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I Sold Everything, Bought An Airstream And Travel America With My Family Indefinitely
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I Sold Everything, Bought An Airstream And Travel America With My Family Indefinitely

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I’ve always been the person to tell people to chase their dreams, so I decided to take my own advice. My dream is to make a living as a professional photographer while travelling America and this is how I’m making it happen!

We sold our house, cars, most of our possessions and bought a 30ft Airstream that we could all live in comfortably. It wasn’t an easy decision and we were faced with a lot of doubts, but when we told other people what we were doing, their eyes lit up and I could see we were doing the right thing.

We’ve been permanently in the Airstream for a little over 3 months now and life has been an adventure!

Life on the road is not for everyone, but I wish someone would have told me when I was 21 years old, that you could buy an Airstream and live in it while seeing America! So, here I am now, telling you it’s possible. If I’m doing it with my wife and 4 year old son, you can definitely do it as a younger single person looking for adventure in your life!

More info: joehendricks.photography

I’ve always been the person to tell people to chase their dreams, so I decided to take my own advice

My dream is to make a living as a professional landscape photographer while travelling America and this is how I’m making it happen!

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We sold our house, cars, most of our possessions and bought a 30ft Airstream that we could all live in comfortably

But when we told other people what we were doing, their eyes lit up and I could see we were doing the right thing

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What most people want to know, is how do I make money on the road?

Well, I’m an established professional wedding photographer in Nashville TN and I make enough to stay out on the road and live this Airstream lifestyle of ours

I hope to eventually make all my income from landscape photography, selling prints and traveling America

But it’s going to take some time to make that transition

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For now, I do what I need to pay our bills and make it happen

We’ve been permanently in the Airstream for a little over 3 months now and life has been an adventure

Yes, there were some tough times in the beginning as we adjusted to this new lifestyle, but we’re getting use to it now

We spend a lot of time boondocking (camping in the middle of nowhere) and it’s one of the coolest things you can experience in an Airstream

Plus it doesn’t cost you anything

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One of my favorite places so far has been Big Bend National Park in Texas

The night sky gets so dark that you can almost see every star in the sky

If you let your eyes adjust long enough, you will eventually see the milky way, that’s how dark it is

We charged our batteries every day by using our solar panels on top of the Airstream

We still had amazing internet service through our phones, so we were able to do Instagram and all that fun stuff

We hiked some amazing locations that challenged our endurance as a family hiking together

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But one of the most amazing thing we did was spend time in a natural hot spring that sat on the side of the Rio Grande river

Life on the road is not for everyone

But I wish someone would have told me when I was 21 years old, that you could buy an Airstream and live in it while seeing America

So, here I am now, telling you it’s possible

If I’m doing it with my wife and 4 year old son

You can definitely do it as a younger single person looking for adventure in your life

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Everyday is a new adventure

And I hope it continues for along time

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evelynpantel avatar
Evelyn Pantel
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I 'abandoned' the house (in good care), and traveled in our RV for four full-time years...never returning to the house. We were going to do ALL the Nat'l. Parks and stay as long as we wanted anywhere we wanted... He got gravely ill, was in ICU for three MONTHS, we left the RV in good hands in another state, came home for him to die at home. It was the very BEST time of our lives, and, of course, the very worst. I HIGHLY recommend this adventure. Of course this comes with a very strong caveat: You'd better really love and know each other very, very well. Being together 24/7 might be trying for some... Not for us, compatibility and understanding like ours was rare.

joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Evelyn, sorry to hear about your husband, but I'm glad you got to have that amazing experience with him. We are loving and can see why you loved it too :)

Load More Replies...
annagsalerno avatar
Anna Salerno
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kudos to this family for chasing their dreams... these pictures are absolutely amazing. This country has so much to offer... I especially liked Big Bend National Park in Texas! I'm wondering if you will home school your son and do you have pets with you too. I am in so much envy of ya'll right now.

joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anna, we are thinking about it. We have another year before we have to make that decision, but we are hoping it works out.

Load More Replies...
mlodafoka avatar
Kalikst Kałnawardze
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Selling expensive home to buy expensive trailer and SUV - first world problem solved...

bradleypeg avatar
Peggy Bradley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been fulltime rv living for almost 6 years. Welcome to the good life. But your statement, "It doesn't cost you anything." has me puzzled. Granted, it's relatively "cheap" living, but nothing is free. Have a great time. Perhaps our paths will cross!

joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually Peggy, it's more expensive to live this lifestyle. The quote "it doesn't cost you anything" was referring to boondocking on BLM land.

Load More Replies...
alecpruitt avatar
Alec Pruitt
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once I graduate high school I'm planning on taking a year off to travel in a van for at least a year, this was really inspiring.

astreaminlife avatar
AStreaminLife
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love hearing about people living the dream! My husband and I just moved into our Airstream full time. We're stationary in AZ until 2017 but we're following along on your adventure to find all the great places we should go! Maybe we'll see you out on the road!

shar77mila avatar
Shar Mila
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am curious of how you will handle this. Have a great time enjoying life.

thanhho avatar
Thanh Hảo
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wwoa, your photos are so nice... Seeing them, i realize everything is really near us... I do like your adventure with your family :) Hope you'll be happy anywhere. Waitting more photos

kingpin051865 avatar
Bryon Bauer
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really enjoyed looking at these beautiful pictures. My parents did a lot of traveling around when I was a small child. It's some of the best memories I have with them. And is probably the reason I travel so much as an adult. I have been to many of the National Parks (including Big Bend). Yellowstone is by far my favorite. I hope you and your family get to visit. Looking forward to seeing those pictures.

caroline_7 avatar
Caroline Barringer
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really thank you for this article. I needed it... to know that others are making the same changes I have made and that we're not alone! I started out full time with my Dodge 2500 Diesel and my 27-foot Heartland Elkridge E22 Light this past January (2016). Within just a few days of being on the road, my poor cat passed away. I felt so guilty that perhaps the change did something to her, so I really struggled emotionally because she died in the RV and what started out as a really exciting change, ended up feeling scary and weird. I didn't want to be in my RV and that made me even more sad and depressed. I ended up staying with family in FL for a few months and that was really healing for me. Getting back on the road was scary and stressful, but I did it and headed to Minneapolis. I'll leave here and move around for work several or more trips this year from Toronto to NY, and then out to Seattle, and then to ??. Thanks for the inspiration and my best to you and your family! :-)

atomic_casting avatar
Shannon Pinkston
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I LOVE your work, and your story! I am in the process of selling my house and all my "stuff" and heading out on the road in my Eddie Bauer - just me and my Golden Retriever :) Hope to be clear of everything by the end of the summer. Can't wait to follow your adventures, and start to document my own. Safe travels!

joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, that is so cool! I wish you the very best and if you ever have any questions, please contact me. I talk to most full-timers through Instagram.com/joehendricks

Load More Replies...
steef_jordans avatar
Steef Jordans
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is awesome! Great that you can make a living while traveling! Also very nice for you child! This is a good learning experience for him! Respect!

tanya-shirley-9 avatar
joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see many full-timers that are older and single on the road! They travel lighter and get to see more amazing views than we could possibly imagine in our larger rig.

Load More Replies...
flvia avatar
Flávia
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really nice pictures, but is it possible to put the name of the place in every photo? Thank you

joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't do that on this post, but you can see them on my website. www.joehendricks.com

Load More Replies...
cherylhhaywood avatar
Cheryl Haywood
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son and daughter-in-love, Chris & Shawn Haywood, did this 2 years ago. They love traveling in their Airstream and have made wonderful friends!

sunyinstructor avatar
vez stendahl
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

awesome and I'd do it in a heartbeat - unlike dogs - cats decide if and when to return.

evelynpantel avatar
Evelyn Pantel
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I 'abandoned' the house (in good care), and traveled in our RV for four full-time years...never returning to the house. We were going to do ALL the Nat'l. Parks and stay as long as we wanted anywhere we wanted... He got gravely ill, was in ICU for three MONTHS, we left the RV in good hands in another state, came home for him to die at home. It was the very BEST time of our lives, and, of course, the very worst. I HIGHLY recommend this adventure. Of course this comes with a very strong caveat: You'd better really love and know each other very, very well. Being together 24/7 might be trying for some... Not for us, compatibility and understanding like ours was rare.

joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Evelyn, sorry to hear about your husband, but I'm glad you got to have that amazing experience with him. We are loving and can see why you loved it too :)

Load More Replies...
annagsalerno avatar
Anna Salerno
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kudos to this family for chasing their dreams... these pictures are absolutely amazing. This country has so much to offer... I especially liked Big Bend National Park in Texas! I'm wondering if you will home school your son and do you have pets with you too. I am in so much envy of ya'll right now.

joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anna, we are thinking about it. We have another year before we have to make that decision, but we are hoping it works out.

Load More Replies...
mlodafoka avatar
Kalikst Kałnawardze
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Selling expensive home to buy expensive trailer and SUV - first world problem solved...

bradleypeg avatar
Peggy Bradley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been fulltime rv living for almost 6 years. Welcome to the good life. But your statement, "It doesn't cost you anything." has me puzzled. Granted, it's relatively "cheap" living, but nothing is free. Have a great time. Perhaps our paths will cross!

joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually Peggy, it's more expensive to live this lifestyle. The quote "it doesn't cost you anything" was referring to boondocking on BLM land.

Load More Replies...
alecpruitt avatar
Alec Pruitt
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once I graduate high school I'm planning on taking a year off to travel in a van for at least a year, this was really inspiring.

astreaminlife avatar
AStreaminLife
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love hearing about people living the dream! My husband and I just moved into our Airstream full time. We're stationary in AZ until 2017 but we're following along on your adventure to find all the great places we should go! Maybe we'll see you out on the road!

shar77mila avatar
Shar Mila
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am curious of how you will handle this. Have a great time enjoying life.

thanhho avatar
Thanh Hảo
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wwoa, your photos are so nice... Seeing them, i realize everything is really near us... I do like your adventure with your family :) Hope you'll be happy anywhere. Waitting more photos

kingpin051865 avatar
Bryon Bauer
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really enjoyed looking at these beautiful pictures. My parents did a lot of traveling around when I was a small child. It's some of the best memories I have with them. And is probably the reason I travel so much as an adult. I have been to many of the National Parks (including Big Bend). Yellowstone is by far my favorite. I hope you and your family get to visit. Looking forward to seeing those pictures.

caroline_7 avatar
Caroline Barringer
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really thank you for this article. I needed it... to know that others are making the same changes I have made and that we're not alone! I started out full time with my Dodge 2500 Diesel and my 27-foot Heartland Elkridge E22 Light this past January (2016). Within just a few days of being on the road, my poor cat passed away. I felt so guilty that perhaps the change did something to her, so I really struggled emotionally because she died in the RV and what started out as a really exciting change, ended up feeling scary and weird. I didn't want to be in my RV and that made me even more sad and depressed. I ended up staying with family in FL for a few months and that was really healing for me. Getting back on the road was scary and stressful, but I did it and headed to Minneapolis. I'll leave here and move around for work several or more trips this year from Toronto to NY, and then out to Seattle, and then to ??. Thanks for the inspiration and my best to you and your family! :-)

atomic_casting avatar
Shannon Pinkston
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I LOVE your work, and your story! I am in the process of selling my house and all my "stuff" and heading out on the road in my Eddie Bauer - just me and my Golden Retriever :) Hope to be clear of everything by the end of the summer. Can't wait to follow your adventures, and start to document my own. Safe travels!

joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, that is so cool! I wish you the very best and if you ever have any questions, please contact me. I talk to most full-timers through Instagram.com/joehendricks

Load More Replies...
steef_jordans avatar
Steef Jordans
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is awesome! Great that you can make a living while traveling! Also very nice for you child! This is a good learning experience for him! Respect!

tanya-shirley-9 avatar
joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see many full-timers that are older and single on the road! They travel lighter and get to see more amazing views than we could possibly imagine in our larger rig.

Load More Replies...
flvia avatar
Flávia
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really nice pictures, but is it possible to put the name of the place in every photo? Thank you

joe_14 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't do that on this post, but you can see them on my website. www.joehendricks.com

Load More Replies...
cherylhhaywood avatar
Cheryl Haywood
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son and daughter-in-love, Chris & Shawn Haywood, did this 2 years ago. They love traveling in their Airstream and have made wonderful friends!

sunyinstructor avatar
vez stendahl
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

awesome and I'd do it in a heartbeat - unlike dogs - cats decide if and when to return.

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