A couple who has survived two winters in the UK living in an “old camper van” have lifted the lid on what it’s really like to be on the road when temperatures drop.
‘Van life’ has soared in popularity in recent years, with young people in particular, enticed by the cheaper travel costs of living in converted vans while they journey around.
But once summer comes to an end, often so does the adventure – unless you are Nick, 46, and Sarah, 44, that is.
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The duo has been living in a 1991 Ford Transit SWB retro camper since 2016 and, while they often tour Europe alongside their two dogs, it has also meant a couple of tough winters in the UK.
But incredibly, Sarah and Nick say it can be easier in the colder months.
“There are definitely days when you wish you were not stuck in a small van and would prefer to be in bricks and mortar, with unlimited power, water and light,” Sarah, a YouTuber from North Wales, told What’s The Jam.
“But then, the next day could be great, which is the beauty of van life.
“It keeps life exciting – you never know what’s around the corner, literally, when you travel full-time.
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“As we are travelling and not stuck in one place, in many respects it is actually easier in the winter.
“It is a lot quieter everywhere which means it is a lot easier to park up for the day and night and often fewer restrictions.
“In the winter, as long as you have a heater in your van, you can cope with the temperatures.
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“Have an electric blanket, hot water bottles and warm clothes [to hand].
“When it’s cold you can always wear more clothes, but when it’s hot you can only take so many clothes off.”
As for Christmas? Sarah and Nick, who are from Stourbridge, say it can be great fun, even if you are cooped up in a small van.
Sarah said: “We have spent several Christmas’ in our van, in Australia, Europe and the UK – and they have all been very different.
“It’s been fun making Christmas dinner with a limited kitchen – no oven – and making the van really cosy and festive.
“The benefit of being in a camper means you can drive round and stay in different places to see all the Christmas lights and decorations in different towns.”
There are, of course, a few downsides to spending months in the cold without a house.
Sarah explained: “In the summer, you have more sun for your solar panels to charge your batteries, but in the winter, in the UK, this is definitely not the case – especially with the short days – so power is an issue.
“As soon as it’s dark, you are restricted to your van and are reliant on your batteries.
“I’m not going to lie – living in a van full time in winter is not for the fainthearted and is definitely not for everyone.
“Every day brings new challenges, but on the flip side, you really feel like you are living life and on a big adventure dealing with the good times and bad.”
Sarah and Nick quit their jobs back in 2016 after saving enough money to spend some time travelling in their then-new van.
They now work as content creators, documenting life on the road.
Sarah explained: “Van life meant that we could take our dogs everywhere with us and no uncomfortable flights for them or accommodation where pets are not allowed.
“It is also obviously a cheaper way to travel with little to no money spent on accommodation as we rarely stay at campsites, especially in Europe.
“So there are just the fuel costs and the annual maintenance on the van [to pay for].
“We also like the fact that you don’t have to plan so much – you can stay somewhere for as little or as long as you like and, within reason, go wherever you like.
“And the whole time you have all your creature comforts with you – well some of them, anyway!”
After spending the past two winters in the UK, this year the couple are heading off for some well-deserved sunshine in Spain.
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