Q&A with minimalist travellers

Paul and Sandra are the Gen X couple who farewelled their corporate careers in 2016 and now travel full-time, living in a campervan...

What appealed to you about exploring the country while living in a van?

Exploring New Zealand in a campervan gave us the freedom to go (almost) anywhere, camp in the most beautiful places and wake up to a different view every day. Like a snail, we would always have our home with us, so van life was also a very affordable way to get to know the country.

How did full-time van life affect your relationship?

We are used to living with each other 24/7, so adjusting to van life wasn’t difficult. If you live in a van you can’t retreat to another room. So if we needed to get away from each other, one of us would go for a walk instead. Ultimately, communication is key, as with any relationship.

What are the pros and cons of full-time van life?

Apart from those already mentioned, another pro is greater awareness: of the weather, your surroundings and your water and electricity consumption. You live more mindfully. The only con we can think of are the trips to the dump station. We’d have a composting toilet next time we did it.

Follow Paul and Sandra at www.minimalistjourneys.com.

ALL IMAGES: © Paul Ryken