WHO
Shelby and Spencer are Upstate New York natives who met while studying engineering at RIT in Rochester. Their relationship began in 2016 when they both studied abroad at the RIT campus in Dubai. They graduated together in 2019 and have been working as young professionals in the Rochester area since. Recently engaged, they decided they needed an adventure before they bought a house and settled down.
WHAT
With over two years of combined travel experience in other countries, a U.S. road trip was a no-brainer. So, after Spencer’s 2005 Toyota Prius broke down last year, they took the opportunity to look into car camping and Prius Dwelling. Ultimately, they purchased a used 2012 Prius V which rivals most SUV’s for cargo space but still has relatively good fuel economy averaging 40 miles per gallon.
WHERE
The trip will cover all 48 contiguous United States. The first month will cover the North Eastern New England states and provide a test run before returning to New York and heading West. The planned route will zig-zag across the country starting in the north and winding south. This will hopefully maintain a consistent and mild temperature throughout the trip. The route also accommodates a wedding in New York for Shelby’s sister in November. Check out our interactive road trip map!
WHEN
Starting in the Spring of 2022, the planned trip will last approximately 12-14 months. This provides ample time to explore the US at a leisurely pace while working part-time. There is no exact plan but instead an approximate monthly schedule to follow. The roughly year-long trip allows on average one week per state. Some states offer more than others and so the actual time distribution may not be so equal.
WHY
Simply put you never hear people saying they wished they had traveled less when they were younger. The goal of this trip is to experience everything the U.S. has to offer before it is too late. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that wouldn’t be possible after buying a house and starting a family. A trip like this might not be for everyone but fortunately Spencer and Shelby are easygoing and quick to adapt. They are very fortunate to have this opportunity.
HOW
After purchasing the new Prius, Spencer and Shelby immediately set to work preparing for the trip. They began buying supplies like a portable power station and mini car fridge. Then they began work on the build. A nearly full-sized bed platform raised 10 inches above the base of the hatchback trunk. With the rear seats and spare tire removed they had enough space for everything they needed. Spencer negotiated a transition to part-time with his current employer and Shelby found a new part-time remote position. They plan to sleep in the car and live in the world.
