Meet Gabriel and Sara Campo who are currently Travelers in Salt Lake City Utah. The Campo’s are working on multiple projects while traveling around The United States with their three boys – Kris, Niko and Xavier - and their newborn daughter, Ariella. The Campo’s are originally from Arizona and decided to become travelers for the freedom and ability to travel to new places and experience new things. Follow along for an inside look at what it is like to be a traveler for Southern Cross.
Did you have any type of background in this type of work or being a full time RV Traveler?
No. My background is sales and Gabe has his degree in IT.
What are the positives to being a traveler?
The positives to being a traveler are being able to see and experience different states in the U.S., and give the kids a different look at the world. It allows our family to see and experience things we haven’t before. It's a nice kind of freedom knowing that you can take off for the weekend and be somewhere else.
What is the best place you have visited so far?
Best place has to be the Florida panhandle. We were able to see the best and most beautiful beaches, and the bluest and clearest underground springs. It was such a treat being able to go to the beach or the underground springs once or twice a week.
Who is traveling with you?
We have our 3 boys with us Kris, Niko & Xavier and recently had our daughter Ariella while on our current assignment. Gabe’s Mother travels in her own RV and helps with homeschooling the kids.
What is it like being a traveler with a family, and how do your kids feel about the new locations and experiences?
It can get complicated having kids and having to work around homeschool, doctors in new locations, but it’s doable. The kids love the new locations, experiences and making friends around the U.S. They are able to keep in touch with their new friends via Facebook and the family RV website.
Is there a downside to being a full time traveler?
There is an expense to moving to a new location because the mileage reimbursement happens after the move. It is also a much smaller living space, especially with a family.
Advice you would give to someone starting the Workamper/Traveler life style:
Do your research. Map out your route and reserve your campgrounds in advance. Especially ahead of any weather event. If you are traveling with a family, plan for plenty of potty breaks!
What has been the craziest situation you have been in since becoming a Traveler for Southern Cross?
We completed our training in Alabama and we were on our way to our first assignment in Utah. We encountered a major snow storm in Nebraska. We are from Arizona we had never seen snow let alone be in a storm with that much snow. Driving an RV with your family through the ice and the slippery road proved Gabe had nerves of steel!
Our family also had a brief run in with police in Alabama around Christmas time. As we were getting our equipment ready for the day the home owner pulled into the driveway. We told her who we were and what we were doing. She said “okay” and went into the house. Soon after going into the house she came back out and quickly left. We went on with the work and were working our way up the street. A few moments later an officer pulled up to verify what we were doing. Apparently, there was a break in and the homeowner discovered it after speaking with us. Everything worked out but in the moment it was a little nerve wracking.
What is rewarding about doing this type of work?
In Alabama we were at a Dry Cleaners in a strip mall and discovered a Grade 1 leak. You could smell the gas in the air. There were even holes drilled into the back wall to allow for better air flow. When we spoke to the owner of the dry cleaner his comment was “I thought that was normal.” Ultimately the gas company had to shut down the entire building for 4 weeks. This could have been devastating if we didn’t find that leak. Also it has been rewarding having a good company to work for and good leadership that we have had in Alabama and here in utah and of course keeping people safe from possible hazardous situations involving natural gas.
Sara and Gabriel are a couple of dedicated Southern Cross employees. We are so fortunate to have two strong employees like them to travel around the United States assisting different projects and bringing them to completion. Being a traveler provides our employees with the ability to travel around the country while working independently. For more information on how you can become a traveler check out our open positions today!
