Our campervan journey began in Northern Italy. We’d just got married and had done the whole “familymoon” thing with the kids, but for our honeymoon, we wanted something different.
We landed on renting a camper to explore Lake Garda and the Dolomites.
In September ’23, the two of us packed some gear, flew into Milan and picked up a T6.1 California Ocean. Less than a mile down the road and we were hooked. That immense feeling of freedom, which quickly turned into unbridled excitement is something I’ll never forget.
From that moment, it felt inevitable that we’d own one ourselves and share that feeling with the kids.
By May ’24 we’d purchased our setup and went for a 4 night “test run” in Croyde to get used to this new temporary lifestyle. The kids took to it immediately.
So true to form and never really doing things by halves, a couple of months later we delved into Europe for our first tour. Through ‘24 and ‘25 we toured Scotland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia. Plus countless weekends in the UK scattered throughout.
We’ve got plans locked in for ’26 through France, Spain and Portugal, but as the 3 kids inevitably grow, and our thirst for adventure keeps increasing, we find ourselves at a crossroads.
Do we move into a larger 4x4 camper with more living space and capability (Iceland, Norway and Morocco would be on the cards for ‘27), or do we stick with our current setup.
Travel has almost spoiled me. The more we do, the more I want. I know moving from a Transporter into something bigger is a reasonably common path, but I’m struggling to see the downsides for us.
For those who’ve made the jump or considered it themselves, what are the real negatives? Regrets? Things you didn’t anticipate?
We’ll make a decision either way. But it does feel like moving on might be inevitable now.
What I do know is this: I’ve loved every trial, tribulation, and moment of this Transporter journey so far. This way of travelling has genuinely changed my perspective on what’s truly important.
Give me this over a package holiday any day of the week.
Would also really value your opinions on what my van is worth in this ever volatile market:
2020 T6.1 T28 SWB 150 DSG
* 43.5k miles
* Highline model (reverse camera, heated mirrors, powerful mirrors, headed windscreen, air con, adaptive cruise control, automatic lights and wipers)
* 8” Discover Media with wireless apple carplay
* Full VW service history
Exterior:
* Barn doors
* LED headlights (Vland, not OEM)
* Front splitter
* Rear spoiler
* Side bars
* Roof rack
* Austops Pop top with scenic canvas
* 20” Rivera RF5 staggered wheels
* Stitches and Steel multirail
* Front and rear mud flaps
* Westfalia detachable towbar (coded to vehicle)
* Wind deflectors
* Adjustable coilover suspension
Interior:
* Full Campervan conversion by Hardy Vdubs in 2024
* Passenger double seat (swivel)
* Vankraft seat bracket (extra tilt and folds seat in half)
* Detachable kitchen table
* Rock and roll bed
* Side and rear mosquito nets
* Dometic fridge
* Dometic twin gas hob and sink
* Vanshade blinds all round
* Diesel heater
* Leisure battery
We landed on renting a camper to explore Lake Garda and the Dolomites.
In September ’23, the two of us packed some gear, flew into Milan and picked up a T6.1 California Ocean. Less than a mile down the road and we were hooked. That immense feeling of freedom, which quickly turned into unbridled excitement is something I’ll never forget.
From that moment, it felt inevitable that we’d own one ourselves and share that feeling with the kids.
By May ’24 we’d purchased our setup and went for a 4 night “test run” in Croyde to get used to this new temporary lifestyle. The kids took to it immediately.
So true to form and never really doing things by halves, a couple of months later we delved into Europe for our first tour. Through ‘24 and ‘25 we toured Scotland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia. Plus countless weekends in the UK scattered throughout.
We’ve got plans locked in for ’26 through France, Spain and Portugal, but as the 3 kids inevitably grow, and our thirst for adventure keeps increasing, we find ourselves at a crossroads.
Do we move into a larger 4x4 camper with more living space and capability (Iceland, Norway and Morocco would be on the cards for ‘27), or do we stick with our current setup.
Travel has almost spoiled me. The more we do, the more I want. I know moving from a Transporter into something bigger is a reasonably common path, but I’m struggling to see the downsides for us.
For those who’ve made the jump or considered it themselves, what are the real negatives? Regrets? Things you didn’t anticipate?
We’ll make a decision either way. But it does feel like moving on might be inevitable now.
What I do know is this: I’ve loved every trial, tribulation, and moment of this Transporter journey so far. This way of travelling has genuinely changed my perspective on what’s truly important.
Give me this over a package holiday any day of the week.
Would also really value your opinions on what my van is worth in this ever volatile market:
2020 T6.1 T28 SWB 150 DSG
* 43.5k miles
* Highline model (reverse camera, heated mirrors, powerful mirrors, headed windscreen, air con, adaptive cruise control, automatic lights and wipers)
* 8” Discover Media with wireless apple carplay
* Full VW service history
Exterior:
* Barn doors
* LED headlights (Vland, not OEM)
* Front splitter
* Rear spoiler
* Side bars
* Roof rack
* Austops Pop top with scenic canvas
* 20” Rivera RF5 staggered wheels
* Stitches and Steel multirail
* Front and rear mud flaps
* Westfalia detachable towbar (coded to vehicle)
* Wind deflectors
* Adjustable coilover suspension
Interior:
* Full Campervan conversion by Hardy Vdubs in 2024
* Passenger double seat (swivel)
* Vankraft seat bracket (extra tilt and folds seat in half)
* Detachable kitchen table
* Rock and roll bed
* Side and rear mosquito nets
* Dometic fridge
* Dometic twin gas hob and sink
* Vanshade blinds all round
* Diesel heater
* Leisure battery
