A road tripper who travelled the USA in a giant hot dog car is now being paid to go on a trip of a lifetime around Australia and New Zealand.
For many of us, giving up the rat race to travel Down Under is simply a dream due to the enormous financial cost and distance is standing in the way.
Carly Koemptgen is lucky enough to face no such obstacles, having been chosen from thousands of applicants to embark on an all-expenses paid trip for the next six months.
The 25-year-old will head off around New Zealand and Australia in a fully equipped van paid for by Deel, a HR company that simplifies the way people work around the world.
The Minneapolis native was picked in no small part due to her pedigree when it comes to big trips, having previously spent a year traveling the northeast and southwest US in the wiener-mobile, visiting 26 different states in total and earning the job title 'hot-dogger'.
"Living on the road teaches you a lot, but I think my biggest takeaways are to be flexible and open to change," she told The Mirror of her time in the sausage-shaped car, which is used to highlight the work of chilled food producer Oscar Mayer.
"You never know what challenge will be thrown your way or who you’re going to meet, so be ready to adapt your plans at short notice. Everything can become an adventure with a good attitude."
Each month Carly - who previously found viral success by creating parmesan garlic pizza rolls - will earn £2,600, as well as a weekly stipend, having had her return flights and all things visa and work approval-related handled by Deel.
"I would like to see the Great Barrier Reef, especially because we don’t know how long it’ll be around," she said when asked what she was most excited about seeing.
"I also have always wanted to surf in Australia, so if anyone wants to go surfing with me, let me know.
"I am probably most excited to meet new people, hear their stories, and get suggestions from them. I’ve found that the locals know the best hidden gems and help you expand your worldview."
Carly will be travelling alone over the next six months, which is something she is looking forward to, despite being a self-described extrovert.
"I’ve found that audiobooks and podcasts can be incredibly helpful to make it feel like there’s someone with you," she said.
"Also, it’s so easy to reach my friends and family with technology like FaceTime and WhatsApp. I definitely can see the experience getting lonely at times, but that’s not always a bad thing.
"I hope that I get to know myself better, feel all the things, and take some time for introspection. I also know that you meet some incredible people along the way, so I know I won’t always be alone."
Her vehicular companion on the journey will be a self-contained camper van with all the essentials including a toilet, small kitchen, and bed that converts into a table for the daytime.
Carly is living and working throughout New Zealand until June and then will travel to Australia in July.
