Travel Hacks from Instagram Our Home on Wheels' Jace Carmichael
Photos Curtesy of Jace Carmichael.
Jace and Giddy are the creative masterminds behind their fully-customized sprinter van lifestyle. They are growing in the ranks of Instagram-popularity as they document their day to day nomadic lifestyle with their baby and dog on their profile @ourhomeonwheels.
With what started as travels throughout the continental United States, Jace and Giddy are now expanding their traveling lifestyle internationally as they prepare to venture in camper vans in Iceland, New Zealand, and Cuba. If this sounds like your dream gig, just know that you can do it, too, and Jace tells us how.
Jace has traveled through over 20 countries and 23 states. Of the 20 countries, he crossed off 13 of them while backpacking through Europe for three months with a budget under $3,000. He quickly became a pro at stretching out his money while traveling, and although some of his dirt-bagging strategies definitely weren’t the most glamorous, you can bet that he has some great advice on how to travel on a budget.
With what started as travels throughout the continental United States, Jace and Giddy are now expanding their traveling lifestyle internationally as they prepare to venture in camper vans in Iceland, New Zealand, and Cuba. If this sounds like your dream gig, just know that you can do it, too, and Jace tells us how.
Jace has traveled through over 20 countries and 23 states. Of the 20 countries, he crossed off 13 of them while backpacking through Europe for three months with a budget under $3,000. He quickly became a pro at stretching out his money while traveling, and although some of his dirt-bagging strategies definitely weren’t the most glamorous, you can bet that he has some great advice on how to travel on a budget.
You can travel. You think you can’t, and you’re validating the reasons why you think you can’t. You can do it, no matter who you are.
3 Hacks Jace Uses to Travel:
1. Subscribe to Email Lists for Flight Deals.
Jace used to invest many hours searching for cheap flight deals, but has since discovered Pomelo Travel. Pomelo Travel is an email subscription that notifies you whenever there are cheap international flights leaving the United States. Sign-up for the basic package is free, but you can get notified of even better deals for just $3 per month when you sign up for their Premium Subscription.
When Jace saw great deals on flights to New Zealand and Cuba, he bought the tickets right away. The deals typically last less than a day, so the key is to be ready to jump on a great deal right when you see it.
When Jace saw great deals on flights to New Zealand and Cuba, he bought the tickets right away. The deals typically last less than a day, so the key is to be ready to jump on a great deal right when you see it.
2. Utilize Travel Benefits.
If you find a deal that requires you to travel to another airport, consider using travel benefits to get you to there. Jace will typically buy his tickets from Pomelo Travel, and then utilize his Southwest miles that he racked up through his credit card to get cheap flights to whatever airport hub from which he will be flying internationally.
3. Rent a Camper Van.
Consolidate extra travel expenses by renting a camper van. Depending on the outfitter, these vans may include all the bells and whistles - kitchens, toilets, queen-sized beds, showers, heaters, refrigerators, stoves, etc. Most camper van rentals range from $150 - $250 per night, but allow you eliminate restaurant expenses, hotel fees, and justify transportation expenses.
Jace recently started accumulating a network of camper van rental companies on his website here. The list is organized by the country and city from which they are based, complete with their associated Instagram page and website so you can research and contact the best fit for you.
Be sure to check out @ourhomeonwheels this upcoming month as Jace, Giddy, and their baby Juniper live and travel in their rented converted sprinter van in Iceland (Brrr!)
Jace recently started accumulating a network of camper van rental companies on his website here. The list is organized by the country and city from which they are based, complete with their associated Instagram page and website so you can research and contact the best fit for you.
Be sure to check out @ourhomeonwheels this upcoming month as Jace, Giddy, and their baby Juniper live and travel in their rented converted sprinter van in Iceland (Brrr!)
Quick Tips for Traveling in the United States:
- Check out Outdoorsy.com if you would like to rent a mobile home that would fit a wide range of budgets.
- Native Campervans is a converted sprinter van rental company based in Denver, Colorado. If you're interested in trying out the van life without the commitment, then Native Campervans is a great way to get a taste while staying local.