Three years ago, when our children were 13, 10, and 4, my family embarked on a remarkable journey. We decided to simplify our lives by selling excess belongings, loading what we could into our reliable Honda Pilot, stashing the rest in storage, and setting out on a year-long road trip. Remarkably, this adventure cost us roughly the same as living at home.
Our circumstances were conducive to this new lifestyle. I already worked from home, and my husband’s employer had transitioned to a remote work model, giving us the flexibility to work from anywhere. We homeschooled our children, allowing them to learn on the go. Additionally, our landlord planned to sell our rental house in the Chicago suburbs, making it the perfect time to explore life outside the confines of a traditional home.
Having been inspired by various blogs detailing the “digital nomad” lifestyle, we recognized that our family loved traveling together. With no serious commitments holding us back, it seemed like the ideal moment to take this leap. Our financial situation was modest—our combined income didn’t approach six figures—but we were resourceful and frugal. We pondered how we could redirect our usual housing, utility, and extracurricular expenses into travel. Would it be feasible?
After careful consideration, I briefly explored the RV option but decided it wasn’t the right fit. I remembered a friend who had enjoyed a period of nomadic living and had great success with off-season rentals, so I began researching our options. Utilizing platforms like HomeAway, VRBO, and Airbnb, I mapped out potential routes, planning to stay in each location for about a month. We had a camp to attend in Washington state in the summer and needed to return to Chicago for work commitments in October, which provided key anchors for our itinerary. I discovered that Cape Cod offered incredibly affordable rates during the off-season, prompting us to plan an extended stay there during winter.
Our housing budget for our family of five in Chicago, including utilities, was approximately $1,800 per month. This amount varies significantly depending on location, but we aimed to maintain similar expenses throughout our travels. As I delved deeper into planning, I realized we could achieve this by averaging rental costs over the duration of our trip. Since we were departing in May, we anticipated higher summer rates initially, tapering off as we moved into fall and winter.
The first place we booked—a two-bedroom condo in Dana Point, California—set us back $2,400. It was a beautiful location, directly across from the beach. The least expensive rental we found was a three-bedroom condo in Orlando, Florida, costing $1,200. Our best deal was a stunning four-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Cape Cod, where we stayed from October to January for just $1,500 a month (a property that commands $3,500 per week in summer). All rentals included utilities, and we also spent a month with family during our travels. Consequently, we managed to keep our monthly housing expenses below $1,800, even factoring in the $200 monthly storage unit fee.
Grocery costs remained consistent with what we typically spent at home, as all our rentals came equipped with basic kitchen supplies. While gas expenses increased, the savings from our children not participating in regular classes or activities largely offset that. Along our journey, we reconnected with friends, enjoying free stays and valuable time together. The few nights we spent in hotels were funded by proceeds from our pre-trip sales.
This year-long expedition was transformative. The beauty of our country is astounding; the drive through southern Utah felt otherworldly, and the Oregon coast was breathtaking. We marveled at the soft sands of Lake Michigan’s South Haven and immersed ourselves in American history in Concord and Lexington. The enchanting trees of Savannah could easily grace a Disney film. Each destination offered its own unique appeal, enriching our family experience.
We concluded our adventure with a month in Orlando, conveniently located just ten minutes from Disney World. With our housing costs already covered, we could bring our own meals and avoid transportation fees, allowing us to enjoy a seven-day Disney vacation and three-day Universal Orlando trip for under $3,000—a splurge we happily funded from our savings. It was an incredibly enjoyable finale to our journey.
Of course, the experience came with its challenges. Coordinating logistics required considerable effort, and packing the car every month became tedious, with our eldest occasionally feeling homesick. However, we also made new friends during our travels and welcomed family and friends to join us at various stops, creating cherished memories together. Overall, it was an extraordinary adventure we would readily embark on again.
Our travels imparted many lessons, but the most significant one for our children was understanding that life does not have to follow a conventional path. There are no hard and fast rules dictating how one should live, whether temporarily or permanently. While our circumstances were ideal for a nomadic lifestyle, I’ve encountered individuals who successfully rented out their homes and negotiated work arrangements to pursue similar adventures. You never know what opportunities await unless you take the plunge.
If you find yourself dreaming of a bold, transformative experience, do not allow naysayers to discourage you. With creativity, resourcefulness, and the courage to seize opportunities, life can lead you to incredible places.
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Summary
A family of five embraced a year-long nomadic lifestyle by selling their belongings and traveling across the U.S., ultimately discovering the beauty of diverse locations and redefining traditional living. Their adventure taught valuable lessons about flexibility and the possibilities that lie outside conventional paths.
Keyphrase: Nomadic lifestyle for families
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