Our Journey into Van Life Adventures

Van life often looks like a perfectly planned dream on social media, but for many, it begins with a simple feeling: a desire for more time, more freedom, and moments that truly matter. This story is about two people who found that feeling and turned it into a life on the road.

Finding Meaning Beyond the Routine

Claire and Laurence, both half Irish and deeply connected to the coast, didn’t start van life with a fancy build or a large following. Instead, they began with a shared wish to slow down and live around experiences, not calendars. Their home base is Kent, England, where the coastline between Margate and Broadstairs holds special memories. Botany Bay, with its chalk cliffs and turquoise waters, is a place that shaped their journey. It was there, with the tide rolling in, that Laurence proposed to Claire. That moment sparked a change: they wanted a life filled with places, memories, and time together.

The Campervan Dream Becomes Reality

Soon after, the dream of owning a campervan became real. Their VW T5 campervan is more than just a vehicle. It’s a tiny moving home, an escape pod, and a base for exploration. It’s where they drink coffee watching the sunrise over the sea, where Trevor, their dog, curls up after long walks, and where plans are made and changed with the rhythm of the road.

The VW T5 fits their travel style perfectly. It’s large enough to be comfortable but small enough to navigate narrow coastal roads. It’s tough enough for long trips across the UK and Ireland, allowing them to chase quiet beaches and wake up in new places whenever they want.

Why the Coast and Ireland Matter

The coast has always been a place of peace and adventure for Claire and Laurence. Their connection to the sea runs deep, and it’s where they find the freedom they crave. Ireland holds a special place in their hearts too. Both are half Irish, and traveling there feels like coming home rather than just a holiday. Laurence’s family comes from Waterford, and Claire also has Irish roots, making their trips to Ireland feel personal and grounding.

Life on the Road: What It’s Really Like

Van life is not about perfection. It’s about making a space that feels like yours and living in it fully. For Claire and Laurence, the VW T5 is a home where they can:

• Enjoy quiet mornings with coffee and sea views

• Let Trevor rest after exploring new trails

• Plan routes that follow their mood, not a schedule

• Listen to rain on the roof and feel safe inside

  
  

This lifestyle offers flexibility and connection to nature. It means waking up to new landscapes and having the freedom to change plans on a whim.

Practical Tips for Starting Your Own Van Life

If you’re thinking about van life, here are some lessons from Claire and Laurence’s experience:

• Choose a van that fits your travel style. The VW T5 works well for coastal roads and longer trips.

• Focus on comfort, not perfection. Your van should feel like home, not a showroom.

• Bring a companion. Whether it’s a dog or a friend, sharing the journey makes it richer.

• Embrace flexibility. Plans will change, and that’s part of the adventure.

• Connect with places that matter. Find spots that feel special to you, like Botany Bay did for Claire and Laurence.

  
  

Embracing a Life Built Around Moments

Claire and Laurence’s story shows that van life is about more than travel. It’s about creating a life where time slows down, and moments count. Their VW T5 campervan is a tool for freedom, connection, and discovery. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best journeys start not with a perfect plan but with a shared feeling and a willingness to explore.