RV Traveling Tales: Women's Journeys on the Open Road

Fifty-two women answer the question: What is it like to be a female nomad on the open road, leaving family, community, and possessions to head into the unknown in an RV?

This anthology features the writings of women of varied backgrounds, many living full-time in their RVs, ranging in age from 13-85. They take a humorous look at situations unique to the RVing lifestyle: living in a small box on wheels, maneuvering a 38-foot RV, or surviving bears and other calamities. On the road and away from the support of family and friends, they also cope with life's issues—breast cancer, divorce, loss of a child.

Sections include:

What is full-timing? Full-timers live 365 days a year in their rig. This lifestyle opens up special opportunities. Our writers share their full-time experiences.

Life on the road: Living on the road is more than a vacation. It is a way of life. Here our writers share some of the unique experiences they have had living on the road.

Uniquely women: When women take to the road, whether alone or with a partner, they face the same problems and challenges that they might off the road. Life goes on. In these stories, our writers share how they found women to talk to and have coped with issues close to their heart.

Encounters: Sometimes a day starts out as ordinary but turns out to be extraordinary. Encounters add spice to our travels. Our writers remember and share encounters—delightful, fearful, intriguing—that are special to them.

Relationships: Imagine living in 250 square feet or less, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This presents special challenges, sometimes insurmountable, as our writers share.

Going your own way: Some women travel alone by choice. In other cases, circumstances—a divorce or death of a spouse—may leave a woman without her travel partner. These women share stories of what it is like being a solo traveler.

Heart places: Sometimes in your travels you find a place that is special. Perhaps the sights, sounds, and smells evoke a childhood memory, the music touches a chord, or the natural beauty overwhelms the senses. Our writers share what is special about a place that has touched their hearts.

The last word: Traveling on the open road may give us different experiences than a more traditional life, but each life experience, no matter where it takes place, changes and shapes us. Our journeys not only take us to new places, but are also a metaphor for the growth and changes in our lives.

Short pieces—Side Roads, Scenic Overlooks, Animal Crossings, and Exit Ramp—are scattered throughout, adding additional bits of information. A glossary explains RV terms.