3 minute read
CREATING A HOME WORTH STAYING IN
Follow their journey @75vibes_
Living on the road
Golden moments turn into memories from life on the road for Jordy and Mattea as they explore Australia in their VW Kombi, Stella.
What is your advice for others looking to travel in a van?
It's been our experience that most people delay their travel dreams in the hope their circumstances improve. The truth is there will never be a perfect time to take the leap and hit the road, but you will never look back and regret the decision.
We've met people with no cash in the bank, who work from place to place and families of four living in a van who are the happiest people around. There are definitely moments where things go wrong. A breakdown in the middle of nowhere, an empty petrol tank, a small accident etc. but these challenges always have a solution and create the best stories.
Do you have any budgeting tips?
We enjoy our life on the road because it allows us to live with a lot less. Previously, our main cost of living was renting our Northbridge apartment, so moving into our home on wheels saves thousands per year on this alone.
At the beginning of our trip we downloaded the WikiCamps App for $7.99 which shows us all the free camp spots around Australia. Each day we pull up the app and scroll through the free camp options in our next destination, most of which are beautiful locations with a campfire and a view.
Did you convert your van yourself? What are some of your absolute necessities for vanlife?
We converted our van with the help of a few good mates. It took up every weekend for eight months and felt very similar to renovating a home.
Through the process we learnt that having a good power setup was absolutely essential to us. As full time photographers we carry a lot of camera gear including laptops, all the while we enjoy being off-grid. So installing a roof top solar panel, inverter, lithium battery and charger was a game changer. It makes us free to work and create wherever we choose. What inspired the design of your van, Stella?
We knew our van interior had to be designed well so we could get the best out of our trip. Our space is small so light tones were used to help make it feel more open and spacious. Seeing as we own a vintage van we decided a boho feel would be nice inside.
Our seat covers are corduroy, and all other materials are linen, including the curtains. We love the feel of our sanded wood benchtops and soft white cupboards. The details are all inspired by nature which blend well with the views of unique landscapes and breathtaking sunsets seen straight from our van window.
What are some of your favourite places you have been to?
Our recent trip to Australia's Red Centre was an unforgettable experience. Ayers Rock is truly the heart of Australia and holds so much cultural and spiritual significance. We'd say it's a must see place for everyone who calls this place home.
Any tips for staying safe while on the road?
One of the beautiful things about travelling Australia is the amazing people you meet. When we plan to travel in an isolated location we always invite a travel buddy to join the trip. There is no better way to stay safe than to hang in a group and when we feel unsafe we don't hesitate to pack up and move on. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
