Chickery’s Travels: Financially Smart RV Adventure
Veteran couple redefining retirement through full‑time RV travel
Sean and Julie Chickery, both former U.S. Air Force members with over 20 years of service, have embraced life on the road with their travel venture, Chickery’s Travels. As empty‑nesters, they swapped their 2,500 sq ft home for a 44-foot toy‑hauler in June 2014 and have since turned full‑time RV living into a journey of intentional, financially mindful exploration. Their blog, podcast, books, and social media platforms document campground reviews, travel finance, small-space cooking, and practical RV living tips, empowering others to consider RV travel with clarity and purpose.
At‑a‑Glance:
Web Name: Chickery’s Travels
Names: Sean & Julie Chickery
Generation: Baby Boomers/Gen X
FI Status: Debt-free, military pension, & remote work
Travel Style: RV-based slow travel
Travel Regions: Across the United States
Media Platforms: Website, YouTube, Instagram
Backstory:
After completing over two decades of military service and raising three sons, Sean and Julie looked for a lifestyle that offered freedom and flexibility. In June 2014, they moved into a 44-foot toy‑hauler fifth wheel and sold their home in Texas. This marked the beginning of their full‑time RV life. Over the years, they refined their setup to suit their needs, downsizing to simplify maintenance while continuing to explore the country.
The Shift:
What started as occasional RV trips quickly became a permanent lifestyle choice. The Chickerys wanted to avoid the traditional retirement model and instead live with more time, flexibility, and freedom. They adopted slow travel, choosing to spend weeks at each location to truly explore and connect with the places they visited.
How They Made It Work:
The couple’s financial journey was central to their transition. They eliminated $139,000 of debt in two years, supported by a disciplined budget and tracking every expense. Tools such as EveryDollar and YNAB helped them stick to their plan. Today, their lifestyle is sustained through a mix of Sean’s military pension, Julie’s freelance writing and consulting, book sales, online courses, and podcast projects like “Beyond the Wheel.”
Where They Travel & Why:
Sean and Julie explore across the United States, with a strong focus on national and state parks including Zion, Joshua Tree, and Florida’s coastal parks. Their slow travel philosophy allows them to stay at each destination for one or two months, reducing burnout and providing a deeper sense of connection.
Challenges & Real Talk:
They are open about the realities of RV living: space constraints, fluctuating internet access, and the constant need for maintenance. Downsizing from a large family home to a compact RV was challenging at first, both practically and emotionally. However, the freedom and flexibility they have gained outweigh these obstacles.
What Keeps Them Going:
The Chickerys are driven by the satisfaction of designing a lifestyle focused on experiences rather than possessions. Their family remains central to their lives, with regular visits and calls to stay connected to their three sons. They are motivated by the opportunity to share what they have learned with other aspiring travellers.
Advice to Others:
Rather than offering generic advice, they provide detailed and practical content through their blog and books. Their resources include guides to budgeting for RV travel, creating small yet functional living spaces, and maintaining RV systems effectively. These insights stem directly from their own experience rather than theory.
Links & Resources:
Web: Website
YouTube: YouTube
Instagram: Instagram
Disclaimer: Financial details and income-related content are based exclusively on publicly available information. No inference, harm or misrepresentation is intended.
