5 Benefits of Full-Time RVing That Surprised Us!

We recently made our first visit back home to Colorado after transitioning to full-time RVers. We had been on the road in our fifth wheel for 3 months, but knew very early on in the journey that we loved RV life. In fact, it was a no-brainer for us to take the leap into the lifestyle. We knew that traveling full-time while still having the comforts of home, and our 2 dogs, would be a dream for us. What we didn't expect were the surprising benefits that come along with full-time RVing.

The funny thing is, we weren't even aware of these benefits until we spent the past three weeks away from our RV while staying with family. We fully anticipated missing our life on the road, but were surprised that some of the things we miss the most, have nothing to do with traveling and exploring our beautiful country (although, we of course miss that too). We've fallen even more in love with our RV life now that we've had time to truly reflect on how it has impacted us.

After only 3 months, we are fully committed to sustaining our life on the road for as long as possible and here are five reasons why.

1. The social community we've gained.

One of our biggest concerns when we chose RV life was that we would get lonely. We both come from big families and are social people. However, we've been blown away by the RV community both through social media and right inside the campgrounds and RV parks we've visited. We've enjoyed several campfire chats with people from all over the world, double-dates with other RV couples, and many friendly neighbors who are always willing to lend a helping hand.

However, the community that has really surprised us lies in the digital world. Yes, we know this sounds crazy, but it's true. We receive so much support, RVing tips, and inspiration through Facebook and Instagram. Whether it's in a Facebook group or through Instagram comments and photos, we've connected with so many awesome people. The best part is that these people share the same mindset as us, which is important when you've chosen to live an "alternative lifestyle." Having a community of people who truly understand why we chose the lifestyle and all that it entails, is extremely valuable.

2. Our ambition, creativity, and motivation have flourished.

For a long time, RVing full-time was just a dream of ours. Something we thought we would do "someday." Once we finally took the steps necessary to achieve this dream, it made us feel so much more ambitious to explore other dreams. It's amazing how once you get past your fears and uncertainties to achieve one dream, you feel fearless and confident to chase other dreams.

We are so determined to sustain RV life that we've developed an entrepreneurial spirit inside of us. Working from the RV surrounded by beauty gets our creative juices flowing and because we have more time to ourselves, we are much more productive. Dan is much more efficient in his full-time job too. He's determined to stay focused and finish his work so he can have plenty of time to explore later. Since being back in our hometown and out of the RV for a bit, we've noticed a dramatic difference in this area. We are itching to get back on the road and back in our rhythm.

3. Our overall mental health and well-being has greatly improved.

Think about a time you were on vacation watching the sunset from the beach, or enjoying a peaceful hike to an incredible overlook. Did you feel relaxed? Did you feel like you had escaped away from the daily challenges that typically stress you out? Did you feel more alive? Now, imagine feeling this way on a daily or weekly basis, rather than a few times a year. Imagine being able to feel all those wonderful things by simply stepping outside your home and walking right into it.

While you can't escape life and there will always be challenges to face, the simplicity of the RV lifestyle combined with being closer to nature, makes your troubles seem smaller and much more manageable. Or maybe it's that your perspective on life changes. Or the fact that you have less household and yard work duties, no commute and no negative office environment, less junk and more once-in-a-lifetime experiences. RV life has brought us so much authentic happiness and peace.

4. We've strengthened our marriage.

We've always found that traveling brings us closer together. We weren't sure if that would still be the case if we were traveling full-time. We also worried that we would actually get sick of each other being confined to a much smaller space. It's been the opposite for us.

Being just the two of us, outside of our comfort zone, away from distractions has been the best thing for us. The happiness and contentment that RVing has brought us has allowed us to be the best versions of ourselves. This allows us to be a better, more supportive, compassionate, and overall loving partner to one another.

We love the memories we are making together and the time we share disconnected from technology and connected to nature instead. Being in new environments and having to learn new things, has allowed us to grow tremendously as individuals and as a couple. RV life has also brought us new challenges that have required us to rely on each other in different ways.

5. Our RV has truly become our home.

Prior to our full-time RV lifestyle, we had sold our first house and were looking for a new one. So, our "wish list" changed dramatically when we went from shopping for a 1,500-square-foot renovated downtown bungalow to a 30-foot fifth wheel. We just assumed that having a "real home" was a sacrifice we'd have to make in order to enjoy the freedom and experiences of RVing.

We couldn't have been more wrong. In fact, in many ways, this has been one of our favorite homes that we've lived in. All those clich sayings, "home is wherever I'm with you", "home is where the heart is", "home is where we park it", are actually true! Our definition of home has completely changed and no longer has anything to do with the size, items inside, or location. Home, in our opinion, is just a place where you can feel safe, loved, and comfortable to be yourself and experience relaxation and happiness. An RV, therefore, is the perfect home for us!

We are so grateful for the time we've had to spend with our loved ones and reflect on our transition to full-time RV living. It's a beautiful thing to be able to pack up and bring your home anywhere. We look forward to always being home, while still being in our home, for holidays and special events. But for now, we've got a lot of ground to cover and a lot of livin' to do!

Read more about Lindsay & Dan McKenzie on their blog, Follow Your Detour.