Not Luxe ☼ Travel
  • ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL
  • WHY “NOT LUXE”
  • Cambodia
  • Australia
  • Travel
  • Teaching ESL
  • Move Abroad
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Not Luxe ☼ Travel
  • ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL
  • WHY “NOT LUXE”
  • Cambodia
  • Australia
  • Travel
  • Teaching ESL
  • Move Abroad
  • Travel Insurance

Van Life Myths : Debunked

Travel The World For Free With Trusted House Sitting

Things Worth Buying as Minimalist Nomads

Markets to Visit in Phnom Penh: A Guide

How to Move to Cambodia & Teach English

8 Tips You Need to Read BEFORE Moving to Phnom Penh

8 Things to Know Before MOVING to Cambodia

Currency in Cambodia: Explained

Saving Money: Teaching & Living in Phnom Penh

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh : A Visitor’s Guide

Day Trip to Phnom Chisor: How to Get to Phnom Chisor from...

WHY You Should Teach English in Cambodia

How to Save Money On A Budget Camper Van Build

How to Prepare for a USA Road Trip (For Canadians)

Things to do in Chilliwack BC

Van Life Essentials List | What We Can’t Live Without

Things To Do During Winter in Vernon BC

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  • cambodia

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    Van Life Myths : Debunked

    by Nick & Raychel November 3, 2021
  • Travel The World For Free With Trusted House Sitting

    by Nick & Raychel February 14, 2021

    If you’re looking to save money on travel accommodation and fill your pet fix, you can travel the world for free with trusted house sitting! Learn about how we became house sitters in this article.

  • Things Worth Buying as Minimalist Nomads

    by Nick & Raychel April 28, 2020

    What things do we still consider worth buying as perpetual travellers? Well, you may be surprised to learn that we still LOVE to spend money. Let’s jump into it here.

  • Markets to Visit in Phnom Penh: A Guide

    by Nick & Raychel March 19, 2019
  • How to Move to Cambodia & Teach English

    by Nick & Raychel March 18, 2019

    Moving to Cambodia to teach English? Here’s EVERYTHING you need to know: from TEFLs, to locations, to cash, to contracts, to lesson plans, all in a step-by-step format to make your life easier.

  • 8 Tips You Need to Read BEFORE Moving to Phnom Penh

    by Nick & Raychel March 18, 2019

    Cambodia in retrospect: what we wish we had done differently.

  • 8 Things to Know Before MOVING to Cambodia

    by Nick & Raychel March 10, 2019
  • Currency in Cambodia: Explained

    by Nick & Raychel March 5, 2019

    Riel? USD? How do you work with the two operating currencies? Here, we’ll give you some tips to make sense of it.

  • Saving Money: Teaching & Living in Phnom Penh

    by Nick & Raychel February 19, 2019

    Can you save money while teaching in Cambodia? The short answer is yes. Find our tips & tricks here.

  • Where to Stay in Phnom Penh : A Visitor’s Guide

    by Nick & Raychel February 12, 2019
  • Day Trip to Phnom Chisor: How to Get to Phnom Chisor from Phnom Penh

    by Nick & Raychel February 5, 2019

    A day trip to an ancient temple? Yes please. Phnom Chisor is one of our favourite day trips from Phnom Penh. We share our tips on how to get there, how much $ you’ll need, and the unwritten rules of the temple.

  • WHY You Should Teach English in Cambodia

    by Nick & Raychel January 29, 2019

    When we thought of teaching abroad, Cambodia was not the first place that came to mind. Now our minds have changed. Here’s why.

  • How to Save Money On A Budget Camper Van Build

    by Nick & Raychel February 17, 2022
  • How to Prepare for a USA Road Trip (For Canadians)

    by Nick & Raychel November 15, 2021

    After the past few years of travelling the world, we are packing up the van to see the Americas – so of course as we prepare for a USA road trip, we are bringing you along!

  • Things to do in Chilliwack BC

    by Nick & Raychel November 15, 2021

    Visiting Chilliwack can be the perfect Vancouver day trip, just 40 minutes from the city. Here’s our list of the best things to do in Chilliwack BC. Let’s go see the Fraser Valley!

  • Van Life Essentials List | What We Can’t Live Without

    by Nick & Raychel November 3, 2021
  • Things To Do During Winter in Vernon BC

    by Nick & Raychel March 17, 2021

    If you’re looking for things to do in Vernon, BC – look no further! We love winters in the Okanagan for the unique winter activities Vernon has to offer!

  • Living in Kelowna vs. Living in Vancouver

    by Nick & Raychel February 25, 2021

    After having lived in both cities, we can say we’ve fallen in love with both Kelowna and Vancouver. Let’s talk about the differences of living in Kelowna vs. living in Vancouver and life in the lower mainland vs. the Okanagan.

  • 50 Tips For A Winter in Canada | Survival Guide

    by Nick & Raychel January 31, 2021
  • Things to do in Kelowna in Winter

    by Nick & Raychel January 30, 2021

    Everyone knows that Kelowna is a great place to spend the summer. But how is Kelowna in the winter? Find our 6 favorite things to do here!

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Nick & Raychel
Nick & Raychel

In 2018, we sold everything we owned and moved to Cambodia to teach English.

Let’s make this clear: this journey didn’t start with money. This journey started with a desire to see the world and to do something different for a change.

We’re not going to fool you with photos of floating breakfasts and private jets. We know what it’s like to be on a budget. Although we like to take pretty pictures, we aren’t going to wake up at an ungodly hour to give you unachievable travel jealousy. We aren’t going to censor ourselves or lie to you.

What we are going to do is stay in cheap hostels, find ways to make money, give the advice that we would want to hear, and share our experiences with you honestly.

Are you in?

Not Luxe

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GUIDE TO MARKETS | PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (2018)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8v49HKtlIk

IS CAMBODIA SAFE? LIVING IN PHNOM PENH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NShIg00dj8Q

KAMPOT & KEP | PEPPER PLANTATIONS, KAYAKING, BOAT TOURS & TAPAS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3DgTbP4SKQ

LONGBOARDING IN THE PHILIPPINES | LAPU LAPU & OSLOB

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT6ABZE4mSE

CAMBODIA | PROS & CONS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLMhjVTJUxE&t=14s

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Recent Posts

  • Van Life Myths : Debunked

    November 3, 2021
  • Travel The World For Free With Trusted House Sitting

    February 14, 2021
  • Things Worth Buying as Minimalist Nomads

    April 28, 2020
  • Markets to Visit in Phnom Penh: A Guide

    March 19, 2019
  • How to Move to Cambodia & Teach English

    March 18, 2019
  • 8 Tips You Need to Read BEFORE Moving to Phnom Penh

    March 18, 2019
  • 8 Things to Know Before MOVING to Cambodia

    March 10, 2019
  • Currency in Cambodia: Explained

    March 5, 2019
  • Saving Money: Teaching & Living in Phnom Penh

    February 19, 2019
  • Where to Stay in Phnom Penh : A Visitor’s Guide

    February 12, 2019
  • Day Trip to Phnom Chisor: How to Get to Phnom Chisor from Phnom Penh

    February 5, 2019
  • WHY You Should Teach English in Cambodia

    January 29, 2019
  • How to Save Money On A Budget Camper Van Build

    February 17, 2022
  • How to Prepare for a USA Road Trip (For Canadians)

    November 15, 2021
  • Things to do in Chilliwack BC

    November 15, 2021
  • Van Life Essentials List | What We Can’t Live Without

    November 3, 2021

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ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL

About Us Hi! We’re Nick & Raychel, the Canadian travel couple behind the brand ‘Not Luxe’. Far before we were married (and on a mission to see the world), we were working…

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  • This summer has been filled with a lot of hard work so we can continue the adventure.

Working odd jobs and picking up work that we aren’t necessarily *passionate* about (sorry to break it to you, Santa, I didn’t love being a Christmas elf at the mall during the holidays) isn’t always easy.

Working hours at the office, doing data entry, reception, and cleaning out the fridge every Friday isn’t exactly my idea of fun. Nick doesn’t love driving a truck for 11 hours a day, or getting home at 1am. 

But we are committed to the cycle, we are passionate about alternative living, and we want to see the world.

We don’t work hard so that we can have a margarita at the beach (although that’s fun too), we work hard so that we can experience different cultures, try different cuisines, learn about different climates, connect, and grow as people.

Travel to us is more than bright blue waters and aesthetic IG photos, it’s about the experience, and we can’t wait to see more.

__

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 

Tags: #notluxe  #camperlife #camperlifestyle #vanlifeproject #vanlifeculture #tinyhome #tinyliving #vanlifediaries #travelgram #livetoexplore #vanlifeculture #budgettravel #worktotravel #traveljobs #travelblogger #vanlifestyle #vanliving #livingoutdoors #campinglife  #vanlifevirals #vanlifeideas #vandwelling

++ Keywords: van living, van dwelling, van life build, campervan build, van life road trip, budget travel
  • Yeah, the first ever “odd job” I took in order to afford travel was as a Christmas Elf at the mall.

I worked this job on top of my regular 9-5 so that I could afford to pay off my existing credit card debt and move to Cambodia. It was my first step away from the ‘big girl jobs’ I was used to working, but I had a dream to live abroad and a bank account that didn’t match, so I had to do something about it.

The next few jobs I’ve done either part or full time over the years.

💻 REV: I’ve worked as a transcriber on Rev for a few years now. The pay isn’t great, but I’m a super fast typist (80 wpm who!?) so I figured it could be a way to pass the time & earn extra income.

🐶 Rover: This summer, we’ve ventured into caring for dogs on Rover. While we can’t do this in our van, we are currently staying with my brother and between all of us, there’s always a dog here. If I had learned about Rover prior to moving out of our apartment, I would have definitely offered my services years ago.

👩‍🏫 Teaching English online: Many people know that we taught English overseas - but only long-time followers of the YouTube channel would know that teaching ESL was my job beyond that. Unfortunately there were major pay cuts within the company that I worked for (PalFish) so I quit, but I still teach on Cambly and Outschool (more on that in part 2).

We don’t have a lot of money but we have expensive dreams, so we’ll do anything to make it work. What odd jobs have you done to earn some extra cash?

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 

Tags: #notluxe #vanlifecouple #vanlifecouples#tinyhome #vanlifers #vanlifevirals #vanlifemovement #vanbuildout #vandwelling #vanlifediaries  #vanlifemovement #vanlifeexplorers #traveljobs #vanlifejobs #workontheroad #digitalnomad #budgettravel 

++ Keywords: van life tips, travel tips, van life travel, van life youtube
  • Anyone who knows our story knows that we have been working throughout our entire travels. Seasonal / temporary work has afforded us a lifestyle filled with travel and adventure. ✈️

We have explored temp agencies, Craigslist ads, used websites like Airtasker (Australia) and Kijiji to find our temporary/seasonal jobs. But in the US specifically, there are some websites designed specifically for this type of work. 🌲

Here are 3 websites designed for seasonal work (mostly U.S. based):
1. Vagajobs: a resource for seasonal & year-round work with a heavy focus on travel/adventure jobs. Some jobs posted on Vagajobs include staff housing.
2. CoolWorks: job opportunities in great places - from national parks to ski resorts, summer camps, to national parks. Some jobs posted on CoolWorks include staff housing.
3. Occupation Wild: job board for the outdoor / adventure and travel industry. Hiring all sorts of positions at ranches, camps, resorts, conservation areas and national parks. 

Outside of the U.S.? Same (kinda). Our main go-to in Canada is Indeed (search by job type & select contract / seasonal)

Do you have any seasonal job boards to add to the list?
Drop ‘em here. ⬇️

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 

—

Tags: #notluxe  #vanlife #vanlifeshot #vanlifemovement #vanlifereality #campervan #camper #vanlifegirl #tinyliving #vanconversion #vanconversionideas #vanbuild #camperlife #homeonwheels #vanlifers #vanlifecouple #travelcouple  #traveljobs #vanlifejobs #lifeontheroad #roadtrippin #vandwellers

++ Keywords: van life, van life virals, camping lifestyle, outdoorsy,  travel, travel jobs @vagajobs @coolworksjobs @occupation_wild
  • If you’re in Ontario, you don’t want to miss this next year ✨ 

This was our first time visit the Hamilton night market and it was so worth the visit. Come along with us! @hhnightmarket 

Have you tried stinky tofu? ⬇️ 

—

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 

Tags: #notluxe #traveltips #budgettravel #cheaptravel #gapyear #travelgirls #travelgirlsgo #girlslovetravel #travelgram #getoutstayout #livetoexplore #travelblogger #veganfoodie #hamont #hamiltonnightmarket #foodbloggers
  • Shoutout to anyone who does these tiny (or big) builds on your own 🤦🏼‍♀️

We all have different strengths, right?… 

What’s your most dreaded part of DIY? ⬇️ 
_

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time tiny living & budget travel 

Tags: #notluxe #nickandraychel #adventureawaits #vanlifediaries #vanlifecouple #diycouple #travelcouple #tinyhomebuild #tinyhomes #travelblogger #diyblogger #diy #homebuild #renovations #tinyliving
  • Saying goodbye is the hardest part about travelling.

We have said dozens and dozens of goodbyes throughout our 20s. We have met countless new faces, made a ton of connections, and have shed a lot of goodbye tears.

Even a visit ‘home’ comes with the looming feeling of saying goodbye again.

We wish we could take everyone we love and put them in our pocket.
But we know that everybody has a different dream, a different life. 

When we take our next flight or fill up the gas tank to our next stop on the road, they go off on to see the world for themselves, to raise their families, to chase their career goals, love lives, or whatever else.

And we are so stoked to be able to stay in touch online.
But it’s definitely the hardest part of living nomadically.

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 
__

Tags: #notluxe  #camperlife #camperlifestyle #vanlifeproject #vanlifeculture #tinyhome #tinyliving #vanlifediaries #travelgram #livetoexplore #vanlifeculture #budgettravel #worktotravel #traveljobs #travelblogger #vanlifestyle #vanliving #livingoutdoors #campinglife  #vanlifevirals #vanlifeideas #vandwelling

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