Ditching the 9-to-5: A Decade of Freedom on the Open Road
For Karen, 58, and Myles Davies, 59, the daily grind of corporate life became a distant memory back in 2016. What began as a planned “grown-up gap year” has blossomed into a decade-long adventure, transforming their lives and their definition of home. They’ve traded the confines of a traditional lifestyle for the boundless freedom of the open road, becoming affectionately known as The Motoroamers.
Their trusty home on wheels, affectionately named ‘Scoobie’, has been their constant companion as they’ve traversed an astonishing 110,000 miles across 30 European countries. This isn’t just a fleeting escape; it’s a deeply fulfilling way of life that they’ve cultivated for ten remarkable years.
“Life is too short to regret!” Karen declares with conviction, reflecting on their incredible journey. From the rugged coastlines of Norway to the sun-drenched beaches of Portugal, the historic streets of Estonia, the vibrant landscapes of Romania, and even the vast Sahara desert in Morocco, their travels have spanned every corner of the continent and beyond.
From Burnout to Bliss: The Genesis of The Motoroamers
The seeds of this nomadic lifestyle were sown not in a desire for escape, but from a place of exhaustion. Karen and Myles, who met in 1988 and married in 1989, found themselves overwhelmed by the demands of running multiple businesses and working relentless seven-day weeks. This relentless pace, particularly during their time on the Isle of Man, left them feeling drained and unwell.
Recognising the toll this was taking, they made the courageous decision to step away from their established careers and embark on a new path. While they initially retreated to the tranquil Somerset countryside, a yearning for something more, a spark of adventure that had always been a part of them, led them to the ultimate leap of faith in March 2016.
The Art of Living Small: More Than Just Four Wheels
Their motorhome, ‘Scoobie’, is more than just a vehicle; it’s their home, their office, and their sanctuary. Karen, a talented yoga teacher, travel writer, and author, alongside Myles, an investor who manages their rental property, have built a sustainable life on the road. They manage to live comfortably on an estimated £1,500 to £2,000 per month, a figure that pales in comparison to the £1,350 they were previously spending on rent alone.
“We may be houseless but we are not homeless,” Karen explains, highlighting the profound shift in their perspective. Their seven-and-a-half-metre motorhome may be compact, but it fosters an intimacy and connection that a larger dwelling couldn’t offer. “When you live in a small place with the right person, it can feel more expansive than being in a large space with the wrong person,” she muses. Their days are a carefully choreographed dance, a testament to their synchronicity, making their mobile home feel anything but small, unless, as Karen humorously notes, it’s pouring with rain!
Navigating New Horizons: Brexit and the Evolving Wanderlust
The advent of Brexit has introduced a new layer of complexity to their nomadic existence. The Schengen Zone’s 90/180-day rule now requires careful planning, necessitating a strategic approach to their European sojourns. However, Karen views this not as a restriction, but as an opportunity for broader exploration.
“We have started to look differently at where we travel to and for how long now, searching for new horizons,” she explains. The increasing popularity of popular winter destinations like Spain and Portugal for motorhome enthusiasts means they are actively seeking out less-travelled paths. This shift has encouraged them to venture into regions they might not have otherwise considered, a positive outcome that fuels their ongoing sense of discovery.
The Wisdom of Stillness: A Transformed Perspective on Travel
Over the past decade, Karen and Myles have discovered a profound truth about travel: it’s not just about movement, but also about stillness. In their early years, their approach was more akin to a whirlwind tour, driven by a desire to tick off sights. Now, their perspective has matured.
“You look at the map differently when you are travelling fast. You only catch the superficial stuff, which is amazing and lovely, but when you stand still you feel and see more,” Karen reflects. This slower pace allows for deeper cultural immersion, fostering encounters that genuinely reshape their understanding of the world. This lesson has become even more poignant for Karen, who recently sustained an ankle injury, forcing a deeper appreciation for patience and the art of being present.
Their journey is a testament to the fact that true fulfillment can be found outside conventional norms. By embracing a simpler, more intentional way of life, Karen and Myles have not only escaped the “rat race” but have discovered a richer, more meaningful existence on the road. They continue to inspire others, proving that with courage and a willingness to redefine success, a life of adventure and personal growth is well within reach.
