Little Trailer Big Adventures - Passport America Member Spotlight

We are Jeff and Cheryl, and we are Little Trailer Big Adventures. We are not your average couple. We are travelers at heart and love exploring new places.

Our house became an anchor, and our vacations just never seemed long enough. Last year we decided to sell our house and most of our belongings, and move into our travel trailer full time.

We have been living the nomad lifestyle with our two chihuahuas since October 2017 and loving every minute of it!

We document every aspect of our journey in our blog, on youtube, and through social media. We love the idea of sharing our experiences and inspiring others to get out and explore. You can also connect with us through our website: www.littletrailerbigadventures.com

       

For merchandise for men, women, and kids such as T-Shirts, Mugs, Sweatshirts, Buttons, Tote Bags, Aprons, and more - visit LTBA's shop: shop.spreadshirt.ca/LittleTrailerBigAdventures

Carol's Adventures - Travel Blog - Passport America Member Spotlight

"My name is Carol Landau. In 2005 I turned a 30 year old dream into a reality. Since I was in my early 20's I wanted to get a camper van and travel around the country by myself. As I got older I often dreamed about traveling in a camper van. I never gave up the thought that I wanted to do it. Over the years I have had Cancer three times and still I told myself that one day I am going to get my camper van. As I got older and life happened, I would think about the camper van. Should I wait until I retire and buy it then, or should I buy it sooner and take shorter trips and use it now.

In 2005 I flew out west, rented a car and drove through several National Parks. I saw people camping in RV's and camper vans and right then I decided that now is the time to buy my van. I was about 10 years from my target age of 65 to retire. So, I searched online and found the perfect camper van for me. I lived in south Florida and the camper van was in Arizona. So I had a AAA mechanic check out the vehicle, the mechanic called and said it is in good condition and I took out a loan and flew to Phoenix to buy my camper van. I had never driven anything like this vehicle before, however the excitement was enough to give me courage to drive it across the country to Florida. I stopped in Texas to visit friends on the way back.

Hells Canyon, OR 2011

I am so happy that I didn't wait until I retired to buy my camper van. I used it whenever I could, whether it be a long weekend, or taking a week or 10 day vacation to drive somewhere. I made the monthly payments and before I retired my camper was paid for which lessened my monthly expense. Otherwise, I would have had to make payments in my retirement. 

Lake Okeechobee, FL 2012

Life happens and in 2010 at the age of 60, unexpectedly, I had to have four operations in eight months. It changed my health condition dramatically, In the spring of 2011 after being in pain and still being affected by health complications, I decided to retire at the age of 60 1/2.  A few days after my last day at work I got in my camper van and traveled around the United States for 5 1/2 months, the distance was almost 12,000 miles. What an amazing experience!" - Carol Landau

Carol is still taking trips annually. 
Read about her travels and see photos 

go to Carol's Adventures http://www.carolsadventures.com/

TheRVGeeks.com: How-To RV Video Tips From Long-Term Full-Timers - Passport America Member Spotlight

Peter & John, better known as The RVgeeks, have been full-timing for nearly 12 years, and have been loyal Passport America members almost from the start. Although their "day job" is designing websites for RV parks and campgrounds, most RVers are probably more familiar with their how-to videos. With more than 6.2 million views and nearly 34,000 subscribers, their channel is one of the most popular about RVing on YouTube.

While the Geeks aren't professional technicians, they're very mechanically inclined do-it-yourselfers who have become very proficient in managing RV systems. They've learned a few things the hard way, sharing their techniques so that you don’t have to!

While most of their videos feature their 2005 Newmar Mountain Aire, many of the subjects they cover apply to every class of RV. Their goal is to help other RVers go DIY, saving time & money while experiencing the satisfaction of maintaining their RVs themselves.

The way Peter & John started making how-to-RV videos was very organic. In 2010, they invited a couple of friends to join them on a 10-day road trip through Southern Utah's National Parks. Their friends had no prior RVing experience, but suddenly they were totally hooked! Within a year, they purchased their own RV, also a 2005 Newmar (it had come so well-recommended, it was a natural choice)!

Of course these newbies had a lot of questions for the only other RVers they knew. Since Peter & John were located on the opposite side of the country, they suggested that they make a few videos about how to operate some of the basic systems, then upload them to YouTube for their friends to watch.

But it occurred to them that videos about dumping tanks, sanitizing the fresh water system, hooking up at RV parks, etc might be something other new RVers would appreciate as well. So they created the RVgeeks YouTube channel and started uploading videos. Within a year, their views and subscribers had taken off.

This year, they created their own website, TheRVgeeks.com  to better connect with their viewers. They not only post their video content, but also share their favorite RVing gear (all of which they personally use and recommend). One of their most popular features are their giveaways, where viewers have the opportunity to win hundreds of dollars worth of great equipment for their rigs.

Whether you’re an RV newbie, a wannabe, or a seasoned full-timer like The RVgeeks, their videos will help you get more out of RVing. Visit their website at TheRVgeeks.com or their YouTube channel at YouTube.com/RVgeeks.

New Book Covers the Pros and Cons of Full-time RVing with Children - Passport America Member Spotlight

San Diego, California (Barefoot Running Press, May 13^th, 2014) - Want your kids to experience the freedom of the open road? Jason Robillard, author of several popular running books, and his wife Shelly and their three young children have been living in an RV for three years while they travel the country seeking new adventures. “Must Have Been Another Earthquake, Kids” covers their experiences along with an honest discussion about the pros and cons of full-timing with small children.

Jason tackles all topics, from long, boring drives through the Nevada desert to dealing with black water tanks to managing “sexy time” in a home that transmits the tiniest movements. This book is a necessary resource to any family considering this unorthodox lifestyle.

When planning to hit the road, Jason was dismayed that most of the resources seemed overly positive. “If it were this good, why doesn't everyone do it?” he reasoned. It only took a few weeks to understand: Those resources didn't tell the whole story. Over the next three years, the couple ironed out the difficulties to create a truly awesome experience.

In “Must Have Been Another Earthquake, Kids”, Jason touches on topics unique to parents, both good and bad. He offers practical advice that will help others plan similar journeys. He also discusses the trails and tribulations of their own adventure, often with humorous results.

"This is the best book on RV Living that I've read. Jason makes no effort to hype up or justify this lifestyle. He is objective and brutally honest about every single pro and con. If you’re a curious parent who wants to give your children a healthy worldview, you’ll appreciate Jason’s insights. If you’re seriously thinking of taking your family on the road, you’ll pour over Jason’s detailed logistical tips. Well done!"

-Vanessa Runs, Amazon.com

Printed book available here: http://www.amazon.com/Must-Have-Been-Another-Earthquake/dp/1499226578/ref=zg_bs_16388_71

Kindle version available here: http://www.amazon.com/Must-Have-Been-Another-Earthquake-ebook/dp/B00K6WU1QU/ref=zg_bs_157573011_35

About Jason – Jason has authored several books, including The Barefoot Running Book (Plume, 2012), Never Wipe Your Ass with a Squirrel (Barefoot Running Press, 2013), and The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running and Ultramarathons (Skyhorse, 2014.) Jason has been collecting hobbies for years, which have included blogging, ultrarunning, magic, minimalism, building computers, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and mma training among other weird, random things.

Learn more about the Robillards here - 

http://robillardadventures.com/press/

PA Member Spotlight - Moving On With Margo Blog

This is my 18th year traveling full-time and my fourth year as a "solo." My enthusiasm for the RV lifestyle really shows when you read one of my eBooks or visit my blog. It is a lifestyle that brings out the best in people. I have owned and operated two businesses, authored 18 eBooks (6 about the RV lifestyle), created a weekly blog, written articles for other RV lifestyle resources, and managed to sneak in a couple of years of homeschooling. Whatever your passion, do it on the road...that is my motto. 

There are so many more young people and single women enjoying the lifestyle today than ever before. They discovered that there are no downsides to life on the road. I see RVs pulling 25-foot trailers with all the tools of their trade, toy haulers carrying their favorite playthings, rodeo competitors living in high style with their horses, and the list goes on.  

Life on the road is catching on in a big way. Record-breaking sales of new and used RVs are making the news.

Even if you only travel during the summer, or spend the winter in a warm place, the RV lifestyle opens a completely new world to you. Now you can spend those months visiting new and exciting places rather than be stuck in one place all season. Anytime it gets boring, move on.

The RV social life is not based on the size of your rig, or the cut of your clothes. Your neighbor can become your best friend, inviting you to outdoor activities, drinking parties, or long conversations. You can also easily isolate yourself and find friendship only when you want it. You are the captain of your rig, total control over your environment, in command in every way.

My blog, MovingOnWithMargo.com, highlights the RV lifestyle with posts that put you in the driver's seat. Once you really see the big picture, the fear dissipates and a clearer vision emerges. 

I blog about maintenance procedures that you can handle yourself to keep your RV running smoothly. Look for driving tips, helpful insights on living a comfortable lifestyle, saving money on the road, where to find work, the latest RV fads, and more ... new posts every Friday. Even RV lifestyle superstars stop by for a chat now and then. Find out about tiny homes on wheels, Tincan Tourists, and vintage Airstreams. 

My goal is to make the RV lifestyle seem friendly, interesting, adventurous, and safe, all at the same time. Take your family with you, or travel solo, it is there waiting. Spend your leisure time on the water, on the greens, on the dance floor, or watching the sunset ... maybe all in one day. It is all up to you. 

Margo Armstrong
MovingOnWithMargo.com
margo@MovingOnWithMargo.com

PA Member Spotlight - Technomads Chris & Cherie Search for Internet

Chris & Cherie of Technomadia.com have been full time RVing since 2006. But unlike a lot of full time RVers, they are still of working age and run their software development & technology consulting business from wherever they are parked.

As internet is absolutely essential for them to work remotely, they decided to develop a mobile app to help them find bandwidth. A frequent problem they had was that there was no easy way to know upfront if a campground they were considering booking would have decent internet.

Sure, some park's advertise WiFi, but if the WiFi was not suitable enough - would they be able to connect via their various cellular data sources? Sure, they could go and check their carriers maps online (they personally travel with Verizon & AT&T), but this was slow and cumbersome. And of course, if they had no internet to begin with, they had no way to get online to check which direction to head to find signal. 

So they developed Coverage? - an app that overlays all of the major cellular carriers coverage maps, so they could quickly tell where there might be connectivity.

The maps are stored on the device, so they could get the information even when they had no signal. It's been an app that plays an important role in their own high-tech travels, and has been a decent seller in the app store for fellow frequent travelers and mobile bandwidth enthusiasts.

And as long-time Passport America members, the technomads first consult the Passport America app to see what 1/2 pricing camping options might be on their route - and then consult Coverage? to see what to expect for cellular signal.

Also by Technomadia: The Mobile Internet Handbook - US RVer Edition (http://www.technomadia.com/internet)- a guide to mobile internet options, and helping RVers decide what gear & plans they really need to meet their internet needs as they travel. 

More info:

You can get more information about the app, including a video demo, at: http://www.twostepsbeyond.com/apps/coverage
The app is available in the App Store at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coverage/id388815949?mt=8&at=10l4Cf&ct=PA

About Cherie & Chris: http://www.technomadia.com/start-here