We updated our travel map with all the places we have stopped so far – including all the amazing places we visited in the East Coast that we haven’t gotten around to blogging about yet (hopefully I’ll have time to do this in the next couple months).
You can see the places we stopped and a short description of that location by heading over to the map page clicking on a red marker. If there is a corresponding blog post there will be a hyperlink to take you right to the post. If you’re looking at the list, the places with photos generally are the ones with corresponding blog posts.
It’s amazing to look back and see how much ground we have covered and to really sit and think about all the experiences we’ve had. From watching a Boston Red Sox game in Fenway park to swimming with dolphins in Florida – we have had such a wonderful time on the road.
Pulling out of our driveway, day one of our adventure
Looking ahead
Our initial plans were to only travel for about a year. When we left last summer (June 16, 2015) a full year seemed like a LONG time and honestly we weren’t even sure we’d last that long. We originally planned to pull into the Portland, Oregon area in late April/early May 2016 and have Jeremy start looking for a teaching job for the upcoming fall. We planned to enroll the kids back in school and get back to “regular” life.
That was our initial plan. But after being on the road 8.5 months, we are all so happy we can’t imagine stopping in just a couple months. What once seemed scary and daunting (traveling full time and towing our home) has become second-nature. We have discussed it a lot as a family and have collectively decided we want to keep traveling. . .
Hadley looking for as far as she can see, Tower of the Americas, San Antonio, Texas
Currently we don’t have an end date in mind. We’ve discussed it a little bit – possibly 6 additional months, maybe a year? We don’t want to put a date on it just yet. As long as we are happy and having fun, can still afford to travel without pulling from our nest egg/emergency fund/house fund, and we believe the kids are benefiting from the experience . .. then we’ll continue to travel.
Camping at a winery/farm in Pennsylvania
Where will we end up? We don’t know the answer to this either. Some of our favorite people (friends from college) are in the Portland, Oregon area and we have always loved the Pacific Northwest. But after traveling the country our eyes are open to many other possibilities. We love the sun and would love to settle somewhere warmer without the continuous gray skies.
Taking a ferry into New Orleans
Only time will tell how long we travel and where we will settle back down into suburbia. We are fairly certain that we don’t want to do this forever. Although we see great benefit to full-time travel we also see great benefit in our kids playing sports, doing gymnastics, going to summer camps and making long lasting friends at “regular” school. We still have a LOT of time for this to happen before they get to junior, middle and high school – which is when we personally think these things are most important.
The beauty of all of this is – we can choose and we can change our minds. And if we change our minds tomorrow we hitch up the Airstream and head to the place we want to put down roots. And we do.
Until then adventure awaits. . .
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Very exciting! So happy to hear that it is working so well for you.
Thank you, Tracy! Appreciate your encouragement and love that you’re following our journey. Have a wonderful day!
As someone who has lived her whole life in Washington, I applaud this decision. I have raised my kids, running to sports, school concerts, etc and while I don’t regret any of it, you have so many years to do this. You’re giving your children an education you can’t compare to anything else. And the experiences. Anazing! You go girl! When it’s time to make a change, you’ll know it.
Lisa – Thank you so much for your encouragement!
We agree, we have lots of time to get into the madness and scheduling that is suburbia. Right now I believe the quality time we spend together as family, the joy of not being burdened with full time work and schedules (read: lack of stress), and the experiences we are having on the road are beneficial to us as a family. Our kids are thriving and we love seeing this. Not everyone agrees with this lifestyle, but the beauty of this is, we all get to choose what’s right for us!
If you decide to settle in Portland, I am sure you and your family would be excellent neighbors. Portland has less rain than Seattle. We have the zoo, an art museum, OMSI, historical society and a host of other big city amenities. We are half way between excellent ocean beaches and the mountains. As for schools, our teachers are among the highest paid, but have the lowest graduation rate. However, I cannot recommend living in Multnomah County, where “only the rich will pay.”
Hi Caro – We do love Portland so much. We have spent of time exploring Oregon and know it has so much to offer. We’ve been to the beaches, OMSI and a lot of the public amenities in downtown Portland. We hope to spend some quality time there this summer. . .we’ll see what happens!
Beautiful post and well stated! I love how you see the beauty in both worlds. Excited to continue following your adventures and see where you end up and when. But for now, have fun doing what you’re doing! These will certainly be memories and experiences that will last a lifetime for all of you. You’re also helping others realize that there are many possibilities out there, and it’s a matter of taking your life in your own hands and making your dreams come true.
Mara – That’s one thing I hope other realize. . .anything is possible. We didn’t end up traveling full time because we had trust funds or lots money – we got here from working hard, saving money, being frugal and being intentional about downsizing and changing the direction of our life. We are so grateful for this opportunity – for as little or as long as we travel – there is value in being intentional about our choices. We do see value in both worlds and I know we’ll try to transition back, some day!
Wow! How exciting! We have decided to go on an adventure of our own too. I would love it, if you have a chance to give tips on finding the most affordable places to stay. Being new to the idea, I’m a little leery on boon docking especially with 2 kids, 8 & 2. We want to be as frugal as possible so we can too save up for our dream home. I would love to hear on any other frugal tips you have! Thanks and Safe Travels!
Hi Leona – I’m so excited that you’ll be going on an adventure of your own! Finding an affordable place to stay – great question! I’ve added to our list of blog posts we are working on. We have lots of ways that we save on the places we camp. Stay tuned!
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I’ve been picking up so many tidbits from you. We start our journey in a few weeks. We will be following the work (construction) & enjoying the journey along the way. I’m excited! I’m hopeful that it will provide us with freedom while giving the kids (a 2 year old & 8 month old) a measure of stability.
I literally just read your blog now for the first time so I don’t know your back story but traveling the country seems so cool. How do you fund it? The blog?
I think this is the coolest thing. You’re doing something that your kids will remember for life. What kids can say they’ve traveled the country before they are teenagers? It’s amazing and admirable. I’m jealous!
teacher shortages all over the US. Look into substitute teaching here and there wherever you stop for a longer period of time. Need a state patrol background check for each state. Public speaking for donations with a Lions group, church group etc. I home schooled and have a college grad now. We would not have traded the opportunities and the freedom to travel. So healthy for kids. They were not wired to spend weeks and months with peers, should be with family and random time with peers.
Two thumbs up! Love it. I look forward to hearing more of your journeys.For the time being, I’ll admire your nomadic lifestyle from afar and will see America one mini-vaca at a time. cheers.
That’s wonderful! I hope you continue to have great adventures and enjoy your experience.