Community, Connection, and the Joys of Hosting: A Conversation with Boondockers Welcome Hosts Judith and Ian

Judith and Ian from New Brunswick, Canada, shared their experiences as Boondockers Welcome Hosts during an insightful and inspiring interview. Their story highlights the sense of community, adventure, and connection that comes with being part of the RVing world.

The Journey to Hosting

Judith and Ian’s RV journey began in 2017 when they decided to trade traditional retirement plans for life on the road. “We bought a 37-foot Class A motorhome and hit the road in May 2019,” Judith shared. Their travels took them across Canada, but the challenges of full-time RVing in Canada’s harsh winters, plus the onset of the pandemic prompted a change. By 2020, they purchased a home and transitioned to Hosting through Boondockers Welcome.

Reflecting on their decision to Host, Judith said, “We opened our driveway to 25-foot rigs, and our first year, we had about 12 or 15 guests. This year, we’re already at 24 guests!” Hosting helps them stay connected to the RVing community and share their love for travel with others.

The Hosting Experience

For Judith and Ian, Hosting is about more than providing a place to park—it’s about building connections. “We always invite guests to join us for a drink or to share their travel stories,” Judith said. They also go the extra mile to ensure guests feel welcome, offering cookies from a local bakery and sharing tips about nearby attractions. “We have a world-renowned Waterfowl Park just across the street, and we love recommending it to birdwatchers,” Judith added.

Their approach to Hosting is flexible and accommodating. “Some guests are just passing through and prefer not to engage much, and that’s okay too,” Judith said. “We’ve learned that everyone has their own way of traveling.”

Hosting Highlights and Memorable Guests

Over the years, Judith and Ian have welcomed guests from all over the world, people from Europe, the U.S., and across Canada. But there is one memorable guest, that Judith remembers most, a young woman traveling in a Ford Transit van she built with her father. “She had mechanical issues and ended up staying with us for six days while we helped her get her van repaired. Her parents were so grateful, they sent us a card saying, ‘Thank you for looking after our daughter,’” Judith shared.

Another standout memory involved European guests who had shipped their RVs to North America. “Many of them stop with us right after arriving in Halifax, and we’ve become experts at helping them remove the tape customs uses to seal their rigs,” Ian said with a laugh. These encounters have led to lasting friendships and even invitations to visit former guests in Europe.

Advice for Aspiring Hosts

When asked what they would say to someone considering becoming a Boondockers Welcome Host, Ian responded enthusiastically, “There’s no downside to it. The setup is minimal, and once you meet your first guest, you’ll understand why people do it. It’s a great way to meet like-minded travelers and share experiences.”

Judith added, “You don’t need a fancy setup. We provide 15-amp power and water, and that’s plenty for most guests. The real magic is in the connections you make.”

Final Thoughts

Judith and Ian’s passion for Hosting shines through in everything they do. As Judith summed up, “You never know who you’re going to meet or what stories they’ll share. Hosting has brought so much joy into our lives.”

If you’re ever in New Brunswick, Judith and Ian would love to welcome you to their driveway. “Come visit!” Judith exclaimed. “We’ll figure out where to put you, and you’ll have a great time.”

Their story is a testament to the power of community and the unique bonds formed through RVing and Hosting. For Judith and Ian, Boondockers Welcome is a way of life.