Patty and I spent seven years traveling the continental United States by R.V. We did genealogy research in almost every state and lectured on the subject in all of them – often numerous times. While on the road we learned a lot about traveling and doing on-site genealogy.
We traveled in a 37 ft. Safari motorhome. Traveling by RV added a different dimension to doing genealogy. We found some huge advantages in taking the RV Some of them were:
- We were able to take copies of virtually all our genealogy documentation with us. To do this, we racked the back closet of the RV, where instead of hanging clothes, we stored 16 storage boxes of genealogy documentation – all in alphabetical order by family surname.
- We had notebook computers set up and operating full time. Connected to the laptops, we had a laser printer, as well as a scanner, and copier. After a day of research, we both could come back and immediately enter the data found. Upon entry, the documentation would go into the files in the back closet. Getting on line was at first a real pain, but as the years went by, more and more truck stops put in wireless internet connections.
- We carried a collection of virtually hundreds of genealogy related DVDs. This allowed us to have a large genealogy library with us at all times.
- We also had the space to carry a portable photocopier. This copier was used to copy documents from our files for new-found cousins. After making and sharing documents with them, we always continued by copying their genealogy related items – and adding them to our collection.
- We were not constrained by having to show up at a motel on time. We stopped when we got tired. We stayed at hundreds of Walmarts, and dozens of interstate rest areas across the country. If we were visiting with relatives or friends, we often just parked the rig in the back or side yard. Don’t misunderstand me. We also stayed in hundreds of RV parks – but not every night. We belonged to the most popular RV clubs including Good Sam, Escapees, Coast to Coast and RPI. This allowed us to save a lot of money when staying in RV parks.
Traveling by RV is especially great for retired folks. Not being constrained by the clock can be nice (or so I’ve heard). There are many books written on the subject of “full-timing” – the term used for those who live in an RV and travel most of the time. I highly recommend the lifestyle for genealogists. One word of caution however – don’t sell the house. After a decade or so of traveling and collecting genealogy stuff, you’ll need a place to take all those documents and books!