Miriam Mace and Chris Maujean — better known as Aussie Destinations Unknown (ADU) — are full-time travellers who live the caravan lifestyle every day. With a passion for sharing the highs and lows of life on the road, they’ve built a loyal following through their honest insights and practical tips.
In this new column, Miriam and Chris will share stories and lessons learned from more than a decade of travel — including five years living full-time in their van. Expect a blend of real-life experiences, practical tips and tricks, lifestyle insights and reflections on everything from staying fit when on the road to the challenges of full-time travel.
They’re kicking things off with one of the biggest questions out there: is full-time caravanning right for you?
There’s something pretty magical about the idea of full-time caravanning — waking up to beach views one week and red dirt the next, chasing the sun and leaving peak-hour traffic in your rear vision mirror. It sounds like the ultimate dream, and for many it absolutely is. But before you trade your house keys for hitch pins, it’s worth asking the big question: is this lifestyle really the right fit for you (and your crew)?
We’ve been caravanning since 2014 — sometimes with kids, sometimes just the two of us. We’ve squeezed in trips over long weekends, tackled the chaos of school holidays and taken off on months-long adventures. And now that our four kids are older, we’re five years into full-time travel as a couple. So, we’ve seen (and lived) all sides of van life — and we can say this: we love this lifestyle, but it’s not one-size-fits-all.
Start with why
Before you dive into caravan shopping or plotting your endless lap, take a second to think about why you want to hit the road. Are you craving freedom? Looking to reconnect with your family? Wanting to live more simply? Want to explore Australia? Your ‘why’ is your anchor — it’ll help you plan smarter and stay motivated when the glow of the dream dims a little, like when a loved one falls ill or passes when you’re on the other side of the country (I lost my nan who lived in Tasmania when we were in the West MacDonnell Ranges, NT) or when your fridge dies at the beginning of the Gibb River Road and you have to use ice to get to the other side — true story that happened to our friends!
Life on the road can have its ups and downs
It’s not always sunset and sangas
Don’t get us wrong — there’s a lot to love about this lifestyle. But it’s not all beachy sunsets and happy hour by the campfire.
There’s the living in a confined space, the endless decision-making (where to go, where to stay, where can we find water?) and the fun surprise of mechanical issues popping up in the middle of nowhere. Illness, missing those left behind, not having a routine … and weather is a big one too. What if it’s windy and raining non-stop for two weeks? Would you cope with being stuck inside your van? We’ve been through more extreme weather events than we’d care to remember — storms, floods, heatwaves, gale-force winds … you name it! When your home has wheels and thin walls, Mother Nature can really shake things up.
And of course, there’re the little things that become big things in a confined space. One couple we met was so excited to finally take off — until snoring became the dealbreaker. Two nights in and the van was back at the dealership. Turns out, separate bedrooms at home don’t translate well to caravan life.
We even met a real estate agent at a caravan show in Victoria who told us she’d sold many homes of families who were excited to hit the road, only to see them return not long after — devastated, often looking to divorce and unable to get back into the property market. I’m not sharing this to scare or deter you, but to help you make sure that going full-time is really what you want and that it’s the right choice for everyone involved. This lifestyle has a way of amplifying whatever’s already there in your relationship, so it needs to be rock solid before you take off. The little things that feel manageable in a house — like one person being tidy and the other messy — can push people to breaking point when you’re sharing a small space 24/7. Honest conversations up front can save a world of pain later on.
Miriam and Chris at Branco’s Lookout, WA
Money, mail and messy logistics
Full-time travel comes with practical stuff that’s easy to overlook when you’re dreaming big. Things like how you’ll earn or manage money, access healthcare, deal with mail or keep the kids learning if they’re still in school.
And yes, we’ve heard the heartbreaking stories of families selling everything, only to find themselves out of cash and out of options. Planning doesn’t kill the dream — it keeps it alive.
Talk it out
If you’re travelling with a partner or family, get everything on the table early. Who’s doing what? How do each of you deal with stress? What’s the plan when someone needs alone time in a 20ft van?
Talk out who will do what and how you handle stress
Try before you go all-in
If you’re on the fence, test the water. Do a few extended trips. Hire before you buy. Try part-time or seasonal travel. There’s no rule that says you have to go full-time to enjoy the lifestyle.
The bottom line
This life? It can be amazing. But it’s even better when it’s the right fit. Do the thinking now, so when you do roll out, it’s with excitement, clarity and a whole lot of confidence.
And if you're anything like us ... you might just fall in love with it!
Where to find the ADU crew
You can follow the ADU crew’s adventures on their website and on all social media platforms.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
And join us next month for when Miriam and Chris discuss how to keep fit while on the road.
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Aussie Destinations Unknown: Is full-time caravanning right for you?