Have you ever thought about living in a tiny home? I’m a big fan of small living and #vanlife. While I’ve only experimented with this lifestyle, I look forward to the day when I can make it a full-time reality. 

During a trip to Tennessee, I switched up my routine and stayed in a tiny home with my cousin. I stayed at the Magnolia Tiny House in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The tiny home was about a 20-minute drive from downtown. 

During my experience, I learned that I desire more slow, meaningful travel experiences with friends, family, and loved ones. In addition, one of the locals I met while in Chattanooga described the city as “hidden in plain sight.” This is why the town can be underrated compared to neighboring cities like Nashville. Read on to find out more about what I learned and experienced. 

Minimalism

When I prepare for a trip, I stuff a suitcase until the zipper breaks. Living in a tiny home for a week forced me to live on less and realize just how much I genuinely have. As a result, I had to scale back everything I thought I needed and only bring what was necessary. I’ve since been able to adapt this practice of minimalism to my everyday life. 

Open-mindedness

Chattanooga was never on my bucket list of cities to visit. However, during the week I was there, I realized that the city had too much to offer travelers, especially families. It’s a charming city where I felt like the neighbors knew each other with no shortage of activities, from Ruby Falls, the aquarium, and plenty of museums, to an Incline Railway, which takes you to the top of Lookout Mountain. In addition, my tiny house adventure made me more open to visiting more underrated destinations. 

Related: AirBnB Co-Founder Starts Tiny House Business For Homeowners