Three years ago, when our children were aged 13, 10, and 4, our family embarked on an extraordinary adventure. We decided to sell off a significant portion of our belongings, packed what we could fit into our reliable Honda Pilot, and stored the rest. Thus began our year-long road trip, undertaken for essentially the same cost as living at home.
The Setup
Having already established a work-from-home routine and my husband’s company transitioning to remote work, we realized we could operate from anywhere. We homeschooled our kids, providing us with the flexibility to learn and explore on the go. With our lease in the Chicago suburbs ending and our landlord wanting to sell the property, we found ourselves with the unique opportunity to live anywhere we chose.
I had been inspired by various blogs detailing the “digital nomad” lifestyle, where families travel while maintaining their work commitments. We loved traveling together, and with our kids free from serious obligations, we felt this was the perfect time to take the plunge.
Finances and Planning
Let me clarify: we are not wealthy by any means—definitely solidly middle-class. Our combined income doesn’t approach six figures, but we are frugal and resourceful. We began to question what would happen if we redirected the funds typically spent on housing, utilities, and extracurricular activities toward traveling. Would it be financially feasible?
After some number crunching, I briefly considered the RV route, but decided it wasn’t for us. Instead, I reached out to a friend whose family had previously embraced a nomadic lifestyle. She suggested that renting off-season vacation properties could yield significant savings. I delved into platforms like HomeAway, VRBO, and AirBnB to explore potential itineraries where we could stay for a month at a time.
We anchored our plans around a summer camp in Washington state and a work commitment back in Chicago in October, allowing us to map out our journey. I discovered that Cape Cod offered affordable rates in the offseason, so we made plans to spend the winter there.
Our housing budget for a family of five in Chicago, including utilities, hovered around $1800 monthly. While housing costs vary greatly, we aimed to keep our expenses similar. I realized that managing an average rent over the entire trip could be achievable. We anticipated higher costs during the summer, but lower ones in the fall and winter.
Our Journey Begins
Our first stop was a two-bedroom condo in Dana Point, California, costing $2400. It was a stunning location right across from the beach, making it hard to leave. The most economical option we found was a three-bedroom condo in Orlando for $1200. However, our best deal was a beautiful four-bedroom house in Cape Cod for $1500 a month from October to January (which typically rents for $3500 per week in summer!). Including utilities and a $200 monthly storage unit, we easily stayed within our housing budget.
Food expenses remained consistent with our home life, as all rentals came equipped with basic kitchen essentials. We cooked our meals as usual, and while gas expenses increased, the savings from not enrolling the kids in lessons or ongoing activities largely offset those costs.
We had friends along our journey, providing us with opportunities for free accommodations and reconnections. Our few hotel nights were covered by selling items before we departed.
Transformative Experiences
Our travels were nothing short of life-changing. The beauty across the country is breathtaking, from the alien landscapes of southern Utah to the majestic Oregon coast and picturesque sunsets. We explored historical sites in Concord and Lexington, reveling in the richness of our nation’s past. Savannah’s moss-draped trees felt almost magical. Each destination offered its own charm, and we cherished every moment of discovering these treasures.
We concluded our adventure with a month-long stay in a condo just ten minutes from Disney World. Thanks to our pre-planned housing budget, we could bring our own food and save on transportation. This enabled us to enjoy a week at Disney World and three days at Universal Orlando for under $3000—a worthwhile splurge that we dipped into our savings for.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Of course, this journey wasn’t without its challenges. Coordinating logistics required considerable effort, and packing the car each month grew tiresome. Our oldest child experienced bouts of homesickness, yet we forged new friendships along the way. Family and friends visited us during our various stops, enriching our experiences with shared memories. Ultimately, this was an adventure we would gladly repeat.
Through our travels, we imparted a crucial lesson to our children: there’s no single way to live life. You can step outside the conventional mold, whether temporarily or permanently. We were fortunate to have the ideal circumstances for our nomadic journey, but many people rent out their homes and negotiate work arrangements for similar experiences. You never know what possibilities exist until you take the leap.
So if you’re contemplating a bold and exciting change, don’t let anyone dissuade you with doubts about its feasibility. With creativity, resourcefulness, and a readiness to seize opportunities, life can lead you to extraordinary places. If you want to boost your fertility during your journey, check out our article on fertility supplements. For further insights into the process, resources such as American Pregnancy are invaluable, and for specific issues, Edema may provide additional expertise.
Summary
In summary, our family’s nomadic lifestyle over the course of a year allowed us to explore the beauty of our country while maintaining a budget. With careful planning and flexibility, we crafted unforgettable experiences that taught us and our children the value of living life on our terms.