I was browsing in the bookshop yesterday and came across a few interesting sounding books on Vanlife, Tiny Houses and Caravans. This got me thinking about all the books that are in the RV niche that I would recommend to anyone wanting some inspiration.

So I’ve ended up creating this book list of what I’ve read and loved or heard good things about.

Enjoy.

A Great Indoors for the Great Outdoors: The Story of the Liteweight Caravans

Don Jessen

This is a book I’ve just finished reading. It’s the story of Tek Jessen (Don’s dad) and how he started designing and building NZ caravans. Once you see the photos, you’ll start recognising some of the vintage caravans in New Zealand and know the story behind them. I love these types of books about someone with a bold idea who turns it into a successful business – it gets me all motivated and inspired.

Don has written an impressive amount of books and it’s worth having a look at his website:
donandmarilynjessen.co.nz

The Vanlife Companion

Lonely Planet

I spotted this book at the local bookshop and had a flick through. Part of me has gone off Lonely Planet because it’s now part of a giant company and this was just cashing in on the VanLife popularity, but they do know how to make a good looking book. It was full of tips and stories from actual van dwellers and think this would be a really enjoyable, practical and inspiring read… dammit.

On a side note, the book ‘Once while travelling’ is a great read too. It’s about how Lonely Planet (And TopDeck) started. I’ll just say again how much I love these types of books.

Through Amazon
Through PaperPlus

Living Big in a Tiny House

Bryce Langston

If you haven’t heard of Bryce yet, he has a HUGE YouTube channel about tiny houses. He started off awkwardly interviewing kiwi’s and is now travelling around the world interviewing tiny home owners. His video about a girl living in a pop-top caravan actually got me really thinking about a caravan as an option. It’s really exciting to see that he’s progressed to publishing a book and selling it at the local bookshop.

Through Amazon
Through PaperPlus

What You Have Always Wanted To Do

James and Jules

This is a book about a family living for 3 years in a house truck. They answer all the questions they regularly get asked. I’m so impressed that they got this idea and just went for it. James and Jules got their book printed at a local Greymouth printer and are selling them through their website. I actually met them recently and interviewed them.

Click here to find out more: whatyouhavealwayswantedtodo.com

Tales From the Black Tank: A Collection of Hilariously Crappy RV Stories

Liz Wilcox

Liz is hilarious – she really just has a way with words. She started a website called The Virtual Campground and really got to know people in the American RV community. She ended up combining different RVing friends stories into this ebook… you know, the ones where things went wrong. If it’s the same as when I got my download, it’s a PDF that’s best read on a laptop.

Tales From The Black Tank can be bought here:
gumroad.com

I also interviewed her online and the video can be watched here.

Podcasts

Podcasts are so popular now and are almost taking over from reading an ebook. I’ve been a little slow in following this craze, but I’ve started listening to these two great RV themed podcasts.

The RV Entrepreneur
Heath is big in the US RV niche… Once you start following Heath & Alyssa, you realise how much they have done in just a few years! A true entrepreneur. Heath started a podcast interviewing inspiring business people who are connected to the RV industry in some way. They either live in an RV or their business is RV focused. You can really hear his enthusiasm and interest as he asks them questions and he gets some great business information. I’m hooked.

See podcasts through: heathandalyssa.com/rv-entrepreneur-podcast

Stories From The Road
This is a podcast I just came across. I’m interested in it because they interview a lot of American blogger and vloggers that I already follow. You just hear a great overview of how they started and how they make money on the road. They also share when things go wrong. From what I understand, this is set-up by an RV company – Camping World.

See podcasts through: blog.campingworld.com

Coming soon

Jackie from Richies Have Wheels has written a book and I’m impatiently waiting for it to come out. She’s one talented New Zealand writer and has quite a story about selling her house and moving into a van with her partner and dog.

I’d suggest following their Facebook page to learn when it’s available: facebook.com/richeshavewheels

I hope you find this list as inspiring as I have and please let me know if you have another book I should add.

The post Best Inspiring RV Books appeared first on Travelling K.

When I first started, I focused more on general travel. I’d spent 6 years living overseas and had made the most of that time by exploring as many countries as possible. Eventually I made my way back to New Zealand.

5 months into the TravellingK blog I bought my caravan and started writing purely about my caravan experience. That’s when I started feeling like I was on the right track. I still have a long way to go, but I’m slowly getting there. What I’ve learnt is you really do need a niche topic.

I’m a graphic designer and use the Adobe programs all day long. At the start they were just the print or web design programs. One job required I start using Premier and After Effects to help when the media designer was off sick. I even went on an 8 week Adobe Premier course and have kept learning.

I’d started with a few travel videos where I was firmly behind the camera – just lots of pretty travel footage.

I don’t even remember why, but one week, I made my very first vlog. I felt so awkward and stiff, but got such a positive response that it motivated me to being in-front of the camera more often. Talking about my caravan experience means I really do need to be in the videos and it’s becoming easier with time.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

What camera do I use?

My main camera is about 5 years old now. It’s a Sony Nex 5R. The new version is the Sony Alpha a6500 and I’ll probably upgrade to it one day.

Best parts

• A perfect travel camera because it’s not too big meaning I always take it with me in my day bag. Now that cameras are digital, you don’t need a bulky camera body.
• You can change the lens. I have a small compact lens and a large zoom lens.
• You can take RAW photos which means your photo keeps the details of the shadows and white areas. With a bit of Photoshop tweaking you’ll end up with a professional looking photo. It took me a long time to realise the power of RAW.
• It’s fantastic for video. This is one of the main reasons why I upgraded my camera.
• The Sony Nex 5R has a back screen that flips all the way over which is perfect for filming yourself. Unfortunately the new Sony Alpha a6500 version doesn’t have this feature.
• The new version has the option of an external microphone which would be extremely handy for filming in windy locations.

I also have a Go Pro camera. I initially bought it for underwater filming after getting my diving certificate. I’ve found it really handy for filming while I drive. I have it attached to my window and can turn it to show the road or myself.

Other accessories

• Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for better audio on windy days. It records into my smart phone which means I can talk to the camera while standing far away. The down side is it takes more time editing as you need to sink up the audio with the footage.
• Viltron LED Light. It’s small enough to easily keep in the caravan. Sometimes it’s so light outside the caravan I end up silhouetted. I don’t use it all the time, only if there’s a problem when I’m sitting and talking for a long time to the camera.
• Gorilla Tripod. It’s small and perfect for putting in a day bag while exploring. You can use it as a mini tripod to angle the camera correctly or wrap it around a tree branch. I also use it like a selfie stick! Make sure to get the larger sized version that can handle the weight of your camera.
• Nest Tripod. I originally bought the cheapest tripod I could find which fell apart pretty quickly. I then went for this Nest Tripod. It’s been perfect for filming in the caravan.

Adobe Premier

How do I edit my videos?

This is an extremely simplified overview. I’ve realised I could end up with a very long article if I went into great depth.

My steps

• I use the program Adobe Premier.
• I make folders: Footage, Audio, After Effects and Graphics.
• I load all my footage and start trimming and adding all usable footage into a sequence I call ‘ALL’.
• I then duplicate the sequence and call it ‘YT V1’. This is when I edit, delete and rearrange the footage into an order that makes the video into a watchable story. When I film, I regularly say the same thing a couple of times, as it’s only when I’m editing that I’ll realise my mistake with wording or that I’m out of focus.
• I add the title and end CTA. If there are still holes in the storyline, or I’ve made a mistake, I add After Effects copy on top.
• I add music from Envato to play quietly in the background. This really helps the video come alive.
• After exporting and uploading to YouTube, I make a thumbnail with Photoshop and Illustrator. Then add a description, tags, end frame and cards.

Back end of YouTube

Top tips

• Use Envato for music. Once a month they have a free audio file and regularly have sales.
• Layer the footage on top of each other. When you are talking about a topic, show that footage at the same time.
• Be brutal with editing. Try to cut out as much as possible to keep peoples attention.

How long does it take?

1. 1-3 days filming. Although my fridge errors video was over a couple of months filming whenever there was a problem.
2. About 2-4 hours with initial cutting for ‘ALL’ sequence.
3. About 2-4 hours to create the rough storyline. 
4. About 2-3 hours adding copy and audio and trimming video clips to be as tight as possible.
5. About 1-2 hours uploading to YouTube, making a thumbnail, adding descriptions, end frames and cards. Then linking to my website or uploading to Patreon.

What are my blogging steps?

There is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes. Here are some of the other parts:

1. Make the YouTube video.
2. Write a blog post with video included.
3. Share on Facebook. Sometimes I’ll modify the video to work better on Facebook. I also try to publish/share something relevant 3 times a week.
4. Sometimes make a pin for Pinterest.
5. Post 3 Instagram pictures a week.
6. Send out a newsletter once a month (this is something I’ve been behind on).
7. Answer comments on YouTube, Facebook, website and email.

How have I made my website?

I use WordPress. It’s a free and popular online tool for making websites.

My hosting company is Biztactix. They are good. A little tricker to get in contact with as there’s only a US landline number but they’ve always solved my problems. There is also a great online library of technical information.

To make the website look slick, I use a theme bought through Envato. Look up ThemeForest and search under WordPress. Some themes are more restrictive than others so make sure you like the navigation and set-up of pages. Adding logos and changing colours are usually the easy part.

I hope you’ve found this overview helpful? Is this what you imagined? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

The post How I make YouTube videos | TravellingK 2 years old appeared first on Travelling K.

The post Celebrating TravellingK’s first birthday appeared first on Travelling K.

I’ve had an epiphany with my blog!

I started this blog with the idea of focusing on general travel and travelling in a caravan, but the more I’ve written the more I’ve realised there’s a whole other area I want to talk about.

So, a slight change in direct to alternative lifestyle away from the 9-5 mortgage. I’ve already touched on this idea with why I want to live in a caravan and last weeks rant about feeling trapped in a 9-5 job.

I think with house prices as they are today, we need to start looking at alternative ways of living. The latest article in the NZ Herald was about the average property price in Auckland climbed over $1 million and there is no way I can afford a house in Auckland or want the stress of owing that much money! How are you ever to be mortgage free?

More and more people are thinking of alternative ways around this – about building tiny houses or container homes. Soon I’ll be able to start sharing my experience of living in a caravan while moving around New Zealand – occasionally locking it up and leaving on an overseas adventure.

I’ve met many people who have the same idea with living comfortably in a tent – including a double bed and cat, living in a van for 6 months each summer before going back to the UK, going on long overland truck tours, living on a boat for months on end, working over summer and travelling over winter. There are many interesting alternative living ideas and I’m excited to get started.

What are your thoughts on this blog? What is your favourite article so far? I would love to hear!

The post Changing the direction of my blog appeared first on Travelling K.

The post Stop the 9-5 working week appeared first on Travelling K.

I’m a kiwi who has eagerly travelled off and on for the last 8 years.

My latest adventure is living permanently in a caravan and travelling around New Zealand. I’ve come to realise that I can’t afford a house in Auckland, so I’ve bought a caravan instead!

I’ve lived in London, Melbourne, Auckland and am now call the whole of New Zealand home! I’ve got the travel bug and have visited South America, Iran, Russia, India, Turkmenistan, Japan, Morocco, Italy, Spain, Norway and more – my travel wish list keeps growing.

Where I’ve visited

What I’ve been doing

After School

I followed the usual path of university then full time work. But quickly started wondering – is this it? Do I keep doing this for the rest of my life? It took two years of solid saving on a junior wage, before I moved to London. This was the best thing I could have done. By throwing myself into unknown situations, I went from being very shy and uncertain to becoming self-confidence.

Moved to London

I moved on my own, only knowing my brothers friends sister and a cousin. My first ever overseas flight was to London via Japan. I had beginners luck and quickly got regular work and a great flat-share. Eventually I learned my way and stopped annoying locals by continuously comparing everything to home. I now have plenty of stories about trips to Europe, nights out, living with people from different nationalities and in some pretty crazy houses! There are a few things about moving to London I wish I had known which I’ve shared here.

---

Moved to Melbourne

After four years in London I started wondering if I wanted to settle there. I decided to move to Melbourne for a change and be closer to New Zealand. I couldn’t save while living in Melbourne as I spent all my pay on nights out and weekend activities! It has some fantastic events, bars and restaurant.

More travel & moved to Auckland

In 2015, I visited South America, UK, Italy, Morocco, Singapore and Sydney. After this burst of travel, I moved back to Auckland with plans of settling. I realised the housing market has gone crazy and there was no option of buying a house on my own. I worked solidly for a year in Auckland at Flight Centre before getting itchy feet again.

The future

I bought a caravan with exciting plans of living permanently in it, exploring New Zealand. Planning some overseas trips over winter too. If I can’t afford a house in Auckland, I can explore New Zealand and find a place to put down roots.

I look forward to sharing some of my travel adventures (and disasters).

---

Interested in reading more?

Here are a selection of blogs I recommend starting with.

Caravan Living

Would you live full-time in a caravan? My reasons for why I want to live in a caravan.

Hunt for the Karavan – North Island Roadtrip. Starting a road trip looking at different caravan dealers in the North Island of New Zealand.

Karavan’s 1st impressions. How I’m finding living in a caravan.

Starting the day in a Karavan. An intimate peak into what it’s really like living in a caravan.

Reversing with a Karavan. It’s not as hard as you think!

Overseas Travel

Whitsundays beauty. A video of the beautiful WhitSundays in Queensland, Australia.

My holiday of accidents in Vietnam. Have you ever had a holiday where everything goes wrong?

Top sights in Chile and Argentina. A video showing stunning Chile & Argentina, plus tips for visiting.

Travelling around North India. A colourful video of India and my impression of the country.

And some extras

Diving wasn’t as scary as I’d been told. Considering learning to dive?

A taste of an overland truck tour. A video on what it’s like doing an overland truck tour.

6 movies that inspired me to travel. Feeling like travelling from the comfort of your couch?

Do you feel less at home after travelling? I was asked a question “Because you have traveled so much, do you feel less “at home” each time you return?”. This blog was my answer.

The post Who am I? appeared first on Travelling K.

I’m a kiwi who has eagerly travelled off and on for the last 8 years.

My latest adventure is living permanently in a caravan and travelling around New Zealand. I’ve come to realise that I can’t afford a house in Auckland, so I’ve bought a caravan instead!

I’ve lived in London, Melbourne, Auckland and am now call the whole of New Zealand home! I’ve got the travel bug and have visited South America, Iran, Russia, India, Turkmenistan, Japan, Morocco, Italy, Spain, Norway and more – my travel wish list keeps growing.

Where I’ve visited

What I’ve been doing

After School

I followed the usual path of university then full time work. But quickly started wondering – is this it? Do I keep doing this for the rest of my life? It took two years of solid saving on a junior wage, before I moved to London. This was the best thing I could have done. By throwing myself into unknown situations, I went from being very shy and uncertain to becoming self-confidence.

Moved to London

I moved on my own, only knowing my brothers friends sister and a cousin. My first ever overseas flight was to London via Japan. I had beginners luck and quickly got regular work and a great flat-share. Eventually I learned my way and stopped annoying locals by continuously comparing everything to home. I now have plenty of stories about trips to Europe, nights out, living with people from different nationalities and in some pretty crazy houses! There are a few things about moving to London I wish I had known which I’ve shared here.

---

Moved to Melbourne

After four years in London I started wondering if I wanted to settle there. I decided to move to Melbourne for a change and be closer to New Zealand. I couldn’t save while living in Melbourne as I spent all my pay on nights out and weekend activities! It has some fantastic events, bars and restaurant.

More travel & moved to Auckland

In 2015, I visited South America, UK, Italy, Morocco, Singapore and Sydney. After this burst of travel, I moved back to Auckland with plans of settling. I realised the housing market has gone crazy and there was no option of buying a house on my own. I worked solidly for a year in Auckland at Flight Centre before getting itchy feet again.

The future

I bought a caravan with exciting plans of living permanently in it, exploring New Zealand. Planning some overseas trips over winter too. If I can’t afford a house in Auckland, I can explore New Zealand and find a place to put down roots.

I look forward to sharing some of my travel adventures (and disasters).

---

Interested in reading more?

Here are a selection of blogs I recommend starting with.

Caravan Living

Would you live full-time in a caravan? My reasons for why I want to live in a caravan.

Hunt for the Karavan – North Island Roadtrip. Starting a road trip looking at different caravan dealers in the North Island of New Zealand.

Karavan’s 1st impressions. How I’m finding living in a caravan.

Starting the day in a Karavan. An intimate peak into what it’s really like living in a caravan.

Reversing with a Karavan. It’s not as hard as you think!

Overseas Travel

Whitsundays beauty. A video of the beautiful WhitSundays in Queensland, Australia.

My holiday of accidents in Vietnam. Have you ever had a holiday where everything goes wrong?

Top sights in Chile and Argentina. A video showing stunning Chile & Argentina, plus tips for visiting.

Travelling around North India. A colourful video of India and my impression of the country.

And some extras

Diving wasn’t as scary as I’d been told. Considering learning to dive?

A taste of an overland truck tour. A video on what it’s like doing an overland truck tour.

6 movies that inspired me to travel. Feeling like travelling from the comfort of your couch?

Do you feel less at home after travelling? I was asked a question “Because you have traveled so much, do you feel less “at home” each time you return?”. This blog was my answer.

The post Who am I? appeared first on Travelling K.