Eight weeks ago, we got engaged. Now, we're the proud owners of an RV named Betty and are setting off on the trip of a lifetime. It's been a whirlwind, and we want to share a bit of the inside scoop.
When we first met, we quickly learned that both of us shared a dream. As individuals, we both had a vision of finding our partners, and traveling the US over land with them in a home on wheels. We would talk about it early on in our relationship, scheming and dreaming. But it just didn't seem feasible. How could we make it work? How would we make a living? What would happen when the trip was over?
We put aside that dream and focused on others. Over the past 3 years, we've lived in the jungle together in Costa Rica, we've moved to California from our home in NY's Hudson Valley, and we've taken a ton of trips in between. But the road trip fantasy never really went away...
Then we got engaged. On a glacier. In Alaska. And we started asking ourselves how we wanted to celebrate. What would be a meaningful way for us to transition from our committed partnership to the building of a marriage? And for us, the answer was pretty obvious.
It may seem a little strange to some. What does an RV trip around the country have anything to do with a wedding? For us, it's clear. As individuals and a couple, we've traveled and lived all over the world. But the truth is, we don't really know where we want to build our future home. There are so many beautiful places, so many lifestyles, so many communities. This trip isn't a vacation: it's an opportunity to seek out information and inspiration for the the life and family we want to build.
All of that said, you probably have some questions, and we'd love to answer at least some of them:
1. How will we fund this journey?
It's an important question, and one we're glad to answer honestly. Once we're on the road, our expenses we'll be cut by 75%. Having bought a used RV that's affordable to insure, the cost of our monthly payments, food, fuel, insurance (health and vehicle), and fun combined will cost less than 50% of one month's rent in our LA home. That means our savings and income will go a lot farther than they ever have before. For us, lowering our expenses this drastically means we can spend time doing what matters most to us, not just working to pay our bills.
2. Will we be working from the road?
YES!!! Rachel will continue her already remote impact strategy consulting with WhyWhisper Collective, as well as pursuing training in personal and professional coaching. As for Mat, after producing the world's first ever hologram tour, he's going to be working on new freelance opportunities within and outside of the music and entertainment world. Both of us are deeply fueled by meaningful work, and this trip is an opportunity to take on projects that excite and inspire us, without the financial pressures of city living.
3. Where will we go and for how long?
First and foremost, we're going back to New York. After an amazing year in California, we're heading straight for our east coast home to spend much needed quality time with our family and friends. We'll spend about a month there, and in that time, we'll start mapping out an itinerary. Our current plan is to travel for about a year, and to build our stops around places we've always wanted to visit, work stays to learn new skills, intentional communities for inspiration, and areas we think we might want to one day call home. If you've got places to recommend, feel free to comment below!!!
4. Will there be an actual wedding?
Absolutely. We couldn't be more excited for a meaningful ceremony and a down home celebration with the people we love. But it won't be anything fancy. For us, the trip is the dream, not a snazzy wedding.
5. How can you be a part of this?
All we really need is the love and support of family and friends. But there are a few ways to play an active role in this trip. You can subscribe to our blog below for the latest posts delivered to your inbox, suggest stops for our itinerary, recommend books/movies for the journey, invite us over in our travels and lastly, check out our registry.
Phew. That was a lot. Did we miss any of your questions??? Let us know in the comments below. And if you want to make sure to get future updates, make sure to subscribe below!