Epic Van Life Adventure or Meltdown: Escape Rent and Explore Europe

So, here’s the genius plan. Ditch my overpriced flat here in Brighton, buy a van, and road trip through 30 European countries, all while avoiding total mental breakdowns and accumulating another 100 or so parking fines. Yeah, I know, I sound like I’m a step away from joining a reality TV show.

But the reality is, I’ve spent the last decade dreaming of this, stalking old travel photos and thinking, “Why the hell am I not doing this full-time?”

The answer?

Capitalism.

But now? I’ve got three months before my tenancy ends, and I’m turning that deadline into my grand escape

My goal? Follow this absurd map and visit over 30 countries.

Drive, eat, explore, repeat. And if the van doesn’t give up on me somewhere in the Norwegian wilderness, I’ll call it a success. For now, it’s just me, myself, and an ever growing Spotify playlist. But I’m hoping to pick up some company along the way, whether that’s a partner, a friend, or someone who doesn’t mind driving while I sleep in the back

Why Now?

Why not now? I’ve been obsessed with traveling for years. I’m all about exploring new places, and living in a van just feels like the perfect move, because nothing says ‘I’ve got life figured out’ like trading four walls for four wheels

Here’s The Plan:

1. UK to Ireland: I’m kicking things off in the UK and hopping over to Ireland. The aim? Drink tea, avoid rain-induced depression, and maybe learn how to pronounce “sláinte.”
2. Scandinavia Stretch: Norway, Sweden, Finland – beautiful landscapes and beautiful people. Too bad their prices might make me cry into my budget spreadsheet
3. Eastern Europe: Latvia, Estonia, Poland. Fewer crowds, more scenic roads, and hopefully enough wifi for existential podcast marathons
4. Mediterranean Vibes: Spain, Portugal, Greece. Warm beaches, great food, and all the sun my Vitamin D-deprived soul needs

Solo for Now, but Open for Roadies

I mean, yeah, it’s all romantic and stuff to think about solo travel, but let’s be real, I’d like some company. So eventually, I’d love to bring someone along. Could be a mate, a significant other, or a random travel buddy with good vibes and decent DJ skills to go with the sound system

The Van: My Ticket Out

Now, this isn’t your Instagram influencer “van life” fantasy. It’s more like “how many days until I can shower at a truck stop?” But hey, it beats spending another year in a flat while my landlord raises the rent. My plan? Get a van with enough space for me to sleep, cook, serve coffee out the back, and cry when I run out of fuel at the most inconvenient times

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just about driving through Europe. It’s about ditching the mundane for something real and something I’m massively interested in. I’m choosing adventure over comfort, wild moments over “weekend plans,” and I’m pretty sure I’ll have no regrets (except maybe when I accidentally order sheep brain in a foreign restaurant)

Oh, and I’m definitely going to drag some cool people along for the ride. Europe, let’s do this—ready or not

Aaron Mouland

Quit drinking on 23 July 2021 after a two-day bender and swapped bars for border crossings and 12-step meetings. Three sober years, 36 countries, 113 travellers (totally dry), fuelled by street food, jelly babies, and a broken Google Maps app. Wandersober is my journal, my SEO lab, and my mission. Featured in GQ, Mirror, Evening Standard, MarketWatch, and more.

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