Patty and Shane Gill have achieved a remarkable travel goal, ticking off the final US state on their map just as 2025 began. This milestone marks the culmination of a five-year journey in their recreational vehicle (RV), a lifestyle they embraced after their children left home. The couple, both in their 50s, initially sought a way to downsize and explore the country as empty nesters, finding their large Texas house increasingly unnecessary.
The Leap into Full-Time RV Living
The opportunity to transition to RV life arose in October 2020. Capitalising on a favourable housing market, Patty and Shane sold their Texas home, which they had once envisioned as their forever residence. This significant decision paved the way for their new adventure. Initially, their RV travels were more localised, with the couple spending their first year primarily within Texas.
Patty shared that their initial fascination with the RV lifestyle began years earlier when they owned a camper for weekend getaways. This earlier experience proved invaluable, smoothing their transition into full-time RV living. Their initial plan was fluid, focusing on enjoying the journey for as long as it brought them satisfaction. “We were kind of going with the flow,” Patty explained. While they hope to continue travelling indefinitely, they have also established a small plot of land in Texas as a home base. This strategic move aligns with their long-term financial plan to save money through their travels, enabling them to purchase property and a house outright, free from mortgage payments, once their nomadic phase concludes. They even envision building a tiny home on this land.
A Cross-Country Quest: Visiting All 50 States
The ambitious goal of visiting every US state was born during the summer of 2024. After spending time in Alaska, Shane suggested they aim to visit the remaining 20 states they hadn’t yet explored in their RV, completing the circuit before their five-year “nomad anniversary” in October 2025. “That’s a big milestone to say you’ve lived in an RV and travelled in it for that long,” Patty remarked.
Their final state to conquer was West Virginia, a visit they particularly enjoyed during the autumn, taking in the beauty of New River Gorge National Park. Patty clarified that while they had visited some states previously, they only counted them towards their goal if they had travelled there in their camper. For instance, they had been to Hawaii years ago when Shane was in the Air Force. To officially “check off” Hawaii for their RV goal, they flew there and then rented a van to serve as their RV for exploring Maui, where they indulged in snorkelling with sea turtles and spotting dolphins.
Favourite Destinations and Unexpected Surprises
When reflecting on their travels, Alaska emerged as Patty’s favourite state. She cited the breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, pleasant weather, and the array of activities available as key highlights. “There was not a day that we were driving through Alaska where I was not in awe,” she enthused. Experiencing Denali from above and exploring a glacier were among their most cherished moments in the Last Frontier.
Utah also captured Patty’s heart, with its stunning canyons and five national parks offering an unforgettable experience. She also found California to be incredibly beautiful, appreciating the state’s diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains to expansive deserts.
However, not every state offered the same level of excitement. Patty admitted that, based on their visit, Kansas and Nebraska didn’t present a wealth of activities. “It’s a lot of corn fields,” she noted, “but we still got to see some really neat things while we were there, unique places and things.”
With all 50 states now under their belt, the Gills plan to revisit some of their favourite locations for extended stays, delving deeper into what each region has to offer. They also harbour aspirations for international travel, potentially continuing their RV adventures in other countries.
The Empty Nest and a Stronger Marriage
Patty strongly advocates for empty nesters to travel together, regardless of whether they opt for an RV. She believes that the transition to life without children can present an opportunity to redefine and strengthen a marriage. “Your kids were your number one priority, making sure they’re getting to school, making sure they’re getting good grades, make sure they get into college, all these things,” she explained. “For us, it’s made our marriage stronger because we’re together a lot more,” she added. “We’re able to see all these amazing places. We have learned to work together better because we’re having to plan.”
The couple primarily finances their travels through Shane’s Air Force retirement, supplemented by earnings from their social media presence. They also engage in “workamping,” a practice where RVers exchange work for accommodation or even payment. Patty has undertaken various roles, including maintenance, office work, running social media campaigns, event coordination, and cleaning cabins and bathrooms. They actively seek opportunities to minimise camping costs by workamping, utilising public camping areas, or posting about campgrounds on social media in exchange for complimentary stays.
Fuel costs, primarily for diesel, typically range from around $600 to $1,000 per month, depending on their travel frequency. Groceries also contribute significantly to their monthly expenses. Despite these costs, Patty affirmed, “For us, it is much cheaper than living in our house.”
Lessons Learned on the Road
Living in an RV has brought its own set of adjustments and realisations for Patty. While she misses certain amenities like in-home laundry appliances and a bathtub, these are often available in larger RVs or at campgrounds. Their choice to forgo an onboard washer and dryer was partly influenced by weight considerations.
The unparalleled freedom of taking their home – complete with their bed, food, and belongings – anywhere they desire is a significant advantage of RV living. “My family’s in Georgia, Shane’s family is in Texas, so we can now go see my family anytime and see his family anytime, just kind of drive whenever we feel like it,” Patty said.
The RV lifestyle has also been a profound teacher in patience. The Gills have encountered their share of challenges, including flat tires, a door that swung open while driving, and even a mishap where an object from their truck damaged the front of their camper. “We’ve had something blow out of the back of the truck and hit the front of the camper and kind of rip it apart, and we’ve had to get that fixed,” she recounted.
Furthermore, the experience has honed their practical skills. While Shane was already handy, his capabilities have expanded as they can’t always rely on immediate repair shop access. “He’ll sit down and go through YouTube or whatever it might be, and figure out how to fix it,” Patty explained. “So that’s been very helpful.”
Now that they have achieved their goal of visiting all 50 states, the Gills are keen to adopt a slower pace, allowing them to savour their surroundings more fully. “Don’t rush because you will burn out,” Patty advised. “What we do sometimes is we will move fast, but then we’ll sit for a few months.”
