What I Wish I Knew Before Going on Our First Trip

What I Wish I Knew Before Going on Our First Trip

Okay, friends, let me tell you—our first trip in the travel trailer was equal parts hilarious and humbling. If you’re thinking about hitting the road in a trailer (or RV), here’s a little reality check from someone who’s already been there.

1. It’s Going to Be a Lot of Work

Whatever you think you’re signing up for, just multiply it. It’s work—don’t kid yourself. But here’s the twist: it’s FUN work! (Yeah, I know, weird, right?) From hitching and unhitching to setting up camp, there’s a lot going on. But when you’re in the middle of it, you realize that it’s a bit like making a giant puzzle that ends with you sitting around a campfire with your dog and your husband (and let’s be real, that’s worth it).

2. It’s NOT Cheaper Than AirBnBs, Flights, or All-Inclusives

I did the math. I shouldn’t have done the math. Let’s just say—don’t bother calculating the costs. Between the trailer itself, maintenance, gas, campsites, and the occasional trip to the emergency supply store because, well, things come up… you’re probably not saving anything. But guess what? It’s worth it for the freedom, the adventure, and waking up wherever you want. (Kind of like pretending to be a nomad, but with a microwave.)

3. Things Can Go Right

Yes, you read that correctly. Believe it or not, things actually can go right! There are moments when everything clicks—like when you find the perfect campsite, you hitch up without any issues, the gas pump your are headed for is available and the dog finally gets used to the travel routine. Seriously, cherish those moments. They’ll keep you going when things aren’t going as planned.

4. Driving Is Scary, But Nothing Gets You Through It Like Miles

So here’s the thing: driving a trailer is terrifying at first. It’s like the trailer has a mind of its own, swaying, jostling, and making you feel like you’re steering a bus through a noodle factory. But let me tell you something the veterans of the camp world keep telling us—miles and miles of practice will get you through it. The more you drive, the less terrifying it becomes. So we plan to take a deep breath, roll our windows down, and just keep trucking. There’s nothing like the open road to make you feel like a true adventurer!

5. You’ll Become Obsessed with Gas Stations and Parking Lots

This is no joke. When you’re towing a trailer, suddenly you become hyper-aware of gas stations and parking lots. How big is the lot? Is there a spot to easily maneuver the trailer? Will you need to do a 20-point turn to get out of there? You’ll start making mental notes on which gas stations have the best “easy in, easy out” access. And yes, the adventure of finding a good gas station becomes way more thrilling than you’d think. Trust me, you’ll be scouting these out like a pro.

Now that we’ve gotten the tough stuff out of the way, let me share a little secret: I really want to wake up wherever I want. Mountains? Ocean? Catfish-shaped lakes? Sign me up! I want to be able to just pull over, find a good spot, and wake up to a new view every morning. The road trip dream is alive and well—We are perfecting our driving and maneuvering skills, so one day I’ll be waking up to the views of Colorado, the Catskills, or even the Outer Banks. So, here I am, just trucking along with my patient and diligent husband, saving up for the next leg of this adventure.

And hey, we’ve thought about going the RV route at some point, but for now, we’re a trailer-hauling duo. It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s a bit chaotic… but it’s our version of freedom, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. So here’s to more adventures—mile after mile.