Our Story | Why we live in a van | Vanlife Australia

Hey friends, in this episode we answer the question "Why we live in a van". We realised we'd told our story a couple of times when guests on podcasts, but haven't really shared with you all here on KZbin.
So here it is:
How we met (includes some very questionable pics from the '90s!!)
How we came to live in a van
Why we love living in a van
What's the future look like?
We hope you enjoy this rather personal episode. Should we make more videos like this?
Please consider subscribing to our channel - we bring you travel guides and vanlife tips weekly with a peek into our lives on the road.
WHO ARE WE?
We are Nigel and Sue (NaS) Adventures, a couple of outdoor adventurers. We've been Overlanding Australia living in our self-converted 4x4 Sprinter van since January 2021. Join us as we visit the highlights, but also share some off the beaten path hidden gems, along with the day to day realities of living in a van.
Thank you so much to our supporters on Patreon - you can join the community here: www.patreon.com/user?u=23150466
Keep up to date with our adventures on instagram at / nas_adventures
Or Facebook / nigelandsueadventures

[@adventureawaits102]

Loved this episode Nigel and Sue (all of them actually). You're a great inspiration for us. We're still building out our van and hoping to hit the road later this year.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks so much! That’s exciting, what sort of van do you have?

[@adventureawaits102]

@@nigelandsueadventures 2008 LWB high roof 518 CDI, but unfortunately only the 2WD version. We really like your layout, so we're doing that, though still deciding on whether to go with a 3rd seat, swivel captains chair and hinged table anchored to the wall behind driver, in lieu of the bench under the window. We're nearly empty nesters too. Question: how did you go about compliance certification for electrical and engineering? If you're passing through ACT, would be nice to meet up for a chat.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

@@adventureawaits102 each state is different, we found a guy in Qld who could do our compliance certificate. The big thing for us was having the gas done by a licensed gas fitter and an electrician do and sign off the 240 volt electric. Not sure if we will come via CBR or up the coast, but would be great to meet up if we do come that way

[@KendallCurran]

It's your fault that I'm obsessed with Van Life. Your van is the 'dream van ' that I will have one day but will start off small and start seeing this wonderful country.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Haha, how does the saying go “sorry not sorry”? It’s a good obsession.

[@johnniecoles3925]

Just subscribed to follow you , awesome videos. The sentence that got me was the "like-minded people" one. We (wife, young daughter and I) travelled for 3 years (Camper Trailer around Australia) and met real people doing the same thing. No idiots! Been back in reality now in Townsville for 3 years but always looking at going again at every opportunity! Looking forward to watching your continuing journey. Enjoy.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Awww thanks Johnnie, I’m sure it’s tough going back to “reality”! Hope you have all been safe in TSV with Jasper. My sister is in Cairns.

[@annsimmons2690]

Thankyou for sharing your story.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks for watching 🧡🧡

[@carladalton6220]

Loved seeing the pics from your Contiki days in the 90's! Nigel with hair!! I love "look, listen, feel", so much more meaningful than "live, laugh, love" that you see everywhere... BTW Sue your hair looks lovely today 🙂 (PS. we finally got our 4WD 10 days ago after an 11 month wait & should have our little off-road 5th wheeler by end of June)

[@nigelandsueadventures]

thanks Carla, yes we are trying to live by that motto more and more. How exciting that your road trip plans are coming to fruition! Thanks for the comments about my hair, we are staying in a house-sit at the moment so I took the time to style it!

[@LynneCarey]

Loved this episode too. Nice to get some of the details. I think I’ve been watching since not long after you finished the van build. 😊 I really do love the layout of your van and the aesthetics of it. It’s lovely. Thanks for sharing. 🤗💖

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Yes you have been such a great supporter for so long Lynne and we really appreciate it. Look out for a Patreon only update tomorrow evening!

[@Lee-astrololee]

Love it, can't wait to be doing the same, got my 4WD and tent, due to leave in May, you and many others doing the same are such an inspiration to those of us whom want to experience the same. Thankyou Nigel and Sue. 😊

[@nigelandsueadventures]

It’s like it goes full circle! We hope you love life in the road as much as we do! Where will you be heading first?

[@Lee-astrololee]

@@nigelandsueadventures Broken Hill & Silverton to visit Mad Max Museum lol then Opals at White Cliffs, Tibooburra Nat Parks, so much to see and do outback! Then where ever my vehicle takes me!

[@nigelandsueadventures]

@@Lee-astrololee oh that sounds so cool. I really want to go to the Mad Max museum!

[@lisamccormick8151]

Love your story guys and Sue your hair looks so beautiful💕.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks so much Lisa🧡

[@tinkering123]

Just caught your channel. Great lifestyle. I loved living in Australia and exploring. Keep following your dreams.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

It's an increible country, we've been very blessed. Thanks for watching.

[@patrickosullivan6006]

Good morning guys. Just love 💕 hearing your thoughts and insight and sharing your life with us. Best video ever 🌹❤️👏👏👍

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thank you so much Patrick and for your ongoing support. 🧡🧡

[@dani_merlin147]

I hear you... i love my home on wheels. Can't imagine myself living in a house just yet. 2nd year now travelling. Hopefully we will meet one day. I am in Brisbane at the end of June and then going further north to Cairns. Keep it going.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Oh you will love it in the Tropical North, it's my (Sue) spiritual home. I miss it!! We will be along the south of the country for the rest of the year and then Tassie in January (well, that's the plan right now!). I hope we cross paths and meet up!

[@peterbrockman161]

Thanks so much for the insight into your life and lifestyle Sue and Nigel. I always enjoy your videos. My own Sprinter Van conversion is complete and my partner and I use it regularly and in June/July using your experiences and advice we are off to Central Australia from Tassie on our first "interstater". So thanks for the videos, the insights and for sharing.... And please don't stop being such lovely people....😊

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Oh my gosh Peter what a lovely message! This is why we do what we do. We always say if we can inspire one person 👍 You guys are going to love the Red Centre!! We hope to be in Tassie in January.

[@peterbrockman161]

@nigelandsueadventures Hopefully in January I may get the opportunity to meet you both.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

@@peterbrockman161 oh that would be so cool!! I hope so.

[@angiehall2698]

Thank you Nigel and Sue really enjoyed the episode very interesting

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks so much for watching Angie. Have a great weekend

[@Hope_Faith_Strength]

VERY inspirational and encouraging…

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thank you so much! We appreciate the compliment

[@ryanparsons4974]

Love this guys! Ebony, Bella and I are currently working hard and saving to build our own in the future. Awesome to see you guys on here! Miss you guys and hopefully see you on the road before we leave!

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Cheers Ryan!! We absolutely love watching your journey. A van is a great way to travel to all the good kite spots. You’ll love it!

[@MoonRiverTravels]

Always love hearing about 'how' others live on the open road, making the most of their time and enjoying 'living' life. Kudos to both of you for taking the plunge, and here's to the next bend in the road! 🍻Take care, have fun, and catch you next time! 🎉 Ps, 'gong show', how right you are! 😂

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Cheers Kit! We look forward to meeting you when we get to the UK!

[@MoonRiverTravels]

@@nigelandsueadventures that'd be awesome!!

[@NannaGJP]

Great episode - hope you’re going to come to Tassie - so much to see and do here.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

We absolutely are!! Our lap wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Tassie!

[@deb31vers35]

Thanks for the vlog and all your adventures in the future, it's a dream of mine and my husbands to live just like you both. Hope to meet you both on the road sometime 🎉

[@nigelandsueadventures]

That would be so cool! We love meeting like minded people on the road. Let us know if we look like crossing paths.

[@nicholasmclaurin1694]

Loved hearing the full story!

[@nigelandsueadventures]

So proud of you 👏 🧡🧡🧡

[@colleenperry635]

Loved hearing about your life. Has Nigel got kids and been married. Enjoy your life as you are 🫶

[@nigelandsueadventures]

No Nigel was the eternal nomad bachelor until I came along!!

[@deborahrodda8825]

Awesome vid…keep doing what you love & safe travels ☺️

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks so much Deb. Hope you are doing well. We are thinking of you

[@Hope_Faith_Strength]

Absolutely love vlogs like this! Good on you guys ❤

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks so much Ana! Hope you enjoy our upcoming videos too

[@Mellyyj89]

I love your lifestyle, it's goals!!

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks Mell! Hope you’re doing well 🧡🧡

[@philipevans1027]

Amazing story good luck with your travels enjoy ...

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thank you so much Philip. 😊

[@EllaGee-jx6zu]

You guys are amazing. Absolutely love your posts. My partner and I are doing the same thing in New Zealand. We are from Gold coast and came here end of January and bought av can here and are having a blast. It is a brilliant way of life and the freedom is top of the list Keep going you make the world a better and happier place ❤️

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Cheers Ella! When we were in NZ at Christmas we kept saying how wonderful it would be to do Vanlife there. We tried to hire one but couldn’t get one due to Xmas demand.

[@EllaGee-jx6zu]

@@nigelandsueadventures yes sue it was crazy that's for sure. It's starting to get less now but still a lot of vans on the road. We were lucky to buy one that was from a farmer who had only used it a couple of times. So like you we are thinking resale would be good 😊 but we plan on being here the year and who knows what after that

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Exactly!! This lifestyle kind of gets j ser your skin!

[@nigelandsueadventures]

* under

[@EllaGee-jx6zu]

@@nigelandsueadventures I knew what you meant 😂

[@travelswithforrestflo1239]

We loved hearing your story and enjoy following your adventures! I first heard you on the Jits podcast. Happy and safe onward travels 💛

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Oh that was so good doing that podcast! We love Tania and Adam. Thanks for your ongoing support 🧡

[@monihamam901]

Great beautiful story thank you

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@jodieandkylie5091]

Thank you both for sharing! Love your story and love your videos 💛💛

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks Jodie and Kylie, we really appreciate your support! Hope to catch up when we make it back around to Qld

[@jodieandkylie5091]

We would love that!!! Maybe we could all do a ‘Nigel dive’ together 😂😂

[@nigelandsueadventures]

@@jodieandkylie5091 haha yes that would be so cool!!

[@sallyjones1403]

Fantastic story, thank you for sharing it

[@nigelandsueadventures]

You’re very welcome!

[@nigelandsueadventures]

You’re very welcome!

[@davidfrew1518]

Hi Nigel and Sue. I'm now only a month or so behind you. Thanks for sharing your story. Twas good to get to know you a little more. Again I say, it would be great to get togther and swap stories one day.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Where are you based David?

[@davidfrew1518]

@@nigelandsueadventures I'm in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I have been here a number of years, but I hope to return to OZ in the next couple of years. I did some solo van travelling some years ago and I would like to get back into it. I do realize that meeting you in person is only a pipe dream for now.

[@kathleenwhelan6500]

Love your honesty about life in general. I look forward each week to your videos. We are setting out this July for a 2 year lap, love your tips. Steve is also a fellow windsurfer and kite surfer.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Hey Kathleen, thanks so much for your comment! We hope you enjoy your travels. Where are you leaving from and which way are you heading? Please say hi if you see us on the road!

[@judithbuist164]

Thanks for sharing. Judy, Nelson Bay, NSW

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks for watching Judy, hope you’re having a brilliant weekend 🧡

[@thealmostgreynomad5506]

Look listen and feel, what a great mantra 🕉️

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Isn’t it awesome? We love it

[@steveturner8883]

Thanks Nigel and Sue for sharing your story. Great to hear about your love for van life. We are enjoying ours too in our 4x4 Sprinter.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Cheers Steve! Thanks for watching. Where abouts are you guys now?

[@steveturner8883]

@@nigelandsueadventures At home in NSW at the moment.... family responsibilities!

[@kriscooper5280]

Thank you 🙏

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks for watching 😍

[@alisonbanks7593]

Hey you guys! Have you already left WA? Love to catch up for a vino before you go if not? Great episode (with lovely familiar Contiki faces 🥰♥️👌)xx

[@nigelandsueadventures]

No we are still here!! Definitely catch up Before we head off. I’ll drop you a message.

[@alisonbanks7593]

Fabulous! 🙏♥️

[@geoffwilson7774]

Thanks for sharing your story guys. You’re an inspiration to all who want to travel… Sounds like you have a great plan for the future, World Safari how cool, can’t wait 😀🤙🏽

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Just like Alby Mangels, except I won’t be wearing a chamois bikini!! Haha

[@geoffwilson7774]

Yeah just how I pictured it Sue… n Nigel with his fancy head gear…lol Safe travels guys 🤙🏽

[@nigelandsueadventures]

@@geoffwilson7774 😂 haha

[@michaelraine4665]

Lifes good , enjoy as long as you are able to. Cheers Michael

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks Michael, we absolutely plan to!

[@stayawesome]

Just subscribed Nigel & Sue - your van looks fantastic - I have the 2WD model with no pizza oven ha

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks so much for being here! The “pizza” oven definitely gets a workout!!

[@hahiep2034]

When will episode about Cicada stay be released, Nigel and Sue? I can’t wait

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Look out for it this Sunday Jake!!

[@JohnnyArts2883]

Interesting story

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Thanks Johnny!!

[@jennyrego7321]

Hey Nigel & Sue, love your vlogs, we met you guys at Standley Chasm NT last year and now heading up to QLD until September 2023. We are also going to sell our van when we get back and then heading to France to buy a van in January 2024, to start our new van life in Europe. You never know, we might run into you again in Europe. 😊

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Hey Jenny! Yes we remember you guys, thanks for dropping a message. We hoped to catch up with you again but you’d left. Hope you enjoy Qld and hope you make it up to FNQ. Have you looked into the logistics of buying a van in Europe? I’ve done a bit of research, it looks a bit complicated!

[@jennyrego7321]

​@@nigelandsueadventures we are hoping to get as close as we can to the top of FNQ, but limited as our van is not 4WD. Check out Lochie and Ash on YT, they purchased in The Netherlands, and registered and insured in Andorra. There is Harro in Europe, they are in The Netherlands and they offer a buy back option, but the maximum they offer is 12 months and the vehicle is registered and insured in their company name. We are going to purchase our new van in France through France Motorhome Sales. Although non-residents cannot purchase a motorhome directly, they are permitted to set up a legal structure called a société civile. This legal entity has a specific, non-commercial activity attached to it, in this case owning and driving a motorhome as we want to travel Europe long term. We will set this up towards the end of 2023, but won't purchase until we get to France in January 2024. We are also applying for a long stay visa in France which will give us enough time in France to organise our van etc. If you have any more questions or have any info to share pm me.😊

[@nigelandsueadventures]

@@jennyrego7321 thanks! I’ll check out those channels. Yes we’ve heard about the French company route. We’d like to buy in Germany or Poland, just not sure how to do it without being a resident. Damn Brexit has made so many things more difficult!

[@jennyrego7321]

​@@nigelandsueadventures yeah, we look there as well, but to difficult. The UK is doable for us but we get more bang for our buck in Euros than pounds and we wanted a left hand drive, so the French way works for us. Storage of the van is available as well through France Motorhomes, which we will probably need to use at sometime. It's so exciting, new adventures 😊

[@nigelandsueadventures]

@@jennyrego7321 oh that’s good to know about the storage. Sounds like you are a bit further along in your research than us!

[@robertacasey5204]

Great to hear more of your story. Having a job with 6 weeks on 6 weeks off really is ideal to earn money and still travel. What is your son going to be working in the US? Our older son did that summers when he was at University and has been working year round doing camp/program director work for the past 5 years.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Oh that’s so cool! Nick is going to a camp in Pennsylvania I believe and will be doing mountain bike guiding

[@robertacasey5204]

@@nigelandsueadventures I grew up in NE Pennsylvania. Beautiful country, much more wilderness than most people realize. Also pretty centrally located so he can get in a few weekends trips when he's got some time off. I'm sure he'll have a great time. 🏕️

[@nigelandsueadventures]

@@robertacasey5204 oh sounds good! I hope he makes some great life long friends

[@michaelsecomb4115]

I can see you shipping to Singapore and exploring Malaysia and Indonesia before heading north through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam before shipping to Taiwan, Korea and Japan. I've been there and I'm sure you'd love those countries. And they need helicopter pilots!

[@nigelandsueadventures]

We have travelled through a few of those countries. Unfortunately campervans aren’t allowed in some of them. The world is a big place and we still have lots to see!!

[@sallyjones1403]

Oh wow, I’m a makeup artist too lol

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Oh cool! Where are you ?

[@sallyjones1403]

@@nigelandsueadventures Port Douglas

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Oh nice!! I started my career there.

[@jonathanjohannis6035]

Dont sell it! ship it over to New Zealand and spend a year seeing our awesome country.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

We would love to do Vanlife in NZ, but the cost and logistics of getting a van across the Tasman are ridiculous!

[@dabbbles]

My problem with 'van life' is:- WTF does one DO??? There are only so many beaches, hillsides and deserts you can look at before getting bored silly with driving around in circles. I can't imagine having any sense of fulfilment or value unless one is overcoming challenges and achieving useful outcomes. (most desirably long-term ones, such as building houses ~ I've built five big muddies as an owner-builder mostly using recycled materials which now have happy families living in them. Or having kids in the first place: a long-term challenge with satisfying ends to achieve, which d demonstrates the VALUE of your life on this planet. Van-life strikes me as being similar to endlessly sailing across vastoceans in a yacht. That also achieves NOTHING, and I can't see laying down to die without having left 'tracks' for the future followers to show that I HAD been here and HAD used whatever skills I had to achieve something useful. Any input appreciated.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

Firstly, thank you for your thought provoking comment. Well, driving around Australia is a pretty big circle and we certainly haven't gotten bored yet! I guess that is the beauty of life though, different people have different values. Personally one of my biggest VALUES is adventure and exploration. There is such a big world out there to see, different cultures to experience and people to meet. That is how I find valueand meaning in life. The idea of staying in one place is what would get me "bored silly". Having said that, I spent 20 years raising children and working in a career. There are certainly challenges to this lifestyle too - its definitely not all beaches and sunsets - we try to portray this in our videos (I'm not sure if you've watched any others).

[@christineberry5959]

Let us know when your ready to sell😅

[@nigelandsueadventures]

The van will be for sale mid April, in Brisbane. But we will be in Melbourne and Sydney area on the way up if you’re there and want to check it out.

[@dabbbles]

?????? Still can't see any "answers' to "Why we live in a van". WHAT you do doesn't explain WHY you do it.

[@nigelandsueadventures]

as we said in the video, its because it allows us the freedom to travel where we want and stay out in nature - as opposed to travelling with a backpack where we would need to stay in hotels or hostels, or with a caravan needing to be plugged in at a caravan park. We are basically travelling with our home with us. I hope that makes sense to you.