Top 5 Things We Learned in Our First Year RVing
Introduction
Our first trip in our RV feels like it was just yesterday, though it’s been nearly 2 years! In that time, we’ve learned, seen, and grown so much—both as individuals and as a family. Looking back over past 18 months, here are the top five things we have learned about RV life:
1. Slow Down
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it. Including yourself.”
Anne Lamont
Slowing down is more than just a driving tip; it’s a philosophy. In the beginning, we rushed from activity to activity, trying to fit in everything a new place had to offer. It was tempting but left us overwhelmed, exhausted, and unable to truly enjoy the moments.
Why It Matters: Packing too much into a schedule leaves little room for reflection, spontaneity, and staying present.
What We Changed: Now, we embrace a slower pace by prioritizing fewer activities, building in downtime, and focusing on quality experiences rather than quantity.
Pro Tip: Take time to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
2. Stick to a Routine
When everything else is changing—locations, scenery, and neighbors—
Having a reliable routine becomes your anchor.
Why It Matters: Kids thrive on routines, and honestly, adults do too. Consistent meal and bedtimes create a sense of stability for everyone.
Our Experience: Establishing routines helped us adapt more quickly to new environments and eased the stress of constant transitions.
Pro Tip: Identify core routines (like morning rituals or bedtime stories) and stick to them as much as possible. This predictability makes life on the road feel manageable.
3. Prioritize Fun
The whole point of RV life is to enjoy your one precious life more. However, in those early trips, we found ourselves stressed out and not having as much fun as we’d hoped.
Why It Matters: Fun should be at the heart of this lifestyle. Constant stress undermines the flexibility and joy of RV living.
What We Changed:
Planned travel around our work schedules (we both work part-time on the road).
Committed to staying longer in one place. This is also a great way to save money!
Started planning days and weeks with intention to reduce last-minute chaos. Hold a week ahead discussion session so you’re both on the same page - write it down so there are no miscommunications!
Pro Tip: Set aside time to reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
4. Make Time to Recharge—Individually and as a Couple
Living in a small space with little kids and no built-in community can put a strain on any relationship.
Setting aside time to reconnect is essential to maintaining a healthy marriage, traveling or not!
Living in a small space with little kids and no built-in community can put a strain on relationships. We quickly realized that while we were together all day, every day, we weren’t really connecting as much as we had hoped.
Why It Matters: RV life can either make or break a couple. Prioritizing time to recharge individually and as partners helps maintain emotional well-being and harmony.
What We Changed:
Scheduled intentional “us” time without interruptions. This was easier said than done but finding community (see point #5) played a huge role in accomplishing this!
Found creative ways to make space, like gym childcare or babysitting swaps with fellow RVers.
Schedule in personal “zen” time. Time to reflect and think and plan or just chill out with a tea and a good book. Taking time to recharge not only invites inner peace but makes more peace for everyone around you.
Pro Tip: Prioritize your relationship by carving out moments to check in and connect. It’s worth the effort.
5. Build Community
Community makes the RV lifestyle so much more fulfilling. While visiting friends during our trips was wonderful, the moments we’ve enjoyed the most have been with others in the RV community.
Why It Matters: Connecting with like-minded people adds richness to the RV experience and provides support and camaraderie.
What We Learned:
Our first RV event (BASH in Lake Havasu, AZ) was a game-changer. Being surrounded by 600 other RVers from all walks of life felt like a celebration of this lifestyle.
Organizations like Fulltime Families and Republic of Nomads organize events year-round, and we’ve set a goal to attend 2-3 annually.
Pro Tip: Seek out local or national RV groups and attend meetups or rallies. The friendships and memories you make will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
Reflecting on our first year RVing, we’ve learned that it’s not just about the miles you cover but the lessons you gain along the way. Slowing down, sticking to routines, prioritizing fun, carving out quality time, and building community have transformed how we approach this lifestyle.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned traveler, we hope these lessons inspire you to make the most of your RV adventures. What have you learned from your own travels? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
