Experience Life Interview: Two Girls, One Camper Share How They Manage RVing Full Time

 

 

We are thrilled to re-introduce you to one of our favorite road warrior inspirations, Two Girls One Camper. With the motivating tagline, "no place to go, but everywhere," Mandy and her beloved pup Opal are traveling across the states in their remodeled Class C. You'll be ready to pack up your motorhome and hit the road after you read our coverage of this dynamic duo. Mandy shares how she works from the road, tips on budgeting, traveling with a pup, and more. Check out the full interview below.

 


All photography provided by Two Girls One Camper

 

Has travel always been a part of your life? What made you decide to take on RVing full time?
Two Girls One Camper: I've always loved traveling and recently spent a good amount of time traveling abroad. Bouncing around from place to place without a real routine became exhausting and it was hard to leave my dog behind. I decided living in a camper would be the ideal way to combine my desire to travel while also experiencing the stability of a home (and Opal could come along). I spent a year researching RVs, vans, travel trailers... everything. I stumbled upon my camper on Craigslist. It was already remodeled and was only a 20-minute drive from my boyfriend's house... it was like it was meant to be. I bought it at the end of February, spent some time fixing her up, practiced my driving and hit the road in April!

What do you do for a living?
TGOC: I work remotely for a marketing firm. The whole team is remote, which makes it the ideal job for an RVer. I had the opportunity before I left so the transition was really easy. Finding reliable WiFi and a quiet place to work can sometimes be a challenge, but I haven't had too many problems. I love the flexibility, the people I work with and the projects I work on. It was absolutely essential for me to have a source of income to be able to sustain this lifestyle.

 



 

Tell us about Opal!
TGOC: Opal is an eight-year-old mystery-mutt! I was actually given a DNA test for her. The results say she is 75% mixed-breed. I fostered dogs when I was in college in Miami and she was the one I couldn't let go. She was about one when I first met her and was already named, although my birthstone is an opal. She is such a sweet and easy-going dog with a great personality. I'm literally obsessed with her and refer to her as my roommate.


What are your tips on saving/budgeting while RVing full time?
TGOC: I am not the best at budgeting. Gas is definitely one of my biggest expenses, so I recommend traveling slow and always remember, you don't need to keep driving if money is tight. Campgrounds are more expensive then I had anticipated, so I try to boondock as much as possible. I would definitely recommend that you invest in a National Park's Pass ($80 for 12 months). I don't spend much money on touristy activities and instead, opt for those that are free. I am a big believer in enjoying the experience, so don't limit yourself!

 




Best part about living on the road? Hardest part?
TGOC: The hardest parts are what make the best parts possible... spending Saturday nights at the bar alone can feel awkward, but enjoying a new city is exhilarating.
Figuring out the next place to park can be exhausting, but having an evolving backyard is so rewarding. The drive up the mountain can be slow and scary, but the view at the top is always worth it.


Favorite spot/part of the country you've visited so far in your RV?
TGOC: I absolutely loved the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. The ecosystems are so diverse - from lavender fields to driftwood-laden shores and dense rainforest, that state has it all. I stayed at a state park right on the beach, fell asleep to the sound of the waves crashing and woke up to whales outside my window. It was seriously magical.

 

Are you an RVer on the road? Let us know in the comment section for a chance to be featured on our blog! Loving our road warrior interviews? Check out our interview from when we talked to Newstate Nomads about How They Manage RVing Full-Time.