My friends have been telling me all weekend that I need to get out there ... they even presented me with a Lego set of people camping. 😂 I think even getting out there 1/4-time is a good move for 2024. Thank you, also for the follow! I've reciprocated - from a fellow traveler who's visited 32 countries and 45 states so far. Here's to more adventures to come for both of us!
Robin you're so awesome!! I've been a subscriber since early on in your 1st Rig and purchased both books on Amazon and watched Ted talk right away!! You really do deserve a big thank you for just being you!!✌🐢
Good morning Robin, I am not a full time RV'er but my sister and I do a lot of boondocking, hiking and backpacking. Most of the places we end up do not have cell service, we use the InReach Mini (GPS) to keep in touch with family and let them know where we are. It also has and SOS feature in the event we ever need it. There is a monthly charge but it's worth it to us to know we can let family know where we are and in case of an emergency we can call for help.
I have just had my third anniversary of full-time RVing. About a week ago I looked around and thought: OK I think I’m done. I am now switching to part-time. We’ll see how that goes. I have a one-year commitment on an apartment, my RV will be stored at a nearby State park, and I have lots of trips planned. If I can’t stand the apartment, I can always switch back to full timing. For me, it’s family in the northeast that has me gravitated to this area. I don’t want to winter in Florida and in the Atlantic and southeast, there is not a lot of Boondocking. Southwest is a lot easier, but farther from my family. Love your channel.
I'm not on the road yet, plan is for this time next year. I am 66, my sons are 29 and 23 - I have been talking about this with them for almost 2 years. First they had to adjust to the idea of my selling the house - I think we're about there, they had time to realize neither of them wants to live here. They have both started talking about their plans to move out of state - I think me moving ahead has helped them let go and look forward as well. They are both still worried about me being out on my own, especially the oldest, but I think as I have learned and gotten more knowledgeable it has started to ease those fears. I have told my siblings - I think they think I'm crazy, but I've always been the crazy one, and I'm the oldest, so I think they trust me. I have not told my mom yet - she is 91 and has early dementia, and I think she could end up in assisted living before I go, and I will talk to her about it closer to the time. Thanks for the info about the Echo screen and calling - she is terrible with technology, but would love to be able to do this with her, and with others. And thank you for explaining sharing location on Google maps - will definitely do that with my sons, I think I'm going to start doing it when I go to visit my mom, who lives 7 hours away. Yours were the first videos I saw, who got me first thinking about doing this - I love them!
People need to stop projecting their fears on others. We should all live life on our own terms without having to justify our existence or looking to others for validation.
Robin you were the first nomad I discovered on u tube. It was an article on overnight at Walmart. I’ve wished since then I could follow in your tire tracks for a year to learn boon docking. Have a blessed day and stay safe and aware.
I love how positive and real you always are in your videos! Thank you for that. My partner and I are full time nomads and loneliness can happen anywhere, in my experience. I love to meet new people wherever we go but sometimes other RVers don’t seem interested in meeting their fellow campers. That’s when it feels lonely to me. Of course my partner and I have each other, which is nice but yeah, I’ve felt more lonely surrounded by people than I ever have when we’re out boondocking in the middle of nowhere where. 🤷🏻♀️
Hi Robin! Great video! I met you way back at my first RTR in early January 2018. I started full timing in a truck camper June 2017 so I think we started around the same time. Have also seen a lot of changes since then. I definitely agree that it's hard to feel lonely alone in nature. My pattern of traveling has slowly evolved and now I spend more time in a few locations near friends. I'm just about to transition into a small (27 foot) fifth wheel so I will no longer need to carry my house with me all the time. I have a dream of a culture built around nomads with much less man made infrastructure and more natural spaces. I'd love to see more RV friendly home base choices such as Escapees co-ops where people can maybe store a few things and have a place to go in times of difficulty, illness, etc. Interestingly, I've had a similar vision since childhood!! It's exciting to be a part of the change
Oh traveling increases my happiness! When I was on the road some days were better than others but was all better than the long winters I grew up with. Happy most of the time.
I really enjoy camping alone. I don't have a desire to go full time but four or five days makes me happy. I don't hesitate to go where I want by myself. I do keep my Google maps set to share my location with my husband at all times and I suggest anyone who travels alone regardless of travel style, also do that.
Thank you for this video. I have been widowed a year and am venturing out again. Still trying to learn how to socialize along the way. This is so helpful
Your show has helped me reinvent my living situation and own career, working for myself. I’m a massage therapist. I also do fun stuff for my friends like pet sitting and spring landscaping. I love being self employed and having the freedom to help my friends and having time to travel. I live with two of my friends and we have a great little community. Thanks for helping me think out of the box over the past 5 years!
Good morning. I will be a part timer, gone in the summer to escape the heat of the Arizona desert. My journey will begin this summer and I am super excited to see new places.
My husband and I live in our 5th wheel full time as work campers. It allows us to visit different states and locations that we would never even dream of seeing if we weren’t out on the road. I love your videos and the information you share with us all.
I have learned so much from your videos. I’m a USN Veteran and I bought an older Class C RV to travel and live in. I have more confidence in my journey thanks to you, so Thank You!!!! Hope so see you out there!!!!
We bought our van 3 years before we retired and paid it off before. During those years we went on a lot of long road trips and learned. We kept getting rid of our stuff that the kids didn’t want until we basically have the bare essentials. We have a tiny apartment at our son and daughter-in-law’s house. We watch their pet and place when they need us, and they give us a home base. I guess we aren’t nomads or full timers, but we sure feel free and covered for whatever comes next. I highly recommend it if you can.
We have friends that we meet up with every year in the deserts of Quartzsite, Az. We went full time, in 2021. We have met soooo many new and great friends. Such great friends, we make it an annual trip to the desert, just to see these people again. Over and over. I want to see the country, but I want to see my new friends, too.
Robin, I agree with your feelings about being lonely. I live in the woods, so if I am outdoors, I can achieve a better perspective on my problems. I grew up in the suburbs, and it took a few years to learn that I needed to live in the boonies. For the past dozen years, I have been living alone. I have a job that takes me into town, interacting with people regularly, but I look forward to getting back to the natural quietude of the woods. I don’t get lonely. The internet makes keeping in touch with everybody so easy to do, from home. I enjoy watching you enjoy your travels - thank you for sharing them with us.
I find I'm more lonely at my home in Colorado than out on the road. Traveling I meet so many different interesting people, yet can camp in a national forest be fine alone. You are right, once your start driving toward a destination, It changes your thinking.
Hi Robin B., You're the best, right up there with Bob Wells!! I'm starting a NOMAD RETREAT on my land for Nomads in small rigs and minivans! I live next to the Prescott National Forest who only allows camping for 7 days!! You guys can stay at my place for a month while you wait to go back!! I'm calling it: "LOCO HOBO" that has a garden gauge train running around the bushes!!!
The great thing about the nomad life is that we get to see family whenever we want and however long we want. Last year was my dad's 100th birthday and we scheduled our route so that we were there for that. This year, we had two new grand-babies born. We camped nearby for weeks to be there when they were born. (and to help out however we could). We try to be with family for Christmas and Thanksgiving. One of our daughters in California felt we were gone too long one year when we didn't see her for most of the year. To be honest, that was difficult. It happened that we stayed most of the year in Texas where my dad and sister live. So we can't please all the family all the time when they are so spread out. But that would be a problem whether we lived in an RV or a house. Whenever I mention to people that we travel full-time, I get many comments of, "You're living the dream!" I agree. This is the life for me. I'm living my dream of traveling and seeing amazing places, and we meet many wonderful people along the way.
I have to tell you that your videos this morning have helped me so much! I went through the emotions of boy ever really screwed up this time. I bought a camper bought a lot because I live in a gated community and then I got a campsite in their camp park in four and half days! It all had to work or none of it could work. And I’m scared and I’m lonely but I love camping. I love fires I love cooking outside on the fire and in my easy bake oven, which is my air fryer. I love washing my dishes outside. The only thing I really hate it’s sleeping, but I don’t really like it that much at home either ha ha ha. Thank you for the videos. They are really helping me helping me.
Great video. I actually lived like this while working in a city 40 years ago! Had a beeper and took showers at the city's YMCA. Nobody at work realized I did it but boy, did I love it.
That was amazing! I love listening to you. You're so practical. You answer questions that people have. You have solutions you talk about the good and the bad. The scary and the joyful and it's amazing I I get so much from your podcast. Thank you so much for how you share! So honestly
I just purchased my new van to travel and live in. I decided to go with a 2024 Tellaro 20L and was absolutely tickled that I got to pick it up and make my announcement on April Fool's Day! For now, I'm getting used to driving a longer and higher (got my first scratch out of the way on day 3, cleared the base of bb hoop stand but forgot I was taller than hoop, lol), and learning all new handy electronic bells and whistles, as the newest car I've owned until now is a 2002 Ford Explorer. I have been intimidated by new cell phones before, but I am up to these new challenges because this is something I feel compelled to pursue. Thank you for your inspiration.
Ty! Relationships are so important and a slight change of plans is ok. Also we like to share our experiences with someone else. Tends to make the experience more enhanced. That’s why I sometimes feel like I wish I was sharing the experience with someone else, but I’m not lonely necessarily.
Morning fires are awesome. I don't leave my rig after dark so the only time I have a campfire is during the morning. Sometimes I cook my breakfast over my morning campfire.
The job market has changed so dramatically over the past few years. For example I work in healthcare. There’s still so many shortages nationwide that a lot of hospitals and clinics hire travelers for a few months at a time. While it’s not completely nomadic, for these people living in an RV probably makes more sense than renting an air bnb for several months. Their stipend can cover rv park fees or other living expenses and they can go from one place to the next in their RV. I have a union job and a mortgage but I think as I get closer to retirement age I’ll probably stay on per diem with my employer and do some travel temp work. I love your channel. Be safe.
18 minutes into your video, made me think of how I recently remembered as a child, we traveled by car and stayed in tents and homemade teepee in many places including Utah where my step-dad worked on the crew building the highways there, so maybe I believed it was easier since as a kids there was no responsibility but now I'm doing it all and yes, within these first couple weeks my emotions have been up and down, so thank you for you graph at the beginning, and now knowing the first year is the most trying time helps me to go on and be strong doing it.
Birdie, Love your channel and your inspiring content of your channel. I have been lost while traveling in cities but never felt loneliness when I can reach places of solitude. Alone, yes, lonely, No! Being lost means you find yourself in travels of non-explored places where you need not feel that no one find you. It does not mean you can’t reach out to others and ask, “Where the heck am I!” Yes, with the massive number of people who think RV life should or is “free”, then you can expect some negative energy. Especially from them, when they discover that life cost some money and some effort to make that lifestyle work. ❤
My baseline for loneliness is non-existent. I've created a great vanlife style for myself and am generally a pretty happy and positive person. I live an urban vanlife and am a fixture in my community, so I can be around friends and people if I want to be. But most of the time, and this may have something to do with the Plague Years, I am happy as a clam hanging out in my VW Bus by myself having quiet time. I actually love being alone. Prior to 2020, the only thing I did in the bus was sleep, otherwise I was at a cafe, or working a job, or at the library ... after 2022/23 I don't feel that I have to subdue my vanlife because the entire neighborhood now knows that I live in my bus on the street. Now, when I get out into nature - WOW - my happiness level goes up about ten notches and I couldn't care less about seeing another human. When it comes to family - they all live across the country in an eastern state while I'm in California - they feel like I abandoned them and they've sort of just let go. I don't get invited to any family events unless I'm already in my home state for another reason. I usually hear about family events second hand or after the fact. I started working in tech early on and I was able to communicate with them more often, and finally got my Mom to do video calls, but it's hard being the one who always has to connect first. I feel it's more their issue than mine. Am I lonely? Absolutely not!
Great talk. I needed this! I hope to out on the road, boon-docking in an Airstream and working f/t soon! I will definitely keep my home though! I hope we cross paths one day!
Love your insights Robin...thanks for continuing your channel. We would all tune in even if you only did the channel every two months. Big Blessings to you, Patti Bee, Madison, WI
Robin, I’ve watched you/your channel from your start… many change ups in your rigs, your Ted talk, your Tips & Tricks! I liked your channel so much, I ventured out to watch other Nomads…. Couples, Families, Singles, of all varieties! You are right, there is a group/an example/an experience for Everyone. We (I’m a couple), are planning to travel as well, timing is not yet right for us. - I wanted to point out to you that of all the dozen different nomads you tuber channels I watch, you are my FAVORITE! You are so well informed, a natural “teacher” & your honesty shines through! You give great tips & tricks & I just wanted to share my Respect for you…to you. Keep being You! Be Happy & be Free! 🎉❤
RV living apparently has its unique challenges. The chart you shared might also apply (offer value) in other change of circumstance situations! And, I wonder how many of those who have serious difficulties in this lifestyle have lived solo or single prior to embracing the RV way. Whatever our lifestyle, we must to start with ourselves first (purpose, interests, capacity for our choice challenges, etc., etc.). It's good to know you still find joy and fulfillment in your chosen way. You certainly have been an inspiration for many through your life adventure. Although I am stationary (one location), I've learned from you in ways that help me when I go on trips (I love to drive). Thank you for your generous sharing!
Another great video, but I must disagree with you about one thing. I haven’t had a down period while traveling - only a day here or there - but this has been my happy place. Like you, there is no more work stress and much less money stress. I know it’s different for everyone but the only way I will come off the road is if my children need me or if I can’t do it anymore because of my health. Of course, the economy could become prohibitive, price of gas, campgrounds, yada yada. I just love Vanlife!😎🚐🥾
With God no one is ever alone. Loneliness is a state of mind, and a person can deal with being alone if they are healthy in the mind, secure in their abilities, and plans for emergency, and setbacks. I've been living alone for eight years now, and it not that difficult being alone, yes it would be nice to have someone to share the sunsets with, but so far it's just been me... Best of luck to you all.
I enjoy your videos, especially the Amazon gets you find and tell us about. (I bought that blue plastic keyboard and mouse. Really nice!) Your tips for places to see and places to stay are good. The fact that you have evolved into several vehicles has been enlightening. I missed you there for a while. Glad you are back. BTW, your book is a valuable tool. Happy trails!
I’m just starting my journey. Bought my RV last month and drove it straight home from Phoenix to Maine in less than 10 days. Now I’m getting it set up and can’t wait to be on my own again. Thank you for your good example and positive information. You are the only single female that I. Following right now and it’s nice to be able to let my 91 year old father know about your experience. Also I remind him that my mother’s mom did this at my age (70) and that was back in the early 80’s. 😊 maybe I’ll see you on the road.
This is the second video of yours that I have watched. I love your knowledge and passion for traveling. I am a photographer and writer and am trying to figure out my (soon to be) post-retirement lifestyle. I love being on the road and long to discover new places and meet new people. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to do it. Thank you so much!
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Signing the papers to sell my house tomorrow. I bought a van that will be built into my home. I should be on the road by late August. I can hardly wait. I live alone inside four stationary walls now, very little family left. I'm ready for new people and new adventures. ❤
You go, Girl!!!😊
Best of luck from Arizona - a great winter location! 🏜
How exciting! Good luck with the build.
If you travel with a firearm, be aware of all the different state laws that may affect you.
I think of doing it everyday
My mother and her sister took my moms motor home and drove it to Alaska when she was 80, My aunt raved about the trip for several years before she died, She said it was one of the best trip she ever did. My mom sold her motor home shortly after that trip but continued to drive my Winnebago till she was almost 90. She lived to 96.
Oooh thanks I’m 81 & got van picked out and no health probs. Have never thought twice about hitting the road. Got thousands of miles under my belt and as they say mechanically inclined. Really appreciate your comments.
Wow!
Re: loneliness. I’m not a nomad but I do a LOT of big, long solo travel and trips. People always ask about being lonely, they fear that.
But it’s like you said: it’s truly easier to meet people-good fun people- on the road than at home. I can’t really explain it here, but many others agree.
Great video. I just had a conversation last night with a friend who needed a little support. She was just driving a couple thousand miles alone with her dog. Most people were afraid for her and trying to tell her that it wouldn’t be safe. So reached out to me knowing that I have traveled well over 10K miles solo. We had a lovely conversation and she is on the road this morning 🥰
That is awesome!
Last year this time I was on 8,000 mile 9 week road trip. Took my two little senior citizen dogs with me. Went from Mich to Calif , then Florida then east coast and home. Explored everywhere along the way. Had friends and family concerned 68 year old female traveling alone. Pointed out had two dogs. Truth is they were harmless. Had great time. Getting ready to do again.
It’s hard getting friends to get out of their ruts , I’m traveling and then staying for months , then doing it incrementally since it’s all unknown for me .
I've crossed the country several times. Never felt scared, just very tired. >.< 😁
Taking care of Mom is worth it. I’m the youngest of five siblings. A few years ago mom was diagnosed with cancer and told she had two to four weeks to live. Mom fooled them, she lived for almost exactly two years. It required two of us with her 24 hours a day. It was extremely hard but none of us regret being there for her. Mom was there for us, fortunately we were able to be there for her.
We had a similar experience. Mother went camping with us. She just passed a couple months ago.
@@johnandjackiesjourneys @markmayo380 I'm sorry for your losses. I think that was kind of you to take care of them and for you @johnandjackiesjourneys get her out in nature in her final days.
I get it! As a 64 yr young female I LOVE my alone time. I walk everyday 1 to 1.5 mls a day on any nature trail I can find. The backlash I get from people is incredible thinking I’m going to be murdered, robbed etc. I’m heading to Iceland, London, Scotland & Denmark this summer alone and am so excited. My husband is a homebody so does not mind my wandering as he knows I’m intelligent, confident and capable of taking care of myself. BTW as a retired Sexual Assault Counselor the fact is assaults are committed by someone you know 8 out of 10 times.
Bob Wells is correct. You take yourSELF wherever you go. My take: if you arent good at looking at the silver lining in a tough city, you probably wont make it as a nomad. But many positive thinkers are doing very well as nomads.
So happy you said "you know who, call you know who". You saved millions of us making that phone call by "you know who". For that very reason I changed my "you know who" name to a less common choice to keep it from being triggered by commercials and videos.
When my boyfriend refers to the Apple lady, he calls her “Iris.”
i was ft for 3 years and then had a very unexpected health issue come up. i had to pick a city, where I could find excellent care and rent a home. 10 months and 2 surgeries later, I'm gearing up to head back on the road and very very grateful I'm able to do this! i would love to see two topics from your perspective: dealing with health and wellness on the road and, since you seemed to have owned every kind of RV, a comparative analysis of ft life in different types of rigs.
thanks for your content!!
I 💯% agree with you that Robin should consider having a discussion of health issues & illness while on the road. It hit me after I bought my used RV last spring. I had planned to live in it while I try to recoup financial losses. The RV has shown me that I’m not quite able to handle the physical challenges yet. It was the repetition of going up & down the stairs & stepping up to the driver’s seat that grounded me (for now). So, I’m going to sell the Class C in the next couple of months & I pray that my back surgeries this month (first surgery on Tuesday 4/9) will help me regain enough strength to give this another shot! If so, I’ll search for a smaller RV that I can buy for the same amount I paid for my Class C.
I pray that will be soon, because my savings are depleted with the expenses of owning my mobile home. Social Security alone has never covered my monthly bills.
Yes! I will do that. Thank you for the suggestions
I just met the president of RVing Women when I went to my first FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association)! The ladies there were older than me and super positive and very knowledgeable! I just bought my first RV, a used 2020 Tiffin Wayfarer 24TW (that’s how I found you)! I’m finishing my first 3.5 weeks on the road with my “Bonus parents” and mentors who have taught me so much! I’m looking at being a snowbird! Whooo hooooo!
Robin…your videos are important. You cover topics that have deeper significance than many others - and you’re good at it. Take care.
I’ve been “out here” since 2004, when I took off in my Class A and towing my car. During that time I did do two interim jobs, one in Vermont and one in Orlando, where I was stationary for three years in both spots. The rest of the time has been on the road. I have downsized into a Chevy van. All my possessions are in it. It’s amazing how much stuff you really need. I keep a good relationship with folks on FB and Messenger. But, I’m also very comfortable in my own skin. Loneliness has never been an issue for me. Part is of the reason for that is the contacts I keep. I would encourage everyone to do that.
So are you glad you downsized?
I have my dogs, but would be nice to have folks to hike with . I do get lonely in crowds wishing i had a partner to travel with . I’m only part time but learning
join groups. Find travelers that do the same things you do. There are many like you looking for people just as you are I am sure.
Good morning! Sweet husband bought me a 2000 Ford E350 Econoline van converted by Sportsmobile in Austin for our 30th anniversary...the purpose is for me to take solo trips and see parts of the country that I've missed. I'm 70 and leave this next week for a 30-day solo trip to the west coast, through Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and wherever strikes my fancy along the way. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm not nervous, but as an ultra planner, learning to lean into spontaneity will be good for me. I wanted to thank you for your videos as when one strong woman ventures out, she gives the rest of us the courage to do the same. I don't plan to video anything, but I will blog about it, write, paint, and make some morning campfires along the way. XO
I love how many women over 50 are out there. It will be part of my future. Thanks so much for continuing to share.
Loved the story of your mom, running around collecting kindling! Thanks Robin for all that you do to support everyone.
Was a full time nomad for several years. I agree with everything in this video. This past winter, a severe rain storm, followed by an icestorm, overwhelmed my van in one night..and blew every side and rear window in. Ice got in..and it was a long night. The water froze in the panels..and wrote off my van. I'm now back in a sticks and bricks, saving up...and retiring in a few years. And I'll be back to full time nomad life happily. - this time..with a tarp large enough to cover whatever RV I get in case I face a storm like that again!
Every lifestyle has its own stressors
Amen to this
Loneliness? Hmmm....I am speaking from experience when I advise everyone to "embrace" feelings of loneliness and not try to soothe yourself by seeking out companionship with people who may not have your best interest at heart or may have bad intentions. I have discovered a level of joy and happiness in solitary activities such as writing, crocheting, sewing, knitting, embroidery, ironing clothes, and even cleaning the kitchen floor! Feelings of loneliness are very fleeting so find hobbies that you truly enjoy and are fulfilling to you and I promise you that what you once called "lonely" you will now call "freedom". Nothing feels as GOOD as the happiness we feel from being free to live each moment as we choose ❤.
No one does better explanations of the psychosocial aspects of being a nomad than you do. Spot on!
I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is to sell their homes, sell everything, buy a rig, and go out full-time before they even know if they like this lifestyle. A better approach would be to take a few weeks or a month, rent a rig, go out traveling, and see how it feels. Then, don't go full-time (yet,) but ease into it where a home still is waiting for you to get back whenever. In fact, selling a house might be a mistake altogether. There are other options available, and it doesn't have to be black or white, but there are many shades of gray that might be optimal. At some point people say full-time isn't sustainable for them anymore and then they're in the phase of having to rebuild their lives, find a house, buy stuff again, etc.
Yes, agree. But how many can afford both at once? The expense of a house ownership or rent as well as travel for a long enough time to "know" if it works.
People can try it and rent out their house if they want to go full-time and preserve their property for later. For myself, occasional car camping or traveling would be fine; I like having my house & won't give that up. Nor do I want a "rig." I've seen minivan setups that are no-build and rather genius. ModernDayPilgrim on youtube uses a no-build Dodge Caravan for her traveling adventures, and it's clutter-free and fantastic!
Agreed. For me, RV camping for 4-7 days is enough. I love the comforts of home too much. I like to live "The Home Life", lol.
I agree with you photogher. Too many get on fantasy island about the whole idea and jump in with both feet. I would never sell my house to go full time. Too hard anymore to get back into the housing market if you ever want to or need to and rent is sky high everywhere. It's nice to have a home to come back to when traveling gets to be too tiresome or expensive, or both.
You look younger each year.
I’m 4 yrs post cancer and I wanted to hit the road when I finished treatments!
Hubs understands this need in me and while he doesn’t believe he can be in the road at this time. But he ensures I’m able to get out, I have a rig and I pack up my dogs and hit the road!
I love the time by myself and I get to fill this need to wander.
I recently learned about Waze and the share option so I can ensure he know where I am. I go cross country and visit family so I can also let them know my whereabouts
Remember one can always leave their rig in a site at a park, notify management. Use Rover for pets or pet hotel. This has been helpful for us. This lifestyle is all about no stress!
Robin, see now THIS is why I love your channel. This real, important, and valuable information, not just drama. THANK YOU! I retire in 238 days and am hitting the road full time -- so your insights on embracing the nomadic lifestyle are incredibly inspiring and TIMELY!
The explanation of the Expatriate Scale and how it relates to nomadic life really puts the emotional journey into perspective and it's valuable information for me (or anyone) to have as they embrace a new lifestyle, be it RVing or something else.
It’s fascinating how you’ve navigated the emotional highs and lows with such grace. Sharing your journey offers a unique perspective that many of us crave, showing that it’s possible to live a fulfilling life on the road. See you out there real soon!
Thank you so much!
It makes me feel good that you say if your mom needed you, you would be home in a minute.
You are an example of receiving the energy you put into the world. When you look for the positive, you find it in the people and places.
I don't feel lonely when I'm alone. I feel lonely in a crowd. Every time. And I never feel more lonely than when my husband is home.
@thefilersjourney? Married life turned out to be the greatest disappointment I ever experienced 🫤 In my third marriage I actually considered getting a tattoo across my entire back that read "disappointed". I honestly don't understand how two people stay married. I hope you develop good, healthy coping skills for staying married because I completely understand that "loneliness" in marriage you mentioned.
I never felt lonelier than when married. I got divorced.
That's really sad. That definitely needs some exploration on why you feel so disconnected with your husband. I wish you the best and find a way to connect.
Totally get that. One of the loneliest years I’ve ever spent is the year I lived with a man after things starting going south for us :-(
Hi Robin love your hair❤
Relate with that peak and valley when I sold a house and moved into stationary RV on land. The rebound didn’t happen. Discovered there were a number of physical challenges I just can’t overcome….stairs, tight space to navigate, lack of insulation in walls, lack of natural light through small window openings….the most difficult was not having touch stone with nearby neighbors. I’m almost seventy. Think it would have been a different story if I was much younger. Now moving into a senior community with a very active community center.
Excellent content as usual. My husband and I travel full time with 2 Labs in a 5th wheel and they keep us happy and laughing every day! Laughter is a big key to happiness!
Ppl in church think I'm nuts too. I'm nearly 70 and having a great time in my Camry Condo!!
Hi Robin! I’m a part time boondocker in a Class B & have infused your videos into my life for courage & inspiration.
I travel w/small dogs & stay @ Harvest Hosts when I can, so only get lonely once in a while (usually in cities). Love this lifestyle!🥰🚐
Listing my house next month.
I’m newly single and ready to start this journey
this video gave me some reassurance and encouragement
Thank you
I have found that being with my dog, I am never alone or lonely.
I am in my third year on the road solo...never been lonely,. I LOVE a challenge!
I haven't hit the road yet but my family and friends are all urging me to stop planning and get out there NOW. 😄 I started solo tent camping 20 years ago - they don't understand my love for it but I've done it all over the world. They've seen and heard the difference in me when I go camping and know that the stress of my current work/life situation is unhealthy. So, my goal for 2024 is to figure out how to take care of myself financially (by going fully remote with work) and just take the leap part-time.
Also, I agree that it's so important that at least 2-3 people you trust know your location at all times when camping or hiking - especially if you do it solo.
Thanks for another great video and topic, Robin!
That’s very discouraging when you don’t have 2 or 3 people to let know where your camping because some of us have no one.
@@deedeeotero4475 Keeping my fingers crossed that you can find a caring community of people in time who would fit the bill. I realize I'm very blessed because my community is pretty large and filled with people who would lose their minds if I went off grid for too long.
If you can… start now, maybe 1/4 or 1/2 time! (We are 1/2 timers or a bit less, hubby still like the bricks & sticks💁🏻♀️)
Independent strong women who loves adventures NEEDS to get out there! 👏🏼
Blessings to you on your next adventures! I have lived in 5 different countries (curtesy of the US Navy), I am really loving seeing our HUGE wonderful American country.
PS,,, I’m following you now and looking forward to seeing your adventures!
@@arbonneladyTN Thank you for that amazing encouragement. I'm trying! My friends have been telling me all weekend that I need to get out there ... they even presented me with a Lego set of people camping. 😂 I think even getting out there 1/4-time is a good move for 2024.
Thank you, also for the follow! I've reciprocated - from a fellow traveler who's visited 32 countries and 45 states so far. Here's to more adventures to come for both of us!
Robin you're so awesome!! I've been a subscriber since early on in your 1st Rig and purchased both books on Amazon and watched Ted talk right away!! You really do deserve a big thank you for just being you!!✌🐢
Good morning Robin, I am not a full time RV'er but my sister and I do a lot of boondocking, hiking and backpacking. Most of the places we end up do not have cell service, we use the InReach Mini (GPS) to keep in touch with family and let them know where we are. It also has and SOS feature in the event we ever need it. There is a monthly charge but it's worth it to us to know we can let family know where we are and in case of an emergency we can call for help.
I have just had my third anniversary of full-time RVing. About a week ago I looked around and thought: OK I think I’m done. I am now switching to part-time. We’ll see how that goes. I have a one-year commitment on an apartment, my RV will be stored at a nearby State park, and I have lots of trips planned. If I can’t stand the apartment, I can always switch back to full timing. For me, it’s family in the northeast that has me gravitated to this area. I don’t want to winter in Florida and in the Atlantic and southeast, there is not a lot of Boondocking. Southwest is a lot easier, but farther from my family. Love your channel.
I'm not on the road yet, plan is for this time next year. I am 66, my sons are 29 and 23 - I have been talking about this with them for almost 2 years. First they had to adjust to the idea of my selling the house - I think we're about there, they had time to realize neither of them wants to live here. They have both started talking about their plans to move out of state - I think me moving ahead has helped them let go and look forward as well. They are both still worried about me being out on my own, especially the oldest, but I think as I have learned and gotten more knowledgeable it has started to ease those fears. I have told my siblings - I think they think I'm crazy, but I've always been the crazy one, and I'm the oldest, so I think they trust me. I have not told my mom yet - she is 91 and has early dementia, and I think she could end up in assisted living before I go, and I will talk to her about it closer to the time. Thanks for the info about the Echo screen and calling - she is terrible with technology, but would love to be able to do this with her, and with others. And thank you for explaining sharing location on Google maps - will definitely do that with my sons, I think I'm going to start doing it when I go to visit my mom, who lives 7 hours away. Yours were the first videos I saw, who got me first thinking about doing this - I love them!
People need to stop projecting their fears on others. We should all live life on our own terms without having to justify our existence or looking to others for validation.
Robin you were the first nomad I discovered on u tube. It was an article on overnight at Walmart. I’ve wished since then I could follow in your tire tracks for a year to learn boon docking. Have a blessed day and stay safe and aware.
I love how positive and real you always are in your videos! Thank you for that. My partner and I are full time nomads and loneliness can happen anywhere, in my experience. I love to meet new people wherever we go but sometimes other RVers don’t seem interested in meeting their fellow campers. That’s when it feels lonely to me. Of course my partner and I have each other, which is nice but yeah, I’ve felt more lonely surrounded by people than I ever have when we’re out boondocking in the middle of nowhere where. 🤷🏻♀️
Hi Robin! Great video! I met you way back at my first RTR in early January 2018.
I started full timing in a truck camper June 2017 so I think we started around the same time. Have also seen a lot of changes since then. I definitely agree that it's hard to feel lonely alone in nature. My pattern of traveling has slowly evolved and now I spend more time in a few locations near friends.
I'm just about to transition into a small (27 foot) fifth wheel so I will no longer need to carry my house with me all the time. I have a dream of a culture built around nomads with much less man made infrastructure and more natural spaces. I'd love to see more RV friendly home base choices such as Escapees co-ops where people can maybe store a few things and have a place to go in times of difficulty, illness, etc. Interestingly, I've had a similar vision since childhood!! It's exciting to be a part of the change
Oh traveling increases my happiness! When I was on the road some days were better than others but was all better than the long winters I grew up with. Happy most of the time.
I really enjoy camping alone. I don't have a desire to go full time but four or five days makes me happy. I don't hesitate to go where I want by myself. I do keep my Google maps set to share my location with my husband at all times and I suggest anyone who travels alone regardless of travel style, also do that.
Thank you for this video. I have been widowed a year and am venturing out again. Still trying to learn how to socialize along the way. This is so helpful
I am sorry for your loss.
I work full time and take roadtrips and day trips on weekends and vacation days. I am definitely lonelier during my work week.
Your show has helped me reinvent my living situation and own career, working for myself. I’m a massage therapist. I also do fun stuff for my friends like pet sitting and spring landscaping. I love being self employed and having the freedom to help my friends and having time to travel. I live with two of my friends and we have a great little community. Thanks for helping me think out of the box over the past 5 years!
Good morning. I will be a part timer, gone in the summer to escape the heat of the Arizona desert. My journey will begin this summer and I am super excited to see new places.
I’m thinking of doing this so I can save mom. My mom recently passed and I. Don’t have kids so I feel like it’s my time to do something awesome
In case you didn't know...(smile), Robin, you are the best.
My husband and I live in our 5th wheel full time as work campers. It allows us to visit different states and locations that we would never even dream of seeing if we weren’t out on the road. I love your videos and the information you share with us all.
I have learned so much from your videos. I’m a USN Veteran and I bought an older Class C RV to travel and live in. I have more confidence in my journey thanks to you, so Thank You!!!! Hope so see you out there!!!!
We bought our van 3 years before we retired and paid it off before. During those years we went on a lot of long road trips and learned. We kept getting rid of our stuff that the kids didn’t want until we basically have the bare essentials. We have a tiny apartment at our son and daughter-in-law’s house. We watch their pet and place when they need us, and they give us a home base. I guess we aren’t nomads or full timers, but we sure feel free and covered for whatever comes next. I highly recommend it if you can.
Ms. Robin...Thank you for this. Been on the road about two years now an NO REGRETS. For me it has been the best decision of my life thus far.
We have friends that we meet up with every year in the deserts of Quartzsite, Az. We went full time, in 2021. We have met soooo many new and great friends. Such great friends, we make it an annual trip to the desert, just to see these people again. Over and over. I want to see the country, but I want to see my new friends, too.
I missed you when you took your break and am glad you are back safe and sound and whole. Now it's back to Sunday morning and coffee with Robin. 😊
Robin, I agree with your feelings about being lonely. I live in the woods, so if I am outdoors, I can achieve a better perspective on my problems. I grew up in the suburbs, and it took a few years to learn that I needed to live in the boonies. For the past dozen years, I have been living alone. I have a job that takes me into town, interacting with people regularly, but I look forward to getting back to the natural quietude of the woods. I don’t get lonely. The internet makes keeping in touch with everybody so easy to do, from home. I enjoy watching you enjoy your travels - thank you for sharing them with us.
I find I'm more lonely at my home in Colorado than out on the road. Traveling I meet so many different interesting people, yet can camp in a national forest be fine alone. You are right, once your start driving toward a destination, It changes your thinking.
Feel same too
Hi Robin B., You're the best, right up there with Bob Wells!! I'm starting a NOMAD RETREAT on my land for Nomads in small rigs and minivans! I live next to the Prescott National Forest who only allows camping for 7 days!! You guys can stay at my place for a month while you wait to go back!! I'm calling it: "LOCO HOBO" that has a garden gauge train running around the bushes!!!
I love that area! I would be interested in staying there sometime once I get my little Class C! I plan to spend my winters in Arizona.
Thanks, my wife and I are about to start full-time. We are freaking out! We needed this.🙏👁️👍🔔
You are the best Robin. I love being solo and I know how much work it takes to do everything solo. Yeah life is challenging but that is life.
I left my question on fb. But, thank you so much for your you tube channel.
70 year old mama running around , so sweet!!
The great thing about the nomad life is that we get to see family whenever we want and however long we want. Last year was my dad's 100th birthday and we scheduled our route so that we were there for that. This year, we had two new grand-babies born. We camped nearby for weeks to be there when they were born. (and to help out however we could). We try to be with family for Christmas and Thanksgiving. One of our daughters in California felt we were gone too long one year when we didn't see her for most of the year. To be honest, that was difficult. It happened that we stayed most of the year in Texas where my dad and sister live. So we can't please all the family all the time when they are so spread out. But that would be a problem whether we lived in an RV or a house.
Whenever I mention to people that we travel full-time, I get many comments of, "You're living the dream!" I agree. This is the life for me. I'm living my dream of traveling and seeing amazing places, and we meet many wonderful people along the way.
I have to tell you that your videos this morning have helped me so much! I went through the emotions of boy ever really screwed up this time. I bought a camper bought a lot because I live in a gated community and then I got a campsite in their camp park in four and half days! It all had to work or none of it could work. And I’m scared and I’m lonely but I love camping. I love fires I love cooking outside on the fire and in my easy bake oven, which is my air fryer. I love washing my dishes outside. The only thing I really hate it’s sleeping, but I don’t really like it that much at home either ha ha ha. Thank you for the videos. They are really helping me helping me.
Great video. I actually lived like this while working in a city 40 years ago! Had a beeper and took showers at the city's YMCA. Nobody at work realized I did it but boy, did I love it.
That was amazing! I love listening to you. You're so practical. You answer questions that people have. You have solutions you talk about the good and the bad. The scary and the joyful and it's amazing I I get so much from your podcast. Thank you so much for how you share! So honestly
I just purchased my new van to travel and live in. I decided to go with a 2024 Tellaro 20L and was absolutely tickled that I got to pick it up and make my announcement on April Fool's Day!
For now, I'm getting used to driving a longer and higher (got my first scratch out of the way on day 3, cleared the base of bb hoop stand but forgot I was taller than hoop, lol), and learning all new handy electronic bells and whistles, as the newest car I've owned until now is a 2002 Ford Explorer. I have been intimidated by new cell phones before, but I am up to these new challenges because this is something I feel compelled to pursue. Thank you for your inspiration.
Your mother is adorable!
We (my husband and I) travel about 8 months out of the year. I don’t get lonely but I do miss my friends at home. Great video!
Ty! Relationships are so important and a slight change of plans is ok. Also we like to share our experiences with someone else. Tends to make the experience more enhanced. That’s why I sometimes feel like I wish I was sharing the experience with someone else, but I’m not lonely necessarily.
❤❤❤ wow hit the nail on the head about EVERYTHING thank you Robin
Morning fires are awesome. I don't leave my rig after dark so the only time I have a campfire is during the morning. Sometimes I cook my breakfast over my morning campfire.
The job market has changed so dramatically over the past few years. For example I work in healthcare. There’s still so many shortages nationwide that a lot of hospitals and clinics hire travelers for a few months at a time. While it’s not completely nomadic, for these people living in an RV probably makes more sense than renting an air bnb for several months. Their stipend can cover rv park fees or other living expenses and they can go from one place to the next in their RV. I have a union job and a mortgage but I think as I get closer to retirement age I’ll probably stay on per diem with my employer and do some travel temp work. I love your channel. Be safe.
18 minutes into your video, made me think of how I recently remembered as a child, we traveled by car and stayed in tents and homemade teepee in many places including Utah where my step-dad worked on the crew building the highways there, so maybe I believed it was easier since as a kids there was no responsibility but now I'm doing it all and yes, within these first couple weeks my emotions have been up and down, so thank you for you graph at the beginning, and now knowing the first year is the most trying time helps me to go on and be strong doing it.
Birdie, Love your channel and your inspiring content of your channel. I have been lost while traveling in cities but never felt loneliness when I can reach places of solitude. Alone, yes, lonely, No! Being lost means you find yourself in travels of non-explored places where you need not feel that no one find you. It does not mean you can’t reach out to others and ask, “Where the heck am I!” Yes, with the massive number of people who think RV life should or is “free”, then you can expect some negative energy. Especially from them, when they discover that life cost some money and some effort to make that lifestyle work. ❤
My baseline for loneliness is non-existent. I've created a great vanlife style for myself and am generally a pretty happy and positive person. I live an urban vanlife and am a fixture in my community, so I can be around friends and people if I want to be. But most of the time, and this may have something to do with the Plague Years, I am happy as a clam hanging out in my VW Bus by myself having quiet time. I actually love being alone. Prior to 2020, the only thing I did in the bus was sleep, otherwise I was at a cafe, or working a job, or at the library ... after 2022/23 I don't feel that I have to subdue my vanlife because the entire neighborhood now knows that I live in my bus on the street.
Now, when I get out into nature - WOW - my happiness level goes up about ten notches and I couldn't care less about seeing another human.
When it comes to family - they all live across the country in an eastern state while I'm in California - they feel like I abandoned them and they've sort of just let go. I don't get invited to any family events unless I'm already in my home state for another reason. I usually hear about family events second hand or after the fact. I started working in tech early on and I was able to communicate with them more often, and finally got my Mom to do video calls, but it's hard being the one who always has to connect first. I feel it's more their issue than mine.
Am I lonely? Absolutely not!
Thank you for this video. I truly enjoyed of me myself and I. I really want to travel as you do. Still working on how. Appreciate your wisdom
You and me, both! When this crazy world goes back to some level of normalcy, yet new, I am selling and rving. I feel so stifled, stuck in one town.
You are so encouraging!
Great Video Robin….
I have the RV - Stella and she sits in the driveway way, way to much. You inspire me !!! Thanks for sharing! 🌸🌺🌸
You can do it!
Robin great topic! I've been considering becoming an RVer and now you've answered many of my questions on single women travels, thank you!
I so appreciate your closer 'Be Free' 👏
So many people tell me when I travel to 'be safe' - that's not why I'm here!
Great talk. I needed this! I hope to out on the road, boon-docking in an Airstream and working f/t soon! I will definitely keep my home though! I hope we cross paths one day!
Take a look at - Back Waters Back Roads.
Not to many people live relax on the water ways.
I think it’s your next RV.
Love your insights Robin...thanks for continuing your channel. We would all tune in even if you only did the channel every two months. Big Blessings to you, Patti Bee, Madison, WI
Robin, I’ve watched you/your channel from your start… many change ups in your rigs, your Ted talk, your Tips & Tricks! I liked your channel so much, I ventured out to watch other Nomads…. Couples, Families, Singles, of all varieties! You are right, there is a group/an example/an experience for Everyone. We (I’m a couple), are planning to travel as well, timing is not yet right for us.
- I wanted to point out to you that of all the dozen different nomads you tuber channels I watch, you are my FAVORITE! You are so well informed, a natural “teacher” & your honesty shines through! You give great tips & tricks & I just wanted to share my Respect for you…to you. Keep being You! Be Happy & be Free! 🎉❤
Yes I had a terrible time with loneliness on the road recently especially in large groups.
RV living apparently has its unique challenges. The chart you shared might also apply (offer value) in other change of circumstance situations! And, I wonder how many of those who have serious difficulties in this lifestyle have lived solo or single prior to embracing the RV way. Whatever our lifestyle, we must to start with ourselves first (purpose, interests, capacity for our choice challenges, etc., etc.). It's good to know you still find joy and fulfillment in your chosen way. You certainly have been an inspiration for many through your life adventure. Although I am stationary (one location), I've learned from you in ways that help me when I go on trips (I love to drive). Thank you for your generous sharing!
I'm so glad you're back. Love you, Robin!
Another great video, but I must disagree with you about one thing. I haven’t had a down period while traveling - only a day here or there - but this has been my happy place. Like you, there is no more work stress and much less money stress. I know it’s different for everyone but the only way I will come off the road is if my children need me or if I can’t do it anymore because of my health. Of course, the economy could become prohibitive, price of gas, campgrounds, yada yada. I just love Vanlife!😎🚐🥾
With God no one is ever alone. Loneliness is a state of mind, and a person can deal with being alone if they are healthy in the mind, secure in their abilities, and plans for emergency, and setbacks.
I've been living alone for eight years now, and it not that difficult being alone, yes it would be nice to have someone to share the sunsets with, but so far it's just been me...
Best of luck to you all.
I enjoy your videos, especially the Amazon gets you find and tell us about. (I bought that blue plastic keyboard and mouse. Really nice!) Your tips for places to see and places to stay are good. The fact that you have evolved into several vehicles has been enlightening. I missed you there for a while. Glad you are back. BTW, your book is a valuable tool. Happy trails!
Glad you like them!
I’m just starting my journey. Bought my RV last month and drove it straight home from Phoenix to Maine in less than 10 days. Now I’m getting it set up and can’t wait to be on my own again. Thank you for your good example and positive information. You are the only single female that I. Following right now and it’s nice to be able to let my 91 year old father know about your experience. Also I remind him that my mother’s mom did this at my age (70) and that was back in the early 80’s. 😊 maybe I’ll see you on the road.
This is the second video of yours that I have watched. I love your knowledge and passion for traveling. I am a photographer and writer and am trying to figure out my (soon to be) post-retirement lifestyle. I love being on the road and long to discover new places and meet new people. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to do it.
Thank you so much!
Almost 4 years full time solo. I love it.
Thanks, Robin, for answering these questions! Your comments have been very helpful!