Green RV Application FAQ

General Green RV Roadtrip

What's the difference between a Green RV Roadtrip and an Indie Roadtrip?

The Green RV Roadtrip is three Roadtrippers joining Roadtrip Nation to hit the Road in our Green RVs and speak with Leaders across the nation to learn the steps they took to get to where they are today. Our film crew documents the experience, which may be included in our documentary series Roadtrip Nation on public television and in our educational curricula for middle school and high school students. 

The Indie Roadtrip is grant-based, and you can hit the Road when you want and how you want. We've sent individuals on Roadtrips across the world and in their very own backyard. The Indie Roadtrips are our way of reaching more individuals and getting back to the grassroots feel of the Original Roadtrip. The Roadtrippers themselves document the Roadtrip through film, photos and/or blogs. In return, the Roadtrippers receive a grant to help out with some of the trip's expenses.

If you don't think the Green RV Roadtrip is for you, check out the Indie Roadtrip here.

What do you look for in Green RV Roadtrippers?

We seek driven, candid, and genuine individuals who are ready to hit the Road with us and share their personal stories on camera and with other people in their generation. This Roadtrip typically isn't right for those who are camera shy. You should also be able to work well in a team, as it's a collective experience shared with others.

How long does the Green RV Roadtrip last?

The trips are typically four to six consecutive weeks during the months of June, July, or August. You must be able to commit to the entire trip.

Do you guys plan the Roadtrip and who we interview?

The Green RV Roadtrippers will work with Roadtrip Nation on planning the route and finding Leaders to interview. The Roadtrippers are responsible for Cold-Calling and booking at least 25 interviews during their trip.

Is it just a team of three Roadtrippers on the Green RV for the Roadtrip?

No, the selected team of Roadtrippers will join two crewmembers from Roadtrip Nation on the Green RV who will film and help facilitate the Roadtrip experience.

Do the Roadtrippers have to pay for gas and other travel expenses?

Roadtrip Nation pays for all travel expenses— fuel, RV maintenance, tolls, flights, etc. Roadtrippers also receive a small daily stipend for food. If you want to buy trinkets at truck stops, that's on you.

Why shouldn't I apply?

If you don't like to experience great adventures and meet exciting, inspirational Leaders, then perhaps this trip isn't for you; or if you don't like roommates, snacking on Doritos and gummy bears whilst driving, and —most importantly— if you don't like to talk about yourself and are camera shy. A huge part of this experience is sharing your thoughts, feelings, and background story on camera.

Application Process

What is the application process like?

The application for the Green RV trip consists of three rounds, two of which involve filming a video that will be submitted to us for review. After you submit your Round 1 Application, we will notify you if you are selected to move onto Round 2. The same goes for if you're selected to move onto the final Round 3.

When can I apply for the Green RV Roadtrip?

We accept applications for our Green RV Roadtrips once a year. Typically, Round 1 will be open September through December. Check our website for details, or sign up for our newsletter for updates on the applications.

How old do I have to be to apply?

Between the ages of 18 and 40.

Do I have to be a college student?

Not necessarily. College students or students right out of college tend to be the age range that our trips appeal to most. However, if you never went to college, or you are finished with college, you're more than welcome to apply. It's more about where you are in your life and what this experience means to you. The reason we have opened the applictions to individuals up to 40 years old, is that over 70% of college students today are NOT 18-22, but older "non-traditional" students who are working, have families, are going back to school to re-career and looking to find their path.

Can you send me back my application tapes/video after you review them?

Sorry, application materials are not returned. So if you'd like to keep your footage, please make a copy and send us the original.

Can I apply as an individual? What about with my friends as a team?

If you apply as an individual and are chosen to hit the Road, Roadtrip Nation will place you with two other people who have applied as individuals. We will never place an individual with a team of two people who know each other. The Roadtrippers spend the months before the trip getting to know one another while planning the trip.

If you want to apply as a team, you must have THREE members. No more, no less.

Am I better off applying as an individual or as a team?

That's your call. We will point out that if you choose to apply as a team, make sure that everyone in your team can work together and are in this experience for the right reasons. If you choose to apply as an individual, know that we still look for authenticity and a drive to define your own Road in life. Applying as an individual means that you'll be placed with two other Roadtrippers who applied as individuals.

What are you looking for in a Green RV Roadtrip team?

Authenticity. Curiosity. Drive. A team who can work together and are each genuinely looking to define their own Roads in life. We want individuals who can each bring something different to the table —whether it's personalities, interests, or life experiences. Just as important, each person must be willing to articulate his or her thoughts on camera, both about the experiences on the trip and the interviews.

When do I find out if my team was chosen?

We will notify you by the deadline date. Check our Apply page for these dates.

Who should I talk to if I have a question or problem with the Application?

Ray, our Roadtrip Director. Email him at Ray@roadtripnation.com.

For technical support, please email support@roadtripnation.com.

How do I add team members on my Application?

There's a text field box on the Application where you can add the first and last names of your team members.

Roadtrip and Interviews

Where will we go on the Roadtrip?

Most of our Green RV Roadtrips take place within the U.S. The Roadtrippers work with Roadtrip Nation on planning the itinerary and route.

I see that you have Green RV Roadtrips in Australia and New Zealand. Can we take the Green RV abroad?

Every once in a while we have special opportunities available to hit the Road abroad. In general, our Green RV trips are planned within the U.S., but keep an eye on our website for special Roadtrip opportunities that pop up.

When do the Roadtrippers plan and book the interviews?

There are about 12 weeks of planning before the Roadtrip starts. During this time, the Roadtrippers will have weekly team calls with their Roadtrip Nation filmers. The Roadtrippers will research, Cold-Call, and book the interviews during this time.

Whom do we interview? And how do we get in contact with them?

The Roadtrippers bring their ideas of people they'd like to interview and work with Roadtrip Nation on booking them for interviews through a process we call Cold-Calling —researching and contacting potential Leaders. 

It's important to choose individuals who are living lives of personal interest to you. Perhaps he or she has achieved a higher-than-average level of happiness or success in life, and is passionate about what he or she does. The people you choose don't have to be famous; they just need to be interesting and include a variety of backgrounds from different walks of life.

What kinds of people do you look to interview?

Over the years we've done more than a thousand interviews with all different types of people from pottery makers to CEOs. We typically look for people who have defined success for themselves, not what society has defined for them. We're continually expanding the types of Leaders we interview to engage viewers from all walks of life ‐men, women, different races and backgrounds, and from big cities to farm towns. We want our stories to be relatable to all different types of people in your generation.

What does a typical day on the Road look like?

Days on the Road are typically busy. If you like sleeping in and lounging on the couch for half the day watching TV, this isn't the trip for you. Days are often jam-packed with interviews and other exciting activities, like spending a couple hours looking for a parking spot in New York City big enough for the Green RV. 

Here is an average day on the Road:

• 7:30 a.m.: Cameras on. Wake up in the Green RV. Make breakfast.
• 8:30 a.m.: Driving/navigating to your first interview of the day.
• 10:00 a.m.: Interview.
• 12:00 p.m.: Post-interview filming.
• 12:30 p.m.: Grab a quick lunch and back on the Road again.
• 2:00 p.m.: Interview.
• 4:00 p.m.: Post interview filming.
• 4:30 p.m.: Go downtown to check out the city. Eat dinner or make dinner in the RV.
• 6:00 p.m.: Drive 200 miles to the next city.
• 10:00 p.m.: Find a place to spend the night.
• 11:00 p.m.: Bed. Cameras off.

Do we do interviews every day? Can we do other things?

Not every day —there will be days that you'll have to do other things, or drive 500 miles to get to the next city. The main purpose of the trip is the interviews, so throughout the Roadtrip most of the days are spent meeting the Leaders you've booked. You can schedule days to check out a city or a national park, and participate in other activities on the Road. An important part of a Roadtrip is experiencing foreign places and doing new things.

Do we have to do any of the filming ourselves?

During the Roadtrip itself, no. That's what the filmers are there for. You will be required to narrate and vocalize your thoughts to the camera, as well as prepare yourself for the interviews, but you won't need to film. However, prior to leaving for the Roadtrip, we'll send you a handheld video camera to capture your home life and the planning process of the trip.

Do we have to sleep in the Green RV?

Of course! That's half the fun. The Green RV becomes your home for the course of the trip. Home sweet home!

Is there a driver that drives the Green RV for the Roadtrippers?

No, there aren't chauffeurs on this Roadtrip. The Roadtrippers are behind the wheel. But fear not: You'll have a training course in RV operation, taught by some of the most skilled RV drivers this side of the Mississippi!

What happens if the Green RV breaks down?

When traveling in a RV for several weeks over thousands of miles, there's a good chance there'll be a flat tire, busted hose, or something that needs fixed. If —or we should probably say when— this happens, Roadtrippers call the nearest RV mechanic to either come out to the RV and repair it or have it towed. Roadtrip Nation covers the cost of repairs.

Do we stay in RV parks every night?

No, this isn't your grandpa's Roadtrip. We do what RVers call "boondocking," meaning we park wherever it's legal, safe, and convenient. Neighborhood streets, store parking lots, rest stops, etc. Over the course of the Roadtrip we'll maybe spend four or five nights in RV Parks.

Does anyone ever get voted off the Green RV?

Umm...no. We're not a reality competition show if that's what you're asking!

Are there any long-term effects of going on a Roadtrip?

Yep. Hopefully, after hearing Leader's stories and seeing new things, you'll have a clearer sense of your passions and convictions so can start carving out a life that reflects what matters to you. Of course, withdrawal from the Road, or an itch to hit the Road again, may be a symptom afterward!