TAWK Featured Family -
'Wanderlust Australia'

1.  About you

Hi, I'm Bec - a happily married mother of two gorgeous children, business owner, entrepreneur, explorer, lover of tea, good books, sun, the beach and bush. Our family of 4 (Dad, Mum and Kiddies 9 & 8) have set off on the adventure of a lifetime in our rig "Ranger Steve", travelling, learning and exploring this mysterious and beautiful land, Australia. So far we have been on the road for 11 months and have to been to all states except for South Australia, Western Australia & Tassie.

2.   Why did you make your decision to TAWK?

The choice to change our lifestyle to travel was an easy one, as we love our country - the history of our first people, our unique flora and fauna, the hard-working pioneers, and how we have collectively grown into such a dynamic society. In a past life we were small business owners - we had little to no time to get out and travel with our kids. I mean, there is more to life than just work, right? We weren't meant to just pay bills then die!

3.   How did you get organised and how did you prepare?

You know when life presents you with a perfect opportunity, that if you don't take it, it will be gone forever? We were presented with a small window of about 4 months to prepare, purchase our van and organise before we set off. Both my husband and I were keen to see more of this amazing country, so we saw the opportunity and ran with it! Looking back now, I think if we overthought and agonised over the decision to travel, we would never have left. Sometimes you have to trust your gut - we did and have never looked back!

4.  What has been your biggest joy?

There have been a lot of joyful moments over the past year, but the biggest one is being able to watch our kids grow, learn and become more confident within themselves and towards other people. Before we left, my kids had anxiety and confidence issues with going to school and only had a few friends. Now, they are so outgoing, courageous and confident that I am constantly amazed. They make new friends in a snap any day of the week with any child. Our kids have learnt empathy and understanding towards others -they are kind, caring and love engaging with other people.

5. What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Our biggest challenge has been overcoming the negativity that has come with our decision to travel. Travelling full time is a huge lifestyle change and that comes with a huge mental shift from the traditional way of life to what basically amounts to living on a different planet for some. I wouldn't say that we have overcome it as such, but rather have accepted that not every one is happy with our choice. As we say, live & let live!

6.   Where have you enjoyed the most and Where disappointed you the most?

Number 1 for us is definitely walking up to the summit of Mt Kosciusko and seeing the picturesque snowy mountains in Summer - the flora is amazing and being on top of the world up there was such a humbling experience.

We've been saddened by the amount of rural towns that are slowly withering throughout Australia, particularly in Western Queensland. Towns that have such rich history are being left behind as people move to larger metropolitan centres - Shops closed, windows boarded, homes vacant across the countryside.

If you are thinking of Travelling Australia With Kids, then the TAWK Guide would be a great place to start.

Available for immediate download as an eBook. Finally all the information you need in one place! Easy to read format with handy links to help you get started on your trip. Grab a copy right now and save yourself hours of sifting through the internet trying to find the information you need.  To help you get organised, and to turn your dream into a plan! Click here for more information... (We appreciate you supporting us supporting you)

7.   How did you get organised with schooling, what did/do you do and how did you come to that decision?

We made the decision to home school our kids while on the road as we felt that it was more flexible with travelling. Both children use a combination of workbooks, activity sheets, apps and internet for schooling as well as learning on the go with field trips and excursions.

8.   What surprised you most about the trip?

I am surprised we can all cope living in such a small space! We've realised that we don't 'need' a huge house in order to survive! I have to tell you that I love cleaning now - done in 5 mins flat! Being on the road and living small has given us a surprising new perspective how we live and the footprint we leave on the earth. We love living more consciously and making do with what we have, instead of living the throw-away lifestyle that has become the norm. I mean storage space is premium and we can only fit so much in! Would I love to have 20 pairs of shoes? Yes, I would! Do I have the space? Nope. Sad.

The TAWK Pose!

9.   What would be three pieces of advice to give to future TAWKers?

1. Just do it. Take the leap and travel with your kids. Whether you decide to travel full time or do a weekend away, just take the trip. Travel puts your family at the centre and encourages growth, bonding and forms memories for many years to come.
2. It's YOUR decision - don't listen to the negative outsiders. I'll tell you now that people will call you crazy. People will say you're nuts. People will get jealous (and believe me, they do). There will be someone, somewhere that will not be happy with your decision to travel, no matter what you do. But if travelling this amazing country is something that you REALLY want to do, then who has the right to stop you? 
3. Something will go wrong. Even the best laid plans will go awry, so be prepared. We had a situation where we had a major problem with our van and had no breaks, towing along the Gold Coast Highway in 5 lanes of traffic! Eek! There was also another time where we stayed in a van park and one of the cabins exploded into a raging fire-ball not 30m away from us! Take it from me something, somewhere will go wrong
   

10.   How do you think that this adventure has changed your family?

Our kids have grown so much within themselves and as parents, my hubby and I really know them as the amazing little people that they are. We have a great relationship with each other and our family dynamic is much better than before. We are more accepting, conscious, grateful and humble people and that in itself has been worth it.

Follow our travels more on our website and of course 'Like' our Facebook page.

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