Welcome to another edition of our Traveler Interview Series. Today we are featuring Family Travel Blogger Emma of My Rig Adventures. I am excited to share another family from the land down under. Their home is wherever they park their caravan. How sweet is that? Check out their story below.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. NAMES, CHILDREN’S AGES, OCCUPATION/S. WHERE IS HOME?
We are a family of 4 who travels around Australia in our caravan. Home is now wherever we park it. Prior to that, we came from Brisbane, Australia. Allan, Emma, Dominic (11) and Indii (9). Allan is a Truck Driver/ Excavator Operator, who picks up work as we travel. Emma is the writer who runs the Travel Blog and creates Travel Guides and Resources.
WHEN DID YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL BEGIN?
We’ve always loved to get away and see new places. But our real passion began when the kids were only little (1 & 3) and we’d just had enough of the cookie-cutter suburban life. That’s when our dream of throwing it all in to live simply on the road really began. Although it was quite a few years before we actually got up the courage to start living that dream of ours.
WHAT IS THE FIRST TRIP YOU REMEMBER TAKING BOTH INDIVIDUALLY AND AS A FAMILY?
We went camping often as kids, so I have many of those memories. My first overseas trip was to Malaysia when I was 15. My Dad was working over there at the time, so we went to visit for two weeks. It was a whole new experience for me, both exciting and daunting all at the same time! Our first big trip as a family was a road trip from Brisbane to Sydney when the kids were only little and that’s when we really started to think about taking off with a caravan on the back.
HOW MANY COUNTRIES HAVE YOU VISITED THUS FAR?
Malaysia, Vanuatu, New Zealand.
WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION YOU HAVE BEEN TO SO FAR? WHY?
New Zealand is my favorite international destination so far. Wow, that place is just so green. You really do feel like you’re on the set of Lord of the Rings most of the time! I’d love to go back for a year and go on a road trip to both islands.
LET’S TALK FOOD. ANY MEMORABLE DINING EXPERIENCES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE?
I remember going to a local restaurant around the corner from where we were staying in Malaysia. It was one of the places that Dad frequented for dinner at night. It was so vibrant and bustling, but there was one thing that has stuck out in my mind. Every time a new customer would come in, they would flip the tablecloth over. The white tablecloths were covered in splatters and evidence of the people who’d come before us and shared a really great meal. I love that!
ANY UNIQUE EXPERIENCES OR CHALLENGES DURING YOUR TRAVELS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
I don’t think I was fully prepared for the third world country experience on Vanuatu. Coming from a privileged Western society, it was a real eye-opener. If I could do it again, I think I’d have to fly in with a different perspective so that I could enjoy it more.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BLOG? HOW DID YOU GET STARTED BLOGGING? WHY DID YOU START A BLOG?
I just love to write and I knew right at the beginning of our personal journey, that I wanted to be able to share it with whoever wanted to listen. I started our blog just before we sold our house and have taken it right through the process of getting rid of our possessions, to set ourselves up for our simple, nomadic, off-grid lifestyle. Now the blog is my place to share not only some of the amazing camps and destinations we find but the tips and hacks to help others who want to escape the Rat Race.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH TRAVEL?
The one thing I’ve learned through travel is that when you’re out there, exploring and just living in that way, you’re the same as everyone else who is also doing it. So many people from different walks of life can come together through travel and share their stories and experiences and be on the same level through their like-mindedness.
CAN YOU GIVE FAMILIES A FEW TIPS, TRICKS, AND HACKS WHEN TRAVELING?
Well for our mode of travel (road tripping & RVing), organization and minimalism is the key. Pack simple items that serve multiple purposes. The lighter you pack, the freer you are! The best way to keep the costs down is to track your budget so that you can be accountable for every expense. The less you spend, the further you get to travel. We’ve got lots more Tips & Hacks on our website for RVing.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Ziplining or bungee jumping? Ziplining.
Tea or Coffee? Tea.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met so far?
A guy who camped next to us and lived out of his car. He was so content and happy, yet his possessions and assets were few. Total inspiration!
Disney World or the real world? Real world.
What’s been the best street food you’ve had?
Hot meat pie with cheese on top.
Please tell our readers how they can follow your family travels on social media.
Website| Facebook| Instagram| Pinterest| Youtube|
Thank You, Emma, for taking time out to share some of your travel experiences and valuable family travel tips.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know a little bit about My Rig Adventures as much as we did, and that you’ve been inspired to go On Travel Mode more often!
If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed for one of our future editions, please comment below or email us at theteam@ontravelmode.com.
Additionally, if you have any questions you’d like us to pose to future interviewees we’d love to read them!
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