7 Life-Changing Lessons We Learned from 7 Years of Full-Time Travel
Seven years ago, we packed up our life, moved into a 400-square-foot RV, and hit the road with our two kids—then just five and seven years old. What started as an adventure turned into a complete transformation of how we live, think, and see the world.
Most of our journey was spent traveling across the U.S. and Mexico in our RV, but we also stored it at times and explored Europe and even Africa. Along the way, we joined Boundless Life for two unforgettable cohorts in Greece and Portugual, which gave our family the chance to live and learn alongside some of the most inspiring people we’ve ever met.
Now that we’re settling into a small home, we’ve been reflecting on all the ways full-time travel shaped who we are today. These are the lessons we’ll carry with us—wherever we go.
1. Flexibility is Freedom
When we started traveling, I was someone who loved plans, structure, and predictability. But the road doesn’t always allow for that. Things break. Weather shifts. Reservations fall through. And over time, I changed.
I now find joy in holding plans loosely. I’ve learned to embrace the unknown and call it what it is—an adventure. Flexibility has become one of our greatest tools, and it's something I wouldn't trade for anything.
2. Simplicity Brings Clarity
Living in small spaces taught us to be intentional with everything we brought into our home. If it didn’t serve a purpose or bring us joy, we didn’t have space for it—literally or mentally.
That mindset stuck. Even as we move into a larger home, we want to continue living simply: less clutter, more presence. We've seen how much more peaceful life feels when you’re not weighed down by things you don’t need.
3. Time Together Is Everything
Our travels gave us something most families don’t get enough of—time. Long hikes, campfire chats, road trip games, and slow mornings became our norm. The depth of connection we’ve built with each other is something we’ll always treasure.
Of course, there were challenges, but we also had the gift of watching our kids grow up in real time—and grow closer through it all.
4. Rest is Part of the Rhythm
There were seasons where we traveled with large groups of families, forming beautiful temporary villages. It was magical—and exhausting. We learned how important it is to protect quiet time, make space for work, and create moments of stillness.
Now we recognize rest not as a break from life, but as a vital part of it.
5. The World is the Best Classroom
Travel opened our kids’ minds in a way no textbook ever could. They’ve made friends from around the world, tried unfamiliar foods, spoken new languages, and learned from real-life experiences across continents.
Through Boundless Life, we got to live in Portugal and Greece for months at a time. The program draws incredible families—people who think outside the box and challenge what’s possible. Our kids loved their teachers and had unforgettable experiences. And the friendships? Lifelong. We're still in touch with many of them today.
6. Growth Happens in the Stillness
One of the biggest spiritual shifts for me came in learning how to be still. I used to think of prayer as only asking or talking—but now I see it as listening, too. Meditation, journaling, and staying open to life’s unexpected invitations became essential to my personal growth.
I’ve learned how powerful mindset is—and how important it is to surround yourself with positive, encouraging people who help you grow.
7. Community Can Be Anywhere
We’ve shared meals with strangers-turned-friends in the desert, danced in the streets in Europe, and built community in tiny beach towns in Mexico. We’ve seen how connection isn’t about where you are—it’s about how you show up.
The road gave us friendships we never would have found otherwise—rich, deep connections with other families who were also choosing an unconventional path. Some of those bonds are still among our strongest.
Carrying These Lessons Into Our Next Chapter
Now, we’re stepping into a new season. We’ve traded our RV for a 1,200 sq. ft. home—a little bigger, but still small by design. We’re craving deeper roots, consistent friendships, and a rhythm that includes school sports and community dinners. But we’re not done exploring. We’ll continue to travel whenever we can, and plan to spend summers in our favorite beach town—Cerritos Beach, Baja California Sur.
This next chapter will look different, but it’s shaped by everything we’ve learned on the road. We’re still choosing simplicity. Still choosing presence. Still growing.
We’d Love to Hear From You
Have you ever had an experience that completely shifted the way you live or see the world? What lessons did you carry forward?
Share your story in the comments—we’d love to hear how your journey has shaped you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did you decide to stop traveling full-time?
After 7 years on the road, we were ready for deeper community, consistent routines, and giving our kids the opportunity to join school sports and make lasting friendships. We’re not done traveling—we’re just entering a new season with a home base.
Is your new home still considered “tiny living”?
While it’s bigger than our RV, our 1,250 sq. ft. home is still small by most standards—and that’s by design. It reflects our values of simplicity, purpose, and togetherness. Every room and every item is intentional.
How did full-time travel shape your values?
RV life taught us to embrace flexibility, live with less, prioritize time together, and appreciate cultures from around the world. Those lessons are shaping how we design and live in our new home.
Are you planning to travel again in the future?
Absolutely! While we’re settling into a house, we’ll still travel during school breaks and summers. We also plan to spend extended time at Cerritos Beach in Baja California Sur, where we own property and plan to build a future home.
Why did you choose to live in the Southern California desert?
We wanted to be close to family and raise our kids near their cousins and grandparents. The SoCal desert gives us the sunshine we love and the sense of connection we’ve been craving.
Will you be sharing your home renovation journey?
Yes! We’re bringing global design inspiration and the lessons of small space living into our new home. From layout choices to decor, we’ll be sharing how we create a space that reflects who we’ve become through our travels.