A family of five has ditched the Australian dream to travel the world full time in a classic 1962 Kombi van. Photo: Supplied
A family of five has ditched the Australian dream to travel the world full time in a classic 1962 Kombi van.
The Poole family have found a unique way to bring their home across the world with them, with an added bonus of saving on conventional housing costs.
Around 1 million Australians live overseas, and almost one in 10 Aussies say they’d be happy to live in a van
Kirianna, 38, and Lachlan Poole, 40, are doing both those things – living out of a Kombi van that they ship to different countries with their three children Riley, 9, Alba, 6, and Elsie, 3.
In 2018, the couple left their home in NSW as Mr Poole accepted a job as a pilot in Tokyo.
The couple went on to get married and have their first baby while travelling to more than 30 countries, sparking an idea for their son to experience Australia in a unique way.
“It took us quite a while to find the right vehicle, but eventually we found our split-screen Kombi,” Ms Poole said.
“We actually flew from Tokyo to Perth just to inspect one we had seen for sale, and we completely fell in love with her.”
Kirianna and Lachlan Poole now live on the road full-time with their three kids. Photo: Supplied
MORE: Aussies ready to swap homes for caravans
Teacher quits job, moves into van after mortgage shock
33yo quits Aus for Dubai, exposes real costs
The Poole family initially moved into the Kombi part time, travelling around Australia in 3-4 week stints.
Once Covid hit, they transitioned into living in the van full-time from 2020-2022.
“By then we had two children and had designed a pop-up Westfalia-style tent set up so we could all sleep comfortably together on air beds,” Ms Poole said.
“Since then, our travel style has continued to evolve. Once our third child arrived we brought our tiny caravan to tow for more space. Lockie did upgrades on the caravan and Kombi to ensure they were safe for our family.
“The Kombi almost feels like another family member to us. We love that she has taken us to so many incredible places and allowed us to experience the world at a much slower, more meaningful pace.”
Now, the family of five don’t own or rent property, making the Kombi their full-time home.
When they need to, they stay in hotels or with family members.
Costs involved in living and travelling the world in a 60s Kombi van
“While living this way naturally removes some traditional expenses, our main motivation has always been creating a lifestyle centred around adventure, flexibility, and being present with our children while they are young,” Ms Poole added.
The Poole’s have shipped their home on wheels multiple times to different countries including, Australia, New Zealand, the US and Japan, to name a few.
The family travel the world and ship their van with them, costing up to $12,000 per trip. Photo: Supplied
MORE: Australians abandon dream for cheaper life abroad
Shipping costs varied from country to country including $8,000 from Australia to New Zealand, up to $12,000 from Hawaii to mainland USA.
There are also additional costs involved, such as insurance and their Carnet de Passage, which was around $1,600.
The Poole family also prioritised staying in holiday parks, reserves and national parks for the safety and happiness of their children, where fees can range from $110-$170 per night.
“Living this way has also naturally reduced things like unnecessary shopping, household accumulation, furniture costs, and the pressure to constantly upgrade or buy more,” Ms Poole said.
“We’ve learnt to live with less, appreciate simple moments, and focus more on experiences than belongings. For example, Alba’s birthday wish this year wasn’t toys or an elaborate party — it was gelato in Italy.”
The Kombi has become their full-time home. Photo: Supplied
Challenges
Life on the road however doesn’t come without its challenges.
“While we genuinely enjoy small spaces and love being together as a family, the reality is that a Kombi is tiny. It requires constant organisation and thoughtful packing, which can sometimes feel overwhelming.
“At the same time, though, it forces all of us outside into nature, and we’ve come to really value that.
“We’ve also broken down many times over the years. Lockie has repaired the Kombi in the middle of nowhere more times than I can count, and those times can definitely be stressful – but they have also become part of the adventure and the stories plus the people we meet and often help us we will always remember.”
Lifestyle
The Pooles said the lifestyle has allowed them to spend more time as a family, travel all over the world and bring their home with them.
“For us, (the Kombi) simply is home. The kids’ drawings are on the walls, our favourite family photos are tucked into little corners, and our pillows and blankets travel everywhere with us. The kids have their toys, books and bikes.
“Everything we truly love fits inside that tiny space.”
Mr Poole still works as a pilot, and while he’s away working, Ms Poole homeschools the kids using a program called Euka Future Learning, Australia’s largest homeschool provider, designed to help travelling families continue learning with more flexibility wherever life takes them.
“Alba and Riley and doing really well academically; and that was important to Lachlan and I that our kids receive a proper education – after all, he’s a pilot and I was an interior designer, and now an author.
While the kids are homeschooled, they also do trips to enrich their learning. Photo: Supplied
“We have a routine, but it’s loose … the world is their classroom; what they’re seeing out here, you can’t replicate that in a book.”
“On our way to South America, we stopped at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, where the kids were captivated by space and engineering. “We’re now heading to El Salvador for some downtime, with an eye on its surf scene.”
Although there have been challenges – particularly in Japan not knowing the systems or the language – they have no regrets, and no plans on stopping.
“Lockie and I grew up from broken families. This has had a big impact on what kind of parenting we choose … we have intentionally chosen this travel life to spend our time as a family.
“There’s no end date at this stage – it’s the ultimate adventure.”
English (US) · 