Three years ago, when our children were 13, 10, and 4, we made a bold yet exhilarating decision. We decluttered our lives by selling off unnecessary belongings, loaded our essentials into our reliable Honda Pilot, stored the rest, and embarked on an adventurous year-long road trip. Remarkably, we managed to do this at a cost comparable to what we would have spent living at home.
Our Journey Unfolds
Here’s how our journey unfolded. I already had a remote job, and my husband’s workplace had also transitioned to a flexible work model, allowing us to operate from anywhere. We homeschooled our kids, which meant that education could happen on the road. With our lease in a Chicago suburb about to expire and our landlord planning to sell, we realized we could truly live anywhere.
I had been inspired by blogs detailing the “digital nomad” lifestyle, where families work while traveling. We loved exploring new places together, and with our kids having no major commitments, it felt like the perfect time to take this leap. We also had to consider our financial situation; while we are not wealthy by American standards, we are resourceful and frugal. What if we allocated our usual expenses for housing and utilities toward travel instead?
Planning Our Adventure
After crunching some numbers, I briefly explored the idea of RV living but quickly realized it wasn’t for us. I recalled a friend’s experience with nomadic living, where she mentioned finding great deals on off-season rentals. Thus, I began my research.
Using platforms like HomeAway, VRBO.com, and Airbnb, I plotted out possible routes, planning to stay in each location for about a month. We had fixed points to consider, such as a summer camp in Washington state and a work commitment back in Chicago in October. I discovered Cape Cod offered affordable winter rentals, which became a central part of our plan.
Our typical housing expense in Chicago was around $1800 monthly, which included utilities. I aimed to keep our costs similar during our travels. As I mapped out our journey, it became evident that we could maintain this budget by averaging our rental costs over the duration of the trip. We anticipated higher prices initially during summer and lower costs as we moved into fall and winter.
Our Stops Along the Way
Our first stop was a beautiful two-bedroom condo in Dana Point, California, which set us back $2400 a month but was worth it for the proximity to the beach. In contrast, we found a three-bedroom condo in Orlando, Florida for $1200, which was our most affordable option. One of our best finds was a stunning four-bedroom house in Cape Cod for just $1500 a month from October to January—a steal compared to its summer rate of $3500 per week! All rentals included utilities, and we stayed with family for a month, helping us stay within budget even with a $200 monthly storage fee.
Food expenses remained consistent with what we typically spent at home. Each rental came equipped with basic cooking supplies, allowing us to prepare meals as we usually would. While gas was an additional cost, we compensated for it by not enrolling the kids in music lessons or extracurricular activities during our trip.
Throughout our journey, we connected with friends along the way, enjoying free stays and shared experiences. A few hotel nights were covered by items we sold before leaving.
The Transformative Experience
Traveling across this magnificent country was transformative. From the otherworldly landscapes of southern Utah to the breathtaking Oregon coast, we marveled at the beauty around us. We cherished our time at Lake Michigan’s soft sandy beaches and explored historical sites in Concord and Lexington. Savannah’s enchanting moss-draped trees felt like a scene from a fairy tale. Each destination offered unique treasures that enriched our family experience.
As we concluded our journey with a month in a condo near Disney World, we managed to enjoy a week at Disney and three days at Universal Orlando for under $3000, thanks to our pre-planned housing arrangements. It was a delightful splurge!
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Of course, the adventure wasn’t without its challenges. It required significant planning and coordination. Packing up the car monthly became tiresome, and our oldest child experienced some homesickness. However, we formed new friendships along the way and welcomed family and friends to join us, creating unforgettable memories.
Ultimately, this adventure taught us that life doesn’t have to follow a conventional path. There’s no rule book dictating how we should live. We were fortunate to have the right circumstances for our nomadic journey, yet I have encountered others who have rented out their homes and adjusted their work arrangements to pursue similar adventures. You never truly know what is possible until you take that first step.
Embrace Your Adventure
If you ever find yourself dreaming of embarking on a bold adventure, don’t let anyone dissuade you. With creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace opportunities, you can explore extraordinary possibilities.
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In summary, our family’s year of nomadic living was an unforgettable experience that challenged us, brought us closer together, and opened our eyes to the beauty of the world around us.