A family ditched the conventional life of four walls and a roof during lockdown and opted into a world of adventures in a VW van.
Elaina Long, 36, a nurse along with husband Mark,41, a personal trainer, daughter Arabella, 11 and dog Maggie had always loved the outdoors, but never before considered living in a van.
The family from Gloucestershire, UK thought it was something they could not afford or be fortunate enough to take the leap and do. Then lockdown happened and everything changed.
Their priorities shifted and they finally had the time and freedom to live the life they had always wanted.
Five days later they owned their van.
The family bought a semi-converted VW T5 SWB, and travelled in the van for a few small trips to get a feel of it and fell in love with the lifestyle.
They have now been van owners for 18 months, they have travelled all over the south coast of the UK and recently did a road trip to France.
“We have always loved weekends away in Cornwall and Devon as we love the beach and love to surf,” said Elaina.
“We enjoy being outdoors and having adventures. We had never considered a van before as it never felt like something we could afford or be fortunate enough to own.
“Then lockdown happened, our priorities changed and we just thought ‘lets do it’
“Five days later we were van owners. We bought a VW T5 SWB. It is the perfect size for the three of us plus Maggie.
“We bought the van semi converted and had a few trips like that for a couple of months.
“Then we promptly decided to rip it all out and start again. We re-converted it in the space of a few weeks.
“Honestly this was never in the plan, it was never a big dream, it absolutely just happened.”
Van life has made everything more affordable for the family.
“For us it’s cheap. The van is my daily drive so no need for an extra vehicle,” she said.
“We stay in small, family run sites and keep our trips affordable by home cooking.
“Sadly we haven’t gone on as many day trips because of the rise in fuel. We take fuel cost into consideration with all holidays and day trips now and we certainly don’t go as far.”
They have travelled far and wide and covered many miles, not without the odd hiccup or two.
“We have travelled a lot around the south coast of the UK and most recently a road trip in France where we did 1,500 miles in three weeks,” said Elaina.
“We have had a few technical issues, with the van that our local mechanic has resolved, our Poptop was fitted incorrectly and unsafely which we didn’t find out till a few months in but apart from that no major catastrophes.
“We were in a storm overnight once right on a cliff edge and the wind was horrific.
“Our daughter sleeps on the roof of the Pop Top and we had to pull it down in the middle of the night as we thought the roof was going to rip off.
The van has given Elaina and her family a freedom they never expected and they are a totally self contained unit.
“We have a portable shower, a portable loo, cooking facilities and water carers,” she said.
“Plus campsites have everything you need.
“My favourite thing about our lifestyle is the absolute freedom it has given us. We have had so many more adventures and so much more fun because of it.
“We have received so many really lovely positive comments. So many people have reached out and said how grateful they are for the inspiration my page has given them.
“When we hear that we have inspired people to get a van, go on trips, be impulsive and live their lives. It is the best compliment we could receive. It is so humbling.
“Their first response is usually ‘I wish I could do that and have a van’ and I always respond with ‘you can’ if we can do it anyone can”
“My daughter is very settled at school, I am working as a nurse, we stay in Gloucestershire during the week in general and save our big excursions for weekends and school holidays.”
Elaina is very proud of the life she lives with her family and it is a great source of joy.
If you are thinking of van owning, Elaina recommends a soft launch before committing to the lifestyle.
“Hire a van, test out the lifestyle, you can’t truly know how you will feel about it until you try it,” she said.
“You will soon know if it suits you and if it does just go for it."
