Final yr, my boyfriend, our Labrador, and I moved right into a van and ended up dwelling there for 100 days, exploring Europe.
We had been first-time van house owners, and with out even making an attempt it for a number of nights, we instantly moved in for an extended interval. We merely had been 100% assured that this way of life would go well with us.
We spent a month in Italy, a month within the Alps (principally Austria), a month in Denmark, and just a little time in Germany.
Our Route – Following the Climate
In Might and early June, Italy was good. We spent a complete month on the island of Sardinia, and we fell in love with it. I’m satisfied Sardinia has essentially the most stunning seashores in Europe.
Because the summer season warmth elevated by the tip of June, we headed for the cooler temperatures of the Alps. There, we hiked alongside glaciers, even discovered a mountain crystal whereas mountain climbing, and had an incredible time.
Then, we moved on to Denmark. Initially, we deliberate to succeed in Norway. Nevertheless, as soon as we arrived in Denmark, we determined to remain there. Many individuals suppose there’s “nothing” in Denmark, however we cherished its calmness, the ocean’s proximity, and the refreshing coastal breeze.
After dwelling in Munich, Germany, it was a aid for our brains that there was no noise from the highways. We loved the silence and quietness.
The Surprising Joys of Van Life
Van life taught us to worth simplicity extra. The smallest luxuries—like an extended bathe, a comfy spot to sleep, and even simply having a brand new concept of what to prepare dinner in a tiny area—grew to become significant.
I’ve all the time been a nasty sleeper, but I slept higher within the van than ever earlier than. With a window open above me and nature throughout—whether or not it was the forest or the ocean—I constantly slept 10+ hours an evening.
Additionally, I’ve by no means been as tanned as I used to be whereas dwelling in a van. With out ever deliberately sunbathing, I naturally acquired a darkish tan—and someway, I by no means acquired a sunburn.
And to not point out the morning espresso! Waking as much as a gorgeous view and ingesting espresso with a view of a mountain, sand dunes, or sea by no means will get boring.
The Challenges of Van Life
One of many largest issues I missed whereas dwelling in a van was having a correct bathe. At campsites, showers typically required a coin—often €1 for 2-3 minutes—and so they shut off abruptly. If a campsite had limitless scorching water, we tended to remain longer simply to take pleasure in it.
Within the Alps, storms are frequent throughout summer season. On some nights, we felt scared when the storms had been very loud, and our solely shelter was the motorhome.
Moreover, we all the time wanted to remember how a lot water and meals we had. It often took half a day to restock every little thing.
That being stated, easy duties take longer. Cooking, making espresso, and even simply organising for the evening required extra effort.
Whereas we by no means had an incident, there have been locations the place one thing simply felt “off.” We all the time wanted to journey throughout daylight, leaving us sufficient time to discover a place to sleep nicely earlier than sundown, and calculating sufficient time to maneuver if mandatory.
Van Infrastructure in Europe
Italy, Austria, Denmark and Germany have nice van life infrastructure, and we felt fully protected. We slept in breathtaking coastal spots, parking areas, and subsequent to mountain climbing trails—with out a single unfavorable incident.
At first, we stayed in campsites, however we had been interested by sleeping fully alone, with out the standard tenting infrastructure. So, we began utilizing Google Maps and the Park4Night app to seek out locations to sleep for the evening.
For working remotely, we used a Starlink WiFi and in addition had a further photo voltaic panel, which labored nice for distant work.
Returning to “Regular Life”
When our journey ended, adjusting again to life in an residence was a shock. Our sleep patterns returned to “regular” (which, sarcastically, wasn’t nice), and we appreciated the comfort of an actual kitchen and toilet.
Even our canine, Bobo, felt it—simply minutes after arriving residence, he grabbed his leash, able to return to the van.
After shifting again, we offered the van. At first, we had been glad we might promote it and have the comfort of a house once more.
Now, seven months later, we now have a van viewing scheduled for tomorrow. We miss having a van, and we need to proceed van life.
Sophia Molnar
Sophia, a traveller from Europe who’s all the time visiting locations off the conventional vacationer path. She nonetheless visits the favored international locations like Italy or Thailand, nonetheless she all the time travels to the much less visited locations. Why? To see wildlife, uncover genuine journey locations, join with the locals, and to spend time open air.