Living, along with traveling, cheap is among the factors triggering what is being called the "RV Craze."
And the Polar Vortex of 2021 hasn't derailed that movement. According to KOA (kampgrounds in America), the adoption of RVing has increased by 42% this fall and winter. What a KOA survey uncoverd is that 55% of those RVing are Millennials.
For those of you of all generations who remain on the fence about buying a RV (because of demand, it is difficult to rent one), The Balance details how affordable this adventure can be.
Here are 5 must-dos before you take the next step in this embracing this dream.
Be prepared to research a possible purchase for at least 6 months. Used is lots less expensive than new. The objective is to find out what you decide you need and what are the price points for that.

Also, I would add, investigate pop-ups.
CamperGuide presents what to look for and the ones recommended right now. Crow Survival provides actual prices. Those can be less if you buy used. They range from the Leentu UTE for less than $7,000 to Raven for $18,990. At the high end is Alaskan 6.5 Cabover for $29,000. However, as demand soars, those prices can soar.
Consider a pop-up as a starter RV.

Narrow down your adventure to specific locations. Those will determine what you buy. If your current plan is remote cold-weather areas, then that will require a RV geared for that kind of bumpy ride and equipment.
In addition, take an audit what "home" means to you. The RV must provide a sense of home to you, not just travel which runs less than doing motels.
Also, be clear about the availability of where you can spend the night or months and have a sense of safety. Many campgrounds are booked solid. Some attract undesirables. A must is to invest in becoming a member of the discount service Passport America. Currently, membership is peanuts at $44 per year.
No, you really can't be totally "spontaneous." Otherwise you could literally be out in the cold, with no place to access the services you need. In addition to researching what's officially out there for campgrounds, develop a backup plan. Phone ahead to find out, for example, if the particular local Walmart allows overnight parking. Does the area welcome your parking in a remote field?
Selling all your worldly goods may take longer and bring in less money than you anticipated. So, don't count on that tactic to finance your dream.Yes, you can usually post those items free on NextDoor and Craigslist. But in this dicey economy the used-goods market is glutted. Another option is going to consignment shops.
There is a distinct advantage, though, to paying cash rather than financing your new version of home.

What those I coach do in the preparation phase for this shift to RV life is to pick up part-time jobs and gig assignments in addition to their day job or operating their business.
Moreover, they study the internet help-wanted ads, such as on Craigslist and in their specific lines of work, for locations along their route. It's increasingly common for RVers to pick up work while traveling.
For example, they plan to remain the tourist season in places like National Parks and the Jersey Shore and do work, any kind. In winter, they can provide services to the elderly or food delivery.
Another option or an added option.is to create a form or forms of self-employment that is doable on the road. Nurturing multiple sources of income is the new survival strategy. I call that "mutt branding.
Among the approaches that have become lucrative for some is to create a paid newsletter on the Substack platform.
Squirrel away a hundred bucks to have the vehicle inspected. That's not a cost to cut. In the current housing market, budget-challenged Millennials skipped the cost of the inspection. Later too many discovered they had looped into a disaster.
A common mistake for rookie RVers is to figure they can manage without their own bathroom. It turns out that is equipment which is most in demand. If you can't afford a RV model with a bathroom, hold off until you can.
Join RV forums. The RV community is usually cohesive and generous with information. You should access it. Among the message centers is iRV2 Forum.

Takeaway: It's what mom always said: Don't just jump into something. Do your research. And, boost the income coming in.
Jane Genova helps travelers feel like an insider, all the way around the globe. Contact her for assignments janegenova374@gmail.com.
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