We almost never stayed at campsites and had not one problem.

It's obviously simpler in eg the Spanish regions that allow and provide infrastructure for campers than in other areas.

Use common sense, don't annoy the neighbours and you'll be fine.

It depends on the country, region and time of year. In the off-season its very easy in most places, even in countries that officially forbid it (eg Portugal). In the high season it will be crowded along the coast and at hot spots and more controlled.
When staying in urban areas keep a low profile.

On the contrary! We've met so many nice people, saw amazing places, were able to take so many early morning walks at beautiful empty beaches, enjoy great food, visit unique cities, cross a few things of our touristsic bucket list, feel free and relaxed.

Listen to your wife!

Montenegro was probably the most beautiful, but the Portuguese coast is amazing as well. The food in Italy and the heritage sites there and in Greece... hard to pick. My wife and I love Spain - and we spent the most time there.

Nothing bad has happened to us in 12 months and 25+k on the road!

I claim bragging rights for swimming outdoors every month of 2024. 🏊🏼

January 1st and today December 11th I swam in the Mediterranean and many days of most months in between as well. When I didn't, I swam in the Atlantic or Baltic or took a dip into a river or lake or natural hot spring.

#VanLife 🇪🇺

The Colosseum in Rome.

Most mornings of this journey I started with a brief walk along whatever beautiful beach we were staying at. This morning walk offered some very different sights...

#VanLife #RanTanVan #Rome 🇮🇹

Waking up in Pompei, 🌋
having lunch in Napoli, 🐟
going to bed in Roma. 🇮🇹

#roadtripping #VanLife #RanTanVan

The Rantan Van parked in the ferry's garage

A map showing Sicily and central Italy

View from the outside deck of the ferry, with the harbour in the background

Taking the 6th ferry ⛴️ on this journey. This time from Palermo on Sicily to Napoli 🌋 on the Italian mainland. 🇮🇹

#VanLife #RanTanVan

Sure, as long as you keep labeling your nudes, so people can filter them out :)

I've added you to the starter pack :)

Our #RanTanVan and other cars on an open deck ferry. The sea is calm, the sky features different clouds, a patch of blue and some golden sunrays.

On the ferry ⛴️ to Sicily 🇮🇹

#RanTanVan #VanLife

First #sunrise in Italy 🇮🇹 at 6:45.

Less than 10h till sunset, let's use 'em!

It's Sunday, the weekend is nearing it's end and I just enjoyed my last 48h hours in Greece 🇬🇷.

Without touching one line of code.

Now boarding a ferry ⛴️ and leaving it tomorrow morning in Italy 🇮🇹.

#VanLife 🚐

Post your workstation setup

#VanLife

Since then some shorter trips in Germany

one longer in Scandinavia, mostly Sweden

a solo-tour through the Balkans, to visit #Euruko2024 in Sarajevo

and then on to Greece (current location)

next up will be southern Italy

and xmas in Germany

Brief timeline:

had a VW T5 California for > 8y

ordered a new #campervan in Nov 2022

delivered Sep 2023 (6 months late)

did some changes & additions

started into full-time #VanLife in Dec 2023

spent the next 5 months mostly at the coasts of Spain & Portugal to enjoy sun and mild temperatures

Ah, damn, off by one error!
Where is the EDIT function?

While it is still *very* early days for the #VanLife and #DigitalNomad community here on Bluesky, I've created a #StarterPack to help us getting connected:

go.bsky.app/ERfHUXq

Countries visited with the #RanTanVan

🇩🇪
🇱🇺
🇫🇷
🇪🇸
🇵🇹
🇩🇰
🇸🇪
🇳🇴
🇦🇹
🇸🇮
🇭🇷
🇧🇦
🇲🇪
🇦🇱
🇬🇷

15 in 11 months of #VanLife
not bad at all :)

Planned for this year are:

🇮🇹
🇨🇭

Follow @rantanvan.bsky.social - I might post some van related stuff there eventually...