Life in a Motorhome: Making the Dream of Freedom Come True

Life on wheels became the fulfillment of a long-held dream for us, inspired by American road travelers who cross the country along the coasts. We had been watching these people since childhood, and finally took the decisive step — bought a motorhome and hit the road. This step was spontaneous, and right after the purchase we decided to fulfill a long-standing dream — to celebrate New Year's Eve for the first time not at home in Russia, but abroad by the sea. So, on December 31st, our motorhome brought us to the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey, where our real life on wheels began.

This article was prepared by the VanLife Aggregator team — a portal about motorhome living and travel.

Our motorhome is a semi-integrated model based on a Fiat Ducato, built by Challenger. When choosing, we focused on having a large garage and a bike rack to carry bicycles, as well as two double sleeping areas, although we later realized that the second sleeping area was unnecessary and only took up extra space. Now we would choose a motorhome without this option. We were also looking for a newer model to minimize the risk of technical problems in the first years. In the end, a 2017 motorhome with 37,000 kilometers on the odometer became our new home.

Behind the wheel of the motorhome is always Roksana, whom we affectionately call Belka. She handles driving excellently, confidently steering our home on wheels along winding mountain roads and highways in different countries. Meanwhile, Lyosha, whom we call Kotik, takes on the role of navigator, handling route planning and navigation, occasionally sipping a beer along the way. This division of roles makes our travels even more exciting and comfortable.

Our favorite places and stops

Over two years of traveling, we have visited Georgia, Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia. In each of these countries, we spent quite a lot of time, and we stayed for extended periods almost everywhere to immerse ourselves in the local culture and enjoy the atmosphere. In total, we spent more than six months in Turkey, two months in Northern Cyprus, about four months in Bulgaria, a month in Montenegro, about a month in Serbia, and even in Bosnia, though it flew by, we stayed for roughly two weeks.

Every place where we stopped brought its own colors and unique impressions. The Turkish coast or the beaches of Northern Cyprus, the Black Sea or the Balkan mountains — each has its own atmosphere, its own people, and a special rhythm of life. We have learned to see beauty in every corner we have visited, and perhaps this is related to our mindset: we try not to dwell on the negative, because the motorhome allows us to stay only where we feel comfortable. If a place does not suit us in terms of atmosphere, we simply move on, since we have the unique ability to choose our "neighbors" and surroundings.

This flexibility gives a sense of freedom and makes every stop truly enjoyable.

Amazing people along the way

What truly amazed us during our travels is the kindness and hospitality of people. In Turkey and Bulgaria, for example, local farmers, upon seeing our motorhome, brought us fresh vegetables and fruits more than once simply because their farms were nearby. These were completely selfless gestures that gave us a feeling of genuine human warmth and kindness. Such moments show that in every corner of the world you can meet amazing and generous people ready to help complete strangers.

Even more special bonds form with fellow road travelers. They say that after 35, it is not only hard to make new friends, but old connections gradually fade, as with age there are fewer things in common and shared interests, and people are more often absorbed in everyday routine. But in the vanlife community, it is the opposite: at every turn you find people with whom you want to share the route and joyful moments — and friendships only grow stronger.

With such people, friendship develops naturally, as if they understand you without words. We often meet the same people in different countries, and this creates a rare sense of kinship — as if the circle of close friends keeps expanding, connecting us despite the distances.

Choosing stops: safety and convenience

When choosing places to stop, one of the apps we always rely on is Park4Night. It helps find convenient spots with reviews from other travelers. Especially important is a calm atmosphere, the absence of thieves, and the ability to safely park our 7-meter-long motorhome. We carefully read reviews to understand which places are quiet, safe, and suitable for us. If other travelers have encountered problems, such as robbery or noisy neighbors, we take that into account. More about motorhome apps in our best apps overview.

We also check photos of places to make sure our motorhome can fit, and we analyze who is already at the stop. For example, if we see off-road vehicles, we understand that the spot might be inaccessible to us. When we find the perfect spot, especially with a sea view, we stay there longer — just to feel the freedom and savor every moment.

One of the advantages of a motorhome, as we see it, is the ability to change locations and choose your neighbors. A joke among motorhome owners is that if you do not like the place or the neighbors, you can simply move. Life on wheels provides such flexibility that it makes our journey even more comfortable and exciting.

Water supply: from springs to city sources

We have had almost no difficulties with water. We refill at gas stations, springs, street taps (of which, by the way, there are many in Georgia and Turkey), or with permission from local residents. Our main tank holds 100 liters of water, which lasts for three days, and if we stay in a beautiful spot for a while, we add another 100 liters in jerry cans to stretch the supply to a week.

Over the course of our travels, Belka and I have developed a habit: if during a walk we notice a tap, we always go up and check if there is water — in case next time we are passing by and can refill. For refilling, we always have a "magic box" on hand — a set of adapters for all occasions. Sometimes we even joke that the only thing missing for complete happiness is an adapter for connecting to a fire hydrant.

Gray water (that is, water from the shower and dishwashing) is collected in a special 80-liter tank. In nature, we can drain it into the ground, since it is mostly clean water without harsh chemicals that does not harm the environment. In the city, the tank stays sealed, and we drain the water only at an appropriate location.

Our experience with a cassette toilet

Our cassette toilet needs to be emptied every 3-4 days. We usually empty it at gas stations, campsites, or public restrooms, and it is not a hassle. Funnily enough, the cassette toilet looks like a regular suitcase, and people around often do not even realize that it is actually a toilet. Sometimes we walk into a shopping mall with it and use the public restrooms — and nobody notices, which adds a bit of fun to our life on wheels.

To neutralize odors, we prefer natural products and even compiled them in a separate article. In the future, we dream of switching to an incinerating toilet, which turns the contents into ash, making disposal significantly easier.

Short video: daily campervan life, unfiltered

A video that shows the everyday chores we face in the campervan: filling up water, emptying the toilet, and keeping things tidy.

Electricity: from campsites to full autonomy

From the very beginning, we had difficulties with electricity, since the motorhome was designed for campsites and there was not enough energy for off-grid stops. We woke up from the cold more than once — the heating shut off due to drained batteries. So in the first month of traveling, we had to stop at campsites almost constantly just to plug into an outlet and charge the batteries.

Everything changed when we met a craftsman named Barish in Turkey, a true professional in working with motorhomes, who helps equip them for full autonomy. Thanks to him, we now have three solar panels with a total output of 645 W, three LiFePO4 batteries totaling 300 Ah, and a 3 kW inverter. Now we can power high-draw appliances, and, honestly, the main reason is a hair dryer for Belka. Roksana has long hair, and in winter there is no way around it: going out with a wet head in the cold is not an option. Thanks to the solar panels and the inverter with the right capacity, we no longer have to worry about charging or comfort.

Now, even in overcast weather, we have enough autonomy for about three days. But if clouds cover the sky for a long time, we can start the engine to recharge the batteries or stop at a campsite. During especially rainy weeks, when solar charging is practically nonexistent, a campsite becomes a great solution: you can plug into an outlet and calmly replenish your energy reserves.

The cost of stops varies from country to country. For example, in Georgia, a campsite costs 15-30 lari (roughly 5-10 euros), and in Turkey — from 300 lira (about 10 euros at the 2023-2024 exchange rate). Campsite prices are gradually rising, but they still remain a convenient and reliable option for recharging and doing a thorough cleanup.

Heating in the motorhome: coziness and comfort all year round

Heating is perhaps one of the most pleasant features of our motorhome. It is handled by a Truma Combi 4D diesel heater connected to the vehicle's fuel tank, which frees us from worrying about a sudden fuel shortage — there is always a reserve in the tank. When buying the motorhome, we specifically looked for a model with diesel heating, knowing that gas options could fail at the worst possible moment — for example, at night, when the gas suddenly runs out.

We do not skimp on temperature: during the day we set a comfortable 24 degrees, and before a shower we warm the place up to 30. By the way, the Truma Combi 4D not only heats the cabin but also provides us with hot water thanks to a built-in 10-liter boiler, which is enough for a shower for two. We start heating from November, when the sun's warmth is no longer enough to stay warm outside.

The ability to control the comfortable temperature ourselves is something we especially value. In an apartment, we had to invent ways to stay warm: in spring we added electric heaters to maintain warmth, but now those troubles are behind us.

Zhuzhu — our furry companion

Our cat Zhuzhu has also gotten used to life on wheels. At first she was afraid to go outside, but now she confidently walks around, always staying within sight of the motorhome. Interestingly, for the bathroom she prefers to come inside, even if she was outdoors. Zhuzhu has an independent personality: you can pet her only when she wants it, and most of the time she is affectionate only when she is asking for food.

We sometimes joke about why we spend so much money on a cat that you cannot even always cuddle. Her upkeep costs us a pretty penny: every month we buy anti-parasite treatments, annual rabies vaccinations, titer tests, and there are occasional unexpected expenses too. But Zhuzhu has become an important part of our journey, and for her health and legal border crossings, we are willing to provide everything she needs. Despite her willful nature, she is a full-fledged team member and our chief furry companion.

Life under the open sky: daily rituals and habits

Our days are filled with simple rituals that have become an integral part of life in a motorhome. Regular swims in the sea, enjoying sunsets, and time spent outdoors fill our lives. When the sun is too scorching or it rains, we simply extend the awning, creating shade or protection from the weather.

For us, proximity to the sea is an integral part of our lifestyle. That said, we only swim when the water is clean, calm, and warm. If the sea is murky, we do not even think about going in. Essentially, we have become like those locals who have had the sea at their doorstep since birth. Sometimes people ask us: "Why do you get out of the water so quickly?" or "Why aren't you swimming?" The sea is simply always there, and we have gotten used to it. We try to swim in the morning while the water is crystal clear, and without a mask we keep it short: swimming for a long time is just boring, but with a mask you can spend hours observing crabs, fish, and other sea creatures.

As for sunsets — they are, of course, always beautiful. But when you see them every day, they become commonplace. A sunset is a sunset. Beautiful, yes, but already familiar.

When the weather permits, we try to cook and eat outside. Breakfast with a view is not only good for digestion and calms the mind, but is simply a feast for the eyes. If the weather does not cooperate — cold or windy — we have breakfast inside the motorhome.

Or here's lunch at a spot we nicknamed "The Balconies" in Turkey. Sometimes words aren't enough, and videos come to the rescue: photos don't always capture the atmosphere.

Every place where we stop leaves its own memories and brings something new and unique. Our motorhome has become a true mobile retreat for us, or more accurately — a home, because wherever we are, we always feel at home.

Some people find life in a motorhome cramped, but for us it has become the perfect way to be closer to nature, and most importantly — to spend as much time as possible outdoors, and not just in one place and not just in one type of nature.

Entertainment and activities: bicycles, rollerblades, longboard

Living in a motorhome, we try to stay active and bring along everything we need for getting around and having fun. Bicycles, rollerblades, and a longboard are not only a way to explore the surroundings but also handy helpers in everyday life. Bicycles allow us to go grocery shopping without having to move the motorhome. Over time, we even learned to carry water on them: when supplies run low, 20 liters in a jerry can on the frame and another 10 in a backpack. This solution allows us to stay in one place longer without moving the motorhome. Sometimes it feels like our home puts down roots, and we try to extend each stop as long as possible.

If we are parked in an urban lot and there is a tap nearby but we do not want to lug heavy jerry cans, the longboard comes to the rescue — it is easy to haul water on it. An ideal option for those moments when you do not even want to get the bicycle out. And if we are feeling really lazy, we each grab a small 5-liter jerry can and walk to the nearest water source. So staying active in a motorhome is not always a choice — sometimes it is simply a necessity!

Of course, the proximity to the sea takes its toll on our bicycles — over two years, rust has appeared in spots. But as Ross from the TV show "Friends" said, "rust gives it an antique look." And if something stops spinning, the trusty folk remedy — WD-40 — comes to the rescue.

On cool winter evenings we have our own ritual — a campfire and sunflower seeds. Turkish salted sunflower seeds are a true vanlife entertainment! Those big ones that you crack by the fire until your lips sting from the salt and a telltale groove appears on your teeth. The skill of cracking seeds with your fingers comes quickly — dental work is expensive these days!

Vanlifers have no shortage of entertainment. You can explore new places, or you can skip it if you are not in the mood.

We often organize joint parties with other travelers. Sometimes we gather outdoors and the whole group bakes pies or makes dumplings. This is when several motorhomes come together and everyone contributes something. It reminds us of how in business people pay money for team-building events, but here it all happens on its own — easily and joyfully.

Such shared evenings always bring people closer, and everything turns out faster and more heartfelt.

Vanlife calendar and tips for beginners

We are often asked which motorhome is best for life on wheels and how to prepare for traveling. We, for example, are thrilled with our semi-integrated model, but we know many people who are perfectly happy with trailers or small camper vans — and they would not trade them for anything. The best advice for beginners is to try everything yourself: rent different models, experience them in action, and find the one that suits you best.

For those already living on wheels or just planning to, we have created a vanlife calendar. It gathers motorhome events and exhibitions from around the world — all in one place and in multiple languages. This calendar will be useful for both beginners and experienced travelers who want to keep track of new events, visit exhibitions and festivals, learn what is new on the market, and exchange experiences with other road travelers.

Life in a motorhome is not only romance but also a challenge. You need to be self-sufficient, plan your water and electricity supplies wisely, and keep the motorhome in good technical condition. As they say: "Repairing a motorhome is just doing renovations in beautiful places."

You can also find the latest news from the motorhome world and useful tools for trip planning on our portal.

As for us, we have not grown tired of this life yet — and, honestly, we hope that is impossible. We got tired of our city apartment and the view from the window quickly and severely, but here every day brings something new.

Dreams and plans: a round-the-world trip

We hope that this article, based on our two years of living in a motorhome, has helped you learn more about vanlife, its specifics, and its everyday reality. Perhaps you even imagined yourself in our place and lived through a small part of this journey with us. If you get the chance to try this lifestyle — go for it boldly, we hope you will love it.

As for us, one of our biggest dreams is to embark on a round-the-world trip in a motorhome. We are gradually moving toward this goal, expanding our horizons and exploring new countries. We love the idea of freedom, where we can see the world in all its diversity, stopping in every corner for as long as we wish. We understand that it is a long road, and there are still many quests ahead, but the goal is always worth it. See you on the road!