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Vandog Traveller

Quit job, build campervan, travel

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Travelling Europe in a van – My track and location

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Travelling Europe in a campervan – route and location

Map of my track and Location (updated 17th January 2019)

Each anchor on the map is where I have stayed and free-camped in my van. The yellow van icon is my current location


FULL VIEW – better for mobile devices

*Please let me know if you have problems with the map loading.

I’ll update this map as often as I can – depending on internet. Usually about once a week…

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bob says

    February 24, 2014 at 9:54 pm

    That’s a fantastic fish!

    Reply
  2. Mike Hudson says

    February 24, 2014 at 10:06 pm

    Thanks. Drew it myself 🙂

    Reply
  3. Phil Aitch says

    March 10, 2014 at 10:55 pm

    Where are you guys now?

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      March 10, 2014 at 11:44 pm

      Should be able to see it now Phil 🙂

      Reply
      • Phil Aitch says

        March 11, 2014 at 9:24 am

        Can see it. good luck. Looks ace.

        Reply
  4. matt says

    March 11, 2014 at 8:43 am

    can you change the colour of the grey line to be a bit clearer on the map. for example slightly transparent black. thank you mike

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      March 11, 2014 at 9:45 am

      Sure thing. What about now? The track is multicoloured to show elevation and stuff

      Reply
      • Lewis says

        March 11, 2014 at 12:24 pm

        Thats loads better, safe travels.

        Reply
      • matt says

        March 11, 2014 at 12:29 pm

        Amazing Mike i ask for stuff and get it the same day. woo. how is your french coming along? are you going to mod the van so it will be part boat to get to morocco? or just take the ferry?

        Reply
  5. Sophie Wilkie says

    March 11, 2014 at 12:43 pm

    wow. it must feel incredible to be on the road… best of luck on your awesome adventure! may it be magical!

    Reply
  6. Joan Hudson says

    March 13, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    Hey pretty impressive Mike! 1st tracked u Monday and now you’re nearly in Spain! Ta for email- lovely and warm I bet. xxxxxxxxxxxx

    Reply
  7. Joan Hudson says

    March 15, 2014 at 7:54 pm

    Hey hope the Rab jacket is effective at night. Ta for photo Mike – most impressive! x

    Reply
  8. Dave says

    March 18, 2014 at 11:39 pm

    Checking this pretty much every day lol amazing so far.

    Reply
  9. Joan Hudson says

    March 19, 2014 at 5:19 pm

    Oh Mike Good driving! Cant believe its only taken u a week and a half to get down to S. Spain. Hear you’re having a great time darl. Ross still with you + Matt gone back from Malaga? xx

    Reply
  10. jj says

    March 26, 2014 at 4:27 am

    you still alive?

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      April 1, 2014 at 3:27 pm

      Yes all is good thanks. Been completely offgrid the past 10 days in the hills… I’m trying to get internet now to update the site

      Reply
  11. Graeme Voigt says

    April 2, 2014 at 6:38 pm

    AWESOME! Looks like fun!

    Reply
  12. Don says

    April 14, 2014 at 12:39 pm

    Come to Tunisia!

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      June 3, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      Maybe next year. I’d love to!

      Reply
  13. SpitfireMatt says

    May 12, 2014 at 10:51 am

    Did you get your tyres changed?

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      May 12, 2014 at 12:44 pm

      Yeah Matt. Took quite a few garages to find the right size. One guy said I wouldn’t even get them in France. Found a little garage 300euro for 4… and the mechanic gave us lunch.

      Reply
      • SpitfireMatt says

        May 12, 2014 at 1:14 pm

        That’s cheap! Was that is Gibraltar?

        Reply
        • Mike Hudson says

          May 12, 2014 at 1:17 pm

          I know yeah. It was in France, Nimes.

          Reply
  14. Natalie says

    May 12, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    Just in the process of making a Transporter habitable, I found you by searching for ‘treating rust holes in floor of van’ I think you’ll probably know which stages I’m at (low/is it worth it/ it WILL be worth it?). Needed some inspiration and motivation and here you are. Keep going 🙂

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      May 18, 2014 at 11:45 am

      Ace… it seems like you’re so far off when your at that stage but it WILL be worth it. Good luck

      Reply
    • Tamas Langley says

      December 8, 2015 at 3:51 pm

      Hey. Perhaps it is easier to just concentrate on one small job at a time…. It seems to work for me, and there is still soooo ,much to do !!! But it helps thinking in small steps 🙂 Good luck and keep plugging along, you will be out there soon and it will all be totally worth it !!!

      Reply
  15. Alex Martin-Smith says

    May 27, 2014 at 7:28 pm

    Did something similar myself once when I was a kid. Cycled to Rome with my brother, was akin to physical torture at time (especially the Alps) but I look back on it as one of the best experiences of my life. Live the dream!

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      June 4, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      haha nice one. How long did it take you?

      Reply
  16. Bruce Lee Roy says

    June 9, 2014 at 9:48 pm

    Wow this is pretty constructive.

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      June 11, 2014 at 9:11 am

      Thanks. I try

      Reply
  17. peter says

    June 18, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    If you going to Hungary please go to Balaton, best you can do in Hungary if you need any help im here 🙂

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      September 25, 2014 at 7:55 pm

      It’s one I’ll be coming back for. Everyone tells me I definately must go to the lake. Pics look real good. How is it for space around the lake? Like to park the van right near the water and free camp

      Reply
      • Viktor says

        January 27, 2015 at 6:18 pm

        Wild camping in a van around the lake is easy, plenty of really nice spots. I see from your map you spent some time in BP, let me know if you are looking for musicians to jam with if you decide to return….

        Reply
  18. ted starr says

    June 24, 2014 at 12:09 am

    This brings back a lot of good memories. In 1969-70, I bought a new 1969 VW Westfalia Campmobile in Canada and picked it up in Germany. Then went through Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Holland, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Italy, Andorra, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Yugoslavia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia. All in one year. No major problems anywhere.
    Then departing from Emden on a VW car transporter to New York, then Washington, and finally back to Canada. A total of 26,400 miles, or roughly 40,000 km. And 2500 slides.
    I look on it now as the best time of my life, and would highly recommend it to anyone so inclined.
    Best wishes from Ted S.

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      September 25, 2014 at 7:59 pm

      Woahhh. That sounds like an amazing adventure… did you do any festivals during the year? Are any of the slides online to see?

      Reply
    • david buckland says

      July 8, 2015 at 3:15 pm

      Ted – you missed Wales!

      Reply
    • Tamas Langley says

      December 8, 2015 at 3:49 pm

      Would love to see the adventure. When are you thinking of opening a blog and writing it up with a couple of thousand pics to go with it?? Would be absolutely fascinating to see some of the changes, fashions, places and people….
      Your adventure sounds like awesomeness in a W dub jar.

      Reply
    • Mother Button says

      March 3, 2016 at 1:38 am

      That sounds like a hell of a journey Ted … did you take may pictures ? you should put them up somewhere so we could compare with how the places look now

      Reply
  19. Mark says

    September 24, 2014 at 7:40 pm

    Thanks for the email update Mike, ive been following you for a bit now and thought I had better subscribe ! I to have been residing in my beloved Iveco van for a year now in and around Surrey, goes quick ! I also have a house in France in the loire valley, your most welcome to visit and share a bottle of Muscadet !
    Aurevoir Mark

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      September 25, 2014 at 7:49 pm

      Bonjour Mark, nice to see you subscribed. Are you free camping or on some private land? I’d imagine it’s a lot more difficult in England to wild or free camp? Id like to do it one summer. Loire valley and some kind of wine? Sounds splendid cheeers for the offer

      Reply
  20. James Milner says

    September 25, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    The site is great! are you planning on going to turkey?

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      September 25, 2014 at 7:50 pm

      Thanks. I was thinking about it actually… a bit into Turkey anyway but no solid plans. Are you in Turkey?

      Reply
      • James Milner says

        September 25, 2014 at 7:54 pm

        wow the 3g must be good in romania!
        Im not in turkey but im planning some time in the van next year and would love to drive to turkey as its a great place.

        Reply
        • Mike Hudson says

          September 25, 2014 at 8:07 pm

          The roads may be knackered but they have the fastest internet in Europe. I got a 5Euro sim and get 4G net. Where will you drive from? And where in Turkey? Anywhere in particular you’d recommend? I’d like to check out Istanbul… I hear good things

          Reply
          • James Milner says

            September 25, 2014 at 8:46 pm

            Wow! that pretty sweet.
            Im from leeds, hoping to go do a few months in the french alps as im a mountain biker but then keep driving.
            istanbul looks good, ive been to fethiye before and thats a pretty cool city on the coast, a little touristy but good.

            How did you find the south of spain and portugal? nice place to wild camp?

            Reply
            • Mike Hudson says

              September 30, 2014 at 9:13 am

              Yeah Spain and Portugal is are perfect van countries! Loads of parties, great music, activities and many vanners.

          • Zachary Randall says

            September 27, 2014 at 2:12 am

            Istanbul is an amazing place, but it is a massive city and can be hard to navigate in spots. Anywhere on the coast is gorgeous, some of the black sea beaches are awesome.

            Reply
            • Mike Hudson says

              September 28, 2014 at 11:22 am

              Yeah cool. Black sea is a definate. I’ll see how i get on

          • Ken Curtis says

            March 2, 2015 at 2:13 pm

            The entire south coast of Turkey is outstanding. From Izmir to Bodrum and down to the Datca Peninsula and onwards to Marmaris, Dalyan, Gocek and Fethiye all the way around to Cirali, Camyuva, Kemer, and Antalya.

            Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      October 29, 2014 at 8:28 pm

      bahhhh. My insurance doesn’t cover Turkey… To Greece

      Reply
  21. Demonknitter says

    October 9, 2014 at 7:09 am

    Do you ever get scared?

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      October 9, 2014 at 6:54 pm

      Yeah sometimes of course

      Reply
  22. mutley says

    November 5, 2014 at 1:42 pm

    Hi and well done living the life.
    i did this for about 14+ years wether on foot, m-bike or van, some time good some scary.
    got a wee girl now (10) and want her to do this too, its magic so last month i got a ldv400 and that will start the ball rolling.

    Reply
    • Tamas Langley says

      December 8, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Awesome !!!

      Reply
  23. jack daniels says

    November 22, 2014 at 11:45 am

    Hey Mike,
    i cant open the map anymore.I have tried refreshing and waiting 🙂

    Greets

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      November 22, 2014 at 12:24 pm

      Cheers for letting me know. Working now?

      Reply
      • jack daniels says

        November 22, 2014 at 9:30 pm

        nope sorry

        Reply
        • Mike Hudson says

          November 23, 2014 at 6:07 am

          Oh. What browser and device are you using? Can you tell me exactly what it does?… or doesn’t. Try deleting your cache- the site did have a problem yesterday

          Reply
          • jack daniels says

            November 23, 2014 at 6:18 pm

            i am using google chrome on my lenovo g580 laptop.

            it says the map is loading but i had it open for like two hours.

            i did delete the chache but no change 🙁

            Reply
          • jack daniels says

            November 23, 2014 at 10:12 pm

            now i can see it 🙂

            Reply
            • Mike Hudson says

              November 24, 2014 at 9:18 am

              Ah cool.

  24. Chris says

    December 6, 2014 at 3:01 pm

    Hi there Hope you well , i only wish i had done something like this myself at your age , i lived in Ibiza and later Benidorm in a motorhome in 2003 i an now thinking of travelling Portugal and Spain next year , good luck .

    Reply
    • Mike Hudson says

      December 8, 2014 at 9:09 pm

      Why does age matter? You still have your van? Yeah Spain and Portugal are great!

      Reply
    • Michael D. Brown says

      March 1, 2015 at 7:19 pm

      As long as you are breathing, there is time. We did a one-year cycling around the world in our 40’s, and have never stopped travelling since.

      Reply
  25. Giovanna Cardoso says

    January 21, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    Incrível! Você já passou por tantos lugares Mike! ^-^

    Reply
  26. Coco says

    January 26, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    Hey, where to next? Are you going further than Europe, do you think? Or. back the way you came and into Italy?

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      February 28, 2015 at 6:41 pm

      Hey, I’d like to one day but it is a bit difficult with visa and insurance stuff. I will probably be going to Italy next

      Reply
      • Negovan says

        March 1, 2015 at 3:56 pm

        Go through ex Yugoslavia.Highly recommend the Adriatic coast!!
        Montenegro & Croatia!The words cannot describe it…

        Reply
  27. Coco says

    January 26, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    ..and where would you recommend visiting?

    Reply
  28. Viktor says

    January 27, 2015 at 8:43 pm

    Have you thought about having a butchers at the corinth straight… looks pretty spectacular. Also, as you have probably worked out, boats to Izmir via Mitilini are cheap enough then southern Turkey is your oyster… to hell with the insurance! 🙂

    Reply
  29. Lidia says

    January 30, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    Hi Mike! Your itinerary is amazing! Good luck on your trips! Visit Moldova sometime! 🙂

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      February 2, 2015 at 8:21 am

      I didn’t really have an itinerary. This is my track, where I have been – i just made the route up as I went along

      Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      February 2, 2015 at 8:22 am

      And yeah, maybe I will 🙂

      Reply
  30. jpor says

    February 6, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    I plan on doing this next year in the USA.

    Reply
  31. Donny Weyand Jr. says

    February 11, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    Keep it up, Mike! Hopefully you can make it to China!

    Reply
  32. nishchay ailani says

    February 27, 2015 at 7:45 am

    Mike, Im not sure if i have read enough about you but from what i have i would just like to point to one thing. I feel that the kind of lifestyle your living is not productive to society. I understand your passion for travel and respect that fact but inspiring people to quit their jobs and to travel aimlessly around the world is not gonna help society. Im not saying im any Mahatma Gandhi but the simple fact that your working gives you a sense of the fact that you are contributing to society. I would suggest you please do pursue your passion but do it part time and not in such a manner. Please hold on to a steady job and follow your passion alongside. By putting up such information on such an accessible website it just puts worng ideas into people’s head. I dont wanna rain on your parade but i do hope you take this seriously. Peace (V)

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      February 28, 2015 at 10:46 am

      Hey Nishchay, it’s cool. It’s an interesting one and I could write a lot in this reply, but I’d rather do most of it by email or facebook (add me if you want).

      I may not be earning much but I’m pretty busy at the moment. All sorts of stuff going on. This blog isn’t really a full reflection of what I do. It’s just a small glimpse of the fun I have and maybe some of the interesting bits during this part of my life. So many opportunities have come my way since doing this whole thing and I’d like to see where it goes. I’m more productive than ever though, and I feel I’m the best human I’ve ever been. I’m also working on things outside of this blog, but I won’t bore you with the details.

      I think it would be pretty difficult for a lazy or unproductive person to do this or even copy this. But yeah I realise there could be an element of growing responsibility on my part. Just to make it clear, I am not against working. I’m just into realising ones full potential independently and without making one person really rich. There isn’t just one way to go.

      I quit my job because I was lacking aim and progression. I am a lot happier now that I made my own challenges, goals and path. This isn’t forever, it’s an evolving journey, a challenge, a project. If the right job comes at the right time in the future, I may take it, but money will have little leverage on my decision.

      The contribution thing. I think happy humans cannot help but have an innate desire to make a contribution to their community or society, and money often has nothing to do with this motivation. I’ve only realised this once I got out of my job. There are many ways of making a contribution. Working a normal full-time job may be one way

      I take happiness seriously
      Cheers

      Reply
      • Nicky says

        March 1, 2015 at 2:00 pm

        “Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.” I contribute to society by having a job, but this only came about for me personally by travelling and seeing the suffering of others. Nishchay, we all have different paths to take at different times, we all at some time have to ‘serve somebody’ [Bob Dylan], thankfully our world allows us some of our ‘own time’ and as long as this harms no one it can only be a good thing. Happiness is a very serious business and will always lead to fulfilment enabling positive social contribution.

        Reply
      • mollyo says

        March 1, 2015 at 4:20 pm

        I’m with you, Vandog. Keep on doing what you are doing for as long as you can. I traveled Europe, North Africa, Israel and Greece years ago for two years in a VW Beetle staying in low-cost beds, having passengers pay for gas. It’s wonderful to have time and money at the same time and make it stretch. Not everyone wants to be a wanderlust, but those of us who do can’t imagine otherwise. When I came home I went to graduate school, became an attorney, and I’m happy to pay my taxes every year because I know how great the USA is and how lucky I am that my great-grandparents immigrated to this place, and now that I am older 2-week vacations are sufficient. I have wonderful memories and photo albums. I still hope to transform my many journals into a novel; we had no internet at the time. I’m going to follow you now. I wish you more wonderful adventures.

        Reply
      • Hans Van Camper says

        March 5, 2015 at 6:39 pm

        It’s great what you are doing. The way society developed until now is not as it ought to be. We need free people, free spirits with a broad understanding for the rest of the world, thinking not narrow-minded, so we can get to a better world.

        Getting out there, following your heart will contribute more to a better society then just sitting in your chair , doing ‘your’ job and filling the pockets of other people.

        Keep going, be somebody. I hope you inspire lots and lots of people to find out that your way of life is do-able.

        I honestly mean that if everybody had a few years of travelling, learning from the people they meet, we will have a better place in the future.

        It’s saddening that we still have people that feel like Nishchay.

        Reply
    • Tucker Ford says

      March 1, 2015 at 5:09 pm

      nishchay ailani – respectfully, go find a hole and crawl into it. You way of life (living) is what’s wrong with the planet – society!?!

      i know my statement is crass, but your is just as.

      Reply
      • nishchay ailani says

        March 2, 2015 at 10:18 am

        Tucker Ford, with respect to your comment i would just like to say that asking someone to crawl into a hole is not respectful at all. If you do wanna go down that path i would suggest you take your opinions and shove them up your ass. Apart from that i would just like to add that my way of living is not the problem with society. If you did not understand the point i was trying to make i think this conversation is mute.

        Reply
    • Wendy Darling says

      March 1, 2015 at 9:58 pm

      Actually quitting your job opens it up for someone else. So it is beneficial to others!

      Reply
      • nishchay ailani says

        March 2, 2015 at 10:06 am

        WOW.. that was a life altering statement Wendy!! Do you mind quitting your job coz i see a less worthy person just waiting to take it up. Dont try to make this sound like a hollistic act.

        Reply
        • Wendy Darling says

          March 3, 2015 at 12:08 am

          LOL Actually, I did quit my job. And in this economy, my replacement was happy to get it. No need to be judgemental of the way others live. Be happy that you are benefitting society so much with whatever it is you do! 🙂

          Reply
    • Gina PB says

      March 2, 2015 at 12:08 am

      The Arts, including writing and stories are absolutely a part of productive society and have been seen thusly by all advanced societies. You are dead wrong in your assumption. In our culture, we traditionally admire people who rise to the top of their profession.However, perhaps the Greeks were closer to the truth when they focused on respecting the cultivation of personal passion. Accomplishment is empty if you reach a goal on technical skills alone. Hollow praise does not provide a sense of vitality. Real fulfillment occurs only where there is passionate commitment to something personally meaningful. You are entitled to your opinion, however each member of society is responsible for their own contribution and you are not qualified to judge his. He is providing inspiration and teaching usable skills. By traveling & exploring he is making contact with other peoples and adding to their life experience. You cannot rain on his parade you aren’t even capable of seeing it behind that mask of judgement.

      Reply
      • nishchay ailani says

        March 2, 2015 at 10:10 am

        Hey Gina reflecting back on your response i would just like to re iterate that i already mentioned in my original coment that im no qualified professional to comment on Mike’s way of life. I was simply giving my opinion and i think what i was trying to convey was that this sort of “behaviour” could set a bad example for people who are easily influenced.

        Reply
    • Hans Van Camper says

      March 5, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      Why don’t you show your face?

      Reply
  33. EDFLICTION . says

    March 1, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    Ha ha ha. Man I gotta tell you that what you are doing may very well be the greatest existence a person could ask for. From the mid 80s to the mid 90s I used to work for a while, make some extra money, hop in my car and drive from Buffalo, NY to Los Angeles, CA just for the thrill of it. I lost count at a dozen trips or so. Of course this was in anything from a Ford Tempo to a 67 VW Beetle to a VW Jetta and nothing as awe inspiring as your van. I believe if it had been my life wold be a whole lot different now.

    Reply
  34. david says

    March 2, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    i love that

    Reply
  35. Vladimirs Parahņevičs says

    March 4, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    Hello !!!
    Be sure to visit Monemvasia. And in northern Greece stunningly beautiful Meteora. The town of Parga and the Vikos Gorge.

    Reply
  36. Emily says

    March 5, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    Italy!! Everything in Italy!! uBut most specifically Rome, Tuscany, and the Amalfi coast. It would be a great place to be in late spring before it gets too hot (it’s brutal in the summertime)

    Reply
    • Vladimirs Parahņevičs says

      March 5, 2015 at 8:28 pm

      Yes, and even Scylla and Tropea in Calabria, Otranto, Monopoli, Locorotondo in Puglia …

      Reply
      • Vladimirs Parahņevičs says

        March 6, 2015 at 6:41 am

        … and Alberobello!!!!!

        Reply
  37. Granny Marcia says

    March 5, 2015 at 8:55 pm

    Indiana USA looked in at your blog today! In the USA, during the 60’s and 70’s a lot of our nations youth took time out of High School and before College to travel the country and see its amazing sights. Still, others take this journey later in life – after years of dreaming of it – after retirement, taking to the freedom of the road when they are no longer tied to a job. I find you inspiring and I wish you peace and good health in your travels.

    Reply
  38. Rogier van Wagtendonk says

    March 8, 2015 at 6:48 am

    Great tour wow!

    Reply
  39. William H. Blood says

    March 8, 2015 at 3:35 pm

    When I was 18 I traveled from Maine up through Canada to the Yukon Wilderness. Spent about a month traveling to through Canada to enjoy the trip west and then we camped out for almost 3 months in the Wilderness staving off the bears and misquitos the size of humming birds. Our trip back consisted of dropping down into Washington State and keeping a northerly route through the United States to camp at various sites from the Olympic Peninsula to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Wall Drug So. Dakota, the Big Horns, Devils Tower Wy., the Wisconsin Peninsula, Sue Saint Marie, Sturgeon Falls Ontario, Niagara Falls, upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and back to Maine. The entire trip out to the Yukon and back took about 6 months. I wish that we had the internet back in my youth to blog the entire trip. Maybe some day, now in my 50’s, I might retrace my journeys and blog day by day the travels. I might not be able to do the hikes and rock climbing I did in my youth but just retracing the adventure would be a hoot. I have many other travels as well. I should write them down sometime and share.

    Good luck with your adventure! It’s once in a life time! Be safe.

    Reply
  40. Chris says

    March 9, 2015 at 11:56 pm

    Went to Pelopennese with no planning on a popup road trip. Order of cool stuff seen in just a few days (ordered by amazingness): Olympia (incredible), Naplion (fort on high), Kalamata (bragging rights olives), Pylos (last sailing ship naval battle in world- museum), Sparta (bragging rights – not a bunch to see). Thanks for your site!

    Reply
  41. Vladimirs Parahņevičs says

    March 13, 2015 at 8:27 pm

    Mike, be sure to buy at the store and cook buckwheat kasha. This is a great and full replacement of meat.

    Look in Greece Monemvasia, gorge Lucia, Mani, and certainly in the north of Meteora and the Vikos Gorge.

    Believe me, it’s stunningly beautiful !!!

    Vladimir, the tourist – a maniac.

    Reply
  42. maury says

    April 20, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    your journey is so inspirational. I like to think that one day I’ll do something similar! Love following your blog!

    Reply
  43. Stephen Vernon says

    April 27, 2015 at 7:04 am

    Lefkada looks a pretty special place Mike – looking forward to some nice photos from there….

    Reply
  44. Angela Russo says

    April 28, 2015 at 12:49 pm

    missing Italy!

    Reply
  45. Cindy says

    May 6, 2015 at 7:38 pm

    Hello !! what you are doing is amazing 🙂 just wondering how long you plan to travel and how much money you need to travel so long without working ? ^^

    Reply
  46. RyuzakiM says

    May 17, 2015 at 9:54 am

    Any plan for Turkey ?

    Reply
  47. swizzy says

    May 17, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    I wish I took the time to have the amenities that you built yourself. Truly inspiring.

    Reply
  48. Giorgia Scarmelotto says

    May 19, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    hey come in Italy!!! I’m in love with this life style, I would like to travel around the world as you do. and I really hope to find someone who wants to travel with me someday. you’re such an inspiration..I’m 18, I’ll finish my studies and then I’ll think it up. Have a nice trip, bye :*

    Reply
    • melanie catchpole says

      June 29, 2017 at 11:46 am

      if you come to uk look me up on Facebook i can show you round…could move my van if you wanna stop for a bit at mine

      Reply
  49. corrupted says

    May 26, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    excellent mate, you’re an inspiration! I’ve already quit my job and planning my round the world journey. Hopefully I will travel for years although not sure how I’ll make enough to survive. I haven’t got any special skills that would allow me to work from home.. I’m glad you’re enjoying my country. Sorry if some Greeks are a bit rude sometimes. Most are friendly people. Let me know if you need any help while in Greece, I’ll be glad to assist.

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      June 4, 2015 at 7:59 am

      Thanks. I think you’ll probably find a way 🙂 have good one

      Reply
  50. Amy says

    May 28, 2015 at 11:16 am

    Hi, I’m 17 just wondering what’s your opinion on the safety of a girl traveling on her own round europe. I’m saving up nearly got enough now but everyone’s telling me its not safe? (Going anyway) Am planning of doing Britain for a year first to get into the swing of things and learn some new languages. Have u had any encounters any tips dos and donts?

    Reply
    • David Davidson says

      June 3, 2015 at 5:13 pm

      Amy have you got a van yet? I’m 18 and just finished converting mine so I can go travelling on my own!
      Maybe i can give you some advice on getting everything sorted whilst we’re young!

      Reply
      • melanie catchpole says

        June 29, 2017 at 11:41 am

        hi can you add me on Facebook as I want my daughter to be linked into a bit of a community or have some contacts and she is your age….van peeps gotta stick together!

        Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      June 4, 2015 at 7:56 am

      I guess it depends what you do. I think it’s probably safer than most people think though. You’ll soon see the world isn’t full of psychopaths and murderers. People are really nice and will help you if you need it.

      It might be strange to say but I feel quite a lot safer in these other European countries than my home country of England. I’d say try and go to some other places in that year if you can, because getting the swing of things in England could be a bit different to getting the swing of things in the rest of Europe.

      Anyway, you can’t not go because someone tells you it’s unsafe. That might not be responsible advice but it’s what I think.

      Good luck

      Reply
      • Mick says

        January 31, 2017 at 9:35 am

        I left home to travel the world at 16 years turned January of that year…I still have itchy feet; at 66 years… the last major travel was to China, bought an apartment.. So, Two years on since asking…are you still with the idea…or have you quit…let us know should you read this??

        Reply
      • Mango Darwin says

        June 7, 2018 at 8:56 pm

        So true Europe does seems so much safer than uk..I know Spain very well and have cycled there a lot.Portugal to very friendly place and seems quiet safe.I only know France Spain and Portugal really.Although I’ve travelled through most of Europe in various vans over the years. People seem much more polite and friendlier in Spain and Portugal than the part of uk where I live (Bournemouth) ..uk is great but limited for free park ups and lots of people seem ready to moan.lots of disrespectful night time revellers who can torment for no reason.not to mention aggressive behaviour in pubs and bars, there’s really NO comparison to U.K. and Spain as regards safety. But obviously depends where you are.. .I cycled across Colombia last year for two months…I was told so many horror stories before I left. but Without a doubt one of the most friendly places on the planet ..but you had to be a little careful around the big cites. happy travels recap……EUROPE much safer than UK.what I’ve experienced over 25 years of travel..

        Reply
    • groovydad says

      September 29, 2016 at 6:23 pm

      Get yourself trained in Martial arts or even ECNR..,(Ethical control and restraint)…The Police dont even do this and its much better than their training!..Will get you out of Any dangerous situations!..Always best to be prepared you never know when you (may)
      need it!

      Reply
    • melanie catchpole says

      June 29, 2017 at 11:38 am

      Hi my daughter is 17 and she wants to do the same soon. She has just turned 18 actually and is saving her pennies and we will convert a van together for her to go in. I say take a dog. It may tie you down a lot but always have a dog with you. You know what growl means theres someone lurking….and at least you will never be caught unawares. It does mean you have to cater for said dogs and make sure your van is temperature controlled….but that is my stipulation to her. So as a mum with a van that is my advice to you! I so want to do this but home responsibilities prevent me just leaving at the moment!

      Reply
    • Victor Sels says

      March 31, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Hi, just wondering.. Did you made a trip?

      Reply
  51. Meg says

    June 6, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    hey, I am highly interested in travelling around the same way you do! have you got any tips for me to survive on the road? What preparations do I have to make?

    Reply
  52. Tarryn Sharpe says

    July 8, 2015 at 10:29 am

    Should head to seasplash festival in Pula on the 16th July

    Reply
  53. Peter Borthwick says

    July 9, 2015 at 9:12 am

    Hi Mike. Following your progress and enjoying your photos especially the Croatian national parks – stunning. Pleased to see you found plenty of good free camping spots too – amazing how many people say you’ll have difficulty in Croatia.. Have just been checking out your map – it seems to have changed. Your stops used to be very clear yellow anchors. Now they are black no. 1s, which don’t show up in many map views. Also, didn’t you include the Lat. Long. in the past?
    Managed to successfully get your book downloaded last week. Haven’t had much time to read yet, but at a quick glance it looks very impressive and I’m sure I’ll make use of it in the future. Well done!
    Cheers. Enjoy the festivals.
    Peter and Elaine (from the Hymer -we met at Gythio, Greece)

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      July 11, 2015 at 4:23 pm

      Hey Peter, where are you now?
      Has the map changed? I haven’t done anything (I don’t think). The anchors were always black. I think…?

      A couple of things I have just changed this minute is the normal map view from satellite view. Also done some filtering to make it load quicker

      Reply
  54. Tarryn Sharpe says

    July 9, 2015 at 4:42 pm

    Should head to Pula for seasplash fest 16th July!

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      July 11, 2015 at 4:24 pm

      Ahhh I’m in Germany now (I emailed you). Nice one though. Looks good

      Reply
  55. Leo says

    August 15, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    why did you skip italy? ahahahah let’s come to my city in italy!

    Reply
  56. George Star says

    August 16, 2015 at 2:13 am

    How did you like the Algarve in Portugal?

    Reply
  57. Patrick says

    August 23, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    Are you coming to Ireland? If so your welcome to stop by and free camp on my land.

    Reply
  58. Paul Racionzer says

    August 27, 2015 at 10:51 am

    Great job on the van! Did you miss Italy on purpose?

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      January 21, 2016 at 5:06 pm

      No! All you Italians, chill. I’ll get there haha

      Reply
  59. Ra Chel Lebel says

    September 14, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    You almost drove through my hometown 😉

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      January 21, 2016 at 5:05 pm

      Where’s that?

      Reply
      • Ra Chel Lebel says

        January 21, 2016 at 9:15 pm

        Hoogezand, Netherlands.

        Reply
  60. symbiosis01 says

    September 24, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    Hi there, You almost passed my place in Greece, Zoumberi nr Nea Makri. If I had know you could have parked up on my drive. Great blog and hope to do this myself sometime

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      January 21, 2016 at 5:05 pm

      Ohh! damn. Next time… how can I not go back to Greece

      Reply
  61. Fred says

    October 18, 2015 at 11:11 am

    Quit our jobs; check
    Sell our house; check
    Buy camper; January
    Leave Belgium; January

    You’re doing a great job, keep traveling!!

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      January 21, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      nice oneee. Congrats on the decision..s

      Reply
    • Simon Huyghe says

      March 5, 2016 at 3:24 pm

      fred, ben je al vertrokken en waar ben je?
      ik ben ook bezig met een vanlife project en kom ook uit belgie
      ik vertrek eind maart

      Reply
      • Fred says

        March 5, 2016 at 6:25 pm

        Wij zijn halverwege februari vertrokken, doen nu workaway in Spanje, omgeving Valencia. (20°)

        Reply
  62. André BigcrazySwede Du Rietz says

    November 10, 2015 at 1:06 am

    Hey man!
    Just found your website, love what you’re doing with ur van. I’m a fellow adventurer, right now i’m working on saving up money for my long 2 year around the world bicycle trip. If you ever swing by Kalmar in Sweden, let me know you can find me on fb @big crazy swede

    Keep doing ur thing!
    // Big crazy swede

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      January 21, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      Woah cool. Do you have a blog? put it on here. I will get up there at some point. Would love to. Good luck

      Reply
  63. gaya says

    November 20, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    why are you skipping italy?!?!? 🙁 you should come!

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      January 21, 2016 at 5:03 pm

      I’m not! I will make it there to do a full tour at some point. Spring time would be nice maybe?

      Reply
  64. Vladimirs Parahņevičs says

    December 5, 2015 at 9:23 pm

    Stupid decision to go to Africa !!! You had to go to the Great Russia !!!

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      January 21, 2016 at 5:02 pm

      haha. It’d be cool. One day!

      Reply
  65. I'm a Child says

    December 13, 2015 at 8:52 pm

    You should visit Porto, Portugal.
    It’s really motivating to see someone who left everything he had and he was discovered.
    I hope to get too 🙂

    Reply
  66. stephen says

    January 6, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    What an inspiriatio!! Im stephen from sheffield. What have your total costs been for van build. fuel, food and travel ect. Broken down i want to do this but i need an idea of the cost to save up. thanks this blog is so helpful and detailed.

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      January 18, 2016 at 1:08 pm

      Say hi to Sheffield from me. I did a post on this a while ago. I averaged all my costs over one year. See this one: https://vandogtraveller.com/one-year-living-in-a-van-costs/ – I found this by just searching ‘costs’ in the blog search bar. Good luck

      Reply
  67. Sam Willis says

    January 25, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    Hi vandogtraveller just found you blog and signed up. My partner says he knows of you from wildcamping site we are horshamjack on there Marc and Sam are our real names. We are currently in Sidi Wassey beach moving down the coast to Erkounte park,sidi ifni and some other places before making our way to Tafroute in mid Feb. If you haven’t been there its worth a stop. Wild camping in a beautiful valley with great little town within walking distance with every shop you can think of including repair shops . it’s 10dh per night to the guardian and you can fill up with water from the lorry that comes round for 25dh you can also empty your cassette for free. We will be there for 3-4 weeks probably so maybe will see you if you come over that way. Have a great trip.

    Reply
  68. esolesek says

    January 30, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    I have a couple questions. First, why no Italy? Is it dangerous to get ripped off, hijacked there? Secondly, is the migrant crisis affecting campgrounds, and availability of vehicles? This is an old dream of mine, but I’m worried it will be a disaster now, with authorities harassing people in vans, etc.

    Reply
  69. Sharon Watts says

    January 31, 2016 at 11:55 am

    Hi Mike, I find your blog very inspirational, I can’t imagine anything else I would rather do than travel like that. I see you skipped on Italy and Scandinavia. Are they in your plans? I’ve done a lot of road journeys in Europe, albeit camping and in summer.

    Reply
  70. Pedro Nicolau says

    February 19, 2016 at 11:54 am

    Hi. My wife and I are now traveling in Southeast Asia, so far for 6 months, we still have 6 more months so we are planning to start a European road trip in Germany due the cheap prices of cars there. We have some questions though… can we just park the van where ever we want just to sleep a night ? If we want to be 3,4 days in a place, do we need to be in a proper camping place for vans? Usually what are the costs for places to camp (only sleeping) on a van ?
    Thank you.

    Reply
  71. kirsty says

    February 23, 2016 at 7:33 am

    Hi there, this has probably already been answered but I was thinking of a year long EU travel and am going to apply for the long stay holiday work visa for France. Does this mean you can stay in schengen countries for longer than 3 months as the embassy told me only in France for so long. Just wondering what your experiences were and how your travel route went 🙂 thanks

    Reply
  72. Spence says

    February 29, 2016 at 6:31 am

    Thinking about bringing my 77 Westfalia to Europe. Concerned about limits on stay. Does your UK citizenship give you indefinite access to Europe?

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      March 28, 2016 at 3:23 pm

      Yeah we’re still, I think, just about, in the EU so it’s easy to roam about for as long as I want

      Reply
  73. Spence says

    February 29, 2016 at 6:32 am

    From the US

    Reply
  74. Joaoo Martins says

    March 1, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    When are you comming to Portugal?
    Best Luck!
    John

    Reply
  75. Duncan says

    March 3, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    Hi there Mike, Im a student in South Africa whos absolutely hooked on travel. Looking to do something similar building a van/truck to travel with. How do you manage to raise money and manage time off work? any tips about starting something like this, ideally after my studies for a few years.

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      March 28, 2016 at 3:22 pm

      It’s a long story and I’ve done many little things. But recently at the moment my ebook is funding me. Check sites like upwork as well – you can work online remotely from anywhere

      Reply
  76. Charlie Jackson says

    March 31, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    When are you coming to Italy?

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      February 25, 2017 at 8:35 am

      now!

      Reply
  77. Vienne Thompson-Roberts says

    August 3, 2016 at 11:28 pm

    Hey, why don’t you make your way to the Edinburgh Festival. I’m going to be there in my van for the next 3 weeks. First time. I think it will be fun with lots of van people around!

    Reply
  78. Fábio Rosado says

    August 25, 2016 at 7:18 am

    This looks amazing! I’m sure you have quite a lot of adventures through your travels. I would love to do something like this – a long road trip around Europe, awesome!

    Reply
  79. groovydad says

    September 29, 2016 at 6:18 pm

    I see you missed Italy completely..Shame as You would love it!..Rome etc are places You must not miss they are amazing!..Been following you on your travels very interesting and wish I could have done the same but alas not enough time..But maybe when we retire in a few years before its to late and we are to old!..Keep on travelling and blogging.:)

    Reply
  80. Sallie Cooper says

    October 17, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    Hello, thanks doing this, you have helped me with my van conversion which I hope to complete by the spring. If you are heading to Cornwall, there is a fab place to stop in Dartmouth on the Quay where there are free showers and toilets. However beware there is a busy body women who tries to shoo you off. My parents told me this, they stayed there for a couple of weeks.

    Reply
  81. Laura says

    January 22, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    Are you planning on traveling to, for example, America or Australia? It’s just because if you are, I’m curious about how you will do it. Will you keep your van, or get a new one…?

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      February 25, 2017 at 8:34 am

      No plan yet… but maybe one day. Could be interesting 🙂

      Reply
      • Dunc says

        July 14, 2017 at 9:48 pm

        The logistics of getting the van to either country would be difficult. I have spent time in Australia and did a lot of camping there in a tent, rather than a van..
        If you do take your van Down Under, it would be interesting to know what you had to do and how much it cost. I know you have to have something called a Carnet de Passage to temperarily take a vehicle over there and it is cheaper to do this than to permanently export it. However you have to ship it over by sea and this takes time.
        Keep up the good work with the blog, its interesting to see what you are doing with your van

        Reply
  82. M Christian says

    March 3, 2017 at 10:53 am

    Mike, are you catching rain water when it rains? If not, you need to see the YOUTUBE vid about a chap who fixed up a system that when it rained it filled your water tank automatically…check it out if not done!?

    Reply
  83. Paula says

    March 7, 2017 at 3:20 am

    Noticed accordion playing. Super! I also play accordion (bit larger) and researching cargo van conversions. Did you have issues with too much condensation which can cause mold/mildew? If so, what did you do about it?

    Reply
  84. shaun smith says

    March 16, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    I’m not far off taking the plunge to travel Europe myself any advice or just enjoy lol

    Reply
  85. Jess Hudson says

    April 3, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    I’ve been dancing about van travelling for like 2 years. I found this blog yesterday and this morning at work found myself parked next to an LDV Convoy. I think the universe is trying to give me a kick up the butt!!

    Reply
    • melanie catchpole says

      June 29, 2017 at 11:43 am

      I’ve got the converted van i just need permission to vacate my life!

      Reply
  86. Alice Genoh says

    May 4, 2017 at 11:37 am

    Hey, interesting! It takes to the memory lane of the times I used to have such trips on my bike. Good to read your blog that gives important information on the road trips by camper van. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  87. Slotter Dawg says

    August 1, 2017 at 7:38 am

    This is really awesome. Really hope Brexit doesn’t mess this up for you.

    Reply
  88. Andrew Boast says

    October 20, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    Have you done an article on how you maintain/ update your travel map?

    Reply
  89. slav says

    October 20, 2017 at 8:28 pm

    it’s look llike you are scared to enter Poland..?

    Reply
  90. Hannah O'Byrne-Millard says

    October 27, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    Hi there – me and my partner are looking to travel around in a camper for a year (starting with Europe) However we have 2 large dogs as well – do you think we would face any difficulties/challenges or unforeseen expenses travelling around all these countries with two dogs? Hannah

    Reply
  91. Anni says

    December 15, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    Hello,
    will there be new versions of your books in 2018? I think of buying them as presents for a friend who wants to start building his RV and then start living in it next spring. So I wonder if I then should wait for the new version.
    Thanks, Anni

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      December 17, 2017 at 4:00 pm

      Hey, the most recent one (How to Live in a Van) certainly won’t be getting a revision for a while. As for Van to Home, all the content is still relevant and I do plan on releasing a revised version but there’s no date in sight yet

      Mike 🙂

      Reply
  92. Charlotte Dewulf says

    January 12, 2018 at 9:15 am

    Hey Mike! what are you doing at the moment, and where are you?

    Reply
  93. Rob says

    January 17, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    Hey Mike, i’ve been a follower for a while and your content has been invaluable, really appreciate it, kudos!
    Can i ask what you are using to create your location map?
    Hopefully meet you in the not-too-distant future 🙂

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      January 21, 2018 at 10:20 pm

      Hey Rob glad it’s helped you and you’re welcome!

      The GPS map is just the tacking data from my Satnav (a Garmin Nuvi). I load this onto the computer using the Garmin software (Basecamp) and then I load this into an online tool called GPSVisualizer (google it). That lets you create all kinds of html maps with your GPS data

      Reply
  94. Goa Spirit says

    March 8, 2018 at 7:18 pm

    Hey If you want to do some more Van Tours I’m happy for you to do one of mine my friend!!!

    Reply
  95. Micro Update says

    October 8, 2018 at 9:08 am

    Hey Mike

    Your map needs to be updated with the new API for google maps. Hope you can do this as it’s interesting to follow your tracks 🙂

    Cheers
    Jonathan

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      October 8, 2018 at 10:28 am

      Thanks Jonathan. I’ve done the workaround but it means there’s a popup when the map first loads. Just dismiss this and the map should work fine. If you have any other suggestions to make this map feel free to advise. Looks like Google are no longer going to provide access to their maps for free

      Reply
  96. afghan says

    January 29, 2019 at 10:12 am

    hey found this site searching for laundry services in santa fe spain. am at the hot springs. been here for ages. and know it since years. wellj no laundry place in santa fe… gota try granada. so much washing ufff hihi… happy campervaning…

    Reply
  97. Peter Borthwick says

    August 26, 2019 at 9:00 pm

    Always enjoy your blogs Mike. A unique consise style. So different from so many! …Been looking at your map recently as Scandinavia is on the cards for us next year. Is there any way I can get a lat/long from your stops (the anchors), so I can transfer some to another platform??
    What’s the plan for the future? You mentioned shopping the van further afield? We’re considering N. America in the next couple of years 😀

    Reply

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