As the cost of living continues to skyrocket, many of us are feeling the pinch. Housing, groceries, and bills are just a few of the expenses that seem to be getting more and more out of control.
But what if you could escape the cycle of debt and live life on your own terms? Meet Lyndsay, a South Australian graphic designer who’s done just that by trading in her traditional lifestyle for a campervan.
Trading Rent for Freedom
Lyndsay’s decision to ditch the rent and bills wasn’t an easy one, but it’s one she won’t regret. “I’ve been working my whole life, running my freelance business, and after dealing with housemate politics in a sharehouse, sinking money into rent and watching bills stack up, this just feels like the new version of ‘I bought my own place,'” she told Yahoo News Australia.
@lucky.lyndsay ♀️#stealthcamping #vanlife #solofemalevanlife ♬ original sound – lucky.lyndsay
The Secret to Stealth Camping
One of the biggest challenges of living in a campervan is finding a way to do it discreetly. Lyndsay’s recently revealed her secret to “stealth camping” – a $7 Bunnings item that’s helped her go unnoticed on residential streets and car parks.
What is Stealth Camping?
“Stealth camping is camping on the down-low – keeping it quiet and low-key so you don’t draw attention,” Lyndsay explained. “It’s often done in urban or semi-wild areas where camping isn’t officially allowed, like a quiet street, a park, or a tucked-away spot in nature.”
The Trusty Tradie Vest
Lyndsay’s hack for stealth camping is a trusty tradie vest from Bunnings. “It’s perfect for van lifers or adventurers who just want a place to crash for the night without setting up a big campsite, or dealing with camp fees,” she said. The idea is to “blend in” and “leave no trace” while respecting the area.
How it Works
The idea came from a friend who was converting a van into a liveable space with the help of a tradie who left his high-vis vest on the dash. He quickly realised it was a “genius stealth move”. “To anyone passing by, it just screams ‘work van’, not ‘someone’s sleeping in here’,” Lyndsay said.
Living the Dream
Lyndsay has been “stealth camping” every night since she got her van a month ago and said it’s “such a vibe.” It’s been her dream to hit the road for over three years. “The idea of a mobile home that doesn’t cost the earth, that you can take anywhere, just felt like the ultimate win,” she said.
Independence and Sustainability
For Lyndsay, living in a campervan is all about independence and sustainability. “It’s about living freely and traveling,” she said. “It’s exciting as hell.”
The Hustle Phase
Right now, Lyndsay’s in her “hustle phase”, working three jobs to build up a nest egg so that she can hit the road full-time. “Even though I’m still in my hometown, it feels like I’m travelling – and that little bit of adventure makes everything feel so exciting,” she said.
Could You Make the Switch?
As the cost of living continues to rise, Lyndsay’s story might just inspire you to think outside the box and consider a life on the road. With a little creativity and some stealth camping know-how, you could be living the dream in no time.