Discovering Life on the Road: Lessons from Full-Time RV Living

Welcome to a journey of self-discovery and adventure as we explore the transformative experiences of traveling full-time in an RV. In this blog post, we delve into the heartfelt stories and insights shared by Kristen Crabtree, a guest on the Travel Time Stories podcast, who spent three years exploring the beauty of the United States and Canada. Her story serves as a reminder that travel is not just about the destinations we reach, but about the personal growth and connections we forge along the way.

Section 1: The Spark to Travel
Kristen Crabtree, an army brat with a deep-rooted love for travel, always yearned for adventure. After living for years in California and later moving to Portland, Oregon, she felt the itch to explore. In a pivotal moment, she and her then-wife decided to pursue their dream of traveling in an RV, initially planning for just a year. However, this journey would evolve into a three-and-a-half-year odyssey that transformed their lives.

Section 2: Embracing Full-Time RV Life
Kristen describes the initial excitement of setting off in an RV, sharing how they embraced the freedom of life on the road. They opted for boondocking, which allowed them to camp off the grid, exploring breathtaking national parks and relishing the beauty of nature. She emphasizes the importance of seeking adventure in one’s own backyard, discovering the hidden gems of the United States that often go unnoticed.

Section 3: The Reality of Life on the Road
While the allure of freedom and adventure is enticing, Kristen candidly shares the challenges of full-time RV living. She quickly learned that the same issues and habits followed her on the road; the notion that travel would magically improve their health and lifestyle was a misconception. The reality was that they often fell into familiar patterns, which taught Kristen a valuable lesson: no matter where you go, there you are.

Section 4: Building Connections on the Road
One of the most surprising aspects of traveling for Kristen was how her friendships evolved. Contrary to her fears of losing touch with people, the intimate nature of RV life allowed her to deepen her connections with close friends who visited them on the road. She found that spending concentrated time together created relationships that were richer and more meaningful than she had ever anticipated.

Section 5: Unexpected Lessons and Growth
Kristen also reflects on her past relationship, revealing that what seemed like a perfect coexistence was marred by psychological abuse. This journey of self-discovery helped her realize the importance of addressing personal challenges, no matter where life takes you. Her experiences with other RV travelers further enriched her understanding of community and connection, showcasing the diversity of those embracing the RV lifestyle.

Kristen Crabtree’s journey highlights that travel is not just about the places we go, but the growth we experience and the connections we make along the way. Embracing the RV lifestyle opened her eyes to the beauty of both the world and herself. For anyone contemplating a similar journey, remember that while the road may be filled with challenges, it is also a path to self-discovery and deeper relationships.