Customer Reviews

An Alternative Lifestyle: Living & Traveling Full-Time in a Recreational Vehicle

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I think Ron and Barb must have written their own reviews. All of the reviews below are from Oct-24 to Oct-30 of 1998. None before. None after. All are from "A Customer". All give 5 stars. Not very well disguised, Ron and Barb.

When I picked up this book I couldn't put it down. I was thinking about traveling around the country living in an RV, but didn't know where to start. This book gave me all the answers I needed and more. It changed my life!! In an easy to read, extremely interesting format I learned about budgeting for this lifestyle, how to get my mail, what kind of RV would be best for me, how to tow a car, how to handle medical situations, how to register vehicles, get insurance and drivers licenses, how to handle finances, and even suggestions of places to visit and the best time to go. Although it's a valuable reference guide, it's more than that. It's a wonderful story of a couple who sold their home, packed up their belongings to live and travel in their RV. A couple living an adventure and paving the way for the rest of us. An inspiration to us all! For anyone wondering about what to do after retirement, or interested in traveling around the USA, this is a MUST READ book. It holds the answers. It definitely changed my life!! I sold my home and started my life on the road. I've never regreted a minute and the transition to this new lifestyle was much smoother because of what I learned in the Hofmeister's book.

This is one of those books you just don't put down until the end, and you keep referring back to parts of the book for weeks. The information the authors have provided, in such a concise manner, seems to answer all of the questions you could have concerning fulltiming. This was a must read for my husband and I, as we are considering fulltiming ourselves. It gave us the type of down to earth information we wanted and needed to begin the decision making process. Our main areas of concern were healthcare, mail and hometown locations. These were addressed in such a straightforward manner, that there was no question in our minds that we could handle these things successfully. We were especially interested in the budget area, as we had no idea where to start coming up with figures to include in this. The budget section so clearly defined the necessary items to consider, that we had a draft budget set up in no time. As of this writing, we have taken a four month trip as part of our decision making process. It is looking more positive that we, too, will soon be among the ranks of fulltimers! Thanks, Ron and Barb, for offering a source book for our needs!

About a million people live fulltime in a recreational vehicle. For anyone who is considering the lifestyle, Ron and Barb Hofmeister provide a practical look at what is involved.

The book is well-written and interesting. It is a "quick read" for those interested in a fulltime lifestyle in an RV. The Hofmeisters share much personal information about their life on the road.

In their preface they write: "This book is about an exciting, glamorous, fulfilling, and suprisingly affordable lifestyle that is particularly attractive to retired people." That says it all. If you are retired, almost retired, or looking forward to retirement one of these days, this is a must read book about a great alternate lifestyle of fulltime living in a RV.

This easy-to-read book was so inspiring to my husband and I, that it gave us the necessary push and motivation to purchase and use our motorhome. We depend on this resource quite frequently. Most concerns and questions have been answered, and many that we have not even thought of. Because Ron and Barb have lived this alternate lifestyle for many years, they are able to provide actual facts with those of us that have not been on the road very long. They are so willing to share their alternate lifestyle experiences in this book noting their many miles of travel.. Questions answered include concerns regarding cost analysis, handling finances, banking, medical needs, communications with loved ones, campground information, social aspects, as well as good and bad times. After reading the book, one will feel like they've made life-long friends in Ron and Barb. This book has become such a valuable resource for us that we have two copies, one in our home and one in the motorhome. No RVer, fulltime or part-time should be without a copy or two.

Alternative Lifestyles is a travel book, a retirement planning guide, and a description of full-time RVing. In addition it is a book about the absolute joy of a simpler life.

Living and traveling full-time in an RV is the dream of many people contemplating retirement. The Hofmeister's tell you how to accomplish the dream. All of the practical details are explained such as mail service, family visits, campground memberships, and working while traveling.

While very complete on the mechanics of a traveling lifestyle, it is this couple's joy in living that makes this book special. They show the "house-locked" the adventure of travel, new friendships, and being happy in any circumstances, including a rainy day.

I recommend this book for RV lovers, RV dreamers, and those just contemplating the lifestyle.

Throughly enjoyed this book, was sorry when it ended. One I will keep for references, am anxiously waiting for their next book.

"An Alternative Lifestyle" is the down-to-basics book to read on full-timing in an RV. Ron and Barb Hofmeister have made the newest "American Dream" within reach. "An Alternative Lifestyle" is written in layman's terms and answers the many questions asked by newcomers to the full-time RV scene.