By Transporter to the Edge of Europe: 3,000 Kilometers of Freedom

Sometimes the journey is more than the destination. I hopped into our VW Transporter and headed southwest. The plan? Cross the continent and leave the van where it makes the most sense – by the ocean.

French Transit and Spanish Awakening

France was all about pace and strong coffee. But as soon as I crossed into Northern Spain, the van came to life. The curves of the Basque coast and the green hills of Asturias are made for this car. You don't rush here; you roll down the window and let the salty air in.

Rituals by the Ocean

On this trip, I confirmed that a good night's sleep is everything. There is a brand-new mattress in the van, so you wake up fresh even after hundreds of miles. I slept by the ocean, showered next to the van with water heated on the roof by the sun, and watched the waves. When it rained, I just opened the tailgate, made some tea under its cover, and enjoyed the view.

Portuguese Hospitality and Off-Grid Paradise

The Portuguese people are incredibly kind; they’ll help you with anything. Thanks to them, I found the perfect off-grid spot right by the ocean—just me, the van, and the horizon.

Passing the Torch

To make sure the van is in top shape for you, I put on new summer tires, installed the Via Verde toll box, and gave it a deep clean before handing it over to Lenka.

Your adventure starts now. Don't spend days on the highway. Fly to Lisbon, where Lenka will meet you with the keys, and you can head straight to those off-grid spots I’ve tested for you.