We’ve quit our jobs to live in a converted caravan – it’s the best decision we’ve ever made
A couple has revealed why they gave up the 9-5 grind for a nomadic lifestyle and a home on wheels.
Michael Monk, 25, and Acacia Denison, 22, spent seven months refurbishing a 2016 Fiat Ducato van so they could travel the world encountering wildlife, kayaking, surfing and mountain climbing.
Originally from South Africa, the couple always loved camping and going on trips together, but their busy work schedules never had time for longer adventures.
Now they live the life they always dreamed of, while still being able to work.
And the pair spend just £620 on bills and fuel a month, urging others to do the same.
Michael Monk, 25, and Acacia Denison, 22, transformed the van and slept in many different locations, including among wild elephants
The couple, originally from South Africa, found their van on Facebook Marketplace and bought it in October 2021 for a bargain price of £6,635
Beachside: The couple pictured outside their van, which is parked on the South African coast
The couple found their van on Facebook Marketplace and bought it in October 2021 for a bargain price of £6,635 – and got to work making it a home.
Says Acacia, “In some ways I feel like I inherited my parents’ nomadic adventurous genes.”
“They started riding across Africa on one motorcycle and then traveled in a red postman bus built mostly with a Swiss army knife.
“When we bought our van it was a complete airframe and neither of us had any woodworking or building experience.
“But we got completely stuck in it.”
They made some modern modifications with room for cables and adapters, as well as cutting windows and adding sound deadening to muffle the noise from the panels.
Michael and Acacia also handled the electrical wiring, which they said required “a lot of planning because we needed to know where every plug and light would go.”
Acacia said, “We continued the renovation by using old wood to decorate the roof, and using woodworking to tackle the sliding pantry, kitchen cabinets and bed.”
All told, the renovations cost the couple £1,658. The couple also found it easy to move their work around in the van, spending just £620 a month on bills and fuel.
The couple made clever modifications to the van, including clothes pegs to dry their matching towels in the sun
Says Acacia, “In some ways I feel like I inherited my parents’ nomadic adventurous genes.” Pictured on a boat
Coffee time. Acacia Denison is now living the dream after spending seven months refurbishing a 2016 Fiat Ducato van so they could travel the world while meeting wildlife
The couple pictured themselves on their travels, enjoying a fire and a glass of chilled white wine after a day’s work in their van
They also insulated the walls and roof, as well as plywood as the base floor.
She said: ‘We have our own production company, so we can really work on the go.
“We have prioritized a workplace, as we are still on the road full-time.
“Michael and I have found that our monthly expenses are also about the same as when we lived in our old apartment.
‘What used to go to rent, now goes to campsites.
“The fuel cost is the same, if not less, because we don’t usually drive far and it’s a one-way trip, not every day back and forth.
“We spend about £620 a month for the two of us.”
The couple started their adventure in May 2022 and have not looked back since.
They said, ‘Life on the road certainly has its challenges, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
‘For example, we always think about finding campsites to spend the night, shops to stock up on and the lack of a physical address in itself causes many problems.
‘We have been surprised by the hospitable hosts at some campsites, people are friendly, helpful and intrigued about our travels.’
They said, “Life on the road certainly has its challenges, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The couple says they always have to think about finding campsites to stay at, and the lack of a physical address poses a lot of problems in its own right
The couple has always loved camping and going on trips together, but their busy work schedules never had time for longer adventures
They say: ‘We feel there is still so much to experience and see in South Africa, so for now you will find us here.’
The Bus Life: Michael and Acacia have even slept with cows in the same field and encountered gentle, wild elephants
Acacia said, “We did the renovation by using old wood to decorate the roof, and using woodworking to tackle the sliding pantry, kitchen cabinets, and bed.”
The couple bought the van hull and managed to convert it in seven months so they could have their dream home
Cozy: They’ve converted the van into a bed, kitchen and work area – basically everything they need
Michael and Acacia have even slept with cows in the same field and encountered gentle, wild elephants.
They added: ‘We like to spend time away from home.
“And this lifestyle has allowed us to have new backyards in so many breathtaking destinations that we didn’t even know existed.”
Not only do they have fun with wildlife, but they kayak, surf and skateboard their way across South Africa, which pushes them to pursue the adventure long term.
Acacia adds: ‘We don’t plan far in advance.
‘We feel there is still so much to experience and see in South Africa, so for now you will find us here.
“We don’t have an end date in mind and see ourselves upgrading vehicles in the future, maybe something bigger, who knows!”