A Life on the Road: Embracing Adventure with Family
Stephanee DellaCruz and her husband, Steven, have taken a bold step by leaving behind their traditional careers to live a life of constant travel in a motorhome. With their three children in tow, the family has chosen to embrace an unconventional lifestyle that revolves around exploring America. Their journey began when Stephanee, now 40, decided she wanted more than the typical routine. She convinced Steven, 41, to join her in a cross-country adventure that includes their then five-month-old infant.
The family has shared their experiences through social media, highlighting both the highs and lows of their nomadic lifestyle. They have spent time in various states, including California, Arizona, and Florida, while also managing the challenges of educating their children on the move.
The Decision to Live on the Road
“We sold 90% of our belongings, bought a used fifth wheel and bigger truck, and moved into the RV. We have been traveling the country ever since,” Stephanee said. As a content creator, she finds joy in meeting new people, trying different restaurants, and seeing diverse landscapes.
Originally from California, Stephanee shared that while some family members were initially concerned about their decision, Steven’s background in the US Army had already prepared them for life away from their usual support network.
Challenges of Life on the Road
Despite the excitement, living in an RV comes with its own set of difficulties. Stephanee acknowledged that maintaining the vehicle, dealing with road dangers, and navigating unfamiliar areas can be challenging. She explained that life on the road isn’t always smooth sailing.
“Life still happens on the road, like homeschooling, illness, etc., so sometimes we aren’t able to really experience a place before we have to move on — life gets in the way,” she said. Forming deep adult relationships can be tough when travel schedules don’t align. However, her children make friends quickly, and they often meet the same families repeatedly during their travels.
The Benefits of Traveling as a Family
Despite the challenges, the DellaCruzes find immense value in their lifestyle. They hope to inspire other families who are tired of the daily grind. The couple enjoys discovering new places, especially during the summer months in the northern United States.
Stephanee noted that RVs aren’t as easy to keep comfortable as houses. “Anything too hot or cold can get uncomfortable or require special modifications to the RV, so mild climates are our preference,” she said. However, the rewards are worth it. She loves showing her children the beauty of the country and spending quality time together as a family.
Learning from Every Destination
The family has met many amazing people from different backgrounds, and Stephanee feels they learn something from every place they visit. “It’s also great to be able to clean your whole house in under an hour,” she added.
Regarding how others perceive their lifestyle, Stephanee admitted that not everyone understands it. “I have had to become very thick-skinned and confident in my own decisions in order to not let that get to me,” she said.
A Normal Life with a Twist
Most days for the DellaCruzes are “a lot more ‘normal’ than people think,” according to Stephanee. Meals and homeschooling for her children, aged 11, seven, and five, take up much of their time. Other days are spent adventuring in beautiful locations across the country.
Neither Stephanee nor Steven works a regular nine-to-five job, so their schedule is flexible, and their days reflect that. While their lifestyle may seem adventurous, it also involves a lot of everyday routines.
