Community Forums

Scarab0088 · 01-10-2016, 11:49 AM

I would doubt too many members active on iRV2 would be here if they had ended their RVing fun.

We have an opposite experience...the empty nest has turned our camping experience into our new(ish) hobby of RVing. We have enjoyed air travel based vacations many, many times...from Florida and Caribbean, to Alaska and all the major Hawaiian Islands. BUT the days of comfortable air travel are gone. If there is any way that I can avoid travel by airlines, I do.

The Mrs and I load up the RV, with our dogs along for the ride (no boarding needed) and thank all that is good in the world that we can.

Safe travels

Big Dude · 01-10-2016, 01:09 PM

Sounds like you had a great RV experience and I hope ours goes as well. Seems like all you missed was a pop-up to start with.

lmcgill · 01-10-2016, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

I would doubt too many members active on iRV2 would be here if they had ended their RVing fun.

We have an opposite experience...the empty nest has turned our camping experience into our new(ish) hobby of RVing. We have enjoyed air travel based vacations many, many times...from Florida and Caribbean, to Alaska and all the major Hawaiian Islands. BUT the days of comfortable air travel are gone. If there is any way that I can avoid travel but airlines, I do.

The Mrs and I load up the RV, with our dogs along for the ride (no boarding needed) and thank all that is good in the world that we can.

Safe travels

I took a year break from IRV2. I prefer to think I am taking a break from RVing fun not ending it. That is why I still log on and check a few posts. I recently broke my leg and had wanted to submit a post such as the one I did for quite some time, (obviously have some time now). You seldom hear about anyone regretted getting into RVing, was curios if anyone had regrets getting out and why.
P.S. Our little Mini Schnauzer loved camping too, when we going travelling now at least my Mom can take her instead of expensive boarding.

Gary RVRoamer · 01-10-2016, 06:05 PM

Good to hear your exit from RVing was not traumatic. We will probably sell the coach after next summer, ending 20 years of RVing. Changes in our life make it more practical to rent or buy a summer place somewhere than to be nomadic.

Scottybdivin · 01-10-2016, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

I would doubt too many members active on iRV2 would be here if they had ended their RVing fun.

We have an opposite experience...the empty nest has turned our camping experience into our new(ish) hobby of RVing. We have enjoyed air travel based vacations many, many times...from Florida and Caribbean, to Alaska and all the major Hawaiian Islands. BUT the days of comfortable air travel are gone. If there is any way that I can avoid travel by airlines, I do.

The Mrs and I load up the RV, with our dogs along for the ride (no boarding needed) and thank all that is good in the world that we can.

Safe travels

My story is very similar and I share your sentiments on flying. We almost despise it these days and odds are you are going to get stuck somewhere or your luggage will not be there for you. I am vested Gold on one airline (1 Mil miles). We now can't wait to head out in the RV. Even driving through the most barren country, we are happy to be cruising with our airedales. I can't say we will ever sell the S&B, but I also can't see flying unless we just have to, like for dive trips. We will just save our miles and try to upgrade to soften the blow a little.

oakcreekeric · 01-11-2016, 08:34 AM

Very interesting perspective from the OP, and very good replies..

My situation is a bit different from the OP's... I'm divorced and have 50/50 placement with my kids.. Obviously not an ideal situation.. but we make the best of it..

My kids have definitely been the benefactor of this scenario... The EX does the "flying" thing with her vacations (driving too) and I offer the RV experience.. It's been interesting hearing/listening to the kids talk about vacations and what they want to do... I really thought these next few years would see a downturn in our vacations, and it has to a degree.. but the kids constantly plead with me to take trips.. I thought as they entered HS our "family" trips would be over..

Last year, we didn't take a single trip or weekend with the kids.. but my 30+ nights stayed consistent...

It wasn't for lack of trying.. or to the effort of the kids.. its just with 15, 14 & 13 year olds.. they are very booked.. with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Wrestling, Soccer & Golf seasons... its hard to find a full week or weekend WITHOUT one of them having something going on...

To this degree.. we did take our family vacation just a couple weeks ago.. we drove the Suburban to Florida and visited my Aunt & Cousin... it was a great trip.. but, I would have preferred to take the RV.. even the kids mentioned a couple times they wished we could have.. but with winter here in WI.. I didn't want to risk coming home to a snow storm.. not to mention de-winterizing and re-winterizing..

To this end.. I know the next few years taking trips with the kids will be challenging.. and thankfully, the kids have all mentioned wanting to take trips.. I wasn't expecting this, as I didn't think they would think it "cool" to go RV'ing with Dad.. but miracles of miracles.. my kids still want to go out in the RV.. they really enjoy those trips.. makes me feel good I did something right..

As a side note.. because of the 50/50 placement... every other weekend is free for me.. My GF, who had done camping as a child, has fully immersed herself in the lifestyle.. she LOVES it.. and because of it.. we purchased our current rig new just a few years ago..

I am very lucky.. I get to experience what it will be like to be an empty nester.. and I still get to take vacations/RV trips with the kids.. I'm very luck indeed !!