RV lifestyle

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The RV lifestyle (RV stands for recreational vehicle) is made up of those interested in traveling and camping rather than living in one location, as well as by vacationers. Some of these people are called snowbirds. They travel south during the winter months in their RV and return in spring. This is also known as snowbirding. There is also a large segment of younger people who participate in the RV lifestyle. Those who live in an RV are known as fulltimers and live H.O.W. (Houses On Wheels) in comparison to those who live primarily in a house and are known as slabbers or part-timers. There is another subculture of the RV lifestyle known as workampers, these are people that work at the campgrounds/rv parks they stay at for site and perks. More about this kind of life style can be found in magazines, journals, and blogs written by those who travel in RVs.

In Australia these retired travelers are called "grey nomads". They usually travel north in winter in their RVs to catch the warmer weather and return south for spring and summer. Some "grey nomads" have sold their homes choosing to travel on a continuous basis.

While many RVers may be retirees, other individuals and families are choosing RV travel as a way to see parts of the world while maintaining their incomes via technology available from the RV (such as internet, phone, fax, etc.).

Some choose to stay in Wal-Mart parking lots to save money. These are otherwise known as RV friendly Wal-Marts (but ask the store manager before you do this).

There is a growing community of Burners (Burning Man participants) who have taken recreational vehicles and modified them so as to fit their beliefs. The conversion of old school buses to this end is popular. A subculture are taking old diesel vehicles and using biodiesel or waste vegetable oil in them, in order to be more environmentally friendly.

[edit] Organizations

The Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) is an international organization of families who own and enjoy the recreational use of motorhomes. Since 1963 FMCA has issued more than 390,000 memberships to families who look to the association as their source of information about all facets of motorhome ownership and travel. FMCA is a member-owned association that maintains its headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and employs a full-time office staff. FMCA is governed by volunteer officers who are elected from within the ranks of the association.