Heather from Queen Bee Coupons shared a post today on why they are ditching mainstream for an Airstream. I think some of you will really enjoy reading it. Here’s a snippet:
In just a couple week my family and I will say goodbye to our traditional home and move into a 180-ish square foot Airstream trailer. Not just for a weekend camping trip – but for a year. And we’ll take that shiny, tiny home all around this beautiful country.
That’s right. We’re ditching mainstream. . .for an adventure in an Airstream.
I know this sounds crazy. Let me explain. . . .
We’ve spent the last 12 years pursuing the American Dream – a 2,000 square foot house, two cars, two full-time jobs, a couple vacations a year, kids in public school and preschool – we worked extremely hard and were very happy, grateful and blessed.
Life was good but we wanted something else. Something different.
We were sick of the stuff, the excess, the clutter. A life dictated by a 9-5 job. A rat race that had us thinking if only we had a bigger house, more storage, more money – things would be easier and/or we would be happier.
We spent the last year talking about buying a new house or moving to a new part of the country. We spent a year looking at big, beautiful houses – dream houses, really, but nothing felt just right. Even if we could afford it, we kept asking ourselves – will that gourmet kitchen really make us happy? Will that waterfront property really bring us joy? Maybe. But for how long? And how hard will we have to keep working to keep up with that dream house?
Holly says
We have no regrets, we love this lifestyle. Have been doing it for a little over a year, 3 kids 14-8. Check out our story @ saving5bucks.com
MamaBear says
Good for you! So glad it’s not just at us! The American Dream we had been chasing for the last ten years was ok, but just never felt like “us”. We are doing this, too. Leaving in about 6-10 months. So excited! Can’t wait! God speed! Hope we run into you along the way 🙂
Lori says
Hoping to cross paths with you on the road, Heather. Congrats on your announcement 🙂
Nancy says
We did this as well. It was an incredible year. We hit more than 2/3 of all the national parks plus part of Canada. Be sure to stay a little flexible because some of our best memories happened on “unplanned” side trips. (Fort McHenry during anniversary celebration, filming of Dolphin Tale II, meeting Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Hayes, and many more.) Enjoy!!!
Jada says
Welcome to the open road! Do your homework! Take an extra tire for the airstream or change to 12 ply tires, keep an extra battery. Work campers lets u stay for free in awesome places if u need extra money! Coupon at Publix grocery stores with flyers, manufacture coupons and sales combined…lots of freebie food and personal items. Have a good sturdy truck to pull that beautiful camper and most of all lots of charcoal to cook out and have fun!
Heather says
Interesting, yes; but also interesting to note that they are doing it for themselves and what they can get out of it. Historically, if you feel like you’re not getting real meaning out of life, getting rid of stuff isn’t necessarily the answer. As a Christian, I naturally believe that will only be found in God. But as a general rule, usually looking beyond yourself – reaching out and finding a way to volunteer or serve others is an effective way to find more purpose in life. Having a lot of stuff isn’t the root problem. I hope they find what they’re looking for.
Dana Ticknor says
Welcome to the road Heather! 🙂
We took our 12 kids and hit the road nearly 6 years ago – while we could travel together while they were all still at home. What was supposed to be a winter long adventure has turned into an open-ended roadtrip. All of our kids have loved it, and we have no regrets. And no stopping date in site.
It’s an incredible lifestyle. The journey of downsizing, simplifying, and making incredible family adventures could certainly happen in a house as well, but we are sure enjoying the ride! We hope you will love it as much as we do! 🙂
Tawnya says
How does this work… I mean the logistics… We would love to do this but the fear of no steady job and such is a scary thing for my hubby… But we have 5 years left before they start to leave, and this more then anything come up a lot!! How do we really make it work?
Jay Biddle says
We have one 3 month trip under our belt. The trip was big fun for both of us. The trip caused a list of camper fixes and upgrades.
We don’t aspire to owning an airstream but our camper is home on the road.
Best of luck on your adventure.
Jennifer says
Heather,
Good luck and have fun! Before you go you should definitely watch Lost in America, a really funny movie starring Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerthy, if you haven’t already. Amazon carries it.
Godspeed,
Jennifer