Not everyone buys an Airstream because the siren song of full-time nomadic living has called them. Some people consider an Airstream an investment in simplicity—a way to shed the weight of conventional living in favor of a more simplified life. Deke and Tiffani Waters are two such people. The two worked at the same company: Tiffani was in human resources, Deke was a computer game producer she recruited. Over time they got to know each other, and eventually married, and that is when their journey to simplicity truly began. 

The very real threat of Japan’s sometimes marauding bears is what drove Junichi Kanasugi and his wife and son to buy an Airstream. The family, who lives in Yokohama, Japan, used to be avid tent campers. But Japanese bears have found foraging near cities much easier than foraging in the dwindling wilderness.

Kyle Bolstad has had a few mishaps. He backed into a cement wall once. He ran over his satellite dish another time. He’s been detained at the border, and generally he’s run into his fair share of challenges while full-timing in his Airstream.