On The Road Living... In a Family Way?

[hippieluhv93]

Hello All! New to the site here, found it because I'm trying to get some general info and pointers on living on the road.... It's always been a dream of mine and it's one I'm fortunate enough to share with my partner. We very much so want to see the world, and experience as much of it as we can. However, I just found out I'm pregnant (yay!!!) and so it will be postponing our plans by a year or two... But we still wish to travel and educate our little one and raise them in the flexible environment of a traveling family. 

Here are my questions/ concerns..... 

- We're so lost as to how to cut loose and jump into the traveling lifestyle! We've talked about saving up for a liveable sized RV, but how does one support themselves on the road? What happens when you're between a rock and a hard spot in a place where you know no one? (i.e. How does one manage without a support circle?) How do you cut ties and just get out there? I've done it before... but always with the knowledge that I'd be returning in x amount of time. 

-We don't intend to solely stay in the US, however we figured we would until we got a good idea of what we were doing.... Does anyone here travel and live abroad? How did you decide on destination, timing, etc.? My family is always (understandably) concerned with our safety... What do you research to help know you won't end up in the center of a war-ridden environment or tormented by drug cartels regularly?

-As far as traveling with a small child, I KNOW it can be done so please spare me lectures on "waiting until they're grown". However I am not unaware of the risks and dangers it can pose.... Does or has anyone here traveled with their children? What were your largest obstacles or concerns?


I have SO many more questions and concerns... They all just rattle around in my head, and until I find at least SOME answers I find it nerve-wrecking to even consider living on the road... Even though it's all I've ever wanted. Essentially, we want to take the plunge, we just want to make sure we're not jumping into shark/ piranha infested waters first. I know a lot of this has to just come with  experience, but what tips do you guys have on avoiding personal ruin in the process of figuring it all out?

Thanks SOOO much if you took the time to read, and thank you a billion times more if you take the time to respond! I've done a lot of research on the subject so far, but I haven't talked to anyone really who has already made it happen... So I'm really looking forward to getting some seasoned feedback! 

 

[Gideon33w]

1st off ... ... ... Congrats on the baby news!!!

I'll try to answer paragraph by paragraph.

As far as supporting yourself do you mean financially or general support structure? Either way, the more self reliant you can bethe better. Also, the easier the maintenance and repairs on your rig (whatever it ends up being) the simpler things will be in the long run. Keep in mind that a cell phone and internet can go a long way in keeping you in touch with those who can offer you support.

Plan plan plan and PLAN. There is no substitute for research and planning when it comes to travel. Thankfully, there is no shortage of up to date info available online. But you must research to plan. For example, if you end up in rural Mexico you may find propane is hard to get because everyone uses kerosene. Knowing that ahead of time means avoiding a lot of headaches.

I can't yet speak to the travelling with a baby/child issue but I wouldn't fret too much. You will likely be spending MORE time with your child than traditional living. That said, medical care is probably the single biggest concern. Know how far you will be from an ER and get yourself taught in CPR (and CPR for youngins) ahead of time. Additional medical training is never wasted time/money.

There are plenty of people and couples on here who full time it. There practical experience is priceless. Listen to them and read/research as much as you can. The more knowledge you have going in the fewer obstacles you will encounter.

Whoo, that was a lot of typing from just my cell phone, ha-ha. 

Anyways, I'd suggest a Class B or Toyota RV. Ensure that your AC system and whatever you use to power it are well sorted because the little one won't be able to tolerate extreme temps. That said, smaller is better ... I know we are all used to lots of space and having way more crap than we need but the efficiency and simplicity of a small setup (like a high top extended Chevy Express) is well worth it compared to an RV in my opinion. Plus, you can outfit it to meet your needs exactly while building/operating it for less money.

 

[SoulRaven]

You first start with making a budget. There are a lot of examples on the internet that you can use as a template. You'll need to know approximately how much money you will need a month and then figure out how you are going to earn that amount. I would also have an emergency fund. You'll need to work out the cost and other dynamics of health insurance.

Best bets that I saw for families is where one of the adults had a good paying traveling job and the other cared for the children. The only other possibly viable option is developing your own traveling business. Most jobs termed "workamping" are difficult to impossible to get if you have children that require someone be with them and/or the liability of the employer.

 

[VanDwellerMod]

Welcome to the CRVL forums hippieluhv93! I hope you find the responses here helpful and encouraging.

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.

 

[Patrick46]

Congratulations on your forthcoming family!!

I too wanted to travel as we raised our kids, but we settled instead.

but for you, I HIGHLY recommend this book...

It's an amazing book about the Zapp family, and how they're touring the world in a 1928 Graham-Paige sedan...with their 4 children, and have been doing so for OVER 15 years now...and they're still at it!!!

It's an incredible story, and one of the most inspiring things I've ever read!

(this will be a great read while pregnant!)

Here's their blog...

http://www.argentinaalaska.com/blog/Welcome-alaska


If this doesn't convince you to make this journey, and do it with your kids...nothing will!!

 

[Gideon33w]

That reminds me ... There is a family that travels the world in a w123 Diesel Mercedes wagon expedition vehicle (lightly modded). Somebody even did a full story on them. Worth googling for sure.

 

[akrvbob]

Here is a post I did on making money on the road, I think it'll help you a lot:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/workcamping-jobs-for-nomads/

Bob

 

[Sabatical]

The book that Patrick recommended "Spark Your Dream" was an amzing read and should go a long way in reducing your anxiety about safety while on your journey.

 

[Seadog729]

I would hope that you would only have positive vibes here as a vandweller with children. I have done this on and off with children and these are some of my experiences: One time when my oldest daughter was 4 she had an ear infection and bronchitis. It was January and living in a 16 foot travel trailer, we have seasons here with about 5' C and wet weather. She had to go on antibiotics and I decided it would be OK if we just kept her warm. She recovered nicely and may have been just as sick if we lived in a house. I worried that someone was getting ready to call children's services. That was the only negative experience I've had. I have never felt unsafe while stealth or boonedocking. I have to say that when my children were crawling/walking that we lived in a townhouse. They go through that stage where everything goes in their mouth and everything has to be childproofed. When I separated from my husband, I bought an F150 and put a camperette on the back. I had access to a bath tub as some young children don't like showers. We made good use of the library, pool, parks and recreational programs in the winter. In the summer we would be off to the lake where you could try and float your toy boat down the stream and see who won. Whatever was going on, we were all outside. About 3 years ago my youngest daughter told me we should put everything in storage and go camping. I didn't need to be told twice and we were off for another adventure. I have sought out some feedback from kids who have lived this lifestyle and this is what one young woman told me. "I never felt like I belonged anywhere." It seemed there was a lot of driving, settling and then moving on to the next place to live. "We would meet some new people and I knew that they would be temporary and I would miss them when we left, and I would never see them again." I have paraphrased her statements, but it made me respect the 'adventure' that my children will have and it should be as rich and profound as mine is. One time we were staying in a hostel (skiing) and we ate our dinner with a retired couple. We talked about our travels and adventures and the woman turned to my daughter and said "Wow, is your mom ever amazing to take you on so many adventures." Stacey just shrugged her shoulders and said something like 'whatever'. These adventures aren't 'amazing' they are her normal. I tend to keep my travelling radius under 400 k, and with each destination we are usually running into people we know and have deep roots with. In the end it is not whether your walls are wood or metal, it is the kind of Mama or Papa you are. I hope you are encouraged, don't let other people make you believe that you shouldn't do it. Soon I will be solo, although my daughter expressed some anxiety about being on her own. I told her there will always be a bed for you in my van! She was comforted, and I was blessed that I have provided a safe and familiar home for my kids. Please keep us posted. I am so excited for you!!

 

[mikEXpat]

Welcome. Congrats on your pregnancy. I'm new, too, and planning like crazy. It's so much to take in. I've started separate Google docs where I keep all the goodies I learn. I call it "My Life Manual" and hope to use it as a reference in the future.

I lived in Berlin for a few years and backpacked with a tent all over Europe. I was offered food and accommodation or land to pitch on very often. If you have a little bit of income coming in, you can find work most everywhere. Check at campgrounds. I was offered a job to run the horses in Rome here: http://www.sevenhills.it/en/ Worked in so many cafes and resorts. I haven't heard of VanDwellers in Japan, but they do exist. There are quite a few WWOOF opportunities here. http://www.wwoofjapan.com/main/inde...er&task=usersList&listid=9&Itemid=476&lang=en

Good luck!