Luxury Retirement Redefined

A recent article in a money magazine hit some of the high spots about the benefits of traveling by RV, but missed out on some of the best reasons for choosing the RV lifestyle. 

The author, in comparing travel by air versus a luxury RV, noted an RV might not qualify as a cheaper alternative because of the high cost of gas, as opposed to two airline tickets and a rental car for a week or more.  First, she didn’t consider that most RVers tow their car so no rental car would be necessary.  Second, she did not mention a major consideration: the savings in lodging and meal preparation!  (Admittedly, the food budget would be blown in San Francisco, the author’s destination example)!

In fairness, the article referred to those retirees that chose “behemoth land cruisers that are at least expensive as vacation homes,” however, the secondary recreational vehicle market and smart planning can allow anyone the ability to enjoy the “luxury” of traveling to distant places. Who wouldn’t agree that the ability to travel without airport security hassles and airline cancellations is a luxury in itself!

Further, there’s a way to deduct your RV and travel expenses by working along the way in a myriad of capacities or running your small business from your RV. Helping people find great jobs in great places is the mission of Workamper News, Inc. and members are educated through the Workamper News magazine, webinars, Workamper News University, and other experts and resources at http://www.workamper.com. 

In a recent survey of Workamper News members, the number one reason to buy an RV and begin the Workamping lifestyle is to have the ability to travel to priceless locations such as Yosemite, the Grand Tetons, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Acadia National Park, the gulf coast beaches—insert your own dream location-- in the “luxury” of your own home, complete with flat screen televisions, well-stocked kitchens, and hot showers.  

No one is saying the Workamping lifestyle is lavish, but traveling with the accoutrements from home, your favorite pillow and coffee mugs say nothing of your trusted furry companion, is a luxury to those that travel in their recreational vehicle.  Think about it: Not only do Workampers visit prime real estate, they are the few that are not limited to just a few days or weeks because they are living for a whole season in fantastic settings at the ideal time of year. 

The typical Workamper is a retired or semi-retired individual that moves from ideal location to ideal location, working part time in exchange for a campsite and earns additional money for living expenses.  Most Workampers are couples, but there are opportunities for singles as well.  Some work for just four to six months a year and then return home; others work both prime seasons (wintering in the south and then spending summers in perpetual spring locations) or traveling for fun and adventure or to visit relatives during the shoulder seasons (fall and spring).  Volunteering plays a major role, as many Workampers spend weeks or even months of the year giving of their time and talent to the vast number of opportunities around the country. It's all about the freedom to follow your passions.   

The overwhelming response to a recent survey of Workamper News members found that the majority wished they had begun the lifestyle sooner.  The happiness level is high for those that have stayed busy through part time work for Workamper News employers, through volunteering, meeting new people and experiencing something other than what they had done their whole lives. “Fulfillment, meaning and less stress” are the luxuries Workampers seek.  A bonus is the camaraderie with other Workampers that share their dreams, adventures and get-togethers. As one Workamper put it “I don’t want to just sit around in retirement, playing occasional golf. We are healthier staying busy and we hope to continue until we are put in the ground!”

Those that dream about supporting themselves while traveling (the Workamping lifestyle) join others at  http://www.dreamers.workamper.com. A great way to learn more about living and working from an RV is to attend the Workamper Rendezvous to be held in Heber Springs, Arkansas October 18-20, 2011.  To learn about it, go to http://www.workamper.com/rendezvous. 

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Contact Information:
Steve W. Anderson, President
Workamper News, Inc.
709 W. Searcy Street
Heber Springs, AR  72543
(501) 362-2637