June 25th 2023.
This family from Adelaide, Australia, has been living an adventurous life since 2022 when they decided to leave their home behind and live in a van while travelling Australia. Kyle Markham, 29, and his partner Maddison Milton, 27, a women's health dietitian, made the move with their infant son Reef, now three, and their dog.
The family bought a 2015 Mercedes Sprinter for £21,335 secondhand, and then spent two years and £21,000 transforming it into their dream home. Maddison said they put in all those extra touches to make it feel like a home.
Since November, the trio and their pup have covered 13,000 miles in their van. With their new lifestyle, they have managed to cut down their weekly expenses to about £320. Before they made the switch, their weekly outgoings were at least £350 higher, with utilities costing them an additional £50-£80 per week.
The family mostly spends that money on food and fuel, and estimate their fuel expenses fluctuate depending on how far they travel each week. They also pay for phone bills, van insurance, and subscriptions, leaving any extra cash for meals out, caravan parks, or special events.
The couple initially made the transition to van life so they could spend more time with their little boy and offer him incredible experiences. Maddison said: "We wanted to find a way that our travel could continue. We weren't ready to settle down, buy a house and plant roots just yet. We are the kind of people that thrive on new challenges and being immersed in new places."
They are able to keep their expenses low by taking advantage of free camps, not having to pay for utilities since they are solar powered, and using their phone plan for internet. Additionally, Kyle was able to quit his job to become a stay-at-home dad through the saving they have made.
It hasn't all been smooth sailing though, as Maddison mentioned that one of the challenges is that when something breaks or goes wrong in the van, it can be tricky to fix. They also have to set aside a day each week to fill up water, do laundry, and go grocery shopping.
Fortunately, their van has been receiving a lot of admiration from passers-by, with people commenting on its modern design and spaciousness. Maddison advises those considering to do the same to research and choose the right vehicle for their needs and preferences.
At the end of the day, Maddison says the biggest reason they chose van life is for the freedom it gives them. They are now able to explore, make memories as a family, and be present for all of Reef's milestones.
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