It’s a fact. Traveling with kids can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a family, but it’s also extremely tiring, and sometimes the logistics add unnecessary stress. However, embracing van life while traveling with young children adds an extra layer of freedom and flexibility.
And we are proof of that. For my family and me, our trusty 35-year-old Ford Transit Rimor motorhome, affectionately known as Koala (that’s the model name, we believe!), has been our home away from home on many memorable trips since we bought it two and a half years ago.
From the enchanting landscapes of Northern Morocco to the Balearic Islands, the picturesque villages of Portugal, and across ten other countries in Central and Southwest Europe, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary with Koala by our side.
After gathering some experience over the past few years, here’s a look into this lifestyle, including tips for traveling full-time or for long periods with kids, and how we ensure we stay healthy on the road. Let’s dive right in!
The Van Life Experience
Embracing Van Life: Our Trusted Ford Transit
Koala, our vintage Ford Transit, might be over three decades old, but it has proven to be an incredibly reliable travel companion. We like to call it ‘vintage’ IYKYK.
Equipped with just the essentials (but missing none of them from the heating system to boiler, three beds, two tables, full kitchen, and bathroom), our motorhome is surprisingly spacious, providing us with comfort and convenience on the road. And was affordable enough to make it a simple decision to take back in the day!
Even when these vehicles are very overpriced these days – especially since the pandemic hit, when they experienced a sort of boom and prices skyrocketed, and Koala was the perfect example of that, I felt comfy knowing the money invested would be quickly recovered given our proven love for travel and the rising prices everywhere else in the travel industry.
The charm of van life lies in its simplicity—having your home with you, no matter where you go. It allows us the freedom to explore at our own pace, making impromptu stops and adjusting our route as needed, weather permitting.
Memorable Van Life Trips
Most of our journeys since we bought Koala have been to nearby destinations. Although we had visited most of these countries before—often multiple times—exploring them by motorhome offered a new and unique experience.
Northern Morocco: Our adventure in Northern Africa was a vivid tapestry of vibrant markets, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. From the bustling streets of Tangier to the serene beauty of Chefchaouen’s hilly backdrop outside its blue-washed old town, Morocco offered a blend of excitement and relaxation.
Traveling through the northern part of the country—our fourth time there—with our baby daughter (she was 11 months old at the time) is something we’ll remember forever, and Koala handled the rugged terrain like a champ.
Portugal: Portugal’s diverse landscape has already provided the perfect backdrop for several van life journeys. We reveled in the scenic beauty of the northern coast, relaxed on the beaches of the Alentejo and Algarve regions, and explored the historic charm of Lisbon during the New Year’s Eve festivities.
Even though we’ve visited this country around 50 times or more (it’s that close to our base), each stop brought something new, and Koala never failed to be our cozy retreat after a day of exploring.
Spain:
We’ve taken more trips in our home country than we can count.
However, the longest and most significant ones have taken us to:
- Catalonia’s Costa Brava, Mallorca in the Balearic Islands (where ferry rides are always an adventure!), and the Mediterranean coast from Valencia to Cabo de Gata.
- Andalusia, moreover the provinces of Huelva and Cadiz, is always great for lazy beach days, good weather, great food, and lively towns.
- Asturias and Picos de Europa, neighboring Galicia, and ideal for exploring by van.
- The Pyrenees, with its many national parks and valleys, along with other carefully chosen destinations in Northern Spain.
- Galicia. If you follow us on social media (here’s our Instagram account for those who don’t but are interested), you know we never miss an opportunity for an overnight getaway, a long weekend, or even longer explorations of our backyard. We’re still searching for another beautiful destination with as many van-life-friendly spots as our beloved Galicia!
Central and Southwest Europe: Our recent 30-day motorhome journey through ten European countries—France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Spain—was a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences.
From the D-Day beaches of Normandy in Northern France to the stunning Alpine landscapes in Switzerland, every destination shined on its own.
That’s the magic of the old continent!
Staying Healthy on the Road
Importance of Health Insurance for Traveling Families
Now first things first. One of the most important aspects of traveling full-time with kids is ensuring that everyone is safe and the whole family has comprehensive health insurance. At least for us, having the right coverage gives us peace of mind and allows us to enjoy our adventures without worrying about potential medical issues.
In the past, we had our fair dose of unexpected issues on the road and a long time ago we decided it was time to start packing insurance on all our trips to avoid hefty bills and lots of time sorting the medical systems wherever we might be.
Anyway, we’re excited to introduce you to SafetyWing’s latest addition: Nomad Health.
Specifically designed for expats, digital nomads, and slow travelers like us, this insurance covers over 175 countries. So whether you’re hiking in the hills near Chefchaouen or exploring Belgium cities, Nomad Health provides access to quality healthcare wherever you are.
Nomad Health offers extensive coverage, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and even mental health support. You can also add dental and vision coverage by paying a premium fee, which is particularly useful for families. The continuity of coverage is a major benefit, allowing us to travel across multiple countries without having to switch insurance plans. For more details on how Nomad Health can benefit your travels, check out their coverage options.
Managing Health and Wellness While Traveling
But, let me tell you, staying healthy on the road involves more than just having good insurance. That’s why on top of having great insurance in place, we also focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle as much as possible (we are only humans after all!) by incorporating regular hikes and walks as well as wild swims and some other occasional outdoor sports into our routine while traveling.
That way and although I wish I had more time for things like yoga, we can indulge in stretching regularly and simply moving our bodies as much as we can daily, which helps keep us active. Babywearing our daughter doubles as a workout and a bonding experience, and cooking half of our meals in Koala allows us to maintain a nutritious diet without too many processed foods.
Babymoons: Traveling While Pregnant
France Road Trip: From Galicia to Mont Saint-Michel
Before our daughter was born, we embarked on a memorable babymoon road trip through France. Traveling while pregnant was an adventure in itself. The journey from Galicia to Mont Saint-Michel was fast-paced, filled with stops at charming towns and landmarks.
The highlight was visiting Mont Saint-Michel, a magical island commune with breathtaking views. Despite the challenges of traveling during pregnancy, the trip was a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories before our family expanded.
Spain Adventures: Exploring Locally
Once our daughter arrived, we continued our love for van life with frequent road trips within Spain as I shared before. From the stunning landscapes of the Pyrenees to the raw beaches of Cabo de Gata, each trip offered new experiences. Koala became our mobile base, allowing us to explore Spain’s diverse regions while keeping our little one comfortable and entertained.
Tips for Traveling with Kids
Preparing for the Journey
Traveling with a toddler requires some extra planning. Packing essentials like toys, snacks, and comfort items is crucial. We’ve found that having a well-stocked motorhome makes life on the road much easier. Preparing Koala for comfort and safety involves ensuring that it’s equipped with a secure sleeping area, enough drinkable water, ample storage, and a well-functioning kitchen for meals to start with.
Keeping the Kids Happy and Healthy
Travel Activities: Keeping a toddler entertained on long drives can be challenging. We bring along a variety of small toys, books, and games to keep our daughter engaged. Simple conversation and music also help make the journey more enjoyable.
Healthy Eating on the Road: Managing meals and snacks while traveling can be a bit tricky, but it’s doable with a little planning. We cook half of our meals in Koala’s kitchen, which allows us to maintain a healthy diet and accommodate any dietary preferences or needs.
Showers and Hygiene: Keeping everyone clean while on the road is essential. In our case, we like to combine showers in campgrounds and dips in lakes or beaches when possible with our motorhome’s shower every other time we need a shower. It’s all about finding a balance that works for your family.
Finding Safe and Convenient Parking
Finding parking for overnight stays can be a challenge, especially in cities. We prefer street parking or designated campervan spots when available. In cities like Ghent, where parking can be tricky, planning ahead is key. We also look for safe and quiet areas to ensure a good night’s sleep. And if a spot feels off, no matter what time is it or if it’s just one of us thinking that way, we always look for another one.
Conclusion
Traveling full-time with kids is a unique and rewarding experience. Our adventures with Koala have shown us the joys and challenges of van life, and we wouldn’t trade the memories we’ve made for anything. For families considering a similar lifestyle, having the right health insurance is crucial. Nomad Health offers comprehensive coverage that’s perfect for our nomadic adventures. To learn more about how it can support your travels, visit their website.
As we have explored, embracing the van life with kids might come with its own set of challenges, but the rewards far outweigh them. With a little planning and the right support, you can create great experiences for your family, no matter where the road takes you. Safe travels!
