Contemplating van life

[chick-a-gogo]

Hello!  I have been following the van dwelling and tiny home movement for years but haven’t posted here before.  I have lived in tiny efficiencies and small homes.  While growing up, my family had a camper.  I loved it.  I was always green with envy of my brother’s Boy Scout trips.  I have made camping trips and done some hiking.  I fantasize about making more trips (via car for now) or even pursuing van-or-RV life longer term.  Now, I am being forced to contemplate early retirement for health reasons.  This is a difficult reality because I fairly recently (following that devastating recession) made a career change and am not financially prepared for retirement.  I may not have much choice about retirement … and I also don’t want to wait until I am too sick to enjoy some “retirement” time.  At a minimum, I need a vacation and I have wondered if “van life” might allow me to travel and economize. 

One concern I have:  I am wondering about access to consistent medical care if I am on the road.  This would be a necessity for me.  Medical plans now often geographically restrict where one can get medical care (my current plan does) which could greatly constrain travel options.  Is anyone aware of a forum that might discuss these concerns?  Or have helpful thoughts or suggestions?  It’s a complicated topic…   

Other notes:  I really dislike being cold … or excessively hot… and have a vision of snow-birding.  I am currently in the eastern U.S.  Since I am stuck here as long as I have my job, I would love to see/read more about east coast/eastern U.S. car-ing/van-ing/RV-ing.  I’m a pretty private person so posting makes me feel a little … exposed…  

Thanks and happy travels!

 

[Riverman]

Welcome to the forum... it's great to have you here.

I dislike being cold, or hot also. Sure wish my health was better(at 65) too.

Have a nice day.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums chick-a-gogo!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[user 13531]

Welcome to the forums...

Maybe part time work while traveling is an option for you.. I'll be working a bit to supplement my retirement income as well...

See you on the road...

 

[drysailor]

Hello!  I have been following the van dwelling and tiny home movement for years but haven’t posted here before. One concern I have:  I am wondering about access to consistent medical care if I am on the road.  This would be a necessity for me.  Medical plans now often geographically restrict where one can get medical care (my current plan does) which could greatly constrain travel options.  Is anyone aware of a forum that might discuss these concerns?  Or have helpful thoughts or suggestions?  It’s a complicated topic…  

The Escapees have a forum on Health care and medical insurance. rvnetwork.com

 

[chick-a-gogo]

The Escapees have a forum on Health care and medical insurance. rvnetwork.com

I am familiar with the Escapees.  I will check that out.  Thanks for the suggestion.