3 Tips to Help You Stay Sane During Extended RV Travel with Others

Traveling and living in an RV for a long period of time – or even full time! – is a unique challenge, not only for the typical logistics involved (Where will you park? How much will everything cost?), but also because you’ll be in a relatively small space. And if you’re traveling with a significant other, friends, or family, that small space can feel even smaller quickly. Tempers can flare and frustrations can rise, causing arguments and hurt feelings.

So how can you stay sane and happy while living in a small space with others for a long time? 

Take Time for Yourself

Any relationship that involves two people or a group of people (like friends or family) is healthy when all parties have time to explore their own interests and hobbies. You may love spending as much time as possible with your significant other, but it’s important to take that hike you really want to go on, even if your SO doesn’t want to. Likewise, doing family activities strengthens the bond between family members but it’s okay to make time for your blog writing or whatever personal activity is meaningful and fulfilling to you.

Make Space for Each Other 

If feeling like people are on top of you is a common problem, make sure your RV is big enough to accommodate anyone traveling with you. Your family may have been ready to gouge each others’ eyes out when you used the pop-up camper last year, so it could be time to upgrade to a larger RV with more space. Granted, not everyone can afford to upgrade, so you might have to get creative. If creating more physical space is a concern, find yourself a spot to sit outside or go to a coffee shop while someone else is inside the RV. Taking the kids to a movie or museum when another family member has to work online or get tasks around the RV done is another option.

Communicate!

Tensions typically rise when people are frustrated over an action or circumstance. If you can properly and clearly communicate to others around you when you are starting to feel overwhelmed or stressed out, you can help avoid the emotional explosion that could erupt otherwise. If you need time away from the kids, express to your SO that you need a break and figure out a way to make that happen. If you’re frustrated that plans for an excursion fell through, discuss your frustration with your partner or group and come up with a new game plan.

It’s not easy living in a small space with multiple people for a long period of time. But if you keep these three tips in mind, it could be easier than ever before!

Have you had to share a tight space with others in an RV before? Were there issues? What did you do to solve them? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!