Living the dream of full-time RV living with my family wasn’t something that happened overnight. It took years of building, experimenting, and figuring out how to make money while staying flexible enough to explore the world with my toddlers. Now that I’ve found a rhythm that works for us, I wanted to share how we afford this adventure—what I do to make a living, how we balance work and travel, and what our day-to-day life looks like.
From Side Hustles to Full-Time Freedom
When we first started RV full time, I knew I wanted to build a business that allowed me to work from anywhere. I had no interest in being tied to a physical office, but I also needed multiple income streams to ensure stability and maintain living full time in an RV.
1. Starting My Blog: Travel & Health
I launched my blog, Her Balanced World, as a way to share our journey while also diving into my passion for health and wellness. Blogging isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it has become a growing source of income. It’s a long game, with monetization coming from:
- Ad revenue (thanks to AdSense!)
- Affiliate marketing (Amazon links, wellness products, RV gear, and more)
- Digital product sales (which I plan to expand soon)
Blogging has provided a great foundation for full-time RV life and the income I need to make this lifestyle work. Full time RV living means finding creative ways to support the journey—and blogging has been one of those ways!
2. Monetizing Social Media
Social media has been a major game-changer. While my blog is the foundation of my brand, platforms like TikTok and Facebook have been where I’ve actually started seeing money come in.
- TikTok: I’m actively monetizing through the TikTok Creator Fund, brand deals, and soon, TikTok Shop.
- Facebook: With bonuses, ads, and viral content, this platform has surprised me with its income potential.
- Instagram & YouTube: These are next on my list to grow, as I want to diversify my reach and revenue even further.
Monetizing social media has been crucial to RV living full time, as it allows me to stay connected to my audience and bring in income while full-time RV life. According to the American Council on Exercise, creating content for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram can be a great way to diversify income.
3. Freelancing & Virtual Assistant Work
Before I had an established online income, I took on freelancing gigs to get cash flowing. I worked as a virtual assistant, designing newsletters, managing social media accounts, and using my Canva expertise to help other entrepreneurs. I started out working for very little, just to build my portfolio. But that effort paid off—now, I can charge higher rates and work with steady clients.
Freelancing is a great way to generate income while living full time in an RV. It also provides flexibility, which is essential for balancing work with the lifestyle of living in an RV full time. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), freelancing and remote work offer significant advantages for maintaining a mobile lifestyle.
4. Managing Social Media for Brands
Recently, I transitioned into full-time social media management, with a focus on TikTok Shop and Instagram growth. Managing accounts for multiple brands has been an exciting shift because:
- Businesses are willing to pay well for someone who understands TikTok’s algorithm.
- TikTok Shops are exploding in popularity, and I’ve built a niche helping brands launch their stores successfully.
- This work is remote and flexible, so I can still prioritize travel and family time.
The flexibility of living in an RV has made this type of remote work perfect for our lifestyle. As part of my journey to full-time RV living, I’ve realized that managing social media remotely is one of the best ways to support this adventure. The National Park Service also supports the idea of remote work as a means to live an adventure-filled, flexible lifestyle.
5. Product Photography in Exchange for Discounted Stays
One unexpected but amazing source of income (or savings) has been product photography. I specialize in outdoor product photography, often capturing images for brands looking for natural, lifestyle-focused shots.
But here’s the cool part: RV resorts love having professional photos of their sites. Many places we stay at offer us discounted or even free stays in exchange for high-quality photos they can use for marketing. It’s a win-win—I get to use my photography skills, and we save on one of our biggest travel expenses while RV life.
6. Etsy: On Hold for Now
I also have an Etsy shop, but I’ll be honest—it’s currently inactive. Running an online store takes time, and right now, my focus is on social media, blogging, and freelancing. However, I still have plans to rebrand my shop into a personalized wedding store in the future.
Etsy was a great side hustle when I was living full time in an RV, but right now, my priorities have shifted toward social media and content creation.
Our Family’s Daily Life on the Road
Balancing work, travel, and family time can be a challenge, but we’ve found a routine that works for us:
- My husband works full-time (remote) as an engineer, which provides stability. Since he works flexible hours, he sometimes shifts his schedule so we can explore national parks or new cities during the day.
- I juggle multiple income streams, but I’m also the full-time parent during the weekdays. My toddlers and I spend our days exploring new places, visiting playgrounds, and soaking up the adventure of living full time in an RV.
- On weekends, we go all out. We plan big family outings, road trips, or activities with everyone—including our two dogs, who love wide-open spaces!
The Truth About Getting Here
It wasn’t easy getting to this point. I worked long hours for low pay in the beginning just to build a name for myself. I experimented with different side hustles, had months where income was uncertain, and learned to be extremely adaptable.
But over time, my hard work started paying off. I found what I was really good at, learned how to charge what I’m worth, and built a life that allows me to travel full-time while making a living.
And now? I get to wake up in different places, explore with my kids, and still build a business that supports our dreams.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered, “How do people afford full-time travel?”—this is how we do it. By diversifying our income streams, leveraging skills we already have, and embracing the flexibility of remote work, we’ve been able to turn this dream into a reality.
It takes hustle, creativity, and sometimes working odd hours—but for us, it’s 100% worth it.
If you’re thinking about doing the same, my advice? Start small, build your skills, and don’t be afraid to work for less in the beginning to gain experience. Before you know it, you’ll be designing your own version of full-time freedom.
FAQ About Full-Time RV Living
1. What is Full-Time RV Living?
Full-time RV Life involves traveling and living in an RV year-round, allowing you to explore new places while maintaining a mobile lifestyle. It requires careful planning and a stable income to sustain this lifestyle, especially when traveling with children.
2. What are the Best RVs for Full-Time Living?
The best RV for full-time living depends on your family’s needs, but some top choices are Class A motorhomes, fifth-wheel trailers, and Class C motorhomes. Each offers different levels of space, comfort, and amenities, perfect for those looking for a full-time RV life.
3. How Do You Afford Living in an RV Full Time?
We afford living full time in an RV by diversifying income streams, including blogging, freelancing, social media management, and photography. This flexibility allows us to generate income while maintaining our travel lifestyle.
4. Are There Full-Time RV Parks Near Me?
Yes, numerous full-time RV parks across the country cater to travelers who live in an RV year-round. Many parks offer amenities for long-term stays, including utility hookups, laundry facilities, and recreational options.
5. What is the Cost of Living Full Time in an RV?
The cost of living in an RV full time can vary depending on the type of RV, the locations you travel to, and your lifestyle. You’ll need to account for gas, RV maintenance, insurance, campground fees, and any other travel expenses.
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