Gone are the days where we work 9-5, at the same company, for 40 years.

Couples, individuals and families all around the world are reinventing what life can look like for them and reprioritize what matters most. It might be travel, time together, or more space to think. The most fulfilled lives are the ones we are creating.

The Little Book of Big Dreams shows what life is like when we think our dreams are possible. May their stories encourage you to dream!

The Little Book of Big Dreams Series

Meet the Noonans!

From Jessica: Christine and I have been friends since college. Every time we chat on the phone she always asks what adventure we are going on next. Little did I know, her and her hubby were planning something big of their own, a 3 week road trip through the Western part of the US. Prior to this, they had only been away from their home for week long vacations. It is inspiring to see a family go from thinking “what if” to thinking “we can do this.” When we see and hear other people making those decision, it allows us to see the possibility in our own life.

1. Tell us about your family and the adventure you decided to take. 

   We are a family of four and have two children, R.J. (8) and Bella (10).  We decided to take a trip out to the Western United States and explore the country for 3 weeks by car. 

2. What made you go from just thinking about doing it to actually going for it? Had you always dreamed of being on the road? 

Ray had always dreamed of taking a crosscountry road trip with us. Because of  COVID-19, he was working from home and the kids were virtually learning.  We decided to turn a negative situation into a positive and utilize the freedom to work/school on the road! 

3. Were you both on board from the start? Anyone need convincing?  

I was NOT on board in the beginning. It started out as a joke! But soon Ray began to research and lay out the logistics of how this could actually work, and soon the conversation changed from “what if” to “we can do this.” At that point I was all in. Soon after we began to finalize what would be a once in a lifetime adventure.

4. How did you coordinate a 3 week trip? Where did you start?

We started by listing out all the places in the Western US we wanted to visit, this included national parks, key cities, and other noteworthy stops.  Then it transitioned to plotting those out on a map and developing the best route that would maximize the time allowed as well to ensure that we would not be overwhelmed by a strict travel schedule.

5. Did you ever change your mind? Any fear around this? 

No, once the trip was planned we proceeded to book all the stays (Air BNB), excursions, and got the whole family in on the excitement. We were counting down to THE travel day.  Yes, we did have some fears with being gone for such a long period of time because before this trip, our longest time away was only a week. We also questioned whether we would be able to both work and school while on the road.  But in the end the positives of the trip far outweighed the fears and we knew it was something that we could manage along the way.

6. How did you afford to do it? Any ideas you can pass along to someone that feels like money is keeping them from making a change.

We utilized money that was typically put aside for travel as well as being extra aware of  spending leading up to the trip.   The discounted flights that were available, along with using hotel points, 4th grade national park pass discount, and booking many stays via Airbnb helped make it all happen.  Additionally, while on the trip we limited the number of times we ate out at restaurants and found ways to shop locally at grocery stores and reduce meal expenditures.  Also, we always kept an eye out and were willing to ask when booking excursions, car rentals, or other items if they offer discounts or how to obtain coupons to reduce cost.  

7. Did others’ opinions about your choices ever affect you? 

NO!! We knew that people were nervous about us flying and traveling during a pandemic but we knew how to be safe.  We decided as a family to NOT live in fear just to live cautiously.

8. What was the biggest adjustment your family had to make while traveling? 

Our family had to learn to be only with each other and not at work or school or with friends.  Ray had to adjust to virtually working and maintaining eastern standard hours which often meant getting up at 4 or 5 am (due to 2- 3 hour time difference) for work, but this also allowed for more time to explore in the afternoons as family.

9. Traveling always looks so dreamy. Was it? 

95% of the time it was. The uncertainty of the “what-ifs” were always there since I like to control situations. We started the trip off with vomiting while landing at the airport by a child. Being a mom who wants to help and feeling so helpless was unsettling. We then go to pick up our rental car and, after having a reservation for a 3 week rental, find out there are no cars available. When you are taking a 22 day road trip it is annoying to say the least. So we decided to take an Uber to where we were staying and regroup. It all worked out and looking back it was just all part of it.

10. If you could offer someone one piece of advice in regards to going for a big dream they have, what would it be? 

Sounds cliche but you only live once, do it and you won’t regret it.  

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