The Family Travel Podcast
By A Big Peachey Adventure
The Family Travel PodcastJan 12, 2019
The Great Escape Australia and their Escape to New Zealand
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a lap of Australia in a campertrailer with a young child?
Today we’re joined by Renee, who along with her husband Nathan and their young son have been travelling full time for 3 years in their cub camper
Renee and Nathan have so much knowledge which they share quite generously through their blog and other avenues on social media. Check them out at https://www.thegreatescapeaustralia.com/ and https://m.facebook.com/
In this episode we cover travelling with a soft vs. hardfloor camper, travelling with small children, the realities of travelling full time, and also some exciting news... taking their lap to NZ!
If you’re travelling with young kids – especially babies – the meelight by meemoo baby is an awesome product that you should definitely check out. Its a nifty little night light that’s not like the other night lights! It is completely portable and cord free, dimmable, rechargeable to work for up to 24 hours and also wearable. Perfect for off grid camping, and perfect for travelling families.
Adele and the team at Caravanning with Kids sent us a meelight to try out and we found the light perfect for fixing one of Edwards 50000 bottles though the night without waking the rest of the family. Chloe and Elliot also fought over who would get it each night… Chloe loved it for a reading light… and Elliot just wanted it on, next to his bed, as a nightlight to keep away those bogey men. If you would like to know more, check 0ur here for our review: https://www.caravanningwithkids.com.au/meelight-review-a-handy-little-light-for-the-whole-family/
You can find us at https://abigpeacheyadventure.com/ and also https://www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure/
Why You Shouldn't Ruin Your Travels by Going on a Diet: A Dietitian's View
We interview Laura Jean, a dietitian with a difference. Laura's focus isn't on what people eat, but their relationship with food.
In this episode we discover why dieting isn't the answer... even if you've enjoyed travels a little too much and feel like you need to get your eating back on track.
You can find Laura at http://eatwithawareness.com/, as well as find her Get Started Guide.
This podcast is brought to you by Family Friendly House Sitters (https://familyfriendlyhousesitters.com). Connecting home owners with house sitting families, its the only family friendly house sitting community.
Find us at abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/ or www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure/
How to Travel More and Spend Less by... House Sitting?
Wow.
It's not just the savings. It's the places.
Today's guest is Karen Parker, of worldschoolingcentral.com/. With her family of 4, they have travelled the world, and are now up to 37-38 house sits in this time.
In this episode you'll hear:
- How having a family isn't a problem, it's their 'secret weapon'
- Top tips to be a successful applicant
- Housesitting etiquette
- Homeowner tips if you're going to use a house sitter, and
- All the amazing places it's taken them!
For all the resources mentioned in this episode visit abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/how-to-travel-more-and-spend-less-by-house-sitting
Taking the Kids Travelling... While the Partner Stays at Home
Lily takes her two toddlers and their combi van for mini-adventures, while her husband is at work. He comes and joins them on their travels. What an amazing set up!
Today Lily from the blog www.maxandivy.com.au/ joins us. We discuss:
- Their unique travel arrangement
- Her favourite apps to keep toddlers occupied while travelling, and
- Other road trip tips.
For the full list of apps mentioned in this episode visit thefamilytravelpodcast.com.au/
To get your 4 week free trial of Reading Eggs, visit abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/reading-eggs
Before You Blog... Facebook vs. Website? with Coasting Australia
The answer is... it depends!
If you do decide to start a blog on a website, we discuss some of the things to consider, and some of the mistakes to avoid.
Today we're joined by Bryony from Coasting Australia. In this episode we discuss the pros and cons of each of these different approaches, and the reality of running a blog.
You can find Bryony at https://coastingaustralia.com/start-your-family-travel-blog/, and the article mentioned in this episode is kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/
Find us at www.facebook.com.au/abigpeacheyadventure/ or at thefamilytravelpodcast.com.au
How to Choose the Right Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)... with Galways Go Round
But... there's length, shape, width, and construction to think about. They're not a cheap item, so you want to get it right.
Today we're lucky enough to have back with us Adam and Sharon Galway, aka the Galways Go Round (https://www.galwaysgoround.com.au/).
In this episode we cover:
- Choosing the right size
- Considerations when choosing between inflatable vs. rigid fibreglass SUPs
- Myths and misconceptions about inflatable SUPs... and much more!
Mentioned in this episode is the Red Paddle Co SUPs. Check out the Galways' page for more details.
Find us at www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure/ or thefamilytravelpodcast.com/
Zahli's Big Lap: Searching for a New Home with Toddlers in Tow
Today we're joined by Ebony from Zahli's Big Lap (@zahlisbiglap). We find out:
- What it's like travelling with 2 toddlers
- Are the concerns about lack of healthcare in remote areas founded
- Family life in a Jayco Expanda, and
- Using a lap to find Australia's most liveable location
You can find their blog here https://www.zahlisbiglap.com/, which also lists the items discussed in this episode.
Find out more about the 9-week challenge here at abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/join-the-9-week-health-and-travelfit-challenge/
Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure, and more at thefamilytravelpodcast.com
Your Kids and Long-Term Travel: A Child Psychologist's View
Potentially Our Most Inspirational Guest Yet... Whydiss?
What if all three?
In one of our most inspiration interviews yet, we’re joined by Rochelle from Whydiss (https://www.facebook.com.au/whydiss).
She shares with us how these weren’t barriers to travelling Australia in a caravan, quite the opposite... they became her reason to travel.
We cover:
- Her journey so far
- How health issues can be managed on the road
- Early access to superannuation to fund the journey
- The challenges of travelling as a solo parent
- Safety considerations as a couple, and
- Distance education for her teenage daughter
Find us at abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/family-travel-podcast/ or on Facebook www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure
You Want to Travel, BUT... an Interview with yTravel Blog
Even if you are already travelling, are you still feeling held back from making some other big decisions or working towards bigger goals?
In this episode we’re joined by Caroline Makepeace of yTravel Blog (www.yTravelBlog.com), one of the world’s Top 10 travel blogs.
In this episode we cover a lot, including:
- Doing the lap
- Family life, work and travel overseas
- How home/worldschooling has benefitted their children
- Identifying the fears that may be holding you back from achieving your goals... and how to develop the mindset to overcome them
Even if you’re already travelling (like us), you’ll love this one!
Thank you for subscribing and, as always, please leave us a rating and/or review (but don’t forget to let us know what we can do to improve)
Follow us at www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure/ or abigpeacheyadventure.com.au
Doing Oz with a Dog... What's it Really Like?
This is a question that we and many others have asked!
Weighing up the pros and cons of taking a four legged friend around Australia is a big topic, and one that's super important to make sure you have the truth before you make your own decision based on your personal circumstances.
Today we're joined by Annie (https://www.fourhandsinatincan.net/), who has been on the road for 2 1/2 years with Diga, their chocolate labrador.
We cover:
- What you and won't miss out on
- What works best for food storage
- How to find dog sitters
- How to find dog friendly caravan parks/free camps
- Much more!
The apps mentioned in this episode are www.aircamp.com.au/ and www.wikicamps.com.au/
Find us at abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/ or www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure/
Our Top 20 Purchases Under $20 for Caravanning & Camping
This lists what OUR top 20 things have been for us, so no, we're not asking you to buy any of them.
And, to be honest, this list is constantly evolving. There's 2x new things that have just popped onto it in the last 2-weeks!
The apps and products mentioned in this episode will be available shortly on our website.
Find us at abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/ or www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure/
Keep Your Beer Cold and Your Battery Charged
Not if you like having less storage space for your travels, paying more for your groceries away from the major centres, and limiting the food you can take on day trips. Or warm beer.
But how should you power it?
The answer is... it depends.
Can you rely on the built in low voltage cut-off that some fridges have built into them?
A dual battery set-up may be overkill for you. If you have one, you may not need to have it wired in to your main system. You may need one wired in... but how do you make sure it's done properly?
Today we're joined by Jason from www.offroadliving.com.au, where we cover this plus the mistakes he sees on a regular basis with dual battery set-ups.
Join the Offroad Living Tribe Facebook Group here: www.facebook.com/groups/offroadliving/?source_id=828202673986139
Find us at abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/ or www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure/
Preparing for Remote Family Travel - with Chaos in a Tin Can
The Oodnadatta Track, the Tanami Desert, and the Gibb River Road... these are just three of the roads travelled by Aaron and Jacq, also known as Chaos in a Tin Can (www.chaosinatincan.com.au).
Hearing this prior to crossing the Savannah Way was an immense help for:
a) Specific preparations,
b) Adjusting expectations, and
c) Most importantly, what to think about when hearing advice based on others’ experiences
This episode is proudly bought to you by Trail-A-Mate (www.trail-a-mate.com.au). They’ve now introduced a brand new product, the Trail-A-Mate Anti-Theft Lock, so you can keep it under lock and key. It’s pretty similar to a lockable hitch pin for your towbar... it’s as simple as removing your existing wheel clamp handle, inserting the locking pin, and clipping the lock on the end of the locking pin.
Find us at abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/ or www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure/
Using YouTube and a Drone to Fund Travel
What’s it like being a full-time travelling father?
Don’t know how many times this question has been asked by people we’ve met on the road, usually by people with a smirk on their face and expecting an answer along the lines of “I just need a break”
The answer?
It’s the biggest benefit of travelling full-time, and one that was unexpected.
Why?
That's what's covered in this episode. Not only this, the lessons learned over the past months to help adjust to this new lifestyle.
Find us at abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/ or at www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure/
Travel Australia for $500 a Week? This Family Does!
We're joined by Chloe from Bush'n it on a Budget, who have built a large Facebook following around their ability to live the life of their dreams on $500 per week.
In this episode we cover things like:
- How to avoid the biggest expenses
- What initial investment is required to be able to free camp while having enough to power to run appliances (like washing machines)
- What their biggest costs are
- Tips on saving money without missing out on attractions, and
- A breakdown of their expenses
The apps mentioned in this episode are WikiCamps (https://www.wikicamps.com.au/) and FuelMapAustralia (http://fuelmap.com.au/)... as well as Groupon (https://www.groupon.com.au/)
Find us on Facebook at abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/ or www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure/
The Life Changing Effect of Travel - with Galways Go Round
Is Caravan Sharing for You?
Towing a Caravan: Must Knows, Myths and Mistakes
Making Money Travel Further - with 'My Rig Adventures'
A frequently asked question that's asked is around how much does it cost to travel on an ongoing basis.
In this episode we talk about some of the expenses that you no longer have to worry about, and what the main expenses become.
We also interview Emma from My Rig Adventures (www.myrigadventures.com) as she discusses their set-up which allows the to freecamp more, how they track expenses, and resources they've developed to help families monitor their expenses while travelling... so they can travel longer.
In particular, check out their Expense Tracker, part 1 of their Oz Big Lap Series
Family Life on a Yacht... an Interview with Sailing to Roam
After randomly watching the documentary Maiden Trip by Laura Decker, this family of 5 from Adelaide, South Australia, made it their goal.
From being in debt, 2 years later they're now sailing the Caribbean.
In this episode they detail how their (new) dream came to fruition - getting out of debt, what they did to save, learning how to sail, getting their boat, and adjusting to some of the challenges that come with not just living on the water in another part of the world, but also a completely new way of life.
Check out their blog, www.sailingtoroam.com... you'll quickly see how life on a yacht can be a thing for the average family
Free Camping 101: Getting Started with 12V and Solar Basics
In this episode we cover:
How to work out how much battery storage you need?
What's the most critical piece of equipment in a 12V solar set-up?
Why you can get a greater amount of charging from a smaller wattage folding solar panel than one mounted on top of your caravan/camper?
Why you can't rely on the caravan charger to charge your battery when you're plugged in to a 240V power-point?
The biggest mistakes people make related to their 12V set-ups?
Why inverters hardly sell anymore?!
A special thanks to Battery World for this episode. David, a Batteryologist from Battery World Lawnton, is an absolute wealth of knowledge and makes you appreciate how visiting their stores when getting set-up with 12V will save a lot of money in the long-run!
Four Hands in a Tin Can (Family of the Week)
Funding Your Travels... by Working on the Road
This interview with the Wandering Jocks will surely alleviate any concerns. Travelling Australia for 6 years with 3 children, they manage a Facebook group, Jobs for Families Travelling Australia.
We cover working in a job you've never done before, how most of the work is not advertised, how they've found the work, as well as the occupations, skills, and qualifications most commonly sought after.
This interview also gives insight into how you can save money while you're on the road to upgrade your set-up, the pros and cons of soft vs. hard floor camper trailers, as well as having a baby while you're on the road.
We also answer a listener question to help convince their partner that (even though they have some transferable skills) it's the right can-do attitude that employers are willing to give a go!
Our Crazy Campfire Clan (Family of the Week)
After putting it off, they moved out and started their amazing journey just 4-weeks after making the decision.
Now, they've traveled from Tasmania to the Northern Territory in their $1,500 soft floor camper.
Listen to their amazing story if you feel like you're becoming overwhelmed by extensive planning, worried about how much a set-up will cost, or that you won't pick up work in your field.
Lyndon and Danielle are absolute legends, head over to @ourcrazycampfireclan on Facebook and follow their adventures
Towing Capacity and Weights Explained
Well, you might be the best driver in the world. But… what happens when you are involved in an accident that you didn’t cause? What if someone pulls out in front of you and you have to try to stop suddenly? What if you have to swerve to miss an unexpected obstacle and get the wobbles, or are just plain unlucky and get called in over a weighbridge?
If you couldn’t be bothered learning about this stuff, you may as well not bother with paying for your insurance premiums either then.
We recommend heading over to www.facebook.com.au/abigpeacheyadventure or abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/towing-capacity-and-weights-explained/ to grab the infographic that matches this episode
Free Camping 101: Which Battery is Best Bang for Your Bucks?
Are the more expensive types of batteries worth it when you weigh up things like depth of discharge, longevity, etc... or are you better off replacing cheaper batteries more frequently?
What are the main mistakes people make with the care of their batteries?
How does temperature really impact your batteries?
What are the main pros and cons of AGM vs Gel vs Lithium batteries?
Which companies make the better batteries?
These are the questions we explore in this episode!
A special thanks to Battery World (www.batteryworld.com.au) for linking us up with David, a Batteryologist. When you listen to this guy, you'll understand why they suggested him to speak to. These guys really know their stuff!
Check out A Big Peachey Adventure on Facebook for links to the pages of all the battery brands mentioned in this episode
Preparing for Travel: Clearing the Clutter
It seems like such a big task, going through the whole house and getting things ready to sell, donate, or put in storage.
It’s a personal decision whether or not to sell up everything, put everything in storage, or somewhere in between.
What did we do? We started with questions.
“Are we taking this thing on our travels?”
“If our house burned down and we had to start again, would we let this thing back into our lives?”
“If we sold this, would we be able to get another one for much the same price?”
“Do we get rid of this now, or just before we leave?”
“Can this memory be stored another way?”
This is how we did and it worked for us. It's our story. If what we did doesn’t fit what you’re trying to do that’s fine. If you get just one little thing out of our experiences, we’ll be super happy.
One Year on Our Bike (Family of the Week)
We're joined by Diana from One Year on Our Bike (@oneyearonourbike) as our Family of the Week. Although we're inspired by hearing the stories of all families and their extended travels, this family is the definition of inspirational.
They're doing a lap not just for their own enjoyment, but to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Queensland Inc. (MND). They have a goal of raising $50,000 for the organisation; if you would like to support their cause more information can be found here give.everydayhero.com/au/one-year-on-our-bike
In this episode we discuss downsizing, preparing for their lap, tenting it up in the tropics, overcoming obstacles, what (little) gear they have, managing food/water, and more...
Homeschooling on the Road
Where should you start when planning your kid's curriculum?
What mistakes should parents avoid when homeschooling (especially when travelling)?
What are some of the best resources to use when homeschooling?
What should you check for if you pick up workbooks from the big-box stores?
Home school vs. distance education?
How long do you spend each day?
We're with Tenielle (www.teachingontheroadaustralia.com.au and @teachingontheroadaustralia) to cover all of these questions... and more!
The most important document discussed is here (www.australiancurriculum.edu.au), however some of the other great resources mentioned in this episode include:
RIC Publications (www.ricgroup.com.au),
iMaths (www.fireflyeducation.com.au/imaths),
Borrow Box (www.borrowbox.com),
Sunshine Online (www.sunshineonline.com.au),
Trump Cards (www.trumpcardgame.com), and
Teachers Pay Teachers (www.teacherspayteachers.com)
08: Kids Camp Free and More... with TAWK
It's hard to believe that the little ones use an extra $10-$25/night each in resources isn't it? As a family it definitely shapes which parks we stay in.
In this episode of A Big Peachey Adventure we're joined by Mandy, founder of Travel Australia With Kids (TAWK), found here: www.travellingaustraliawithkids.com.au and @travelaustraliawithkids.
Mandy TAWKs about the benefits of this great program, which includes participating supporter parks offering 2 free nights accommodation for kids, as well as other resources available on her website/Facebook page.
This program really does create a win-win... we stay at supporting parks more, and they receive income when their sites would otherwise be sitting empty.
Mandy also shares some exciting news about Discovery Parks, TAWKing about how this organisation will be bringing more value to the family caravanning community.
Hit subscribe and don't forget to leave a review!
07: Our Epic Lifestyle (Family of the Week)
Our Epic Lifestyle are a family of 4 travelling around Australia, with their 2 dogs, with a truck, caravan, and a 4WD.
In this episode Carmen shares how they've created a mobile lifestyle that works when:
* A family member works Fly-In-Fly-Out
* They spend longer in each spot rather than continuously moving
* How this works with schooling
* Travelling with large dogs
* How they've worked around having a truck as the main vehicle, and
* A set-up which means that they can continue to live in a way that aligns with their values of health, nutrition, and fitness.
They also share some exciting news about Outdoor Connection.
Hit subscribe and don't forget to leave us a review so you can let us know how we're doing and how we can improve. Happy travels!
06: First Aid Essentials for Travelling Families
05: MILSY Pezwardo (Family of the Week)
MILSY Pezwardo are a family of 5 travelling and working around Australia, with their dog, indefinitely.
Millie Perry is a blogger who writes for caravanningwithkids.com.au, and examples of her work include articles such as:
www.caravanningwithkids.com.au/working-as-a-midwife-nurse-while-travelling-around-australia-can-it-be-done/ as well as
www.caravanningwithkids.com.au/will-our-kids-be-dunces-because-we-are-terrible-teachers-distance-education-explained-by-millie/
MILSY Pezwardo's story is particularly relevant for those families who are contemplating travelling for an extended period, but are concerned with ongoing education or working while travelling (either in their profession or unrelated).
Hit Subscribe, and don't forget to leave us a review so you can let us know how we're doing and how we can improve. Happy Travels!
04: Set Up Costs - You Don't Need to Spend a Fortune
In the latest episode of A Big Peachey Adventure (families travelling full-time) we discuss:
* Our total set-up costs (car, van, and extras)
* How this compares to some other families
* What set-ups are others using for extended travel
* How personal preferences come into it as much as finances
In addition to the big ticket items, we also discuss how the frequently discarded items (thermomix, annex, scooters, and bikes) aren't a rule for everyone, and how we (mostly) avoided unnecessary wastage by separating our shopping list into four (4) separate categories
Hit Subscribe, and don't forget to leave us a review so you can let us know how we're doing and how we can improve. Happy Travels!
03: Vehicle Preparation and Maintenance for the Non-Mechanic
Eddie has 22 years’ experience as a mechanic, including working for several years with one of the major automotive roadside assistance companies.
As the owner of EMB Mobile Mechanic, his company provides mobile servicing, inspections, and preparation work prior to travelling.
Today we cover things like:
* The top reasons mobile mechanics are called
* What you should do between services when to avoid break-downs
* The top things travelling families should have in their toolbox
* The other items people should have in their car
* Extra items to carry if going off-road.
This podcast is aimed at those who are non-mechanics, and to help provide the basics that every family who is travelling should carry and know how to do to avoid unnecessary maintenance between servicing.
02: FOTW - Our Story
After we decided to do a lap of Australia in a caravan, our Facebook feeds were filled with groups to do with this topic. After a while it seemed like everyone was doing it, and it was normal.
Every now and again, we're reminded it's not. Travelling Australia in a caravan with kids is actually a little crazy... and for some people their dream. Some people (we still don't get it!) are actually interested in our story.
In our first episode we have a special guest interviewing us as the Family of the Week!
Subscribe - in future episodes we will bring you the Family of the Week (that isn't us), hints, tips, and interviews with experts on everything you need to know for extended travel
01: Preview - Coming Soon!
This is a preview of our new podcast that we've created to show you how everyday families make it work, as well as bring you hints and tips from the experts on everything from how to get started to being comfortable on the road.
The aim of this podcast is to show the everyday family how possible, actually how easy, it really is. We’ll be sharing the stories of inspirational families who are already doing this... to show how possible it really is to travel for an extended time... whether it’s a few months, a year, or even indefinitely.
As well as our Family of The Week, we’ll also be bringing you hints, tips, and interviews with experts who also love camping and travelling.