Chasing the Civellos: Earning, Exploring, and Embracing Freedom on the Road

Imagine selling everything you own—your home, business, your belongings—to embrace a life of adventure on the open road. That’s exactly what Karen and Vince did when they traded the daily grind for a 30ft Sunliner RV, affectionately named Monte, and hit the road for full-time travel in March 2023.

Their journey of work/travel blends hands-on work, business consultancy, and content creation, all while prioritising freedom and adventure.

From Rock Bottom to Rolling Free

Before hitting the road, Karen and Vince were stuck in a cycle of stress, burnout, and disconnect.

They knew small changes wouldn’t be enough, so they made the radical decision to start over. In December 2022, they bought Monte and by February 2023, they had sold everything—their successful business in Margaret River’s wine region, their home, cars, and possessions. They set off on March 16, 2023, towing a small 4WD for extra freedom, and haven’t looked back since.

“We felt like we were merely existing and not truly living. By that, we mean the constant grind and society’s insatiable desire to be busy.”

Making a Living and Budgeting on the Road

Unlike many who either fully retire or hustle non-stop to fund their travels, Karen and Vince have found a sweet spot—working around 35 percent of the time, allowing them to explore, learn new skills, and truly experience the places they visit. They operate as contractors under Chasing the Civellos, offering professional services on their terms:

• On-Site Work (70 percent) – From farm work, relief managing campgrounds, general maintenance, cleaning, and even hospitality jobs, Karen and Vince have gained experience doing it all. They’ve even held positions for well-known figures, including a stint working for Maggie Beer—Karen as a chef and Vince as a groundskeeper.
• Remote Business Consulting (25 percent) – Leveraging her experience as an award-winning business owner in the hospitality industry, Karen offers remote consultancy services to small businesses, helping them improve operations, marketing, and overall efficiency.
• Content Creation (5 percent) – While social media might make it seem like influencers fund all their travels this way, Karen and Vince use their skills to create ads and content for small businesses, rather than relying solely on partnerships. This allows them to share their love of travel and storytelling while earning extra income.

“As much as some people make it seem like you don’t need it, this lifestyle requires money. The reality of full-time travel is that we’re all going to need some form of funds to finance our travels.”

By working roughly 35 percent of the time, they earn enough while still enjoying extended periods of travel. Contrary to popular belief, full-time travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Karen and Vince average just $400 per week by:

• Slow Travel – Staying in one place longer cuts fuel and accommodation costs.
• Caretaking and House Sitting – In 18 months, they’ve spent just $459.50 on campsites, as they often secure paid roles that come with free accommodation.
• Exchange Accommodation – Offering a few hours of work in exchange for a powered site.
• Smart Food Choices – Cooking their own meals, hitting local markets, and avoiding overpriced road snacks.
• Free Attractions – Prioritising walks, hikes, and natural wonders over costly tours.

“We often joke we travel slower than a tortoise on Prozac. The faster you travel, the more costly your trip will be.”

Finding Work and Life on the Road

Karen and Vince rely on Facebook Groups to find opportunities, which has been their most effective way to secure jobs and accommodation. Some of their go-to groups include:

• Harvest Jobs Australia
• Caravan Park Jobs
• House Sitting Australia Wide
• Working on the Road in Australia
• Farmwork Australia

They also post ads in local community groups upon arrival in new towns, advertising their skills and availability. Their lifestyle varies—one month, they might work nonstop on a farm, stacking up their savings. The next, they’re exploring silo art trails or relaxing at a free camp with no set itinerary. The sheer unpredictability is one of Karen and Vince’s favourite things about the lifestyle.

Challenges, Rewards, and Lessons Learned

Biggest Misconception? That full-time travellers fund their lifestyle through influencing. Most, including Karen and Vince, work ordinary jobs, whether hands-on labor or remote contracts.

Biggest Challenge? When their motorhome needs servicing, they must plan carefully to avoid disrupting work. Having a 4WD helps them stay mobile while their home is undergoing maintenance.

Biggest Reward? Freedom. For Karen and Vince, this lifestyle isn’t just about seeing Australia—it’s about reclaiming their happiness. Their home on wheels takes them from coastal retreats to outback landscapes, with no fixed itinerary or stress.

Final Thoughts

Karen and Vince’s journey proves that full-time travel isn’t just for retirees, digital nomads or influencers. By blending traditional work with new opportunities, they’ve created a sustainable, fulfilling lifestyle. Their best advice for anyone considering it?

• Don’t wait for the perfect rig, the perfect time, or a fat bank account. Just go.
• Caravanning isn’t a race. Slow down and enjoy the journey.
• Forget social media FOMO. Travel for yourself, not for the highlight reel.

If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the grind for a life on the road, take a page from Chasing the Civellos: slow down, embrace flexibility, and make it happen.

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