Ever scrolled through #vanlife on Instagram and felt that itch to hit the road? I totally get it. There’s something magical about waking up to a new view every day – whether it’s lush forests, towering mountains, or endless beaches. That’s the freedom vanlife offers, and I’m here to share my journey with you.
I went from living in a cotton tent in a Danish forest for two years to embracing the vanlife. Wild, right? My friends were curious – would I still be able to connect with nature? Spoiler alert: absolutely!
My vanlife adventure kicked off in Denmark, just before COVID turned everything upside down. For a year, I cruised around, dreaming of far-off places like Slovenia, Turkey, Moldova, and Mongolia. When travel restrictions eased, I hit the road, exploring Poland’s ancient forests, Chernobyl’s eerie abandoned zones in Ukraine, and Romania’s stunning mountains.
But here’s the thing – you don’t need to go far to experience amazing nature. Denmark’s got some hidden gems too! Vanlife, whether at home or abroad, brings you closer to nature than you might think. Here’s why:
Early mornings and late nights: Some of my best nature moments happened just after sunrise or sunset. Imagine seeing bears at the forest edge in Romania, or hearing elk calls echoing through the woods. When your bed is right there in nature, you don’t miss these magical moments.
Off the beaten path: Being self-sufficient means you can venture deeper into nature. No need to rush back to a hotel or campsite – you’ve got everything you need with you.
Your personal basecamp: Park up, lace up your hiking boots, and explore! After a long day of adventure, your cozy van is waiting with a warm shower, cold drinks, and a comfy bed.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time vanlifer like me, your nature-camper is your ticket to adventure. I’ve always been a nature nerd, so chasing unforgettable experiences around the world was a no-brainer for me.
I’ve braved -36°C in Lapland, chasing the Northern Lights (with plenty of hot tea breaks in my warm van). I’ve cruised through Germany, Holland, England, and Ireland, soaking in breathtaking coastal views and rugged landscapes.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Sounds amazing, but is vanlife for me?” Here’s the truth: there’s no right or wrong way to start. It’s all about following your dreams and finding the freedom you’re craving.
Don’t stress about having the fanciest setup. Start small if you need to – even an old Berlingo with a bed in the back can be the beginning of your adventure. Save up, cut costs where you can, and work towards your dream van. The most important thing is the experiences you’ll have, not how much you spent on your ride.
Budgeting for vanlife is a common question, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your style – do you prefer eating out or cooking? Paid activities or free nature experiences? Campsites or wild camping? Luxury attractions or simple pleasures like ice cream on the beach? Figure out what matters most to you and plan accordingly.
Remember, life is short and the world is wide. You don’t have to wait until retirement to start exploring. Whether it’s full-time vanlife or renting a camper for your next holiday, find what gives you that sense of freedom and joy in nature.
Want to see more of my adventures? Check out my Instagram, where you’ll find tons of inspiration to kickstart your own wheel-based wanderings.
Thanks for reading, and happy trails!
Ingen kommentarer