Homeless Baby Boomers - Retire To An RV

Fifty percent of homeless people in America are baby boomers. A global housing crisis can mean retiring to an RV to save your retirement, release money from your home to fund a happy interesting retirement living in an RV motorhome camper van campervan. It could also prevent retirees becoming homeless.
We have talked to couples who have done this and reduced their housing costs substantially allowing them to travel just like they dreamt of before retirement.
Could you take on a new adventure in retirement and live in a camper van RV motorhome and travel North America, Canada or Europe. Some of our viewers have gone as far as field as Australia and New Zealand.
We are members of the Amazon affiliate program, these links contain a referral code where we earn a small commission on your order, you do not pay any extra at Amazon by using our referral link. Thanks for supporting our channel.
#this_is_our_retirement #retirement #retirementplanning #retirementtravel
Our Favourite Amazon finds
USB Data Blocker geni.us/BdMiD
Tina’s Magnetic Bracelet geni.us/8577jj
Smart Watch America geni.us/Q74tFBF
Air Fryer America geni.us/T3qv
2 Step Verification Key geni.us/YubikeyHardware
Powerbank geni.us/5hRy6
Canon Lens geni.us/lQiov
Smart Wallet For Travel geni.us/aytU4z8
Our filming equipment for KZbin contain Amazon Affiliate links
Camera geni.us/wUa8drk
Camera geni.us/v3jTF
Lens geni.us/lQiov
Studio Lights geni.us/BicZ
Light Modifier geni.us/zMeFcL5
Light Modifier geni.us/ruJGz20
Microphone geni.us/XoPSHQ
Selfie Stick geni.us/MkfqBK
✅ Subscribe to see our new videos kzbin.info...
Try Audible Plus Get Up To 2 Free Books amzn.to/3WIap3Y
Kindle Unlimited amzn.to/3YJYBAc
Amazon Prime 30 day free trail amzn.to/3hObvg2
NORM & TINA'S MOST POPULAR KZbin VIDEOS
What shocked Us Living In Canada | Moving From The U.K.
• WHAT SHOCKED US ABOUT ...
What Shocked Us First Trip To America - UK Canadians
• What Shocked Us First ...
Things We Wished We Knew Before Retirement
• Things We Wished We Kn...
Average Net Worth Of Retirees At 65 - How Do You Compare
• Average Net Worth Of R...
How Much Is Winter In The Algarve Portugal - We Show You
• How Much Is Winter In ...
All Photographs and Video Clips are the copyright and owned by ©This Is Our Retirement and cannot be used without permission.
✅ Subscribe to see our new videos kzbin.info...
🎬 Watch our latest video here / markmaker3
#This_Is_Our_Retirement
WE ARE NOT FINANCIAL OR INSURANCE ADVISORS, WE ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO GIVE FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE ADVICE, THIS VIDEO IS FOR INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE SEEK OUT PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE ADVICE BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND PURCHASING INSURANCE.

[@kenvolk6501]

Nope NO way for full time RV life. We have a 38' class A and love it but after 12 weeks I want to go back home and re-charge. I give credit to those that can full time but I'm exhausted after a few months of worrying about weather, traffic, propane, water, dumping tanks, garbage and where we are going to stay plus the RV is fix or repair daily it is always some little thing. Not as glamorous or budget friendly as one may think but a great way to see the country .

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks Ken for sharing we loved it for two weeks but not full time have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍻🇨🇦

[@dlg5485]

The size of the rig matters, I think.The larger the RV the more stressful and exhausting it is to travel in. I'm planning to travel about half-time in a RV when I retire and I want to purchase a small class B van, about 22 ft long. I'm sure that's too small for most couples, but it's perfect for me as a single guy.

[@RG-cz1tc]

@@dlg5485 My cousin is single, age 74, and has a Sprinter class B which she really likes, she travels with her small dog. In the off season, she has an "RV condo", which is in a buiding where you can store your RV and car inside and the second floor has a small apartment, not meant to be a residence but it has a bathroom,kitchenette and probably a sleeper sofa.I think the Class B is perfect for someone single, especially with the diesel engine which can go for 300K miles.

[@notanomad9320]

I agree, love our nice class b but our paid off house is way more comfortable. My goal has always been to have both and living in the desert doesn't sound like fun at all to me.

[@caroleanne8529]

Kenvolk, you are absolutely right. Our 38 foot Newmar was a huge money pit. Every time we took it out, we could figure on spending 5 days at a repair shop waiting for them to do a $1,500 repair on some obscure component. Then 800 miles down the road, the same thing would break. Worst part is that it looked pristine perfect and we kept it well maintained. An RV, once it is 5 years old is nothing more than a depreciating nuisance. Just my experience - no need for nasty comments from those who love the life.

[@valdamarielegault1907]

I think its one thing for people to choose an RV or van life but to be forced is a very sad reality for some!

[@michaelsnively3621]

A choice with other options vs. necessity. Two very different scenarios and very often coming from opposite ends of the socio economic spectrum.

[@Jacquie_Kirk_111]

Some people now live in vans. Explosion of senior women in the states are living this way....sad

[@BulldogDramaDebate]

My wife and I have been school teachers and driven buses for decades. We don't want any more driving large vehicles in retirement

[@craigo2142]

I have a friend that lived in Los Angeles through most of his working career. When he retired, late 50's, he sold his paid for home and got about $1M to help with retirement. He bought a used class c, about 4 yrs. old, and parks it in Palm Springs. He lives in it "full-time" when he is not traveling about 6 months/yr. Got a great deal on the rv so he can use the money from his home, etc. for living and travel. He loves it.

[@wildhorses6817]

No, definitely Not. We bought a new RV and there was always some problem, refrigerator not working and numerous other issues. Finding a place to stay or paying huge amounts to stay in private RV parks because state parks were full. Finding a dumping statuon, etc. it was alot of Work. We sold it. I know I could not live in one . Renting one for a month might be fun. I like being in my own space, house, condo, etc. There were beautiful sights to see and alot of fun too. Not really budget friendly at all. Lost money selling it.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing we have rented for two weeks and it was fun sorry you lost money 💰 on it have a great weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🙂

[@lkd06]

Buying new you lose money as soon as you drive it off the lot

[@rustykatt3870]

Bob Wells (Cheap Living RV) has done a lot of videos. He has helped many people to prepare to live in RV's, minivans, and cars. He said in a video that he decided to do this work when he saw a woman with her children in a vehicle next to him in a parking lot. He said they were looking very cold. Bob said that they they were likely trying to escape a bad situation.

[@brianmcintyre8940]

I started to live in an rv back in the 80s. After a month of hitting my head and nervous parking I said not for me...but I started to slowly get accustomed to it. Now some 40 years of not paying rent I have 120 k saved , nothing to buy with it except a tank of gas.

[@SunVegan]

We have retired to our tricked out van. We love it.

[@pattylyman7907]

We tried the nomad life staying part time in a park and traveling the other. We discovered the traveling part was total not fair to my hubby. He did the majority of the driving so he didn't get to see many of the cool sights along the way. Any repairs or needed fixing fell on his shoulders even though it was a new RV. We felt it was just not fair to him.

[@user-qj9nb3ku2u]

I am in Phoenix, Arizona. I retired at 55. I bought a good, used Park Model trailer for $18,000 and bought a hillside view 5000 sq. ft. lot for $60,000 to place it on. It is all I need. I am not rich and I live within my means. No $70,000 truck and $800,000 home. But I have had 22 years of freedom without debt, and am so happy to have gotten off the "hampster wheel" of debt. My time is my own, and I have travelled the world. Life has been good having no mortgage and low taxes. Lastly, my place could sell for around $300,000 so a good investment. Grant McLeod

[@dianejaeger6427]

We have been living in our camper van for 3 years and wouldn't change anything. We sold everything, built out a van, and have been traveling ever since. Great community. We haven't touched our RRSP yet.

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

We met a couple last year in an Albufeira grocery store... The liquor section( a great place to meet tourists and expats is the booze aisle).... I think they were Brits (can't remember) they said they lived in a pull camper just outside of town and traveled all over Europe in fact they were buying provisions for a trip to France somewhere. We followed each other out and continued the conversation. I noticed they had just a small European car... With no visable hitch. Asked them how they moved it around. They didn't It was an older camper with a deck etc built around it in a campground permanently. Their trip to France with their little dog as well, was by car. The campground was mostly seniors from all over Europe. They were trading fixed campers within their group. Sort of like a house trading situation. They'd been doing this for years. Staying in hotels before arriving at the destination for month at a time. I was fascinated. We actually drove by the campground unexpectedly couple days later. There's apparently a south american-European camper trading group. Couples that have one camper in Brazil and another somewhere southern Europe. It's still cheaper than owning a home and includes much traveling opportunities. Sometimes we have to think outside of the box.

[@jamesmcdonough2726]

Never thought of that,what a great idea!

[@carlphinney4026]

We sold our house in Saskatchewan in 2022 and live full time between a 37ft fifth wheel in Canada in the summer, and travel to U.S. in our Pleasureway motorhome in the winter. We love our life.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds great Carl 🇨🇦☕️🇺🇸

[@RG-cz1tc]

You have probably taken your RV to Mesa, Casa Grande or Florence Arizona.I think Florence Gardens is a good location, just east of Mesa/Apache Junction. Favorites of mine in California are Refugio, San Elijo and El Capitan State Beaches, and also Lake Cachuma campgrounds in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbare, wonderful in the Fall, with Solvang nearby for breakfast!

[@oldbloke204]

So what's the plan as you age or one of you gets sick/infirm? Travelling is great if that's your thing but can you afford to get back into a property when/if you need to or even replace the vehicles as you will inevitably have to do over time? From what I see it's ok when everything is going well but a nightmare when things go wrong.

[@carlphinney4026]

@@oldbloke204 sold house, furniture, cars and invested the proceeds as they are not funding our retirement. It will be there if and when we need it.

[@oldbloke204]

@@carlphinney4026 My concern would be getting back into the market in the future if they keep going up like they are in many places. Our home is up about 250-300k in the last 4 odd years alone. I'm also less than convinced that stock market returns etc will continue as they have done but that's just my opinion. For us where we are a paid off property is a fundamental part of retirement unless you have a lot of money stashed away.

[@todddunn945]

When my dad was 62 he retired. My parents bought an RV, sold their house and went full time RVing for 20 years. Like the first anecdote you told, they bought into an RV COOP park in western Washington state. They spent about 7 months a year there and traveled south during the winter to Arizona and Texas. They quit when my mom had a stroke. After my mom's stroke they moved back home and bought a manufactured home in an over 55 park where they spent their final years. During their retirement they lived off of their social security and never touched their retirement savings. Personally I could live like that, but my wife is not interested in traveling. She is too attached to her gardening and her piano. She is eight years older than I am, so if she dies while I am still young enough I may give it a try for a year or so. I won't sell the house though.

[@skeeter1]

We retired in 2012. We sold our home in 2014 in Saskatchewan. We purchased 40 foot Class A motorhome and moved into it and lived quite easily until 2020 and Covid. We loved the tiny space. Since we couldn't travel for a couple years, we moved in with our son. Since then my husband has found driving the motorhome less and less fun. We have bought a new piece of land and are moving a dwelling onto it. We hope to continue traveling, just not the same way.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wonderful story thank you for sharing it.

[@davefair2969]

My dad lived in RV's for the last 35 years of his life. The later part of that he had one in BC Canada that he bought for $1800 that lasted him about 15 years, though it was falling to bits in the end. A guy in the Okanagen used to let him park it there for free. He also had another one in East Berlin on an industrial estate that nobody gave him any hard times about. He had a child to a German women in his late 50's and used to play saxophone in Berlin and Hamburg and he even had a trailer on a beautiful lake near the border of Germany and Denmark, also pretty much for free. Canada is ridiculously expensive now and has become a strange place in some ways. I went into a washroom on a public park this week, it stunk of urine and cleaning it wasn't a priority it seemed. It was the Men's washroom but had a dispenser with free menstrual sanitary products and a needle deposit box. Trudope's Canada

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Your Dad sounded like quite a character and lived life to the full. Thanks for sharing it.

[@samspade1841]

Well at least we know the government in Canada has their priorities right. That’s why they have a bright economic future 😂🤣

[@wsgriffi]

Hey guys, we did sell everything in 2020 and went full time in our Class A RV and we love it. We own a lot in an RV resort in Florida to stay during the winter months. We travel in the RV and or cruise the rest of the year. Not sure when we will stop.

[@tnstanford]

My parents have done this, but are finding it difficult to locate RV parks with vacancy. Plus, the price of parks is so high, along with diesel.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing sounds a great plan 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦

[@billyrock8305]

Hard pass on an RV. Colossal waste of money and most folks I know who had one got rid of it quickly and always say it was a huge mistake. 😮

[@murraytown4]

Agreed. Like boat ownership. Best day ever for a boat owner, the day you buy the boat. Second to best day, the day you sell it.

[@billyrock8305]

@@murraytown4 Exactly Murray. Retirement is about LESS stress, not MORE stress. 👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hmmm interesting Billy Cheers 🍻

[@Steve-gx9ot]

I Agree = Too many WORRIES in RV living versus condominium living and am very comfortable with all needs here within walking distance.❤❤❤

[@maggiria]

Sadly, some RV campgrounds/parks in BC won’t allow older model RVs to park there.

[@starsmoon0216]

Would love to travel in an RV maybe two months out of the year. Definitely would not want to live in it full time.. We downsized our house in New Jersey to a 55+ community near the Jersey Shore. Definitely gave us more money and freedom. Our bills are minimal. No credit card debt and a comfortable community. I love to travel. My husband not so much. One of these days I'd love to travel across the US and Canada in an RV for two months. Fingers crossed.. Thanks for your videos. You guys are great!!!

[@carolnavan4137]

I wanted to do this for years, but when retirement hit, my MS was at a point where it made more sense to downsize in a house. RVs just seemed like too much work for my capabilities. A 2 storey 1100 sq ft on 5.5 acres in NS cost $95,000. Across from a beach, it is absolute heaven here. Once settled, I will start travelling for the winters hopefully.

[@robertp8896]

Sounds great! Living in Western Canada is getting too expensive. What areas of NS do you recommend?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That sounds a great deal Carol with the huge housing costs in Canada 🇨🇦 Cheers ☕️🇨🇦🍷

[@edesouza2279]

Did you say $95,000? That’s the price of a parking spot in a condo unit in Toronto.

[@carolnavan4137]

@@robertp8896 I purchased in SW Nova, rural Digby County. I have not been here long enough to recommend one area over another. Still have so much exploring to do. But take note, we had no recent snow while the south shore, the east shore, the north shore and Cape Breton all had HUGE amounts up to roof tops in some places.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

There is an R.V. park 1Km. down the road from me on the beach.Residents occupy their units for no more than 6 months of the year.Lots of Albertians.CHEERS from HERE!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Enjoy your weekend Darryl 🙂🍻

[@brendalabranche365]

Yes, I think I know the area you’re speaking of in the Algarve. 😊 ran into it hiking this week, Cheers

[@stickbrick8219]

Van life is not for everyone, did it briefly while travelling for work- like living one room of your house, without plumbing

[@tomcindyhenderson1380]

I think it depends on the couple. I just caution making a hasty decision. It can be very difficult or in some cases impossible to reverse this process. One main reason is that typically the rv depreciates fairly quickly. As for us we have a home base and travel. Just make sure to do what is right for you as we are all different. I do encourage you to get out there and live!

[@edesouza2279]

An RV maybe a solution to homelessness but it’s not an alternative to permanent housing for seniors. There are a number of things seniors need to consider as they grow older. Health care is not just getting access to medications; it’s having access to comprehensive health services, including emergency care, hospitals, mobility facilities and many other unforeseen health care support services.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

In Ontario, my pharmacy has no issue providing me with a 6-month supply of my medications. I also get a 6-month insurance policy which covers all those emergency situations (yes, even helicopter extraction to the nearest hospital). I'd ask, if you are unhealthy why would you leave and put yourself into a bad scenario?

[@edesouza2279]

@@ScubaSteveCanada John Lennon once said “Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans”. Who can predict what their situation would look like from one year to the next during their senior years? Unfortunately, the majority of us don’t just go to bed one night and that’s how it all ends. As seniors with or without health issues we are likely to experience strokes, heart attacks, dementia, fracture body parts, just to name a few of what to expect before the guy in the sky comes calling😂🇨🇦

[@wildhorses6817]

Yes, a d injuries during trips. It is necessary to climb up on top of the RV and do numerous maintenance and repairs during trips and between trips. Much more maintenance than for a house or apartment. Storage fees while not on the road. It is hard work.

[@pamelalambe1356]

You guys are constantly so cool. And give great information. The reference to Nomadland, love it. Enjoy your travels.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Awesome! Thank you! Cheers Pamela 🍷

[@paulachristie7807]

We spent 8 months in Mexico in 2011/12 and met many snowbirds from Canada and the US enjoying Mexico in their RV's.

[@stewartdunkley4108]

We have a 34' Super C and have traveled and camped with our horses across the southern US for up to 5 months at a time and here are a few observations. RV's are expensive to maintain, something always needs fixing so you better be handy or have deep pockets. Sites are Not cheap although there are some BLM lands, and US Core of Engineer parks that are reasonable. Driving a large rig ( 34' plus 22' of trailer) is challenging, wind and transports can be hairy, and parking can be difficult. All that being said it can be a fantastic lifestyle but it does take a commitment to planning, living with just the necessities in close quarters and shared goals and expectations. Allowable time in the US and travel insurance are also factors to consider but It is all worth it for us. Enjoying retirement our way!!

[@traceyswainson7045]

My parents are 80 and have retired in an RV, near the NWT border!! Yes, it gets to-40 and colder, but they have a small addition with a wood stove.

[@sharonh.6014]

I'm from Atlantic Canada and we spend 3 months of winter traveling around Florida in our 19.5' campervan. We stay in various beautiful state parks around Florida, with a few boondocking days in between at Cracker Barrels lol. It's very economical.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Very interesting thanks for sharing 🇨🇦🙂🇺🇸

[@brendalabranche365]

I’m unsure of other countries, but while Canadian park sites are gorgeous…. well maintained, and pricy. 🌲 a RV site can easily be the cost of a hotel room, or even more. Many, if not most mall parking lots no longer allow overnight parking, from my experience. However, it’s an Interesting topic. Cheers.

[@sjbutler2330]

Not for me Tina and Norm! I've heard too many horror stories of missing seniors that failed to show up to said destinations along the highways and back roads that have shown up as disappeared, murdered campers vehicles set on fire and burnt out... Not seen ever again or found years later!!! Too dangerous while traveling in my opinion. Do not wish to become a statistic! Have a great day you two! 🙂

[@oldbloke204]

I think that another thing that people don't take into account is that it really isn't a cheap option and what do you do when you inevitably have to stop? With the way house prices are going in most places most won't be able to get back into the property market and so may struggle at a time in life that you really don't want to be struggling.

[@benyablonski6278]

Good thought. Excellent way to get people to think it thru. - a few extra thoughts about RV living is; Mold, Humidity, Maintenance ( a lot of things can break or need to be tightened, vibrations erc) Good to see you guys. Appreciate your topic. ~ Ben Y Vancouver ISLAND

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Always great to hear from you Ben have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

No mold, no humidity in much of the SW U.S. Maintenance is required regardless of where you live, get used to doing it yourself. For the next two weeks, 25 to 27 C temps, sunshine and light winds. Feb. 17th, 2024. Can't beat this over shoveling snow.

[@cherrybb3888]

I was lucky growing up to RV with my parents all over the US and Canada in the summers. My parents owned an RV into their 80’s and enjoyed 2-3 months of the year traveling, but did own a home in retirement. My husband and I decided it was not for us for many reasons. But it is a way to see the country at your own pace.

[@jondonahue7163]

The American West is mostly government land, free or VERY low cost to camp on. Gravel and dirt roads, but very little mud or heavy sand. A 25' or smaller Class C is perfect here... because it also fits in our national park spaces, many of which were built in the Depression and can't take larger Class A's. It is almost always sunny, and you can relax off-grid and then come into little towns like my Tombstone to stock up. Most little towns away from cities let you park anywhere -- you don't have to be in an RV park. Though we have nice ones here, very inexpensive in summer, with electricity to run your rig's air conditioner. Not a bad life!

[@gardenlevel7385]

I'm putting the finishing touches on a restoration of an old ClassC and am looking forward to taking trips this summer. I like the idea of being able to visit friends and family around the country without imposing, visiting places I've only read about and having the ability to remain in a place if I want. If it works out I might rent out my home and live longer in the camper, after the cat goes to heaven.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have fun!

[@faygallagher8425]

Goodmorning. Thankyou for your video. You have reinforced what options are out there if you want to venture out and see different parts of the world. Personally, we are past the nomadic stage but support any adventures one can manage. Good on them. Makes me come back to that saying, Wish I was back in my 20s knowing what I know today 😊 You two stay safe and see you when the snow is gone ❤

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it we loved our two week trip in the RV enjoy your trip Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🙂🇺🇸

[@andycommonsincanada]

We are EX Pats too. Thankfully we are lucky enough to not have to sell our home and have a comfortable income from our real estate investments. We live full time in our 45 foot 5th wheel toyhauler year round. Spending 6 months in the USA and 6 months in Canada. New Zealand is on the cards for us in 2025 for 3 months and maybe Portugal the following winter. Absolutely no regrets living in our RV. It’s actually bigger than our very first home in Yorkshire which was a one up, one down ha ha. 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@carolynadams1249]

We have a home in Newfoundland and that’s where we live, but we use our RV to camp and travel in when we want to do the pleasure thing, we also use our RV to drive to the airport in and park it for two weeks, while we fly for our spring cruise south, or out to see family in western Canada. Because of our crazy hours to have to fly leaving Newfoundland, (always real late at night or real early in the morning) I find it very convenient to drive to the airport in the night and spend the night in our own bed, we also find it convenient to stay in the motorhome when we go to the larger towns for concerts and shows.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing Carolyn Cheers 🇨🇦🙂☕️

[@shamrocks54]

Hi Norm and Tina from Tillsonburg Ontario, we have been following you for a long time, the Grandkids just showed how to do comments, We arrive in Albufeira March 4th for 1 month, perhaps we might bump into you guys. Thanks for the tips, Tap air this time via Lisbon, and trying a different Hotel. Airfares and hotel prices have gone crazy over the past couple of years.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Awesome! Thank you! yes prices of hotels have skyrocketed 😱 since Covid , we are paying way more that in 2020. We have flown Tap we are hearing people getting great train and bus deals from Lisbon to Albufeira hope you have a great stay and yes we might see you 🙂

[@TrekkingwithMikeandDeb]

We have been full-time rvers for 9 years and are now in the Florida Panhandle heading to the Canadian Maritimes this summer. We are US citizens and spent last May and June on Vancouver Island before heading to Arizona. We love it. But it does take a lot of planning.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing Cheers 🇺🇸🙂🇨🇦

[@pandulce87]

Tin has the best video ideas

[@davedfw814]

Thank You for this, food for thought indeed.

[@Steve-gx9ot]

There CAN BE MAJOR Problems living in RV full time. Be careful

[@keepcreationprocess]

Good topic, thank you...

[@shelleylewis5294]

Good content, thank you for sharing

[@murraytown4]

Renting an RV is likely the best option.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We think so too Murray 🙂🇨🇦

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

My husband had talked about vacationing or living in an RV when we retired but at the time it didn't sound very appealing to me. I would be more likely to do it now but I'm a widow and I surely wouldn't want to try to drive one myself! One other thing that I heard from another Channel similar to yours is that this couple had an RV and they try to find a park in Florida to go to for part of the winter and it was basically impossible and they found out that unless you are one of the first people on a website that is opening up spaces, you just can't get into a park there. They ended up giving up on it and sold it and decided to buy a small home there instead and they rehabbed it to make it more comfortable and to repair some things. So it may depend on where and when you want to do your traveling.

[@CaminoTurtle]

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER if you are going to live in an RV full time - When you sell your home or stop renting a permanent home in the USA you need to be sure you have a legal state of residence. The reason you have to have a legal state of residence is for health care, banking, and voting. None of these activities will accept a post office box as a legal residence. Once you work out this detail, I can say that retiring in an RV is a great way to travel full-time. You can travel as quickly or slowly as you want so you can meet amazing people and see amazing places. It's a great life.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Great point thanks for sharing this, we here a lot of people make a family member’s address theirs.

[@jennyrego7321]

We rent our home out and we live and travel in our campervan in Australia. Now we are going to purchase one in France. We can register, insure and store it in France too. This enables us to go back to Australia every 6 months. We love it 😊

[@davidmaclachlan]

Appreciate the video. We are toying with a few ideas and a RV or camper trailer is one of them. Always enjoy your videos.

[@nonnasstitchingloungewithr7281]

Last year, our British friends who now live in France visited us in Albufeira in their Caravan. They drove it from the Bordeaux and across northern Spain to Albufeira. It would be a great trip.

[@andrewkiggins3063]

[@JohnEddieg]

We love you and your sensible videos. You two do service to the people like us who want to see the world in retirement. We have followed Rick Steve and now you. We have done Malaga for 6 weeks during COVID finally having to return to Milwaukee and cancelling Morocco. Last year we did Portugal, Lisbon, Porto and then drove to the Algarve for 5 weeks … fantastic. We are in Mexico City right now for 6 weeks. Life is good for us 67 year olds and we want to see it…. Thank you again and see you out there

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much so glad you enjoy our videos have a great time in Mexico 🇲🇽 Cheers 🙂

[@leannekenyoung]

Wow you are living my dream!! Congrats enjoy all your travels!🥰❤️🙏🏻🇨🇦🍁

[@margaretfinney6546]

You guys are amazing, very adventurous 😊and very happy. May God always bless you with many more adventures.💕

[@debbieholden7790]

We are on winter number two in our RV. We drive from Ontario to South Padre Island and live here for 3-4 months and simply love it. Our site fees are around $700 in the premium sites and were right on the ocean. We are now thinking maybe we could full time between Canada and the US. Love the idea of buying an old RV using it over seas somewhere and then reselling before moving on....all the things you wouldn't have thought of but open your mind to so many possibilities.

[@kathysarmiento4652]

Great video as usual!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks Kathy 🍷🇨🇦☕️🙂

[@MrGearoid65]

Hi guys, another interesting angle on retirement possibilities!!! With property prices off the Richter scale in most developed countries, it makes sense to look at unusual and original solutions to the accommodation issue in older age. I've seen youtube videos on people who bought a small parcel of land in a cheap location, live there for part of the year, and travel for several months. Nice if it works out. Not for me, this one, but I applaud you for highlighting the idea... once again, you're obviously thriving in Portugal!!!! Catch you on the next one! 👊👍

[@Beyondjustjen-mw7gt]

Tiny living is definitely a personal choice! Our experience was great, especially when it came down to the utility bills! I also loved how the "house work" was done in no time at all! 🙂

[@christopherbarker976]

Hi Tina& Norm good to see you both again thanks for the info and it’s good you are showing people that there are other options 👍but I don’t think it’s for me Take care looking forward to your next video. Regards. Christopher Barker 😊🥂

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! Christopher 🇬🇧☕️🇨🇦

[@paulhunter6652]

Hi Norm and Tina! Cold in Ontario!! There is no way we could live in an RV for numerous reasons. Great for the people who can do it and enjoy it. Off to Cuba soon..a trip that my wife won. It’s a game of skill. That would be a great video lol. Have a fantastic weekend. Cheers!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s great Paul congrats on winning a trip to Cuba 🇨🇺 Cheers 🇨🇺☕️🙂🇨🇦

[@kenmcclow8963]

I’ve thought a lot about doing a version of full time living in an RV and I know several people who do that already. My version would probably have a home base like the trailer in a campground that you guys already have. I haven’t managed to get serious about selling my house, but I did take my trailer down to Palm Springs for awhile to take a break from PNW weather. Since I enjoy summers around Seattle and Vancouver I had thought about buying a campsite near my house to spend 2-3 months in, or a place in Arizona for winter, and then do my traveling in spring and fall. I’ve looked at various versions of buying a house, or a van in Europe and buying a house is easy, but then you get to pay all the utilities and taxes that go with it. It does come with the perk of eventually getting temporary residency and the better healthcare in Europe. Some countries wouldn’t let you buy a car without residency though, although evidently you can get around that by setting up a company to buy the car, or RV. My uncle sailed his boat around the world and bought cars in New Zealand and Australia while he was visiting there. In his case he was buying an old car from some cruisers who were leaving and selling it on to some arriving cruisers. I could see making a case either way between a car or RV based on the cost and availability of places to sleep and eat. In my recent drive from Seattle to Palm Springs and back I slept in rest stops on the freeway because it was not much above freezing, so I didn’t want to do any of the things I would do on a summer trip. I looked at one campground along the way, but it was $75 for a night and the only benefit would have been using electric heat instead of propane.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It’s hard Ken deciding on what to do have a great weekend Cheers 🇺🇸☕️🙂🍻

[@kmilton1593]

Cheers to the people who traveled Australia & New Zealand on old R.V.s. Your first story of the shared campsite ownership/rental in southern B.C. sure doesn't appeal to me: it has been so hot down there in recent years, and people have been gagging on all the forest fire smoke there (and my distant relatives had their dream home and small antique car collection burned to the ground there). The last option of "Living In a Van" is a pretty grim option: (i have followed that on youtube for the last three years: cramped and lonely in a van with maybe a dog for company: pretty sad.) Guess i am lucky to own my own buildings & land: and today watched the happy chickadees at the bird feeder!

[@oldbloke204]

Same here. We're very fortunate in that we live in a very popular tourist area in a nice old home amongst large gardens that anyone who comes here love. Sort of like being on holidays every day really. Why anyone would sell a home to fund things like travel is beyond me really.

[@DeanRamser]

Very interesting!!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you think so! 🙂☕️

[@maloyo7901]

As someone who absolutely hates road trips; I can't even imagine! I've seen some of those van life YT channels, and they just make me feel lucky that I don't have to do that. As they say today, I'm shook!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

😂😂🚐

[@newworld6474]

as long as you are healthy

[@melvano4014]

Blessed to have this balance with no debt: Home 38 weeks, cruise ship 3 weeks, family vacations 2 weeks and RV 9 weeks.

[@cathybildson-cardoso6485]

Hi Tina and Norm, hope you are enjoying your time in Portugal. In this time, I think people will have to think differently about retirement. While housing is becoming unattainable for a lot of people and the rising cost of living, future retirees will have to become creative on how to obtain a comfortable and satisfying retirement life. RV life or tiny homes might be the way to go for many.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have a great weekend Cathy Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

You need to understand the weather patterns before diving in. Example, Yuma, Arizona doesn't get winter snow but the overnight temps get down to freezing. If you RV, or you, aren't prepared, you will hate it.

[@mikedennington8856]

What about getting mail, health care? It's ok when young but at age 60 and over how do we know what illnesses are going to hit us, mobility issues.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Good points Mike Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🙂

[@kenmcclow8963]

Most people use a mail forwarding service which will either open your mail and send scans, or gather your mail and send to wherever you are. Most of my bills come to my email already so I don’t get much physical mail. If you select a service that is a place that you can travel to then you can swing by periodically and pick up mail that you want. Someone I know has his mail service in Nevada and also his residency, and travels in the western US, so he is never more than a day or two of driving away from his mail and his doctor. My health insurance is good in all 50 states, but I know some people have narrow networks that are only good in their home state, so I would think about travel insurance. I know of some people who primarily travel outside the US and their policy covers them everywhere including the US as long as they don’t spend much time in the US. I believe some Medicare Advantage plans will reimburse you for healthcare in other countries, but I’m not old enough for Medicare, so I haven’t learned about it yet

[@jamesunger9310]

Hailing from Canada, we’ve travelled extensively with our 16’ trailer throughout the southern USA in the winter months. Where we live in New Brunswick there is no zoning and living in an rv is permitted (many people use them seasonally here as camps). Our home sits on an acre and we are planning on setting up a full service site on the back corner (forested and private) which we can use as a base and rent out the house. Home in the summer (Maritime summers are wonderful) and down south in the winter (USA and Mexico). If we don’t move around to much, the rent from our house will cover our expenses. We are quite frugal in our travels, mainly boondock and prefer to stay put for weeks at a time (even longer if permitted). If you’re not careful rv travel can be very expensive!

[@robertross8565]

If I tried to retire to an RV, my wife would leave me. So yes, it's possible if I go it alone.

[@ArmandPileggi]

Don't make an expense mistake you're regret😊

[@user-vb1ct6dj1z]

❤...Sounds like so much fun! Something to think about for sure. Keep up the good work.- Mike from Ottawa 🍻🥂🏒🥅☕️

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hi Mike have a great weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🙂

[@user-vb1ct6dj1z]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement Do you have a P.O. box...I'd like to send you a small token of thanks.- Mike from Ottawa🍻

[@user-vb1ct6dj1z]

Thanks!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much Mike!

[@janetbeal-carlson1871]

We own our home but we are half time Rver's. We spend our winter's in Arizona for the warmth and our summers between Colorado and Washington state in higher elevations to avoid the heat. We have a toyhauler camper so we can bring our polaris utv.

[@dianeosgood6594]

Best to have a home that is paid for in retirement that you can handle and afford the upkeep and property taxes. Most US cities give a property tax break over 65. If you have owned the property for 10 yrs or so.

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

Since Covid RVs (campervan here) and caravan sales have increased considerable. Our reason to not do this is we love the small winding roads, the out of the way places ( as you know from our French and UK Road trips 😉) . We do think it is ideal to have your home with you while traveling as you can stop and stay longer or shorter where ever you find yourself. We did that when we had the caravan. We now choose BnB's and small hotels or chalet/cabin type accommodation. Serves us well. I think if we had bought the RV (campervan here) earlier we may possibly be more on the road than at home now. Though we love the chosen retirement lifestyle we live. Have a great Sunday. 🇳🇱🙋‍♀🇳🇿

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes Anita lots of fun on those windy roads ! we also like having a base to come back to and then go travelling again have a great weekend Cheers 🇳🇱🙂🍷🇨🇦

[@domcizek]

YES, VERY COMMON IN THE USA, I MET A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE LIVED IN AN RV YEAROUND, GO SOUTH FOR THE WINTER AND NORTH FOR THE SUMMER,

[@Dutchy-1168]

Great possibilities ‼️‼️

[@rosalindabarrett7508]

Great fun

[@elisabethgyorko7333]

We came back from Portugal last night, what a wonderful month long trip! Thank for the inspiration Tina and Norm. Loved Tavira, couldn't help myself shouting out "we are in Vilamoura!" Visited the Benegil caves, Sagres, Lisbon, Porto, Braga...so much history, beaty and architecture...going back again 😊 Thank you for your hard work!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! glad you had a great time Elisabeth Cheers 🙂🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@leannekenyoung]

Would you mind sharing where you stayed and what your total trip cost was? I know this channel has shared prices but they are 3-4yrs ago and I’d like to know how expensive it is currently? Seems everything has become insanely expensive!❤️🥰🍁🇨🇦🙏🏻

[@mariagoncalves6974]

I love your idea to live in an RV in the Algarve Thank you

[@missbiggs9437]

Nope, absolutely not. Nothing about this way of living, especially in my older days, interests me. It’s definitely not my lifestyle.

[@LookNook2020]

I feel the same way! I would feel homeless and insecure.

[@kp8740]

I understand it’s a possibility, but not for me. Thank for presenting it though.

[@denischeevers9429]

Great idea but not for everybody. We did look at modular home parks at one time but I think they are over priced and we are not fans of condo and maintaince fees as they will never go down and the older the buying or park the more that has to be done. We got accessed for over $12000 at one time so you can see our reluctance on that. Did you rent a car this time or our you using public transport all the time.?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

No car this time we got the senior bus pass for a month and using Vamus 🚌 buses to go to Faro , Quarteria etc so far it’s working our really good .Cheers 🇨🇦🚌☕️🇵🇹

[@paul_domici]

Sounds like a fun plan guys!!! : )

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks Paul 🙂🍻

[@paul_domici]

I might try this myself : ) @@ThisIsOurRetirement

[@krisevans5022]

Read Nomadland by Jessica Bruner. It’s the book the movie was based on. Meticulously researched and excellently written, it’s a searing account of The housing situation in the US. And many of those affected by that situation are single women. It’s a frightening situation.

[@philwilson8617]

We have good friends that tried this. They are sick of it, and struggling to find permanent housing. Once you get into you late 70's, it's not a good plan.

[@MBR4740]

Sunkatchers Co-op, about 10-15 minutes west of Keremeos BC is quite nice with seemingly friendly people, but their RV sites rarely come up for sale and if they do, they come with existing leaseholds that also have to be purchased. Maybe 1-2 sites come up per year out of (I think) 60 sites. Yes $ 15+ $ 10,000 Co-op base price but total price may be $ 50-80-120,000. Still, might work for people with existing surplus house equity and some of the leasehold improvements are fairly nice. Apparently a lot of the park residents do go away in winter, so can be lonely if fewer people remaining to socialize with. Medical health clinic back in Keremeos and larger hospital 45 minutes away in Penticton. Mitigation against adjacent river flooding seems well built. Still, its a nice setting with communal firepit near the river, community club house, workshop building as well as extra vehicle parking at the end of the park.

[@berniekeene868]

It can be tricky for a non-EU resident to BUY an RV, license and insure it in Europe. It can be done, but you really need to do a lot of research. I've seen a few YT videos about it. I am considering it for a few years from now.

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

Tina, I dropped a comment on this video about the RTR in Arizona where you can get exonomical repairs to your home on wheels. Have you spoken to Bob Wells because I would love to see you interview him for your viewers about his life on wheels! 😘

[@louisethompson6762]

Yep! I think, I could. If, I had someone with me. Never alone. Summer in Canada. And winter in the USA sone place nice & warm. 😊😊😊

[@johnny_blades]

My wife and I are on planning selling the house and retiring into our RV for the go go years, though we will stay with family and friends throughout each year, so the flexibility is there. Eventually in the slow/no go years we will go into a small house situation, close to family. 🙂

[@NorthernLibrarian]

Not for me. We travelled all over the US and Canada with a 5th wheel when the kids where young. It was a cheap way to travel back then although a lot of work with the setup, sewer, continual shopping due to lack of fridge space etc.. Now not only is it expensive but if you want a site in Ontario this summer you better have it all booked now. We had a seasonal site for 10 years and sold it a couple of years ago when a big company took things over. I don't know of anywhere in the province where you could camp throughout the year - usually it is May through October.

[@chrisevans7416]

What about boat life i spend 300 a month for 36 ft included hydro water,internet and can spend 6 months on it in Ontario

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Interesting!

[@jennifercreeggan1043]

I was reading the Ontario health info online yesterday and I believe you can be away for 2 years, as long as you had spent 5 months of each year in the last two years in Ontario. So you can travel for 7 months per year for 2 years, then you’re free to be gone for 2 full years and still keep your Ohip. We’re planning our escape this year. Selling the house and doing a combo of international travel and travelling in a camper van. We were looking at something bigger but decided we’d rather have the mobility and get an air bnb here and there if we need room. Love your videos!

[@ASMR_Lighting]

Beware of Canada Pension rules though - especially OAS requires one to be in Canada at least 6 months of the year or it is clawed back

[@jennifercreeggan1043]

@@ASMR_Lighting There isn't a residency requirement for CPP and OAS, as long as you met the eligibility before you left the country. There's a 25% withholding tax but you can file a section 17 form and get that reduced. You have to be in Canada 6mos/yr to collect GIS, but most retirees don't qualify for that benefit.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Seems there is a lot of differences between OHIP and OAS when you are out of the country worth checking into 🙂

[@ReallyHappened]

Yes I think RV life would be a great experience.

[@sn2346]

Can you create a video about stock photography?