The RVer community is about as diverse in terms of personalities as it can get, however there seems to be an overlap amongst almost all of them, and that’s the desire for escape. Maybe you want to escape from a job, a lifestyle, a grind, a city, a way of thinking, but either way, it’s consistent throughout most people who choose this lifestyle. Because of this, I’ve made a list of books that will inspire, motivate, and educate you on why getting into an RV is a logical decision to make (contrary to what most of society would tell you).
The RV Book By Mark Polk
The RV Book is the only pure information based book on this list, and that’s partly because of how in-depth it is. This is a practical read for anyone who is primarily concerned with the nuts and bolts of actually how to pull off RV living.
Packing Light by Allison Vesterfelt
This memoir is about a twenty-something year old woman abandoning her materialist lifestyle in favor of adventure. This is a highly motivational biography that will resonate and inspire many RVers, as it deals with how we try to cope with the accumulation of baggage that is so easy to do in our modern society (both from a physical and emotional standpoint).
50 States, 5000 Ideas
Similar to Packing Light, this is also about traveling across every state in the U.S., but it’s a more practical book, one that will definitely make you add a few locations to your bucket list. After reading this book, it’ll be easy to see why so many people in America choose to take to the roads in search of sights and adventure.
Winnebago Nation by James B. Twitchell
The only book on this list that could be categorized as a history book, Twitchell takes a look at the origins of RVs and nomadism in america. This is surprisingly entertaining and it’s an easy recommendation for anyone interested in why RV travel strikes such a cord with americans.
The Alchemist by Paulho Coelho
While it may not have anything to do with RV living, the alchemist is one of the most definitive books when it comes to inspiring us to seek the unknown. This fictional tale tells the age old story of a young boy searching for a lost treasure, and finding riches far greater along the way.
Vagabonding By Rolf Potts
Veteran shoestring traveler Rolf Potts takes readers on a trip across the world in this biography. Equal parts fun and wise, this book reinforces the spirit of adventure and living life on your own terms.
The Road Less Traveled by Robyn Robledo
This biography is one that’s purely about the RV lifestyle; why it makes sense monetarily and spiritually. Admittedly, this is a bit of a shameless plug in, but my mom’s book on the subject of RV living is as authentic as it gets. If you want to hear a real, grounded story about wanting to escape the rat race, then you can’t do any better than this book, which tells the story about how parents chose to ditch their stressful, suburban lifestyle, in favor of creating lasting memories. If you enjoy this read, and want to learn more about the wild family behind this book, check out their blog Nomadswithapurpose.com
The Art of Travel by Alain De Bottom
Less of a travel guide on WHERE to travel to, and more a guide on WHY people travel, De Bottom’s book will help you get into the proper mindset of a traveler. This philosophical travel book also operates as a bit of a history book as well, examining some of the most renowned explorers of the modern age.
A Walk in The Woods by Bill Bryson
Hiking is one of the biggest reasons people choose RV living, however, Bill Bryson’s book doesn’t stop there. In addition to being an epic romp through the woods, this book also serves up plenty of amusing anecdotes, fascinating tidbits of ecology, and personal exploration as well.
I hope I’ve managed to add at least one or two books to your list of reading material. Below I’ve also linked several other lists of great books. Whatever you do choose to read though, I hope that it inspires and motivates you, not just as an RVer, but as a human being as well. If you haven’t made the move to RV living yet, and you’re here for the purpose of motivation, might I suggest you check out our blog post on whether RV living is affordable. The answer might surprise you. If you happen to also be an RVer who homeschools, check out this book list as well.
Great books for mindset and self help
Great books for world travelers
