Life in a Wondervan

(First published in Issue 9, June 2023) My real journey started about 6 years ago, when I saw a shiny and pristine looking Volkswagen T25 sitting in a Glastonbury car park with a giant FOR SALE sign in the window. It was lime green and orange, covered in zombie decals, a real modern apocalyptic treasure. I was out with my gran heading to her favorite local coffee house when this great thing caught my eye. Since I can remember I have been in love with the iconic splitty, an old classic beauty of the motor world.

Long story short, I contacted the owner, viewed it and parted ways with my savings. My dad thought I was mad and my mum did not even believe me. That was the beginning of my lifestyle. I knew as soon as I brought it home, even through all the anxiety, I had made the best decision of my life. I had Bob for around 2 years and in that time he took me on my first adventure, volunteering abroad in the Netherlands at a primate rescue.

A few months later, after making friends, bonding with the staff and doing an okay job of the role, they contacted me desperate for help due to a staffing issue and asked if I would be able to come and work temporary contracts. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. Luckily for me my work is pretty flexible, the combination of having itchy feet and being a hard worker works in your favor. This went on for the best part of 3 years, coming and going, only possible because I had the van.

Living in it throughout the wet winters, I decided I could do with something a little bigger. The extra space is a lifesaver after coming in from the freezing cold or being stuck inside due to pouring rain. I was on my lunch break one day and thought I would check eBay for an LT. It turned into an impulse buy after the seller agreed within an hour of messaging to hold it until I could get back to the UK to swap them over. It was a done deal.

Driving it an hour and a half back to Frome felt massive, but there was no anxiety this time. I knew it was the right choice and the name came straight away, Roger. The T25 will forever be a part of me. I will never forget that van. And yes, you can definitely form an emotional connection to a giant metal box, because without it I truly believe my life would not be where it is today.

Almost 4 years into owning Roger, with thousands spent on welding, respraying and mechanics, plus 2 interior rebuilds, I think it is safe to say we are as near to finishing as we can get. These homes on wheels are never complete. There are always things to add, change and upgrade, but it is part of the lifestyle and I would not change it. What I call the bane of my dad’s life would not have been possible without him and his very reluctant help with nearly everything. Most of what I have learned along the way has been thanks to him.

In December of 2022 I finally made it out on my long European trip I had been planning for at least 3 years. Covid really disrupted things, along with Brexit, but in fairness these issues worked in my favor. It gave me time to properly prepare the van and put money into it before saving for the trip.

Dad rebuilt the engine after we discovered the head gasket had blown, which I am pretty sure I bought it with without noticing. The bodywork, electrics and interior are now at a stage I am about 90 percent happy with, making this journey far more relaxing than it would have been otherwise.

Like many UK travelers, it can be a real challenge dealing with new rules and restrictions. I was supposed to go with a friend, planning a few months traveling together, which was another reason for getting a larger van. But Covid hit, putting the world into lockdown and pushing those plans far into the future.

Many of us struggled during that time. I was lucky to still be working, which kept me busy and earning. Being a home carer for the best part of 9 years, alongside other jobs, rarely allows you to stop. Holidays, sickness, or even a global pandemic, you still have to show up and care for those who need it.

Nevertheless, I am now halfway through my trip, just me and my dog Mavis, loving life.

It can be stressful and expensive at times. But the freedom, the places I have seen and the people I have met make it all worthwhile. Every challenge, every cost and every damp night is part of the experience.

Traveling alone is another hard part. Realistically, you are alone all of the time, dealing with every problem yourself. Every payment is yours, every decision carries more weight and you are responsible not just for yourself but also for your dog. It can be tough.

I am now almost two thirds through my time in Turkey, which means I am well over halfway through my trip. I cannot quite believe I have made it this far on my own in a 37 year old vehicle. But I have and I cannot wait to see what else happens, where else I will go and who I will meet. I am so grateful to be able to live this life, as I know many people wish they could but cannot. I do not take it for granted. Working in healthcare teaches you to appreciate everything and to do what you can while you can. Say yes and follow what you want in life, because we only get one chance.

I hope this helps others who are doing or thinking about doing vanlife solo understand that it is not always glamorous, easy, or exciting and that you are not alone. For every boring car park or residential stop, there is a night in the forest, a sleep by the sea, or a coffee with a mountain view waiting for you. There are so many of us doing this alone. We understand the struggles and we support each other. Vanlife is a community and that is one of the best parts of it.

Editor’s note: Written during her travels in 2023, this story captures moments before Alice’s journey came to an early end following the tragic loss of her dog Mavis in Turkey. It is shared in tribute to their time on the road together.