Going off the path and hitting the road RV style, is really quite affordable. It does not have to include the fanciest RV and the priciest RV resorts. You can rent an RV or save up for a smaller one and hit the road as soon as you are ready. There is no need to go big or stay home. It is just up to you what your priorities are in an RV and also what you are willing to go and do when you hit the road.
Keep it simple. You do not have to have every amenity and option just to get out there on the open road. Make sure you have enough funds to cover what you absolutely need including fuel. Plus, if you are looking at RVing full time, you will have sold most of your stuff and hung on to the bare necessities and maybe even cut the house bills.
When choosing a budget friendly lifestyle, you probably want to look for the right RV for your needs. You can easily cut costs by getting a used RV. You really do not need an elaborate motorhome but you can go with just a fifth wheel. However, a big motorhome has its perks like you can have pretty good amenities, a shower, a bathroom and even an area to prepare meals and entertain if desired. But it also would have lofty fuel expenses with an average of about 10 miles per gallon at the most.
It depends on where you would want to cut costs. But if you do your research, you will find the right one. You can always trade in and trade up but the only bummer with that would be to pay tax and interest again.
One area you would save by living a full time RV lifestyle would be housing and utility expenses. When you’re on the road, the RV parks have available utilities. Sometimes guests may have to pay for electricity but you would be looking at freedom from sewer, water and trash service bills. If you end up camping in a public area, it is often free. That can be an amazing savings.
As far as finding a camping spot, many RV parks and campsites have gone up in price on average. However, there are RV membership clubs that offer savings and will lower costs significantly. You might even be able to barter to do volunteering or work for someone in order to lower those costs on RV sites. Some people choose to just park in a random location or in a parking lot overnight which can cut those costs also.
To save on fuel, you can stay in one location for a longer period of time and eat up those weekly or monthly camping rates. They are generally lower than a single night or just a couple of nights. Plus, you have more time to explore that area. Also, you can travel shorter distances that way.
You can save on food expenses too. Opt to not eat out at nearby restaurants as often. Use the RV microwave or even grab some hot dogs and cook over the campfire. Food costs can be cut significantly this way.
As far as entertainment, you can park where you want to be entertained. It is as simple as being able to be in the outdoors and being able to step out to do a little exploring, go for a hike, and perhaps take in some photography. You will definitely have a lot to do. Plus, some campsites have on site activities travelers can enjoy such as volleyball or horseshoes.
Clothing is usually one of the smallest expenses for travelers. It is a pretty casual lifestyle and space is pretty limited. Then there are other purchases such as gifts and souvenirs. You can grab some unique items but since there is limited space, there is not enough space to stash it.
One concern for travelers might be the need to stay in touch. But, you will probably find internet Wi-Fi services on the campgrounds or even in nearby coffee shops or libraries. Additionally, people generally carry cell phones or even smart phones. Depending on the cell plan, you can probably find pretty decent service in the United States. Even if you are in a spot with no service, generally there are cell phone towers spread all along the road. If you use Wi-Fi, you can use Skype or Facetime and go off data to stay in touch for free instead of making those minute by minute cell to cell or landline calls.
You can definitely live a budget friendly lifestyle while on the road. RV travelers are already minimalists. You will soon learn to adjust to having less stuff and being able to take in everything around you while living in the moment.