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Living in a caravan has become a unique lifestyle choice for many families and individuals, offering a break from conventional living. Here are some inspiring stories of people who embraced this caravan life experience.
Table of Contents
1. Meek Family’s UK Adventures
The Meek family made a bold decision to swap their regular life for a year of adventures around the UK, living in a caravan as their home and the great outdoors as their classroom.
What would you do if you felt trapped in a rut, working too hard and spending too little time with your family? That’s how Tim and Kerry Meek felt, until they made a radical decision: to quit their jobs, sell their house, and take their two daughters, Amy and Ella, on a year-long caravan adventure around the UK.
In this blog post, they share how they prepared for their trip, what they saw and did along the way, and what they learned from their experience. They also offer some advice for others who want to do the same.
The Meeks’ escape vehicle was a touring caravan they won in a competition. They made some modifications to the caravan, such as adding solar panels, a bike rack, and a roof box. They also packed some essential items, such as a laptop, a projector, a printer, a camera, a telescope, and a guitar. They took the clothes they needed for different seasons, along with some books, games, and toys for the girls. They also stocked up on food, water, and gas.
They said that the most challenging part of preparing for their trip was getting rid of their belongings and saying goodbye to their friends and family. They also had to sort out some practical issues, such as insurance, tax, and mail forwarding.
The Meeks traveled around the UK for a year, covering over 11,000 miles and visiting 50 counties. They said that every day was different and exciting, and that they had a lot of fun and freedom. They also said that they learned a lot from their trip, not only about the places they visited, but also about themselves and each other.
Some of their highlights included:
- Climbing the highest peaks in England, Scotland, and Wales
- Exploring the islands of Orkney and Shetland
- Visiting the Eden Project and the Giant’s Causeway
- Camping in the wild and sleeping under the stars
- Meeting inspiring people and making new friends
- Celebrating their birthdays and anniversaries in special locations
- Doing 100 outdoor challenges, such as kayaking, surfing, and zip-lining
The Meeks said that their caravan adventure was the best thing they ever did as a family, and that it changed their lives for the better. They said that they learned to appreciate the simple things in life, such as nature, beauty, and time. They also learned to be more flexible, adaptable, and resilient, and to overcome any difficulties or problems they faced. They said that they grew closer as a family, and that they developed new skills and interests.
They also said that they learned a lot about education, and that they found alternative ways of learning for their daughters, such as online courses, project-based work, and real-life experiences. They said that their daughters thrived in their new environment, and that they became more confident, curious, and creative.
The Meeks said that their caravan adventure was the best decision they ever made, and that they would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to do it.
They said that it was not always easy, but it was always rewarding, and that they have memories that will last a lifetime.
They offered some advice for others who want to follow in their footsteps, such as:
- Do your research and plan ahead, but don’t be afraid to change your plans if needed
- Be prepared for any weather and road conditions, and have a backup plan in case of emergencies
- Join a caravan club or a Facebook group for tips and support from other travelers
- Have a budget and stick to it, but also treat yourself once in a while
- Have fun and make the most of every moment
You can find the details of their adventure here: “‘Our best ever family decision: quitting school and jobs, and taking to the road’”
2.Why it’s the best thing you’ll ever do?
Traveling by caravan is the dream of many people who are attracted by the charm of freedom, adventure and nature. But it takes courage, sacrifice and planning to turn this dream into reality. Now, you will meet a family who dedicated their lives to traveling by caravan and visited every corner of Australia with their four children.
A Melbourne couple, Tom Urech-Wright, 44, and Aimee, 37, left suburban life to travel around Australia in a caravan with their four kids.
Tom and Aimee Urech-Wright decided to leave everything behind and travel by caravan when they were living a normal life in Melbourne. The sudden death of Aimee’s father showed them how short life is and that it should not be postponed. They sold their house, belongings and cars and bought a caravan for 60 thousand dollars in 2017 and hit the road in 2018. They initially planned a 10-month trip, but they got so used to the caravan life that they did not want to go back. They have been traveling by caravan for five years now and have visited every state and region of Australia.
The family says that traveling by caravan has many advantages, and the biggest gains are time and freedom. Tom says that he could not see his children when he was working in Melbourne, and he was busy with sports and other things on weekends. When traveling by caravan, he says that he can spend more time with his children, introduce them to nature, cultures and different people. Aimee says that caravan life gives them financial and spiritual freedom, and they get away from stress and pressure.
The family’s 25 feet (7.6 meters) long caravan includes four bunk beds, a double bed, a small kitchen, a television, a bathroom and storage space. The family says that they are comfortable in the caravan, but they are mostly outside, making campfires, watching stars, fishing, swimming and cycling. They also say that they meet many people while traveling by caravan, some of whom they become friends with, and some of whom they travel together for a while.
Traveling by caravan also has its challenges. The family says that sometimes the caravan breaks down, and sometimes the weather conditions get difficult. But they say that they overcome all of them, and traveling by caravan makes them stronger, more flexible and more patient. The family says that traveling by caravan is an experience that they recommend to everyone, but it requires good research, planning and budgeting.
Despite challenges adjusting to close living quarters, they value the freedom and family time. The kids, homeschooled, have experienced unique adventures, and the couple encourages others to try van life for its liberating experience. Their only rule: they’ll stop when the kids say they’ve had enough.
Traveling by caravan can be a choice that can change your life. If you want to make this choice, you can follow the adventures of the Urech-Wright family, get inspired by them and get tips from them. Website – Instagram – Facebook
3. Caravanning Around Australia: The Morrell Family’s Story
Have you ever dreamed of caravanning around Australia with your family? If so, you might be inspired by the story of Joanne and Daine Morrell, who sold their home, packed up their caravan and took themselves and their two daughters on an eight-month odyssey around the country.
They share their reasons for taking the leap, their tips for packing and planning, and their highlights from their amazing adventure.
Why they decided to caravan around Australia?
Joanne and Daine had always enjoyed caravanning holidays with their friends, but they wanted to do something more. They felt that their time with their daughters, Payton (11) and Sara (8), was precious and limited, and they wanted to make the most of it. They also had some personal losses that made them realize that life is too short and that they should seize the day.
So, they decided to sell their house in a seller’s market, put their belongings in storage, and hit the road in April 2023. They had no fixed itinerary, but they had a rough idea of the places they wanted to see and the experiences they wanted to have.
How they prepared and packed for their trip?
Joanne and Daine had a 21.6ft Coromal Adventure Seeker caravan, which had a spacious layout and enough room for their family of four. They made some minor modifications to the inside of the van, such as installing fans, hooks, railings, and a gas heater. They also packed some essential appliances, such as an air fryer, a Thermomix, a kettle, a toaster, a sandwich press, an ice machine, camp chairs, and two outdoor tables.
They took the clothes they wore the most for different seasons, along with some games, books, sporting and computing equipment, and a few toys for the girls. They also stocked the shelves with food and drinks, and made sure they had enough bedding, towels, toiletries, cleaning products, and medical supplies.
They said that the one thing they wish they had done better was to utilize the cupboard space in their caravan more efficiently, and to pack less stuff that they didn’t really need.
What they saw and did on their journey?
Joanne and Daine traveled around Australia for eight months, covering over 30,000 kilometers and visiting every state and territory except Tasmania. They said that every day was different and exciting, and that they saw and did things that they had never done before.
Some of their highlights included:
- Swimming with whale sharks and manta rays at Ningaloo Reef
- Exploring the gorges and waterfalls of the Kimberley
- Watching the sunset over Uluru and Kata Tjuta
- Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef
- Driving along the Great Ocean Road
- Hiking in the Blue Mountains
- Visiting the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
- Meeting new friends and fellow travelers along the way
They also said that they learned a lot from their trip, such as how to be more flexible, adaptable, and resilient, how to appreciate the simple things in life, and how to enjoy spending quality time with each other.
What they would advise others who want to do the same?
Joanne and Daine said that caravanning around Australia was the best decision they ever made, and that they would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to do it. They said that it was not always easy, but it was always rewarding, and that they have memories that will last a lifetime.
They offered some advice for others who want to follow in their footsteps, such as:
- Do your research and plan ahead, but don’t be afraid to change your plans if needed
- Be prepared for any weather and road conditions, and have a backup plan in case of emergencies
- Join a caravan club or a Facebook group for tips and support from other travelers
- Have a budget and stick to it, but also treat yourself once in a while
- Have fun and make the most of every moment
4. Mills Family’s Caravan Life Journey in Australia
Mark and Jo Mills, accompanied by their two children, Vanessa and Ash, undertook an adventurous caravan journey around Australia, sharing their experiences during their 73-day mark.
The Mills family from Gembrook, Victoria, is on a 14-week, 20,000-kilometer caravan adventure around Australia with their two children, Vanessa and Ash. Mark is the designated driver and head chef, while Jo manages navigation, planning, and household tasks. The kids actively participate in the journey, keeping journals and handling budgets.
The family combines both holiday parks and free camping for affordability. Highlights include Uluru, Kakadu, Mitchell Falls, Zebedee Springs, Horizontal Falls, Ningaloo Reef, and Karijini National Park. They’ve been pleasantly surprised by destinations like Horizontal Falls and Ningaloo Reef.
Challenges include missing their dog Harley, and Mark’s father had a stroke midway through the trip. They stay connected through a Sat Phone.
Top tips for caravan journeys include duct tape for repairs, a good water filter, the Camps Australia Book for free camps, and thorough trip planning.
The family values the quality time spent together, witnessing their kids’ growth, and exploring parts of Australia they’ve never seen before. They encourage others to undertake similar journeys for bonding and experiencing the beauty of different regions.
Follow their adventure on their blog at: Mill’s Adventures
5. Nomads Family Travels Around the Europe
The Valka family, consisting of Vita, Renata, Magdalenka, and Viktorka, embarked on a unique journey in 2011, traveling extensively in a caravan. Vita works as a freelance UI designer, and their adventures led Renata to become a virtual assistant. Despite financial constraints, they bought a caravan and explored Europe, visiting countries like Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Croatia, Greece, and Morocco.
Their travel routine involves extended journeys during spring, balancing the joy of exploration with missing family, friends, and home responsibilities. Majda, their daughter, attends an alternative school that accommodates their nomadic lifestyle. Renata shares the family’s freedom on the road, the lack of rigid schedules, and the joy of discovering new cultures and cuisines. They advocate for slow, long-term travel as a fulfilling lifestyle.
The Válkova family embarked on their caravan travels in 2011, starting with short trips in Europe. The idea to travel with a caravan was sparked by Víťa, and despite initial reservations, they bought a caravan and began their journey. Their travels have taken them through various European countries, including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Croatia, Greece, and even a bit of Africa (Morocco). They prefer traveling in the spring, spending two to four months on the road.
Despite the challenges of being away from home, the family has found a balance, with Majda attending an alternative school that accommodates their travel lifestyle. The nomadic lifestyle allows them to live freely without strict routines, with days blending into one another. They enjoy exploring local cuisines, cooking healthy meals, and experiencing the freedom of not keeping track of time.
The family values the friendships they form with fellow travelers on the road, exchanging experiences and tips. They recommend long-term, slow travel as a unique lifestyle that brings balance and peace.
You can follow their adventures on their website Vita Valka.
These stories showcase the diverse reasons people choose to live in caravans, from family adventures to personal self-discovery. The caravan lifestyle provides a unique blend of freedom, exploration, and connection with the world around us.
