22 Comments
User's avatar
Kathy's avatar

This is gold! Thank you so much! Hubs and I started thinking about doing this about a year or so ago but then bumped up against the realization of camping fees. I’m so excited now!

Josh Murray's avatar

It’s a game changer for traveling in countries which are pricey! Glad I could help with more adventure plans. Drop me a message if I can help with any questions 🙌🏻

Nicholas Holt's avatar

Looks like a fine adventure. Will save this post as might be taking my van to Norway/Sweden.

Josh Murray's avatar

Thanks Nicholas. Vans are really looked after well in the Nordics, particularly well in Norway. Can’t wait to go back, might see you on the road.

Michael Jensen's avatar

It looks intriguing, but...no. LOL. Just not where I'm at these days, but I do see the appeal!

Josh Murray's avatar

Haha it’s like camping. One person’s hell is another’s paradise.

Maria's avatar

All sounds exciting to me .. if you’re up for an adventure xx 😘

Josh Murray's avatar

All very civilised is Norway auntie, they give the adventure a solid class upgrade xx

lex, elsewhere.'s avatar

One day I’m going to do this! Right now it’s a little out of budget, but hoping in a few years I can make it happen. Thanks for this comprehensive guide!

Josh Murray's avatar

Loved bringing this one together! Being a spreadsheet nut it was good therapy to write. 🕺🏻 I’m sure the van hire can be done cheaper… Will investigate further!

lex, elsewhere.'s avatar

It was such a fun read! I love getting the low down on things like this. I’ve been more and more curious about van life in general, especially around the U.S., New Zealand, and Northern Europe. Going to look into it more thanks to this essay

Rowena Harding 🍉's avatar

Gorgeous photos. I think the place you take the van definitely makes the trip. Norway looks great for it. Greece has banned free camping, parking or loitering 🙄 We had our van experience in West Australian lockdown - sanity saviour! And we got it half price because of COVID. I don't think we could afford to rent one again. But buying a Mazda Bongo... Maybe?!

Josh Murray's avatar

Bongo vans!! My mate used to have one… we fully decked out for a Bollywood party once lol.

Ah yes I just read about Greece’s van bans yesterday. Perhaps it was getting out of hand? Bit of a shame.

Rowena Harding 🍉's avatar

Nooo! Was not getting out of hand. Some islands get free camping of the young person kind but the govt wants to make sure everyone pays money for something. 🙄

Can you imagine living in all 4.6m of the Bongo?

Josh Murray's avatar

A taxi driver told me about the higher tax rates on the islands like Mikonos and Santorini, something like 55%? Which makes beach day beds around €100/day. Sounds fishy.

Rowena Harding 🍉's avatar

Omg the poor people of Santorini - as they would have you believe. Pray for them and start a crowdfunder. 😆

First of all, all greeks are experts at tax evasion. And Santorini is amongst the top offenders for evasion.

Then, income tax is the same across the country.

Santorini is a not classed as a small island so they don't get vat exemption and other breaks that small islands get.

But those people are charging an arm because they can and people pay it.

Greek drama and sympathy wanted! 🙄

Josh Murray's avatar

I love your reality checks! I’m half Greek, so maybe I’m dodgy and don’t even realise it. 🤔

Rowena Harding 🍉's avatar

Ah but you have lived in Oz a long time? Where people pay taxes and have decent public infrastructure and can see the benefit of this!

Dodgy-o-meter: when was the last time you paid or asked for a fakelaki in Australia?? Or Greece!?

Lizzie's avatar

Great info for travellers. I am sure you will be back. Little envious. Love Dad

Josh Murray's avatar

Norway is calling dad! X

Riana | Teaspoon of Adventure's avatar

Ah such great tips! I wouldn’t have thought to pack a good knife or phone mount. Saving this post for when we one day do a Nordic van road trip!

Josh Murray's avatar

It was a good exercise for me Riana, so I have a tick list for the next van adventure (addicted). 🚐