As her retirement approached, Angela Tirban embarked on an exciting quest to find the perfect home on wheels. She explored a wide array of options, from spacious Class B motorhomes to sleek campervans and, finally, petite travel trailers. This journey ultimately led her to the nuCamp Barefoot Travel Trailer.
The Barefoot offered all the amenities and comforts Angela desired in a compact, easy-to-manage package. Larger RVs felt overwhelming to this camping newcomer. Although her family owned RVs during her childhood, Angela considered herself a novice in the world of camping. Now in her mid-50s, she’s ready to hit the road and explore.
“It’s just so cute and retro-looking,” Angela said. “I just fell in love with it as soon as I saw it.”
‘Just Right’
When searching for the perfect camper, Angela had a clear list of features in mind: she wanted something small and easy to manage on her own without being overwhelming to tow. A bathroom and a simple kitchen were also essential.
Some travel trailers were too large for Angela, while the teardrop-shaped RVs didn’t feel spacious enough inside.
She had been following the Barefoot’s journey to the North American market since before COVID, watching videos and eagerly awaiting updates about its debut. After seeing it in person, she knew it was the right fit for her. The kitchen, equipped with a sink and a two-burner stove, was perfect for her simple meal needs. The compact bathroom was ideal for dry camping or those middle-of-the-night emergencies. Plus, the Barefoot was visually appealing and lightweight. With multiple large windows and a light interior, the Barefoot felt spacious and inviting.
Angela purchased the Barefoot from Pete’s RV at the 2023 Hershey RV Show, just in time for it to arrive before her retirement. She lovingly named the trailer Betty.
“That Barefoot was just right,” Angela explained. “Its curved design makes it less visually intimidating for me, and it tows beautifully. Having towed it now, I can confidently say it’s very easy to manage.”
‘Don’t be Afraid’
Like many new RV owners, Angela found towing and backing up a trailer daunting. However, she didn’t let her anxieties deter her from pursuing her dream of traveling post-retirement.
Determined to conquer her fears, Angela watched instructional videos and sought advice from experienced RVers. Before picking up her Barefoot, she even practiced maneuvering a friend’s boat of similar length to her future RV.
“I had never towed before,” Angela admitted. She added, “Just don’t be afraid. A lot of people at the campgrounds are happy to answer questions, help you out, and provide advice. It’s not as scary as you might think. Just give it a try and go and check one out. They’re a lot of fun. I really have enjoyed it.”
‘Flexibility to Travel’
As someone who moved frequently as a child and later traveled as a military servicewoman, Angela has family and friends scattered across the United States. Now that she’s retired, she craves the freedom to hitch up and set off on adventures, visiting loved ones across the country.
Throughout her career, Angela explored many European countries and had several opportunities to travel abroad. However, much of the United States remains uncharted territory for her.
“I’ve seen a lot of the world,” she shared. “I haven’t seen as much of the United States. There’s a lot I want to see. It gives me the flexibility to travel.”
Just one month after retiring in February, Angela hitched up her Barefoot and headed to the Florida Keys, a destination she had never visited. The journey spanned around 3,000 miles round trip over the course of eight weeks. Along the way, she visited her daughter in Virginia and made stops in Myrtle Beach, Savannah, Atlanta, and St. Petersburg. Angela savored the journey, taking her time to enjoy the sights and visit friends along the way.
Looking ahead, Angela hopes to explore Maine and the northeastern corner of the United States. She also plans to head west to visit some of the nation’s stunning national parks, including Yellowstone. And, of course, she’ll be hopping from city to city, visiting friends and family. After all, retirement is meant for spending extra time with loved ones.
“It’s not about going out into the woods and camping — although I do want to go to some National Parks,” Angela explained. “It’s about going places and seeing things, and sometimes that’s urban areas, too.”
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