The beginning of the journey and the realization of a dream
Life on wheels became the embodiment of a long-standing dream for us, inspired by American road travelers who cross the country along the coasts. We have been watching these people since childhood and finally took a decisive step - we bought a motorhome and hit the road. This step was spontaneous, and immediately after the purchase we decided to fulfill a long-standing dream - for the first time in our lives to celebrate the New Year not at home in Russia, but abroad by the sea. So, on December 31, our motorhome brought us to the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey, where our real life on wheels began.
Our favorite places and stops
Over the course of two years of travel, we managed to visit Georgia, Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia. We spent a lot of time in each of these countries, and almost everywhere we stayed for a long time to immerse ourselves in the local culture and enjoy the atmosphere. In total, we spent more than half a year 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, although it flew by before us, we stayed for about half a month.
Every place we stayed 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 due to our attitude: we try not to focus on the negative, because a motorhome allows us to stay only where we feel comfortable. If the place does not suit us in terms of atmosphere, we simply move, because we have a unique opportunity to choose our "neighbors" and surroundings.
This flexibility gives a feeling of freedom and makes every stop truly enjoyable.
Amazing people on our way
What really struck us about our travels was the kindness and hospitality of the people. In Turkey and Bulgaria, for example, local farmers, seeing our camper, brought us fresh vegetables and fruits more than once, simply because their farms were nearby. These were completely selfless acts that gave us a sense of real human warmth and kindness. Such moments show that in every corner of the world you can meet amazing and generous people who are ready to help complete strangers.
Even more special connections are made with other road trippers. They say that after 35, not only is it hard to make new friends, but old connections are also gradually lost, because with age there are fewer coincidences and common interests, and people are more often immersed in the daily routine. But in the vanlifer community, everything is the opposite: at every step you find people with whom you want to share the route and joyful moments - and the friendship only becomes stronger.
Friendship with such people is natural, as if they understand you without words. We often meet the same people in different countries, and this creates a rare feeling of kinship - as if the circle of close friends expands, connecting us despite the distances.
Choosing Parking Locations: Safety and Convenience
When choosing where to park, one of the apps we always rely on is Park4Night. It helps us find good places with reviews from other travelers. Especially important is a quiet atmosphere, no thieves and the ability to safely park our 7-meter long motorhome. We carefully read the reviews to understand which places are quiet, safe and suitable for us. If any of the travelers have experienced problems, such as robbery or noisy neighbors, we take this into account.
We also check photos of the places to make sure our campervan can enter and analyze who is already there. For example, if we see SUVs, we understand that the place may not be accessible to us. When we find the perfect place, especially with a sea view, we stay there longer - just to feel the freedom and enjoy every moment.
By the way, there is an article on our website called “How to Choose the Perfect Parking or Camping Spot - RV Apps", where we have collected all the useful apps for finding the best parking spots. If you are interested, check it out.
One of the advantages of a motorhome is the ability to change locations and choose neighbors. A joke among motorhome owners is that if you don’t like the location or neighbors, you can just move. Life on wheels provides such flexibility that it makes our travel even more comfortable and exciting.
Water supply organization: from springs to city sources
We had almost no problems with water. We refill our supplies at gas stations, springs, street taps (by the way, there are many of these in Georgia and Turkey) or with permission from local residents. Our main tank holds 100 liters of water, which is enough for three days, and if we stay for a long time in a beautiful place, we add another 100 liters in canisters to stretch the supply for a week.
During our travels, Belka and I have developed a habit: if we notice a tap during a walk, we always go up to it and check if there is water - maybe next time we'll pass by and be able to refill our supplies. For gas stations, we always have a "magic box" on hand - a set of adapters for all occasions. Sometimes we even joke that the only thing missing to be completely happy is an adapter to connect to a fire hydrant.
Grey water (i.e. water from showers and washing dishes) is collected in a special 80-liter tank. In nature, we can drain it into the ground, as it is mostly clean water without aggressive chemicals, which does not harm the environment. But in the city, the tank remains closed, and we drain the water only in a suitable place.
Our experience with a bio-toilet
Our portable toilet needs to be emptied every 3-4 days. We usually empty it at gas stations, campsites or public toilets, and it’s not a problem. The funny thing is that the portable toilet looks like a regular suitcase, and people around often don’t even realize that it’s actually a toilet. Sometimes we take it to the mall and use public toilets – and no one notices, which adds a little fun to our life on wheels.
To neutralize odors, we prefer natural products and have even collected them in a separate article “Natural alternatives for odor neutralization in cassette dry closets“In the future, we dream of switching to a gas toilet, which turns the contents into ash, making disposal much easier.
Short video: everyday life in a motorhome without embellishment
A video that veiledly shows the everyday chores we face in a motorhome: filling with water, flushing the toilet, cooking, doing laundry and more.
Electricity: from camping to complete autonomy
From the very beginning we had problems with electricity, as the motorhome was designed for camping, and there was not enough energy for autonomous parking. We woke up from the cold more than once - the heating was turned off due to discharged batteries. Therefore, in the first month of travel, we had to almost constantly stop at campsites just to plug into an outlet and charge the batteries.
Everything changed when we met a master named Profit, a true professional in working with motorhomes, who helps to complete them for full autonomy. Thanks to him, we now have three solar panels with a total capacity of 645 W, three LiFePO4 batteries with a total of 300 А·ч and a 3 kW inverter. Now we can connect powerful devices, and, frankly speaking, the main reason is Belka's hair dryer. Roxana has long hair, and in winter she can't live without it: going out in the cold with wet hair is not an option. Thanks to solar panels and an inverter with the required power, now you don't have to worry about charging and comfort.
Now, even in cloudy weather, we have enough autonomy for about three days. But if the clouds cover the sky for a long time, we can start the engine to recharge the batteries or stop at a campsite. In particularly rainy weeks, when solar charging is almost non-existent, camping is a great solution: you can plug into an outlet and calmly replenish your energy reserves.
The cost of campsites varies from country to country. For example, in Georgia, a campsite will cost 15-30 lari (approximately 5-10 euros or 525-1050 rubles), and in Turkey - from 300 lira (about 10 euros or 1050 rubles at the exchange rate of 2023-2024). Prices for campsites are gradually increasing, but they still remain a convenient and reliable option for recharging and general cleaning.
From above, you can see our solar panels, which are usually hidden from view but play an important role in maintaining our autonomy.
Thank you @mnv.alex for the photos! 📸
Heating in a motorhome: coziness and comfort all year round
Heating is probably one of the most pleasant options in our motorhome. It is provided by a diesel heater Truma Combi 4D, connected to the tank of the car, which saves us from worrying about a sudden lack of fuel - there is always a reserve in the tank. When buying a motorhome, we specifically looked for a model with diesel heating, as we knew that gas options can fail at the most inopportune moment, for example, at night, when the gas suddenly runs out.
We don't skimp on the temperature: during the day we set it to a comfortable 24 degrees, and before the shower we warm up the house to 30. By the way, Truma Combi 4D not only heats the interior, but also supplies us with hot water thanks to a built-in 10-liter boiler, which is enough for a shower for two. The house starts heating up in November, when there is no longer enough solar heat to warm up outside.
The ability to regulate a comfortable temperature ourselves is something we especially value. In the apartment, we had to invent ways to warm up: in the spring, we added electric heaters to maintain the heat, but now such troubles are a thing of the past.
Zhuzhu is our furry companion
Our cat Zhuzhu has also gotten used to life on wheels. At first she was afraid to leave the house, but now she confidently walks around, always staying within sight of the motorhome. Interestingly, she prefers to go inside to go to the toilet, even if she was outside. Zhuzhu has an independent character: you can pet her only when she wants to, and most often she is affectionate only when she asks for food.
We sometimes joke about why we spend so much money on a cat that we can't even cuddle all the time. Her upkeep costs us a pretty penny: every month we buy antiparasitic medication, annual rabies vaccinations, titers, and there are also unexpected expenses. But Zhuzhu has become an important part of our journey, and for the sake of her health and legal border crossing, we are ready to provide her with everything she needs. Despite her waywardness, she is a full-fledged member of the team and our main furry companion.
Outdoor Living: Daily Rituals and Habits
Our days are filled with simple rituals that have become an integral part of life in a motorhome. Regular swimming in the sea, enjoying sunsets and time spent in the fresh air fill our lives. When the sun is too hot or it is raining, we simply open the awning, creating shade or protecting ourselves from bad weather.
For us, being close to the sea is an integral part of our lifestyle. However, we only swim when the water is clean, calm and warm. If the sea is muddy, we don’t even think about going in. In fact, we have become like those locals who have had the sea by their side since birth. Sometimes people ask us: “Why do you get out of the water so quickly?” or “Why don’t you swim?” It’s just that the sea is always nearby, and we have gotten used to it. We try to swim in the morning, while the water is crystal clear, and if without a mask, then not for long: swimming for a long time is simply boring, but with a mask you can spend hours looking at crabs, fish and other sea creatures.
As for sunsets, they are always beautiful, of course. But when you see them every day, they become routine. Sunset and sunset. Beautiful, yes, but already familiar.
If 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 also simply pleasing to the eye. If the weather does not spoil us - cold or windy - then we have breakfast in the house. For example, one of such breakfasts on video for clarity: February, Northern Cyprus, gorgeous view.
Or here's a lunch at a location codenamed "Balconies" in Turkey. Sometimes it's hard to find the words, and videos come to the rescue: photos don't always convey the atmosphere you want to preserve.
Every place we stop leaves its own memories and brings something new and unique. Our motorhome has become a real mobile dacha for us, or rather a home, because wherever we are, we always feel at home.
For some people, life in a motorhome seems cramped, but for us it has become an ideal way to be closer to nature, and most importantly, to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air, and not only in the air and not only in nature.
Entertainment and activities: bicycles, roller skates, longboard and...
Living in a campervan, we try to stay active and take everything we need for movement and entertainment. Bicycles, roller skates and a longboard are not only a way to explore the surroundings, but also convenient helpers in everyday life. Bicycles allow you to go to the grocery store so as not to move the campervan from its place. Over time, we learned to bring water on them: if the supply is running low, 20 liters - in a canister on the frame and another 10 in a backpack. This solution allows you to stay in one place longer without moving the campervan. Sometimes it seems to us that our house is putting down roots, and we try to extend the parking as much as possible.
If we are parked in a city parking lot and there is a tap nearby, but we don’t want to drag heavy canisters, a longboard comes to the rescue – it’s easy to carry water on it. An ideal option for those moments when you don’t want to get your bike out either. And if we’re really too lazy, we take a small five-liter canister and walk to the nearest source. So being active in a motorhome isn’t always a choice, sometimes it’s just a necessity!
Of course, the proximity of the sea also affects our bikes - after two years, rust has appeared in places. But as Ross from the TV series "Friends" said, "rust gives an antique look." And if something stops spinning, a folk remedy comes to the rescue - WD-40.
On cool winter evenings, we have our own ritual - a campfire and sunflower seeds. Turkish salted sunflower seeds are a real treat for vanlifers! Those big ones you gnaw on by the fire until your lips start to sting from the salt and your teeth develop a characteristic groove. The skill of cracking sunflower seeds with your fingers comes quickly - teeth are expensive these days!
Vanlifers have more than enough entertainment. You can explore new places, or you can not explore if you are not in the mood.
We often organize joint "parties" with other travelers. Sometimes we gather in nature and bake pies or make dumplings together. This is when several motorhomes gather, and everyone brings something of their own. I remember how in business they pay money for this kind of thing to bring the team closer together, but here everything happens by itself - easily and with pleasure.
Such evenings together always bring people closer together, and everything happens faster and more sincerely.
Vanlife calendar and tips for beginners (and maybe even for experienced ones)
We are often asked which motorhome is best for life on wheels and how to prepare for travel. For example, we are delighted with our semi-integral, but we know many people who are perfectly suited to trailers or small campers - and they would not change them for anything else. The best advice for beginners is to try everything yourself: rent different models, feel them in action and find the one that suits you.
For those who already live on wheels or are just planning to, we have created vanlife calendar. It brings together motorhome events and exhibitions from around the world, all in one place and in multiple languages. This calendar is useful for both new and experienced travellers who want to keep up with new events, visit exhibitions and festivals, find out what's new on the market and exchange experiences with other motorhome travellers.
Living in a motorhome is not only romantic, but also a challenge. You need to be able to be autonomous, plan your water and electricity supplies wisely, and maintain your motorhome in good technical condition. It is not for nothing that they say: “Repairing a motorhome is just repairing it in beautiful places.”
We haven't gotten tired of this life yet - and, frankly speaking, we hope that it's impossible. We got tired of the city apartment and the view from the window quickly and strongly, but here there's something new every day.
Conclusion, dreams and plans: a trip around the world
We hope that this article, based on our two years of living in a motorhome, helped you learn more about vanlife, its features and everyday life. Perhaps you even imagined yourself in our place and lived a small part of this journey with us. If you have the opportunity to try this lifestyle - do not hesitate to try it, we hope you will like it.
As for us, one of our biggest dreams is to travel around the world in a campervan. We are gradually moving towards this goal, expanding our borders and exploring new countries. We like the idea of freedom, where we can see the world in all its diversity, stopping in each corner as much as we want. We understand that this is a long way, and there are still many quests ahead, but the goal is always worth it. See you on the road!
As per tradition, we invite you to subscribe to us on social networks. In our telegram channel "Wool on a motorhome" We publish stories and share moments frequently and in detail. In Instagram, TikTok и YouTube — less often, but there is also something to see there. Subscribe just in case, so as not to miss anything new!
And finally, let's answer the main question: "Why Woolen?"
You probably already noticed from the text: Roxana is Belka, Lesha is Kotik, and our cat Zhuzhu is always with us. And so it turned out - Kotik, Belka and Zhuzhu, which once became our nickname: "The woolly ones will arrive soon!" We didn't think twice and named the channel that way, keeping this warm name.
