This previous summer season, my household and I launched into a whirlwind van life journey, touring by 10 international locations 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 various 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 fantastic thing about touring in a motorhome is the flexibleness it presents. We’ve made many comparable journeys through the years, 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 highway, and profiting 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 seaside events with pals. Right here’s a take a look at the international locations 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 closing cease again dwelling
Every nation supplied distinctive experiences, however the great thing about touring with a motorhome meant that we might take our time, change our plans primarily based on climate, and revel in moments of serendipity.
Journey Ideas with a Toddler: Preserving It Enjoyable and Secure
Touring with a toddler is all the time an journey, and we’ve discovered just a few issues alongside the best way. Listed here are a few of our greatest suggestions for making van life with a little bit one work:
1. Consuming on the Street
Having a completely outfitted kitchen within the van was a lifesaver. Throughout this journey, as has been the case lately, we largely cooked our personal meals utilizing contemporary produce from native markets. This method helped us keep a balanced weight-reduction plan with out counting on costly or unhealthy restaurant meals. We additionally stocked up on toddler-friendly snacks like fruits, nuts, and easy sandwiches for once we had been on the transfer.
That stated, we made certain to get pleasure from native delicacies by consuming out at the least as soon as a day. We averted prolonged sit-down meals, which will be difficult with a younger little one. One trick we discovered was to decide on eating places with outside seating—bonus factors in the event that they had been close to a playground—or to get takeout to get pleasure from at scenic spots. This manner, our daughter might transfer round and play whereas we ate.
2. Showers on the Go
One of many widespread considerations with van life is hygiene, particularly once you’re continually on the highway. 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 would have liked 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 vital to test native guidelines and be aware 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 inside the grounds of one of the vital iconic castles on the earth!
4. Babywearing and Train
We hiked and walked loads, usually with our daughter in a child service. Babywearing will not be solely handy, but it surely additionally counts as a exercise—carrying a 16kg toddler up a mountain is not 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 long run), 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 position in van life. We continually checked the forecast and adjusted our plans accordingly. That manner, we swapped a wet day or two for sunny ones though we additionally endured some showers.
Being versatile is vital once you’re dwelling on the highway, and it additionally retains the journey thrilling. Apps like Rain Radar and easily googling the climate forecast for the upcoming days had been our go-to assets.
We’ve shared extra recommendations on touring with children full-time lately. Examine them out!
Staying Wholesome on a Quick-Paced Journey
Staying wholesome whereas on the highway is essential, particularly when you could have a toddler with you. Apart from being aware of what we ate and staying lively, we made certain we had 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 crucial for anybody touring often, particularly with a household.
Why We Suggest Nomad Well being
One of many greatest 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 highway, figuring out you’re coated in case of sickness or harm is crucial. And for our form of nomadic way of life, discovering the proper insurance coverage was a precedence. That’s why we’re excited to associate with Nomad Well being, a service supplied by SafetyWing. Their medical health insurance is particularly designed for expats, digital nomads, and sluggish vacationers, like our household, who is perhaps away from dwelling 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 international locations. Which means whether or not you’re climbing the Swiss Alps, exploring the seashores of Italy, or wandering by quaint French cities, you could have entry to medical care wherever you’re.
Allow us to let you know that not all journey insurance policy present protection this in depth, 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 presents peace of thoughts when touring throughout a number of international locations, particularly for longer-term vacationers like us.
Customizable and Household-Pleasant
Another excuse 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 once 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 figuring out that we will entry healthcare for the entire household, regardless of the place we’re, permits us to give attention to having fun with the journey fairly 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 crucial. 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 straightforward, which suggests you may take care of 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 model.
In the event you’re concerned with studying extra, you may try Nomad Well being to see if it’s the proper match in your journey wants.
Our Stops: Recollections and Highlights
Right here’s a breakdown of every vacation spot we visited, with the recollections 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 price allowed us to have a French-inspired (assume wine, baguette, charcuterie, and cheese) dinner picnic al fresco and keep in a single day inside the fort grounds—a really magical expertise.
Waking up with a view of the grand château, surrounded by forests and the Loire River, was an unforgettable option to begin the day.
We explored the huge gardens, marveled on the fort’s intricate structure, and took a trillion photos on the best way. A should!
2. Bayeux, France
Bayeux is a quaint, charming city with a variety of historical past. We visited the well-known Notre Dame cathedral simply in time for a really particular choir efficiency. Strolling by its medieval streets felt like stepping again in time.
This cease additionally gave us time to decelerate, have some takeaway pizza and cider, and respect the quieter aspect of France after just a few days of lengthy driving hours to cross each Spain and France. Sluggish journey days started!
3. D-Day Seashores of Normandy
Standing on the D-Day seashores in the course of the first weekend of the eightieth anniversary was fairly an expertise as nicely. We visited Omaha Seaside and its American Cemetery in addition to Gold Seaside and a number of the villages in between them.
These spots made the tales of World Warfare 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 appears like one thing out of a portray.
We loved a beautiful 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 gorgeous but crowded cliffs of Etretat had been certainly one of this month-long journey highlights fingers 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 look at the sundown, away from the crowds, made the ultimate two stops in Northern France nicely well worth the drive.
6. Ghent, Belgium
We discovered in a single day avenue parking in Ghent, a metropolis that blends medieval appeal with trendy power.
Its canals and historic buildings supplied a beautiful backdrop for wandering.
We had an impromptu picnic by the water, and our daughter beloved watching the boats and geese go by.
7. Maastricht, Netherlands
Maastricht’s white-washed homes and vibrant ambiance made it a pleasant cease. Identified for its historical past and college vibe, we spent a day exploring its previous metropolis and vigorous squares.
8. Mullerthal Path and Echternacht, Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s Mullerthal Path supplied a number of the finest climbing of the journey. The plush forests and rocky paths made it really feel like an enchanted forest. We carried our daughter in her child service and explored this “Little Switzerland” area with awe.
Then again, Echternacht, recognized to be certainly 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 mild.
9. Trier, Germany
Trier is Germany’s oldest metropolis, and its Roman ruins are spectacular. We walked by the traditional Porta Nigra and loved a meal at a terrace close to the gorgeous 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—vigorous and filled with character.
The combination of French and German influences, from the buildings to the meals, gave town a particular appeal 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 associate Sonja reside.
They took us round, saved issues very kid-friendly for our daughter’s pleasure, hosted a comfortable 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 had been the right intro to the nation.
Then Grindelwald had us climbing in awe of nature’s energy and wonder.
In Lauterbrunnen, we loved a sundown stroll surrounded by towering waterfalls.
There have been so a lot of them!
Oeschinensee supplied among the finest hikes of the journey.
And a crystal-clear lake framed by mountains as our reward.
Thun’s previous city and Gruyères’ medieval appeal added a fairy-tale contact to the journey.
Is Switzerland essentially the most lovely nation in Europe?
We received’t say definitively, but it surely’s actually up there.
13. Château de Chillon and Aigle, Switzerland
After Gruyères, we headed to the jap a part of Lac Léman to go to pals in Aigle. However first, we stopped at Château de Chillon. Perched on the shores of the lake, it was one other gorgeous web site we couldn’t miss. Exploring the fort 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 pals, who confirmed us across the fort and vineyards, cooked a fondue at dwelling, 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. Truthfully, 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 had been postcard-perfect.
The Ligurian coast—Bergeggi, Savona, and Laigueglia—supplied us sunshine, seaside strolls, and a few much-needed seaside time earlier than heading again dwelling.
15. Spain: Pancorbo
After Italy and as soon as we crossed Southern France with temporary stops in Sete and Cap d’Adge, our closing 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 dwelling. We had lengthy needed to go to after seeing its dramatic rocks from the freeway every time we crossed the Iberian Peninsula. Pancorbo didn’t disappoint—it might be small, but it surely’s additionally extremely scenic!
Funds 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 greatest bills had been the tolls and parking charges in sure areas, particularly in Switzerland and France, the place fines additionally added up (two dashing tickets in Germany and France). However we discovered our lesson, and the recollections had been price each cent!
Some time in the past, we posted a couple of month-long motorhome journey by Northern Spain and the Pyrenees. The put up features a detailed funds for those who’re concerned with studying how a lot you may anticipate to spend touring at the same 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, but it surely 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 individual tempo, change plans when the climate shifts, and create recollections you’ll cherish eternally. Whether or not you’re fascinated by hitting the highway 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 all the time price it.