Road trip
Crossing the Cape

There are always questions we ask ourselves before leaving, which is why planning is an important step. When to leave, with whom, which region to visit, how many kilometers? Who hasn’t asked themselves these questions? So today, as the long spring weekends are just around the corner and summer vacations are already in sight, we’re going to explore all of this through the experiences of different nomadic travelers.

The Excitement of Departure

All travelers say there’s a certain excitement before leaving. Picking up your van and discovering it is already part of the journey. We marvel at the ingenuity that has been deployed to fit so many things into such a small space. Whether it’s for Eva or Christophe, the first night in the van is memorable. Christophe shares that, for the first night, the location doesn’t matter much. It’s more about the experience of sleeping in a converted vehicle that takes precedence. Having a mini-bedroom, a mini-kitchen, and managing to live in it is what counts. The same goes for a road trip in a car with a rooftop tent; the magic of departure brings an incredible feeling of freedom.

Simon, a traveler who embraced the adventure, didn’t make any reservations for his first off-season road trip in a rooftop tent. He spent a total of 10 days going with the flow, searching for spots on the ground because there was no network coverage. It was a wonderful adventure to start with, and fortunately, it went well. However, experiences can vary. “On my first road trip,” Olivier recounts, “we had to change our plans and found ourselves in a bit of a bind trying to find a place to sleep, trying several spots that didn’t work out (barrier on the road, a party at a campsite, etc.). We ended up sleeping by the roadside, and it was clearly not a great experience.” But fortunately, the feeling of freedom only intensifies when you settle into a spot in the heart of nature, enjoying a meal or a little aperitif while taking in the sunset over the hills.

Challenge n°1 : Finding a Peaceful Spot to Sleep

The main difficulty for van lifers, especially beginners, is finding a nice spot to sleep. For example, Christophe felt reassured by traveling with people who had already spent nights in a van and knew of discreet, quiet spots. For him, it was fantastic to wake up in the morning and discover the surroundings. Like many van lifers, their arrival often happens at night, making the morning reveal all the more exciting. However, the experience can vary depending on the month!

Simon set off in August, and it was a different story! The beaches of Brittany were packed with people. Without reserving spots in advance, it would have been nearly impossible to find something under those conditions. Moreover, during this time, vans are sometimes frowned upon because they tend to park anywhere, as there aren’t many nice spots available for them.

Here, trip preparation is key! Even with all the planning, it’s essential to maintain some flexibility for unexpected events and pleasant surprises. Over time, we become increasingly discerning about the quality of our spots. For instance, during a road trip along the coast, we might first settle for a quiet place where no one will disturb us. Then, we try spots with a view (sunrise or distant sea). Next, we get closer to the water. After going through all these stages, our only desire is to be as close to the water as possible.

The Suitcase: What to Pack?

In terms of gear, the first road trip often serves as a crash test. Too much luggage, equipment that isn’t always suitable—during this trip, we gradually identify our true equipment needs that may not have been adequate before. It’s a bit of a test and learn experience. Because yes, during a road trip, the level of learning is often high.

To help you out, we’ve listed the essentials for your first trip:

• Sleeping bag, pillow, blanket
• Wipes
• Paper towels and toilet paper
• Trash bags
• Broom
• Sponge and dish towel
• Stainless steel water bottle
• Coffee, tea, milk, and cereal
• Water
• Condiments
• A few prepared meals
• LED headlamp
• Books, games

Van Life: Learning Experiences of All Kinds

Learning to let go, learning to do and trust yourself, learning to make compromises, learning that you don’t need so much water on a daily basis, learning to love waking up to the sound of birds… the list goes on. “What struck me the most,” reports Olivier, “is this disconnection from time and geography. It feels like you’ve gone far away when you’ve only traveled a few dozen kilometers. It’s this relationship with time, this ability to take a step back from your usual life, and realizing that you don’t need much to live. And of course, the surprises are beautiful! Like the day we discovered Eva’s beach, which has since become one of our exceptional spots. It’s a nearly private beach in a location worthy of the most beautiful landscapes in Brittany.”

So how can you experience this if you don’t have a van? There are several options for renting vans from individuals, like Yescapa, or professional rental companies such as Blacksheep, as well as rooftop tents from Horizon Tents for those on a tighter budget. There’s nothing stopping you from taking a tent in your car or on your bike and starting your journey that way. Some may prefer all the comforts of a solar shower or even an integrated shower, while others might want to try van life with a minimalist approach. It’s up to you to choose your essential criteria.

One thing all travelers will tell you is not to forget a trash bag and a dish towel! It may seem strange and isn’t something we think about, but in a van, there’s no room to let the dishes drain! Yes, on the road, you learn to be minimalist about everything. Living six days with four people in a very small space changes everything when you return home. You also become more conscious of your surroundings.