From the land down under to life on the road: Marcelle Alvernaz’s story

This Australian adventurer took on full-time RVing in North America—and she's here to share what she learned

The idea of full-time RVing often conjures images of wide-open roads, stunning sunsets, and a carefree existence. But what’s it really like to trade a fixed address for life on wheels? For Marcelle Alvernaz, an Australian who made North America her home, the journey into RV living was as much about practicality as it was about adventure. Downsizing from a city condo, she and her husband embarked on a lifestyle that has taken them across deserts, mountains, and even straight into tornado country.

Through her Instagram account, Justagirlfromoztravel, Marcelle shares snapshots of RV life—both the highlights and the challenges. From navigating laundromats full of "interesting" characters to adopting a dog at a Texas state park, her experiences are anything but ordinary. In this interview, she reflects on her biggest lessons, favorite destinations, and why she wouldn’t trade the nomadic life for anything—at least, not yet.

How long have you been a full-time RVer, and what inspired you to get started?

As an Australian with a wanderlust spirit, I've always felt a pull towards the open road. After relocating to the U.S. in 2010 and spending some time in Reno, Nevada—where I even met my husband during a vacation—I began to dream of life on the move. I had been dropping hints to my husband about RVing, and as we both transitioned to remote work, that dream began to take shape. By late 2021, we started the process of downsizing. In 2022, we sold our downtown condo, and the adventure of full-time RV living began!

What type of RV unit do you currently have, and why did you choose it? 

It might sound a bit unconventional, but our love for Jeeping played a significant role in our choice of RV. We weren't ready to part with our beloved Jeep, so we opted for a motorhome that would allow us to tow it along. A fifth wheel just wasn't in the cards for us. While I had to travel back to Australia for family matters, my husband took on the task of searching for our RV. Unfortunately, options were limited in our area, but then our 2007 Greyhawk Jayco Sport 28QB—whom we affectionately named "Wanda"—came onto the market. When my husband asked for my input, I had simple requirements: low mileage and a solid engine. I guess I drew the lucky straw, as he did all the legwork while I was away, and I returned just in time for us to hit the road!

Do you mostly travel alone, or with family/friends/pets?

In our RV, it’s just my husband and me, along with our two beloved dogs. We adopted our second pup, Sam, while visiting Davis Mountain State Park in Texas, where they have a wonderful  dogs. We simply couldn’t resist bringing him into our family though our older English Bull Terrier Mattie has moments of wishing we didn’t! Haha!

What were some of the biggest adjustments you had to make when transitioning to RV life? 

One of the biggest adjustments for me was giving up my hairdresser! Just kidding, but in all seriousness, it was adapting to the lack of a washing machine and dryer. We don’t have room to add one. I’m not a fan of laundromats, and for some reason, I always seem to attract the "interesting" characters there. 

My husband misses our spacious kitchen, as he often finds that there just isn't enough counter space to accommodate all his culinary needs. 

Also, every shopping trip is like a game of “where’s Waldo.” You get use to where and what your local grocery store stocks, so sometimes allowing yourself a bit of extra time is a necessity. 

How did you set up your RV to suit full-time living? 

To tailor our RV for full-time living, we made some strategic modifications. Since my husband is a coder, we replaced the couch with an adjustable standing desk to accommodate all his monitors. We spend most of our time outdoors so we really didn’t need the couch.

We also transformed the loft above the cab into a convenient storage space, where we keep tools, extra blankets, and suitcases for my travels. 

While we don’t typically host guests when we’re on the road, we do have a tent handy for emergencies or when we want to create an outdoor workspace free from mosquitoes. It’s become our outdoor office, complete with stunning views!

What has been the most impactful memory you've made during your travels so far? 

Every day on the road is an opportunity for new memories, especially with our daily hikes, so narrowing it down is quite a challenge. However, one particularly impactful moment stands out, and it’s a lesson in practicality—and survival! I initially thought our fridge had something rotten inside, so instead of firing up the stove for lunch, I decided to clean it out. Thankfully, my husbands quick thinking; it was actually a propane leak and the detector didn’t pick it up. His quick thinking saved us from a potentially explosive situation! It’s a vivid reminder to trust your instincts and stay alert while adventuring in an RV.

What are some must-have items or gadgets you can’t live without? 

Our kayaks are an absolute necessity, and we've equipped our Jeep with Rhino racks to transport them easily and help with weight distribution. 

Another invaluable item is a flip-up shelf near the door, providing extra bench space when needed.

Ensuring we never get stranded, a Lithium Jump Starter Battery Pack has been a lifesaver, rescuing both our RV and Jeep on multiple occasions. Thanks to my friend for this gift! 

To optimize our cooking and storage, we've installed Ikea baskets in the pantry for better organization, along with an extensive spice rack system. We eat mainly in the rv not out due to me being Celiac so we cook heathy and tasty meals so the above helps us out. 

A meal planning app like Meallime has been a game-changer, helping us find recipes tailored to our dietary needs while minimizing food waste in our compact fridge. Our fridge is small so it’s like playing Tetris, so we want only what we need in there. This has helped 100% as it does a shopping list for us. 

Since we're not big on television, we mounted an adjustable iPad arm to watch shows from the comfort of our bed. 

Towel racks that allow us to roll and store extra linens are another space-saving essential. 

Finding a mail forwarding service has huge. Having to rely on family we thought was a title unfair. There are plenty out there so find one that works for you. 

Finally, Ikea shoe boxes and wire baskets keep our socks, hats, and other small items neatly organized and out of the way.

How do you handle internet connectivity and stay in touch while on the road?

To stay connected while on the road, we rely on a combination of Starlink and a Verizon hotspot, which are essential for both of our work needs. However, there are times when our chosen campsite is surrounded by trees and lacks coverage, forcing us to make a trip into town to find a local business with free WiFi. To mitigate connectivity issues, we use Google Earth and check reviews to scout out potential sites that will best meet our internet requirements, especially when we know we won’t be near a town for an extended period. It’s all about planning ahead to ensure we stay connected without compromising our adventure! My husband loves referring to Campendium for cell service availability. People will share what carriers they use and how good of a reception they get. 

What advice do you have for those considering full-time RV life? 

Full-time RV life isn’t for everyone; we've seen friends who started their journey alongside us give up relatively quickly. If you enjoy staying at state parks like we do, be prepared for less-than-ideal amenities—baby wipes may just become your best friend! Flexibility is key, as unexpected challenges will arise at the most inconvenient times and places. Be ready to adapt, even if it means incurring some losses.

Remember, what works for one person might not work for another. While we prefer to avoid RV resorts, many of our fellow RV friends thrive in that environment, so true contentment comes from within. 

Above all, cherish the opportunity to explore new places and experiences; it’s a unique gift. Personally, I could embrace this lifestyle for the rest of my life, but my husband feels differently. So, I make it a point to savor each day. After all, life is about enjoying the present—tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so make the most of today!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The downfalls of being on the road:

While the RV lifestyle offers incredible experiences, there are certainly some downfalls to consider. One of the biggest challenges is finding health insurance that provides adequate coverage without breaking the bank. Managing health issues on the road can be tricky, but we’ve had good luck using CVS for our medications, with no issues along the way.

Another misconception is that RVing is as inexpensive as many believe. For us, the wear and tear on both our RV and Jeep adds up quickly, and some campgrounds can be quite pricey. Additionally, if plans change, be cautious—many places have strict refund policies. 

For those who enjoy remote locations, be prepared for high gas prices and grocery bills. If you’re like us and need to plan ahead due to work commitments, understanding the reservation systems for state parks is crucial. Each state operates differently, which means setting reminders is essential, especially if you have your eye on that coveted riverside spot that everyone else wants as well! 

Lastly, weather. Weather can change your plans quickly and also we learnt this year we needed good weather apps due to driving though tornado alley at the worse time. We did have to hunker down in a shower house with other campers as a tornado touched down across the lake. So, once we get to Texas ( yes, we are snowbirds) we have some hail damage to get fixed. We actually witnessed two this year and had over 100+ warnings. I’ve decided my dream from years ago of being a  chaser has changed this year. 

Also learn to winterize your RV, as it may save you costly busted pipes if you don’t get out of “freeze” country quick enough.