Having previously lived in Rotterdam and worked full-time, the idea of nomadic living, especially vanlife, started to take on a deeper meaning. It began to feel like more than just a temporary escape during summer vacations. After 2.5 months on the road, thoroughly captivated by the beauty of Italy, Greece, and Turkey, a thought began to germinate in our minds: Why confine ourselves to a mere 5 months?
Meet Wies: Designer and Adventurer
I’m Wies, a designer with a love for creativity and entrepreneurship. Alongside my boyfriend and our adventurous cat, Muji, we are exploring Turkey’s stunning landscapes and the Balkan countries. Thus, vanlife has become much more than just an experiment for me; it has transformed into a fulfilling way of life. Here, I’ll share my personal story, the lessons I’ve learned, and the joys of living on the road.
The Beginning of Our Vanlife Adventure
In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, we took the leap and bought our mobile home. Initially, our intention was to try something different for our summer holidays. However, the excitement of building our own mobile home was infectious.
Turning Lockdown into Opportunity
When the lockdown hit, we found ourselves fortunate to have ample time to dedicate to the project. What we thought would be a simple modification turned into a four-month endeavour, as our designer and architect minds couldn’t resist improving every aspect of our vehicle. In a way, the pandemic provided us with an unexpected opportunity to delve into this adventurous lifestyle.
From Holiday Trips to Vanlife
I have had a sustainable start-up for five years now. Originally, the work I did was mostly offline. This year, we made quite a significant change in our strategy, which also gave us space to reevaluate how we wanted to work as digital nomads.
As a result, my job became more remote-friendly, making the concept of an extended road trip a real possibility. Fortunately, the timing aligned perfectly, and we decided to embark on a sabbatical with our mobile home for five months, after which we would move to Copenhagen.
Embracing Freedom and Flexibility
With perfect timing and our newfound freedom, we found ourselves considering an extension to this journey. No longer constrained by a fixed end date, we chose to elongate our trip. By embracing this flexibility, we can now travel at a slower pace, indulging in the true essence of each destination and enjoying the beauty and uniqueness of our surroundings.
Prioritising Personal Well-Being
Since this trip, I have experienced a greater sense of happiness and relaxation. Moreover, this unconventional way of living suits me perfectly, allowing me the space to prioritise self-care and personal growth.
Consequently, the stresses and challenges that once concerned me have faded away, leading to improved well-being. Remarkably, even a persistent knee injury that had bothered me for over two years disappeared suddenly. It’s amazing how shedding stress and embracing new experiences can work wonders for the body and mind.
Finding Balance on the Road
During our initial months on the road, I approached this nomadic lifestyle with the same tempo as a typical vacation, eagerly hopping from place to place. However, I realised that this wasn’t sustainable long-term.
Thus, we decided to add a bit more structure and routine, prioritising “me-time” in the mornings to engage in hobbies, exercise, or simply read a book. This balance ensures that we can fully embrace work, relaxation, and explore our ever-changing surroundings.
The Ups and Downs of Vanlife
Undoubtedly, the greatest advantage of this adventurous lifestyle is that I feel so much happier. In addition, I have the freedom to do everything I like while feeling at home in our self-designed tiny home on wheels.
Nevertheless, the biggest challenge is being physically distant from friends and family. Maintaining connections and making regular phone calls can be harder than you think.
Designing Our Dream Home on Wheels
What I love most about our mobile home is that it is made primarily from second-hand materials and furniture. As designers and architects, we revelled in the process of creating a unique living space by blending recycled elements with carefully selected items.
Moreover, incorporating familiar objects from our previous home adds functionality and ensures that our van feels like a cozy and stylish home.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Travellers
If this lifestyle calls to you, my advice is simple: Just go for it! Take that leap of faith and embrace the possibilities that await you.
Importantly, start small and gradually build your dream on wheels, step by step. Remember, you don’t need an extravagant or expensive van to experience the joy and freedom of this lifestyle. Simplicity can often bring greater happiness much sooner.
Join Our Community: Vanlife Atlas
I invite you to join our growing community through Vanlife Atlas, our community-based travel planner for adventurers, providing all the information you need to know about this lifestyle in different countries.
We just launched a beta version, but we are working hard to add info and features every week. Thus, visit our website to explore valuable resources and share your own related experiences by filling in the form. Together, let’s build an atlas for those embracing the road!
Wishing you safe travels and a fulfilling adventure!
Find Them Here
Website: vanlifeatlas
