This previous summer season, my household and I launched into a whirlwind van life journey, touring by way of 10 nations in 30 days in our 35-year-old classic Ford Transit Koala motorhome. We coated 6,500 km, noticed breathtaking landscapes, visited historic landmarks, and immersed ourselves within the numerous cultures of Central and Southern Europe.
With our 2-year-old daughter with us, this wasn’t only a journey—it was a slow-paced journey, filled with freedom, discoveries, and challenges.
The great thing about touring in a motorhome is the flexibleness it provides. We’ve made many comparable journeys over time, however this one stood out due to its rhythm and number of experiences. Right here’s the story of this journey, full with suggestions for touring with little ones, staying wholesome on the street, and benefiting from the van life expertise on this a part of the world. Get pleasure from!
Route Itinerary
Our journey began in late Might and resulted in late June, simply in time for us to return to Spain for the San Juan festivities and its traditional bonfires, fireworks, and seashore events with mates. Right here’s a have a look at the nations we visited and the important thing locations we explored:
- France: Normandy, Loire Valley, and Alsace
- Belgium: Ghent
- Netherlands: Maastricht
- Luxembourg: Mullerthal Path and Echternacht
- Germany: Trier and the Moselle Valley
- Austria: Feldkirch
- Liechtenstein: A short however scenic go to
- Switzerland: Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and extra
- Italy: Northern lakes and the Ligurian coast
- Spain: Our ultimate cease again house
Every nation supplied distinctive experiences, however the great thing about touring with a motorhome meant that we may take our time, change our plans based mostly on climate, and luxuriate in moments of serendipity.
Journey Ideas with a Toddler: Retaining It Enjoyable and Secure
Touring with a toddler is at all times an journey, and we’ve discovered a couple of issues alongside the best way. Listed here are a few of our greatest suggestions for making van life with a bit of one work:
1. Consuming on the Highway
Having a completely geared up kitchen within the van was a lifesaver. Throughout this journey, as has been the case not too long ago, we largely cooked our personal meals utilizing contemporary produce from native markets. This strategy helped us preserve a balanced eating regimen with out counting on costly or unhealthy restaurant meals. We additionally stocked up on toddler-friendly snacks like fruits, nuts, and easy sandwiches for after we have been on the transfer.
That mentioned, we made positive to take pleasure in native delicacies by consuming out at the very least as soon as a day. We prevented prolonged sit-down meals, which could be difficult with a younger baby. One trick we discovered was to decide on eating places with outside seating—bonus factors in the event that they have been close to a playground—or to get takeout to take pleasure in at scenic spots. This manner, our daughter may transfer round and play whereas we ate.
2. Showers on the Go
One of many frequent considerations with van life is hygiene, particularly if you’re continuously on the street. We made use of public showers and pure our bodies of water (nothing beats a fast dip to really feel refreshed!).
On days we couldn’t discover a public bathe and we wanted one, we made use of the motorhome’s built-in bathe for a fast rinse.
3. Secure Parking for In a single day Stays
We didn’t spend a single euro on common campsites throughout this journey. In locations like Switzerland and Ghent, we discovered in a single day paid avenue parking, although it’s necessary to test native guidelines and be conscious of the place you park. Some cities are extra welcoming to motorhomes than others.
For instance, in Chambord, France, we paid €12 for a 24-hour parking spot—an unimaginable deal contemplating we acquired to sleep throughout the grounds of some of the iconic castles on the planet!
4. Babywearing and Train
We hiked and walked quite a bit, typically with our daughter in a child provider. Babywearing will not be solely handy, nevertheless it additionally counts as a exercise—carrying a 16kg toddler up a mountain isn’t any joke!
Whereas I didn’t handle to slot in a lot yoga on this journey (one thing I wish to work on for the longer term), we discovered that merely being lively daily, exploring new locations on foot, and respiratory within the contemporary air saved us feeling good.
5. Climate and Route Planning
Climate performs an enormous function in van life. We continuously checked the forecast and adjusted our plans accordingly. That means, we swapped a wet day or two for sunny ones though we additionally endured some showers.
Being versatile is vital if you’re dwelling on the street, and it additionally retains the journey thrilling. Apps like Rain Radar and easily googling the climate forecast for the upcoming days have been our go-to sources.
We’ve shared extra recommendations on touring with children full-time not too long ago. Verify them out!
Staying Wholesome on a Quick-Paced Journey
Staying wholesome whereas on the street is essential, particularly when you have got a toddler with you. Apart from being conscious of what we ate and staying lively, we made positive we have been coated in case of medical emergencies.
Whereas we weren’t coated by Nomad Well being throughout this specific journey, we’ve partnered with them for this text, and I can confidently say that having complete insurance coverage is important for anybody touring ceaselessly, particularly with a household.
Why We Advocate Nomad Well being
One of many largest considerations for any traveler, particularly for households on prolonged journeys, is entry to high quality healthcare.
Whether or not you’re embarking on a brief getaway or, like us, dwelling life on the street, understanding you’re coated in case of sickness or harm is important. And for our type of nomadic way of life, discovering the fitting insurance coverage was a precedence. That’s why we’re excited to companion with Nomad Well being, a service supplied by SafetyWing. Their medical insurance is particularly designed for expats, digital nomads, and sluggish vacationers, like our household, who could be away from house for weeks, months, and even years at a time.
Complete Protection Throughout 175 Nations
The important thing function of Nomad Well being is its international protection, spanning over 175 nations. Because of this whether or not you’re climbing the Swiss Alps, exploring the seashores of Italy, or wandering by way of quaint French cities, you have got entry to medical care wherever you might be.
Allow us to let you know that not all journey insurance policy present protection this intensive, which is why Nomad Well being is a game-changer for anybody main a location-independent way of life.
With this insurance coverage, you don’t have to fret about switching plans as you cross borders. The continuity of protection provides peace of thoughts when touring throughout a number of nations, particularly for longer-term vacationers like us.
Customizable and Household-Pleasant
One more reason we love Nomad Well being is how family-friendly it’s. You possibly can add dental and imaginative and prescient protection, which is a big plus if you’re touring with a toddler and wish to keep on prime of routine check-ups.
Well being points can come up unexpectedly, and having complete protection that features issues like physician visits, hospital stays, and even psychological well being help makes a world of distinction.
So understanding that we will entry healthcare for the entire household, regardless of the place we’re, permits us to deal with having fun with the journey reasonably than worrying concerning the “what ifs.”
Peace of Thoughts for Lengthy-Time period Vacationers
For touring households like ours, being ready for medical emergencies is important. Whereas we didn’t face any main points throughout our final journey, we’re exploring Nomad Well being for future journeys. The flexibility to entry high quality healthcare, whether or not we’re in a bustling metropolis or a distant village, is reassuring.
Then again, their on-line claims course of is quick and simple, which suggests you may cope with medical points with out extra stress. And having versatile plans with no long-term dedication is one other profit, permitting you to tailor your protection to your journey type.
In case you’re fascinated with studying extra, you may try Nomad Well being to see if it’s the fitting match in your journey wants.
Our Stops: Recollections and Highlights
Right here’s a breakdown of every vacation spot we visited, with the reminiscences and experiences that made every place particular.
1. Château de Chambord, France
Chambord was a spotlight early in our journey. The aforementioned 12 bucks parking payment allowed us to have a French-inspired (assume wine, baguette, charcuterie, and cheese) dinner picnic al fresco and keep in a single day throughout the citadel grounds—a really magical expertise.
Waking up with a view of the grand château, surrounded by forests and the Loire River, was an unforgettable technique to begin the day.
We explored the huge gardens, marveled on the citadel’s intricate structure, and took a trillion footage on the best way. A should!
2. Bayeux, France
Bayeux is a quaint, charming city with quite a lot of historical past. We visited the well-known Notre Dame cathedral simply in time for a really particular choir efficiency. Strolling by way of its medieval streets felt like stepping again in time.
This cease additionally gave us time to decelerate, have some takeaway pizza and cider, and admire the quieter aspect of France after a couple of days of lengthy driving hours to cross each Spain and France. Gradual journey days started!
3. D-Day Seashores of Normandy
Standing on the D-Day seashores throughout the first weekend of the eightieth anniversary was fairly an expertise as effectively. We visited Omaha Seashore and its American Cemetery in addition to Gold Seashore and among the villages in between them.
These spots made the tales of World Battle II extra actual, and the entire area was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made throughout that point.
4. Honfleur, France
This picturesque fishing city stole our hearts. With its colourful harbor and slender cobblestone streets, Honfleur seems like one thing out of a portray.
We loved a stunning dinner and a night stroll by the quayside earlier than spending the night time in a close-by and quiet parking spot.
5. Etretat and Vattetot-sur-Mer, France
The beautiful but crowded cliffs of Etretat have been considered one of this month-long journey highlights palms down.
We hiked 8 to 9 km alongside the shoreline, taking within the picturesque views.
Ending the day within the quieter Vattetot-sur-Mer to observe the sundown, away from the crowds, made the ultimate two stops in Northern France effectively well worth the drive.
6. Ghent, Belgium
We discovered in a single day avenue parking in Ghent, a metropolis that blends medieval attraction with fashionable vitality.
Its canals and historic buildings supplied a stunning backdrop for wandering.
We had an impromptu picnic by the water, and our daughter liked watching the boats and geese go by.
7. Maastricht, Netherlands
Maastricht’s white-washed homes and vibrant environment made it a pleasant cease. Identified for its historical past and college vibe, we spent a day exploring its previous metropolis and energetic squares.
8. Mullerthal Path and Echternacht, Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s Mullerthal Path supplied among the finest climbing of the journey. The luxurious forests and rocky paths made it really feel like an enchanted forest. We carried our daughter in her child provider and explored this “Little Switzerland” area with awe.
Then again, Echternacht, recognized to be considered one of Luxembourg’s oldest cities, gave us a glimpse of the nation’s wealthy historical past and entry to extra trails, and a peaceable lake with beautiful sundown gentle.
9. Trier, Germany
Trier is Germany’s oldest metropolis, and its Roman ruins are spectacular. We walked by way of the traditional Porta Nigra and loved a meal at a terrace close to the beautiful Constantine Basilica.
Trier has a laid-back really feel that makes it good for a brief cease.
10. Northern Vosges and Strasbourg, France
The Northern Vosges gave us tranquil forests and winding roads, good for the sluggish tempo we love.
Strasbourg, although, had a complete completely different vibe—energetic and filled with character.
The combo of French and German influences, from the buildings to the meals, gave the town a particular attraction and one thing else to search for on prime of the mind-blowing cathedral everybody visits anyway.
11. Feldkirch, Austria, and Liechtenstein
We spent a fast however scenic afternoon in Liechtenstein, coming into on foot and making a hasty exit as an enormous electrical storm brewed over the Swiss Alps.
Earlier than that, we had spent a few days in Feldkirch, a captivating Austrian city the place my brother Alberto and his companion Sonja dwell.
They took us round, saved issues very kid-friendly for our daughter’s pleasure, hosted a comfy BBQ at their place, and even helped us keep at a Buddhist monastery one night time!
It was, certainly, the right spot to decelerate earlier than heading into Switzerland.
12. Switzerland: Giessbach Falls, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Oeschinensee, Thun, and Gruyères
Switzerland was a dream.
After a short cease at Wenderberg, Giessbach Falls have been the right intro to the nation.
Then Grindelwald had us climbing in awe of nature’s energy and sweetness.
In Lauterbrunnen, we loved a sundown stroll surrounded by towering waterfalls.
There have been so a lot of them!
Oeschinensee supplied among the best hikes of the journey.
And a crystal-clear lake framed by mountains as our reward.
Thun’s previous city and Gruyères’ medieval attraction added a fairy-tale contact to the journey.
Is Switzerland essentially the most lovely nation in Europe?
We gained’t say definitively, nevertheless it’s actually up there.
13. Château de Chillon and Aigle, Switzerland
After Gruyères, we headed to the japanese a part of Lac Léman to go to mates in Aigle. However first, we stopped at Château de Chillon. Perched on the shores of the lake, it was one other beautiful web site we couldn’t miss. Exploring the citadel at sundown and taking within the breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps was unforgettable.
Later, we spent a weekend in Aigle with our mates, who confirmed us across the citadel and vineyards, cooked a fondue at house, and took us to Vevey for a enjoyable lakeside Saturday afternoon. We additionally loved a Sunday at one other picturesque lake with much more pleasant individuals, full with a picnic and stand-up paddleboarding. Actually, we will’t wait to return!
14. Italy: Orta San Giulio, Bergeggi, Savona, and Laigueglia
Orta San Giulio was a peaceable retreat after Switzerland. Its cobbled streets and lakeside views have been postcard-perfect.
The Ligurian coast—Bergeggi, Savona, and Laigueglia—supplied us sunshine, seaside strolls, and a few much-needed seashore time earlier than heading again house.
15. Spain: Pancorbo
After Italy and as soon as we crossed Southern France with transient stops in Sete and Cap d’Adge, our ultimate cease was Pancorbo in Spain, a peaceable conclusion to a busy journey.
Tucked away within the mountains, this small city felt like a secret retreat, good for reflecting on our adventures earlier than heading house. We had lengthy wished to go to after seeing its dramatic rocks from the freeway every time we crossed the Iberian Peninsula. Pancorbo didn’t disappoint—it could be small, nevertheless it’s additionally extremely scenic!
Finances Particulars
We traveled for 30 days and spent roughly €1,750 per grownup, which amounted to €3,500 for the 2 of us (our daughter was alongside for the journey, after all, however not included within the funds). This included gas, tolls, meals, and lodging (more often than not, we slept within the van).
Our largest bills have been the tolls and parking charges in sure areas, particularly in Switzerland and France, the place fines additionally added up (two rushing tickets in Germany and France). However we discovered our lesson, and the reminiscences have been value each cent!
Some time in the past, we posted a couple of month-long motorhome journey by way of Northern Spain and the Pyrenees. The submit features a detailed funds when you’re fascinated with studying how a lot you may count on to spend touring at an identical tempo and magnificence.
Ultimate Ideas
This 30-day journey was greater than only a journey—it was an expertise that reminded us why we love van life. Touring with a toddler introduced its personal challenges, nevertheless it additionally added pleasure and spontaneity to the journey. Every cease had its personal magic, from the history-soaked streets of Normandy to the peaceable waters of Orta San Giulio.
Van life offers you the liberty to discover at your personal tempo, change plans when the climate shifts, and create reminiscences you’ll cherish perpetually. Whether or not you’re occupied with hitting the street for the primary time or are a seasoned traveler, I hope this story evokes you to chase the journey—as a result of the journey is at all times value it.
