How RVing Revived Our 42-Year Marriage

A shared passion for this way of life brought us closer and widened our social circle. For those considering RV camping, here’s what to know

Marcia Kester Doyle,

AARP

Comments

Published May 20, 2026

a man and woman lean into each other while sitting on a wooden dock with their toes in the water. they are facing a sunset and an RV in the distance.

Monica Garwood

Welcome to Ethels Tell All, where the writers behind The Ethel newsletter share their personal stories related to the joys and challenges of aging. Come back Wednesday each week for the latest piece, exclusively on AARP Members Edition.

When my husband and I exchanged vows, 42 years ago, we missed one: promising to love each other through sickness, health and the wilds of RV trips in a tiny trailer with no Wi-Fi.

We always imagined that once our kids flew the nest, an RV would be in our future. We pictured a grand, drivable rig, but reality handed us a humble, discounted travel trailer from the showroom floor. We emptied our savings and dove in, clueless about what adventures, and surprises, awaited us.

We christened her “Lucy” and spent months fussing over every detail before our big adventure.

The author’s RV, which she named Lucy, at Peace River Oaks RV Resort in Bowling Green, Florida.

Courtesy Marcia Kester Doyle

For the first time in years, my husband and I teamed up, bonding over water pressure regulators, leveling blocks and sewer hoses. Suddenly, we had a shared passion beyond our family. Lucy became our newborn, and we doted on her. Weekends were spent wandering camp stores, just as we had 40 years earlier at baby stores. We grinned like new parents as we filled our cart with rugs and lanterns, giddy that our dream was finally coming true.

Our first day on the road threw us every curveball imaginable: a flat tire, broken AC, multiple traffic jams, construction detours and stress-induced arguments that had me second-guessing our plans. But all that negativity vanished when we woke the next morning to a golden sunrise and a gentle wind whispering in the towering pines above us. Breathing in the fresh air, I felt a rare calm despite the chaos of the previous day. Even the nonstop anxious chatter that usually occupied my thoughts had completely disappeared. There wasn’t an antidepressant in my medicine cabinet that had the power to awaken my senses like watching a doe and her fawn emerge quietly from the woods. For the first time in years I felt genuine happiness, as if I’d crested a hill and could see a simpler life ahead.

I noticed changes in my husband, too: He was lighter, more relaxed and eager to explore the park instead of disappearing into work emails or online games. We agreed to shut down our electronic devices and reconnect with nature — and with each other. Like teenagers, we held hands as we wandered grassy trails, watched sunsets over the lake and laughed over a simple game of cards until our sides ached. In those moments, we knew every challenge had been worth it for this little slice of paradise, and we found ourselves dreaming of our next RV escape.

Most Popular

Two years and 24 trips later, we move through RV life like a pair of synchronized swimmers. Our routines are effortless, and we’ve found a new appreciation for each other in the process. Our marriage was always solid, but we’d grown complacent, letting gratitude slip through the cracks and taking our companionship for granted. RVing changed that. My husband marvels at the hearty meals I whip up over an open fire, and I admire his fearless, almost surgical, approach to cleaning the sewer tank. There’s nothing sexier than a partner who tackles the messiest camping jobs with confidence and not a single complaint.

Beyond deepening my relationship with my husband, RVing has brought me numerous health benefits. Simply being outside in nature has lifted my spirits and improved my physical well-being. My blood pressure is down, and many of my depression symptoms have faded now that I have monthly trips to look forward to. I used to stress about not being able to afford vacations, but RVing is a budget-friendly way to explore new places, visit faraway friends and family and still enjoy the cozy comforts of home — all without breaking the bank.

RV travel has also been good for my cognitive health. The budget and itinerary planning, packing, shopping and meal prepping keep my mind sharp and give me a sense of purpose.

Author Marcia Kester Doyle and her husband visited Lake Kissimmee State Park last summer. It’s ”one of the prettiest state parks in Florida,“ she says.

Courtesy Marcia Kester Doyle

Best of all, I’ve discovered a community of fellow RV enthusiasts who keep me socially active. At every campsite we meet new people from across the country, sharing meals and music around the campfire. The connections don’t fade when the trip ends; these friendships carry on long afterward.

Traveling in a small RV has taught me many lessons, but none greater than the art of compromise. Plans often go awry on the road, but I’ve learned to let go of what I can’t control.

For us, RVing is like dipping our toes in the fountain of youth. We become kids again, swimming in crystal blue rivers, pedaling along bike trails, playing cards and board games at the picnic table and licking sticky, melted marshmallows off our fingertips by the fire after a day of skipping stones across the water. We laugh, we hold hands and we live deeply in the moment.

An RV friend once joked, “The couple that camps together, stays together,” and nothing could be truer.

a couple sits on camping chairs, looking out at the water

“Sitting and watching the sunset is our favorite activity while camping,” says Doyle, here at Phipps Park in Florida.

Courtesy Marcia Kester Doyle

Tips for RV newbies

Rent a few times before purchasing an RV. This will give you an idea of the size you need, and whether you prefer a towable or a drivable trailer. Research the various brands available, along with floor plans that best suit your needs. Join online camping groups and newsletters for advice and RV reviews, and for scoring the best campsites.
Have an RV mechanic look over your rig if you’re buying a used one, and purchase a warranty! Don’t skimp on the tires — buy a top-of-the-line brand to avoid mishaps on the road.
After purchasing your RV, watch how-to videos on YouTube to understand what goes into prepping the rig before and after your trip. There are also printable and online lists for essential RV equipment to buy, what to pack and food-prep instructions.
Reserve campsites well in advance — many popular state parks book one year out. If you prefer RV resorts, avoid the crowds of tourist season and book something off-season for prime spots.
Always check the weather status for the area you’re traveling to, and plan your best route. Keep close tabs on traffic reports the day you depart or return to avoid long delays on the road.
Create a reasonable budget for your trip before you go (gas, food, park fees, tickets, souvenirs), and allow for a few unexpected extras.
Always perform a pre-departure mechanical checklist for the RV before leaving.
RVing is a lesson in patience and flexibility. Take a deep breath and enjoy the ride!

AARP essays share a point of view in the author’s voice, drawn from expertise or experience, and do not necessarily reflect the views of AARP.

%{postComment}%

Marcia Kester Doyle is a Yahoo Life Columnist and the author of Who Stole My Spandex? Life In The Hot Flash Lane. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, The Independent, U.S.A. Today/Reviewed, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, AARP, Woman's Day, Country Living, House Beautiful, and many others. You can find her at marciakesterdoyle.com.