A Dream Realized: How It All Began

Travel has always played a significant role in the lives of Pete, Meghan, Addison, and Ellenore Williams. Owning a motorhome was a long-standing dream, but with full-time jobs and two active daughters, it seemed like a distant goal. However, when COVID-19 hit in 2020, their fast-paced lives came to a halt. Remote work and schooling forced them to reevaluate their lifestyle, and they realized how much time they had spent running in different directions.

It was then that traveling became a reality, offering a safe and flexible way to explore the world. After some quick research, they purchased their first Class C motorhome in the summer of 2020. They immediately fell in love with the lifestyle, and they have not slowed down since. By the end of 2024, they had surpassed 58,000 miles traveling part-time!

Finding Inspiration to Take the Leap

While staying at home during the pandemic, the Williams family spent countless hours watching YouTube videos of camping families. These travelers shared their experiences, inspiring the Williams to start their journey sooner rather than later. One family emphasized not waiting for “someday” because it may never come, while another encouraged people to start small with what they have to begin their adventures sooner.

After a few months of research, the Williams family started visiting dealerships and ultimately upgraded to their current rig: a 2023 Entegra Coach Accolade XL 37L, towing a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Their love for the outdoors, national parks, sightseeing, and culinary exploration made traveling the perfect fit for their lifestyle.

The Joy of Exploration

From hiking trails to off-road Jeeping, biking, rafting, horseback riding, theme parks, museums, and historical sites, the Williams family thrives on adventure. They believe education isn’t confined to classroom walls—it’s found in every corner of the country, from national landmarks to local hidden gems.

The Life of Weekend Warriors

With jobs that aren’t fully remote and school-aged children, the Williams family has embraced the label of “weekend warriors.” During the school year, they make the most of their weekends, and when summer arrives, they hit the road for extended trips. Vacation time is leveraged to the fullest, allowing them to embark on even bigger adventures.

The Unexpected Perks of This Lifestyle

One of the biggest benefits of camping is the ability to travel with the comforts of home. When they first began, they expected the convenience of carrying personal belongings, but they didn’t anticipate just how much easier it would make travel. From keeping essentials in the motorhome to preparing home-cooked meals on the road, the transition from trip to trip is seamless.

On the rare occasions they travel without their motorhome, they are quickly reminded of how much they miss it—especially when dealing with hotels, constant restaurant meals, and public restrooms!

Community: A Family on the Road

One of the most unexpected joys of camping has been the welcoming and helpful community. Campers, regardless of their backgrounds, are always willing to lend a hand or share a friendly hello. Over time, the Williams family has met numerous like-minded travelers and even started planning trips with friends they’ve met along the way.

Life on the Road: Comfort and Flexibility

Unlike traditional road trips, traveling in their motorhome means the journey starts the moment they leave the driveway. The flexibility of a motorhome makes road travel comfortable—no unnecessary stops for bathroom breaks, easy access to food, and the ability to stretch out and relax while on the move.

Pete, the primary driver, enjoys the freedom of the open road. A perfect travel day for him consists of sunny skies, smooth roads, and the camaraderie of fellow campers along the way. The family also enjoys their Harvest Host membership, which allows them to stay overnight at wineries, farms, breweries, and museums—adding unique experiences to their trips.

The Heart of Their Journey: Family Time

One of the biggest motivations for buying a motorhome was to create lasting family memories. Growing up, neither Pete nor Meghan had the chance to travel extensively, and they wanted their daughters to experience the country while they were still young. Starting when their girls were 10 and 7 was the perfect age—they would remember their adventures for a lifetime.

The Williams family is grateful that COVID pushed them to take action. Without that unexpected pause, they may have continued postponing their dream. Instead, they realized they didn’t need to wait—every moment together is an adventure worth taking.

Be Ready for Anything

As with any travel lifestyle, traveling comes with its challenges. From mechanical issues to unexpected changes in plans, being prepared and adaptable is key. The Williams family has learned that the best way to handle setbacks is to stay calm, do research, and find solutions—whether that means calling a mobile tech, finding a new campsite, or rerouting a trip.

At the end of the day, camping is about spending quality time together. No matter the destination, the true adventure is in the journey—and for the Williams family, the road ahead is filled with endless possibilities.

 

To learn more about the Williams family and their adventures, follow them on social media:

Facebook: Our Captain’s Logs

Instagram: @ourcaptainslogs

YouTube: Our Captain’s Logs