How to Get Teens & Young Adults into RVing
How to Get Teens & Young Adults into RVing
Tips for creating a comfortable space and planning trips together.
By: Abby Holcombe
RVing and travel are incredible experiences for people of all ages, but teens and young adults have so much to gain during this developmental phase of their lives. I learned independence, responsibility, and freedom. I discovered how vital it is to approach different cultures and lifestyles with kindness and an open mind. Having traveled by RV from the ages of ten to twenty, I am still processing and appreciating how much value my travels have added to my life.
Navigating the teenage years can be challenging, but with these tips, I hope you can inspire your teens and young adults to embrace the adventure of RV travel.
One of many incredible core memories from Abby’s childhood: watching wild grizzly bears out the window of the Holcombe family’s Winnebago View in Haines, Alaska.
Personal Space and Privacy
Create Personal Spaces: Our very first motorhome was the Winnebago View 24J. It was the perfect vehicle to adjust to travel because everyone had a dedicated space. My parents slept in the corner bed in the back, and I was in the cab-over bunk. My bunk had a curtain, allowing me to retreat and have time to myself. As an introvert, this was really helpful for me. (Read more about how I managed my school work on the road, here.)
Later on, we transitioned to traveling in the Winnebago Revel, which made it a bit more challenging to have dedicated spaces due to its smaller size. However, we all appreciated having alone time and found creative ways to create the space we needed. Sometimes, it was as simple as putting on noise-canceling headphones. Other times, we set up hammocks or tents to make a little more space. Although we never needed this, I know other traveling families who will book an Airbnb when they might need a reset with more space.
See how Abby compares traveling in various types of Winnebago RVs here.
The key to RVing, especially with kids, is adaptability and creativity. Here Abby has a power bank to charge her computer and her own quiet space to complete her schoolwork. She did online school from grades 6-12 during the Holcombe family’s travels.
Another example of Abby utilizing the space outside the Winnebago for her schoolwork.
Comfort Items: My parents always did a great job creating space for the things that were important to me. At one point, over twenty stuffed animals were piled up in my cab-over bunk. As I matured, my interests changed, but my parents always made space in the RV for the things that mattered to me and for items that made me more comfortable. I used 3M tape to mount fairy lights, pictures of my friends, and other memorabilia to make my bunk feel more 'homey.' Now, in my own Winnebago + Adventure Wagon, I have disco ball lights, stained glass window inserts, and a library of books on my over-the-cab shelf.
The Holcombe family getting work done on a rainy day. Here you can see Abby’s bunk with many stuffed animals and other items to make her feel more comfortable in the RV.
Community
Remote Community: My parents gave me my first phone right before we bought our first Winnebago. They knew that transitioning from seeing my friends daily at public school to building a network of close friends worldwide would be challenging and scary, especially for a ten-year-old. Keeping in touch with my childhood friends made the transition much more manageable.
Over time, I made friends worldwide and visiting them in their hometowns has been special each year. While it's important to have periods where you disconnect from cell phones and the internet, living on the road can be isolating. Tools like Starlink and cell phones can go a long way in keeping your kids connected.
Abby hugging friends and fellow competitors during the World Cups earlier this year in Plattling, Germany.
As a kid, Abby always looked forward to visiting the Ottawa River. The Ottawa is the definition of summer to Abby; warm water, swimming, kayaking, and most importantly, a gathering spot of friends, both local and international.
Global Community: Many kids have a local community of school friends but might only meet people with similar interests once they go to college. I felt very fortunate to have met many adults and peers passionate about the same things as me. Forming these meaningful friendships at a young age has been a true blessing. Encouraging friendly interactions with fellow travelers and locals in the communities you visit can go a long way in helping your kids feel more connected while on the road.
Just like the Ottawa River, Columbus, GA, was always a highlight of Abby’s year. All of her nomadic kayaking friends would gather in a parking lot coined ‘The Wintering Grounds.’
Passions and Interests
Adapting Passions and Interests to RVing: There are countless ways to incorporate your and your kids' interests into RVing, whether they involve sports, art, technology, or nature. With a bit of creativity, the possibilities are endless!
I am a professional kayaker, and kayaking has been a huge part of my family's life. There was never any question about whether we'd bring the kayaks; we often towed cargo trailers to hold all our boats and gear. Because my parents supported and adapted this passion to our Winnebago, we got to kayak on rivers around the world together as a family. As an athlete, I had the opportunity to be at the best rivers during the best times of the year, alongside the top kayakers globally. It helped me progress and reach where I am now, and the cherry on top was experiencing it together as a family.
The Holcombe family’s View with their cargo trailer loaded with kayaks to support their passion of paddling as a family.
Abby leaving the Winnebago HIKE and Winnebago Revel combo behind for an afternoon paddle.
Picture proof that you don’t need to compromise on tradition or ‘normalcy’ to pursue RVing. Here Peter, Kathy, and Abby decorate a Christmas tree as a family in snowy Utah landscape.
Planning Travels Around Interests: Having a flexible schedule that allows time for your kids to visit or experience places that interest them helps engage them in traveling. Involve them in the planning process to ensure the destinations and activities reflect their interests. Let them research and choose activities or landmarks they'd like to visit.
In 2019, when we shipped our Winnebago Revel to Europe for six months of exploration, we each listed our top five must-do experiences and left room for other interests that sparked our curiosity along the way. As a kid, this taught me responsibility and how to plan a trip (where to go, what to do, where to stay, etc.). Plus, it kept me excited about our travels because I had places I looked forward to visiting, whether for kayaking, visiting friends, or ticking off bucket-list destinations.
Almost all of Abby’s must-see destinations during their European adventure included kayaking destinations. This one in particular was in Millau, France, and she got to paddle with the really fun and playful French kayaking community.
During the Holcombe’s European adventure, Peter and Kathy wanted to explore as much of Europe as possible, including the northernmost point of Norway.
The Holcombe family also ventured to the southernmost point of Europe and eagerly watched the cute yet scheming monkeys of Gibraltar.
Final Thoughts on RVing with Teens & Young Adults
Embarking on RV adventures with teens and young adults can be an incredibly rewarding experience, both for the family as a whole and for each individual. The teenage years are a pivotal time, full of growth and self-discovery, and RVing offers a unique platform for exploration and connection. From learning independence and responsibility to developing an appreciation for diverse cultures and lifestyles, the journey on the road can profoundly impact their development.
From growing up in so many wild places, Abby has such a connection to nature that she probably wouldn’t have gotten if it weren’t for the Winnebago and the places it took the Holcombe family.
The Holcombe family exploring Zion National Park on bikes during sunset, another one of Abby’s childhood core memories.
By creating personalized spaces, supporting their passions, and ensuring they stay connected to their communities, you can make RV travel an engaging and enriching experience. Incorporating their interests into your travel plans and involving them in the journey will not only keep them excited about the adventure but also help them gain valuable life skills.
As someone who has traveled extensively in a Winnebago, I've seen firsthand the benefits and joys of this lifestyle. The flexibility and freedom that RVing offers can transform the challenges of adolescence into opportunities for growth and bonding. Whether it's kayaking on new rivers, connecting with friends around the globe, or simply enjoying the comfort of their personal space, the road is full of possibilities.
Peter and Abby celebrating after a long paddle in Alaska in search of bears and other wildlife.
So, if you're looking to get your teens and young adults excited about RVing, remember that with some creativity and planning, you can turn every journey into a memorable adventure. Embrace the road ahead and watch as your family creates lasting memories, deepening their appreciation for the world around them!
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