Meet Chelsea, a fellow digital nomad who is doing BIG things in the digital world. We have always been big fans of being able to work and still travel the world, so when we met Chelsea, we knew we wanted to share her story with you all. She’s Canadian born but now living her dream life in Byron Bay, Australia.. tiny home and all.

Established-California-Van-life-Chelsea-Traveller

van•life: a rapidly growing lifestyle where people all over the world are converting vans into rolling homes to explore more, connect with nature and the people who live in small towns, and spend more time on their creative passions while lowering the cost of accommodations on longer road trips.

What’s your name? Chelsea Giles

How old are you? 26

What’s your occupation? I am the owner of Traveller By Trade. I am a social media manager and consultant, website designer and part-time content photographer. Overall, I help brands and businesses build an online presence and maximize their online reach, all organically, with zero AD spend, via their socials and website.

Where are you from? I was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario in Canada

When did you first get your home on wheels? I got my first van in 2017.

What was the build-out like and how long did it take? Any difficult challenges you faced? I actually purchased one that was already built out. My second van (that I live in now) was also built out when I got it, but I have added/changed/removed a few things since then. I am currently saving and planning for my 3rd, which might be a van or might be a shuttle bus, that my partner and I will build out. I think getting the layout exactly how you want it is the most challenging thing, which is why I am very happy to have lived in two that I bought built out. It's really helped me get an exact picture in my head of what I would want in terms of space, storage, functionality and overall look.

What’s your favorite part of your home? The fact that it is tiny. I have everything I need within a small radius, I never lose anything because I don't have much stuff and.. of course, it can move with me wherever I go.

Where to next?I had a ton of overseas travel planned but with the current situation (Corona Virus is going viral right now) everything is pretty much on hold. Really hoping everything calms down soon as its getting to winter in Australia and I would be super keen to head North where it's warmer for a little while.

Best advice or tip for those wanting to choose #vanlife?In terms of the van: Choose a van with the bed in the back and the kitchen/whatever else you fit in (depending on the size) behind the drivers seat. My first van had the kitchen in the back and it makes the space soooo much smaller. Also, try and aim for one you can stand up in. My first van I couldnt, but my new one has a pop-top and it makes such a big difference. In terms of the lifestyle: if you're new to the minimal lifestyle try to start downsizing your stuff a few weeks before. It's less of a shock. And dont think that you have to get rid of everything. I moved from Canada to Australia and left a small suitcase of cherished items (like paperwork, family photos, childhood memories ect) at a family or mates house. Being minimal in your space means having what you need/love the most but small little cherished items that don't necessarily belong in the van still hold a special place in your heart. Don't think you have to let go of all of those special bits as well.

What is the most difficult challenge you’ve faced living in your van or on the road? Not having a toilet in the van when its pouring rain and I've had one too many teas and I'm busting. I also don't have a functioning kitchen in the van (which is why I'm wanting a shuttle bus to convert next) and I think if you're wanting to do this long term (like I am) then its a really nice and homey feature. And the bugs. Holy hell the bugs can get really bad sometimes!

What song is a “must” for the road trip playlist?Oh ym goodness there are so many. This would defo change depending on the week but there is a 'Morning Oldies' playlist on Spotify that I love blasting in whenever I'm heading out on an adventure and we're leaving early in the morning.

How do people find you/connect? (social media/website/etc) Mostly online, because I work online as well. Instagram is a big one for me and I love meeting up with people that follow me or that I've connected with when they come through this area. I'm pretty much based in Byron Bay, and just live out of my van while staying in one central area. It was just a best of both worlds kind of decision for me to not be so mobile at the minute and really build a home base.