Life of a Gypsy | We chat with a gypsy nomads @tripinavan

Tell us a little about who makes up the travel brood of @tripinavan

We are a family of five - Me (Bec), husband Justin and our three ratbags Jack, Billy and daughter Charli. We set off on a lap around Australia in Dec 2015 and well, the lifestyle simply stuck. Now nearly 3.5 years on, we are still living the simple life caravanning around this amazing country.

What sparked the idea to live a life of on the road adventure?

It was a change in job circumstances for my husband, the coal mine he was working at closed down and his new job was completely way off with the work life balance. Meaning, I was home with three kids under three and he was working crazy hours barely seeing the kids. So Justin put the idea of travelling Australia to me and due to just having a baby, I said no, however after a few weeks I came round to the idea.

Shop Bec's Dress here ~ Shop Charli's Mini dress here

Where to next?

Next? I have no idea and that’s the beauty of travel. It’s on your own terms! At the moment we are exploring Western Australia and will move on to the Northern Territory and over to the East Coast.

Most memorable places your stayed in so far and why?

There have been way to many memorable places and we are asked this question a lot. It could be in a dust bowl in the middle of nowhere, but a campfire and amazing sunset can be your memorable moment. For us its not the memorable places but the memorable moments.
We love the WA coastline, its untouched, pristine, crystal clear with the most amazing blue water and they have all this gorgeous marine life. Ningaloo Reef is pretty special.

Shop Bec's dress here

What’s been the most surprising and rewarding experience about your journey so far?

The most rewarding experience is the family time. Although some days are hectic with three kids on the road full time I’d just never give it up. What it’s doing for them emotionally is incredible and the family bond we’re creating is unbreakable. What has surprised me is how much I love simplicity, living this slow paced life has made me appreciate things a lot more!

How long do you plan to be on this adventure?

Who knows how long this adventure will be for. I cant believe it’s been 3 and a half years. As long as we continue to earn an income, not touch our savings and everyone is happy, we will continue for another year or two (or three).

What advice would you offer to anyone who wants to pack up and hit the road?

My advice would be to buy a caravan/bus/camper trailer that suits your family’s needs. For us, hitting the road with kids aged only 6 months, 2 and 3 years old, it was a must to have an ensuite in our caravan. Prepare yourself for an adjustment period and remember its a lifestyle not a holiday. Initially its a holiday, but you’ll need to find a good balance.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced living a life on the road?

Our biggest challenge has been remembering to make time for ourselves. We can get caught up in doing everything as a family but it’s important to make time for yourself and grab a break when you can.

Shop Bec's Dress here ~ Shop Charli's Dress here

Most important items for a life on the road?

Most important items, well it wont be what you think. But having a really good battery and solar set up has been a game changer for us. It gives you so much more freedom and convenience. However something materialistic would be my Birkenstocks and Akubra as I wear them both every day.

Travel tips for travelling with children?

Travelling with kids is really beneficial and challenging at times. My best travel tip is to keep them on a routine as best you can. Kids thrive on routine and we make sure they are always in bed asleep by 730pm. Things just flow nicely when everyone knows what’s happening.

Tips for self-care while travelling?

For my self care I always try to take care of my skin as I am always in the sun. I have a good skincare routine and use lots of Jojoba oil and do a hydrating facemask often.

For you, happiness is?

Happiness is family, travel and exercise. Keeping active is a must for my happiness and being able to travel with my family really does make me happy! How lucky am I.

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