This past summer, my family and I embarked on a whirlwind van life adventure, traveling through 10 countries in 30 days in our 35-year-old vintage Ford Transit Koala motorhome. We covered 6,500 km, saw breathtaking landscapes, visited historical landmarks, and immersed ourselves in the diverse cultures of Central and Southern Europe.
With our 2-year-old daughter with us, this wasn’t just a trip—it was a slow-paced journey, full of freedom, discoveries, and challenges.
The beauty of traveling in a motorhome is the flexibility it offers. We’ve made many similar trips over the years, but this one stood out because of its rhythm and variety of experiences. Here’s the story of this journey, complete with tips for traveling with little ones, staying healthy on the road, and making the most of the van life experience in this part of the world. Enjoy!
Route Itinerary
Our journey started in late May and ended in late June, just in time for us to return to Spain for the San Juan festivities and its classic bonfires, fireworks, and beach parties with friends. Here’s a look at the countries we visited and the key places we explored:
- France: Normandy, Loire Valley, and Alsace
- Belgium: Ghent
- Netherlands: Maastricht
- Luxembourg: Mullerthal Trail and Echternacht
- Germany: Trier and the Moselle Valley
- Austria: Feldkirch
- Liechtenstein: A brief but scenic visit
- Switzerland: Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and more
- Italy: Northern lakes and the Ligurian coast
- Spain: Our final stop back home
Each country offered unique experiences, but the beauty of traveling with a motorhome meant that we could take our time, change our plans based on weather, and enjoy moments of serendipity.
Travel Tips with a Toddler: Keeping It Fun and Safe
Traveling with a toddler is always an adventure, and we’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are some of our best tips for making van life with a little one work:
1. Eating on the Road
Having a fully equipped kitchen in the van was a lifesaver. During this trip, as has been the case recently, we mostly cooked our own meals using fresh produce from local markets. This approach helped us maintain a balanced diet without relying on expensive or unhealthy restaurant food. We also stocked up on toddler-friendly snacks like fruits, nuts, and simple sandwiches for when we were on the move.
That said, we made sure to enjoy local cuisine by eating out at least once a day. We avoided lengthy sit-down meals, which can be challenging with a young child. One trick we found was to choose restaurants with outdoor seating—bonus points if they were near a playground—or to get takeout to enjoy at scenic spots. This way, our daughter could move around and play while we ate.
2. Showers on the Go
One of the common concerns with van life is hygiene, especially when you’re constantly on the road. We made use of public showers and natural bodies of water (nothing beats a quick dip to feel refreshed!).
On days we couldn’t find a public shower and we needed one, we made use of the motorhome’s built-in shower for a quick rinse.
3. Safe Parking for Overnight Stays
We didn’t spend a single euro on regular campsites during this trip. In places like Switzerland and Ghent, we found overnight paid street parking, though it’s important to check local rules and be mindful of where you park. Some towns are more welcoming to motorhomes than others.
For example, in Chambord, France, we paid €12 for a 24-hour parking spot—an incredible deal considering we got to sleep within the grounds of one of the most iconic castles in the world!
4. Babywearing and Exercise
We hiked and walked a lot, often with our daughter in a baby carrier. Babywearing is not only convenient, but it also counts as a workout—carrying a 16kg toddler up a mountain is no joke!
While I didn’t manage to fit in much yoga on this trip (something I want to work on for the future), we found that simply being active every day, exploring new places on foot, and breathing in the fresh air kept us feeling good.
5. Weather and Route Planning
Weather plays a huge role in van life. We constantly checked the forecast and adjusted our plans accordingly. That way, we swapped a rainy day or two for sunny ones although we also endured some showers.
Being flexible is key when you’re living on the road, and it also keeps the adventure exciting. Apps like Rain Radar and simply googling the weather forecast for the upcoming days were our go-to resources.
We’ve shared more tips on traveling with kids full-time recently. Check them out!
Staying Healthy on a Fast-Paced Adventure
Staying healthy while on the road is crucial, especially when you have a toddler with you. Aside from being mindful of what we ate and staying active, we made sure we were covered in case of medical emergencies.
While we weren’t covered by Nomad Health during this particular trip, we’ve partnered with them for this article, and I can confidently say that having comprehensive insurance is essential for anyone traveling frequently, especially with a family.
Why We Recommend Nomad Health
One of the biggest concerns for any traveler, especially for families on extended trips, is access to quality healthcare.
Whether you’re embarking on a short getaway or, like us, living life on the road, knowing you’re covered in case of illness or injury is essential. And for our sort of nomadic lifestyle, finding the right insurance was a priority. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Nomad Health, a service provided by SafetyWing. Their health insurance is specifically designed for expats, digital nomads, and slow travelers, like our family, who might be away from home for weeks, months, or even years at a time.
Comprehensive Coverage Across 175 Countries
The key feature of Nomad Health is its global coverage, spanning over 175 countries. This means that whether you’re hiking the Swiss Alps, exploring the beaches of Italy, or wandering through quaint French towns, you have access to medical care wherever you are.
Let us tell you that not all travel insurance plans provide coverage this extensive, which is why Nomad Health is a game-changer for anyone leading a location-independent lifestyle.
With this insurance, you don’t have to worry about switching plans as you cross borders. The continuity of coverage offers peace of mind when traveling across multiple countries, especially for longer-term travelers like us.
Customizable and Family-Friendly
Another reason we love Nomad Health is how family-friendly it is. You can add dental and vision coverage, which is a huge plus when you’re traveling with a toddler and want to stay on top of routine check-ups.
Health issues can come up unexpectedly, and having comprehensive coverage that includes things like doctor visits, hospital stays, and even mental health support makes a world of difference.
So knowing that we can access healthcare for the whole family, no matter where we are, allows us to focus on enjoying the adventure rather than worrying about the “what ifs.”
Peace of Mind for Long-Term Travelers
For traveling families like ours, being prepared for medical emergencies is essential. While we didn’t face any major issues during our last trip, we’re exploring Nomad Health for future journeys. The ability to access quality healthcare, whether we’re in a bustling city or a remote village, is reassuring.
On the other hand, their online claims process is fast and easy, which means you can deal with medical issues without additional stress. And having flexible plans with no long-term commitment is another benefit, allowing you to tailor your coverage to your travel style.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out Nomad Health to see if it’s the right fit for your travel needs.
Our Stops: Memories and Highlights
Here’s a breakdown of each destination we visited, with the memories and experiences that made each place special.
1. Château de Chambord, France
Chambord was a highlight early in our trip. The aforementioned 12 bucks parking fee allowed us to have a French-inspired (think wine, baguette, charcuterie, and cheese) dinner picnic al fresco and stay overnight within the castle grounds—a truly magical experience.
Waking up with a view of the grand château, surrounded by forests and the Loire River, was an unforgettable way to start the day.
We explored the vast gardens, marveled at the castle’s intricate architecture, and took a trillion pictures on the way. A must!
2. Bayeux, France
Bayeux is a quaint, charming town with a lot of history. We visited the famous Notre Dame cathedral just in time for a very special choir performance. Strolling through its medieval streets felt like stepping back in time.
This stop also gave us time to slow down, have some takeaway pizza and cider, and appreciate the quieter side of France after a few days of long driving hours to cross both Spain and France. Slow travel days began!
3. D-Day Beaches of Normandy
Standing on the D-Day beaches during the first weekend of the 80th anniversary was quite an experience as well. We visited Omaha Beach and its American Cemetery as well as Gold Beach and some of the villages in between them.
Those spots made the stories of World War II more real, and the whole region was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during that time.
4. Honfleur, France
This picturesque fishing town stole our hearts. With its colorful harbor and narrow cobblestone streets, Honfleur feels like something out of a painting.
We enjoyed a lovely dinner and an evening stroll by the quayside before spending the night in a nearby and quiet parking spot.
5. Etretat and Vattetot-sur-Mer, France
The stunning yet crowded cliffs of Etretat were one of this month-long adventure highlights hands down.
We hiked 8 to 9 km along the coastline, taking in the picturesque views.
Ending the day in the quieter Vattetot-sur-Mer to watch the sunset, away from the crowds, made the final two stops in Northern France well worth the drive.
6. Ghent, Belgium
We found overnight street parking in Ghent, a city that blends medieval charm with modern energy.
Its canals and historical buildings provided a lovely backdrop for wandering.
We had an impromptu picnic by the water, and our daughter loved watching the boats and ducks go by.
7. Maastricht, Netherlands
Maastricht’s white-washed houses and vibrant atmosphere made it a delightful stop. Known for its history and university vibe, we spent a day exploring its old city and lively squares.
8. Mullerthal Trail and Echternacht, Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s Mullerthal Trail offered some of the best hiking of the trip. The lush forests and rocky paths made it feel like an enchanted forest. We carried our daughter in her baby carrier and explored this “Little Switzerland” region with awe.
On the other hand, Echternacht, known to be one of Luxembourg’s oldest towns, gave us a glimpse of the country’s rich history and access to more trails, and a peaceful lake with gorgeous sunset light.
9. Trier, Germany
Trier is Germany’s oldest city, and its Roman ruins are impressive. We walked through the ancient Porta Nigra and enjoyed a meal at a terrace near the stunning Constantine Basilica.
Trier has a laid-back feel that makes it perfect for a short stop.
10. Northern Vosges and Strasbourg, France
The Northern Vosges gave us tranquil forests and winding roads, perfect for the slow pace we love.
Strasbourg, though, had a whole different vibe—lively and full of character.
The mix of French and German influences, from the buildings to the food, gave the city a special charm and something else to look for on top of the mind-blowing cathedral everyone visits anyway.
11. Feldkirch, Austria, and Liechtenstein
We spent a quick but scenic afternoon in Liechtenstein, entering on foot and making a hasty exit as a huge electric storm brewed over the Swiss Alps.
Before that, we had spent a couple of days in Feldkirch, a charming Austrian town where my brother Alberto and his partner Sonja live.
They took us around, kept things very kid-friendly for our daughter’s joy, hosted a cozy BBQ at their place, and even helped us stay at a Buddhist monastery one night!
It was, indeed, the perfect spot to slow down before heading into Switzerland.
12. Switzerland: Giessbach Falls, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Oeschinensee, Thun, and Gruyères
Switzerland was a dream.
After a brief stop at Wenderberg, Giessbach Falls were the perfect intro to the country.
Then Grindelwald had us hiking in awe of nature’s power and beauty.
In Lauterbrunnen, we enjoyed a sunset walk surrounded by towering waterfalls.
There were so many of them!
Oeschinensee offered one of the best hikes of the trip.
And a crystal-clear lake framed by mountains as our reward.
Thun’s old town and Gruyères’ medieval charm added a fairy-tale touch to the adventure.
Is Switzerland the most beautiful country in Europe?
We won’t say definitively, but it’s certainly up there.
13. Château de Chillon and Aigle, Switzerland
After Gruyères, we headed to the eastern part of Lac Léman to visit friends in Aigle. But first, we stopped at Château de Chillon. Perched on the shores of the lake, it was another stunning site we couldn’t miss. Exploring the castle at sunset and taking in the breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps was unforgettable.
Later, we spent a weekend in Aigle with our friends, who showed us around the castle and vineyards, cooked a fondue at home, and took us to Vevey for a fun lakeside Saturday afternoon. We also enjoyed a Sunday at another picturesque lake with even more friendly people, complete with a picnic and stand-up paddleboarding. Honestly, we can’t wait to go back!
14. Italy: Orta San Giulio, Bergeggi, Savona, and Laigueglia
Orta San Giulio was a peaceful retreat after Switzerland. Its cobbled streets and lakeside views were postcard-perfect.
The Ligurian coast—Bergeggi, Savona, and Laigueglia—offered us sunshine, seaside strolls, and some much-needed beach time before heading back home.
15. Spain: Pancorbo
After Italy and once we crossed Southern France with brief stops in Sete and Cap d’Adge, our final stop was Pancorbo in Spain, a peaceful conclusion to a busy trip.
Tucked away in the mountains, this small town felt like a secret retreat, perfect for reflecting on our adventures before heading home. We had long wanted to visit after seeing its dramatic rocks from the highway each time we crossed the Iberian Peninsula. Pancorbo didn’t disappoint—it may be small, but it’s also incredibly scenic!
Budget Details
We traveled for 30 days and spent roughly €1,750 per adult, which amounted to €3,500 for the two of us (our daughter was along for the ride, of course, but not included in the budget). This included fuel, tolls, food, and accommodation (most of the time, we slept in the van).
Our biggest expenses were the tolls and parking fees in certain areas, especially in Switzerland and France, where fines also added up (two speeding tickets in Germany and France). But we learned our lesson, and the memories were worth every cent!
A while ago, we posted about a month-long motorhome trip through Northern Spain and the Pyrenees. The post includes a detailed budget if you’re interested in learning how much you can expect to spend traveling at a similar pace and style.
Final Thoughts
This 30-day journey was more than just a trip—it was an experience that reminded us why we love van life. Traveling with a toddler brought its own challenges, but it also added joy and spontaneity to the adventure. Each stop had its own magic, from the history-soaked streets of Normandy to the peaceful waters of Orta San Giulio.
Van life gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, change plans when the weather shifts, and create memories you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re thinking about hitting the road for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, I hope this story inspires you to chase the adventure—because the journey is always worth it.
