Woman 'living out of her car' reveals must have Kmart items for affordable camping trips
The Aussie woman embarked on a three-month road trip across rural Queensland and has revealed her cost-saving tips.
With more Aussies taking off on Australian caravanning and camping adventures, travellers are sharing their tips to cut down on costs that can quickly get out of control. Some holidaymakers are reportedly spending up to $100k for the perfect campervan fit-out, but one woman who has been travelling and "living in her car" for the past three months is determined to keep costs down.
Georgie Arnold has been on a road trip through rural Queensland, relying solely on her car with a rooftop tent for all her travel and accommodation needs. And bargain chain Kmart has been her go-to store for essential goods to make her camping trip more affordable.
Camper relying on Kmart for affordable travel items
Last week, Aussie mum Kylie revealed to Yahoo News Australia the affordable Kmart item she claimed helped solve a common camping problem. Like her, Arnold has a list of her own items she "highly recommends," revealing her must-haves in a video on TikTok.
Firstly, campers can't look past stackable storage containers, she said. "They fit really nicely in my car, so very ideal," she said in the video showing how she used them to contain her food and pantry items. In fact, "anything collapsable" works well she said, as they store away easily when not in use, including the bargain store's collapsable $16 kettle. There's also a bucket, containers and sink available, all perfect for camping and travel.
Do you have any caravanning or camping tips? We’d love to hear about them! Carly.bass@yahooinc.com
When it comes to her wardrobe, a free-standing rack or built-in cupboard is sadly not an option when on the road. So the traveller instead uses "car storage bags" to store and protect her clothes.
"I think they're really great because they've got handles as well. If you're going into a room for a night, you can just pick them up and take them in," she said — and they're only $10.
Caravan dream turns into $94,000 nightmare for Aussie family
Aussie 4WD couple reveal unglamorous reality of camping around Australia
Other items include car seat storage bags which help keep smaller items organised. The Queenslander also replaced a more expansive, larger camping chair with Kmart's compact version, which she prefers as it can fold up small and be easily stored away. Plus a bargain LED light and fan "that is perfect" for use inside the rooftop tent — a must-have during the darker hours.
Australian caravan and camping travel boom
Videos shared on her Instagram and TikTok page show just how Arnold, like thousands of other Aussies, managed to live out of her car for three whole months. From cooking meals in her camp kitchen to sleeping in a rooftop tent, she also had access to water enabling her access to shower around the clock.
While not as cheap, others have credited Elon Musk's Starlink for living life on the road with ease. The "incredible" device has been dubbed a "game-changer" for those wanting to hit the road but still be able to work wherever they go. The satellite internet dishes have been proliferating throughout campsites in the past two years.
Caravanning and camping has boomed in popularity in recent times. According to data from the Federal Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Australians took 15.3 million caravan and camping trips in 2023 — setting a new all-time high.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
