Exploring RV Life During the Pandemic: Jools and Christy's Adventure

In this post, I connect with Jools and Christy Bourne, a couple who sold their home and left their jobs to embrace RV living amid the pandemic. They kicked off this adventure in October and are excited to share their experiences!

One of the highlights of their RV journey has been biking in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in West Virginia. (Photo credit: Jools Bourne)

Name: Jools & Christy Bourne
Age: 52 & 50
Hometown: Jools: Coventry, UK (the same hospital where the world's first COVID vaccine was administered!); Christy: Pittsburgh, PA
Countries visited: Jools: About 50; Christy: Between 70-90
Website/Social Media: Jools: Twitter – @j7ols; Insta – @joolsbourne; Christy: Instagram – @junebug20201

1. What sparked your love for travel?

Jools: This is a tough question. For many Brits, travel often means going abroad for sunny vacations, not necessarily immersing in different cultures or customs. My early trips felt more about experiencing British life overseas—like enjoying full English breakfasts in Spain or watching football. It wasn't until I traveled with Christy that I truly began to appreciate other cultures.

Christy: In high school, I had a friend in Arizona who invited me to visit. I was so excited by the idea that I secretly bought a ticket. When I asked my parents for a ride to the airport the day before, it didn't go over well, but I went anyway.

Last October, Jools and Christy moved into their 35-foot RV named Terry. (Photo credit: Jools Bourne.)

2. What led you to the RV lifestyle?

Jools: We initially thought we'd travel for about a year, but it could be longer as we find our new home. COVID has changed our plans, making us want to explore longer. Once we decided to leave Charleston, everything fell into place quickly. The pandemic allowed us to slip away unnoticed.

Christy: We had lived in Charleston, SC for 13 years, much longer than anticipated. We had discussed moving, but it was hard to leave a place we loved. Then, well, 2020 happened. We humorously considered buying an RV and exploring the country, and here we are!

Jools and Christy have stayed at an alpaca farm in Virginia through an app called Harvest Hosts, which offers free stays at farms and wineries across the U.S. for an annual fee.

3. Do you have a planned route? How do you find places to stay?

Christy: We don't have a strict plan, which is part of the adventure. While we do have a few set dates, most of our decisions are spontaneous, influenced by the weather and our love for outdoor activities. We heavily use RV planning apps like RV Life and Harvest Hosts. We prefer state parks on the East Coast, but we're eager to explore the Bureau of Land Management areas out West. Harvest Hosts has allowed us to stay at various unique locations, although while it may seem free, we often support the local businesses greatly.

Jools: We follow the weather and maintain a loose plan to head west eventually. Harvest Hosts is decent, but I feel like we need more time at each spot to truly enjoy it.

Christy and Tigger at Watsadler Campground on Hartwell Lake in Georgia. (Photo credit: Jools Bourne.)

4. How does living in an RV compare to your life in Charleston?

Christy: Living in an RV can be budget-friendly or costly, just like owning a home. We spend more on gas and campsite fees, but we no longer have home insurance, property taxes, or utility bills. We mostly eat in and enjoy free outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Overall, it feels cheaper than our previous home, though more expensive than we anticipated.

Jools: I prefer not to focus on finances. As an engineer, I'm more concerned with the mechanics of the RV. The constant worry about things failing is amplified in an RV since we have limited means to fix issues on the go.

Jools enjoys creating delicious sandwiches on his Blackstone griddle! (Photo credit: Jools Bourne.)

5. What's been a highlight of your travels so far?

Christy: Every stop has been a highlight! We've discovered so many wonderful places in the U.S. that I've always aimed for remote spots. This journey has reminded me that incredible outdoor experiences are often right at home, and I encourage everyone to explore their local state parks.

Some favorites include stargazing on a Kentucky horse farm, spotting an armadillo in Georgia, walking a baby alpaca in Virginia, and biking the C&O Canal in West Virginia.

Jools: I've crafted some unforgettable sandwiches on the Blackstone griddle during this trip. The thought of what I can create in the coming months is thrilling!

Their dog Tigger is thriving on the road. (Photo credit: Jools Bourne.)

6. How does Tigger adapt to RV living?

Christy: Tigger, our lovable 11-year-old dog, adores RV life. He loves being with us constantly and enjoys sleeping in our bed, which he never did at home.

Jools: He's in dog paradise! If he could imagine heaven, it would involve sleeping in our bed, receiving belly rubs, and enjoying countless new smells and treats.

Tigger and Terry (the RV) at Cary State Forest near Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo credit: Jools Bourne.)

7. What challenges have you faced with the RV, and how did you handle them?

Christy: Our biggest challenge has been our inexperience with RV living—everything from driving to navigating and packing. Without a home base, it's a different kind of preparation. The learning curve was steep, but we've adapted after two months.

Jools: I think the real struggle lies ahead—depreciation. We bought the RV used to minimize losses, but it will still hit us hard. I guess we'll cope with a large drink in hand!