Traveling by Airstream is a unique way to live life.  It’s a little like being a turtle with just your small home on your back.  You have to be willing to give up the notion that your home stays in one place but instead can come with you.  You have to want to see magnificent places and do exciting things.  You need to be willing to go with the flow and problem solve when lost or experiencing a change in plans.  To hit the road in an Airstream for a long period of time requires a fair amount of independence, adventure and flexibility.

The size of an Airstream allows you to have the comfort of home in a more condensed version.  Living in just the space you need is often quite liberating.  In our consumption based society, it feels quite nice to whittle down your possessions to fit into your new space.  When you misplace an object in your Airstream, there is usually less area to search than in the average single family home!  It is also less space to clean!  Soon you will find that all you need is exactly what you have.

The beauty of traveling by RV is that your own house goes everywhere with you.  You can visit a number of wonderful places and yet still sleep in the same bed every night.  You have comfort, you have security, and you have your own belongings.  When you compare this to camping with a tent, setting up an Airstream at a new camp sight is relatively easy.  When you pull into a campground all you usually have to do is plug a few things in and put chocks behind the tires as an extra precaution to keep the wheels in place.  And presto!  Home sweet home!

Many people chose Airstreams so they can take their furry family members with them on the road too.  Due to the longevity that is usually found with traveling by RV, having a comfortable home for Fido is important.  Because Airstreams are so luxurious, pets feel right at home.  They can have their beds, their toys and either air conditioning or heat, depending on the outside temperature.  The ability to bring your pet along on trips guarantees companionship and security.  Most RV campgrounds do allow dogs as long as guardians follow the rules regarding leashes, barking and clean up.  However, keep in mind that many state parks do not allow dogs on trails, so be sure to check everywhere you visit to see if your pups are welcomed.      

As you travel around by Airstream, be prepared to make friends along the way.  They may be friends for five minutes or friends for a lifetime.  Usually this friendship begins because you are towing around a shiny, bullet shaped, aluminum capsule.  Such a unique object tends to catch the eye and interest of people it passes.  So when you pull in to the gas station to fill up, be prepared for curious strangers to approach and inquire about your Airstream.  If you are a new Airstream owner, this may seem strange in the beginning as many of us are not used to people we don’t know walking up to us and initiating conversation.  In the beginning, you may be eager to talk about your pride and joy, however after a while this can also become somewhat tiring when it occurs over and over.  Remember, people are simply enthusiastic and interested.  You are essentially a spokesperson for a different way of life, one that many people don’t have the opportunity to partake in, so if you can’t be beamingly receptive, at least try to muster politeness. 

Interest in your recreational vehicle of choice will also follow you to the RV campgrounds.   The folks you will find at an RV park are personable, interesting people so they have a natural inclination to initiate conversation.  Everyone there has something in common, their decision to travel around by RV, and everyone likes to see what other fun toys are out there.  Many are curious, so be prepared for your neighbors to ask if they can peek their head in your RV to take a look.  Have your answer prepared ahead of time so that you can answer within your level of comfort.

One of the benefits of a campground is that usually there are a number people around so those extra eyes and ears should decrease the chances of an RV break-in.  However, do keep in mind that just like a car or a house, break-ins and theft is always a possibility.  Any time you leave your Airstream lock your doors and make you’re your windows are secure.  You may want to consider not bringing along items on your trip that are valuable, whether fiscally or sentimentally.  Quite often certain papers are important to have along, such as information about insurance or medical records.  Make sure to have copies of these important papers in a different secure location so that if something happens to the ones you have along there are backups.  It is also a good idea to let family members or friends know of the whereabouts of your current and upcoming locations.

Life in an Airstream is exciting, scenic and relaxing.  Many people attempt to make this way of life a permanent thing.  By either retiring from your profession or having a career that you can take on the road allows this possibility.  For many who can’t make that kind of commitment to their Airstream quite yet, they are content with using their RV as much as they can, likely with the hopes of making it an Airstream way of life in the future!   

airstream travel trailer