For Jane and her husband, retirement has brought opportunities to travel, although there are still family plans and other commitments to fit around. Having their own campervan has given them more ways to make the most of the time available, whether that means extending a holiday in France or arranging a short break in the Netherlands. Their campervan adventures have grown from a decision to get back on the road into a welcome part of life together.

Summary

Jane and her husband’s campervan, Flo, has helped them turn travel ideas into trips. They have added extra nights to a family holiday, explored cities from a campsite near Delft and enjoyed meeting other travellers along the way. Their story shows how campervan adventures in retirement can fit around existing plans while leaving room for a last-minute decision to go somewhere new.

The Story Behind Flo’s Name

The couple’s campervan has a name with a family connection. Florence was a mother’s middle name, and Flo also carries a phrase that suits their approach to travelling:

“go with the Flow.”

Their previous motorhome had shared the name, making their current campervan a continuation of something they already enjoyed. Although they had sold the larger vehicle after downsizing their home, the wish to travel had remained.

When they eventually returned to looking, they chose a smaller campervan that suited the two of them. Flo offered a way to pick up those travels again, with a different vehicle and a fresh set of possibilities.

The name feels particularly fitting now that they have used the campervan for both carefully arranged holidays and trips decided on just a few days before departure.

Choosing to Make Time for Campervan Adventures

Buying another leisure vehicle was still a decision to think through. The couple considered whether it was the right step at their stage of life, but the thought of continuing to postpone it helped them decide.

“if we don’t do it now, we’re never going to do it.”

They bought their campervan in February and have since put it to use on a variety of trips. Their enjoyment comes through in a simple observation:

“we are having a lot of fun in it.”

They are both retired, but their calendar is not completely empty. They have activities and responsibilities, alongside family commitments. The campervan gives them another option when a gap appears and they feel like getting away.

For anyone considering campervan adventures in retirement, their experience offers a useful question: how would a vehicle fit the life you have now? For this couple, being able to use shorter windows of time has become part of the appeal.

Adding Extra Days to a Family Holiday in France

A family holiday in France gave Jane and her husband the opportunity to combine time together with some exploring of their own.

They took Flo and left a few days before the rest of the family, staying in France before joining them for the planned holiday. On the return journey, they extended their time away again.

Their additional stops included three nights at a campsite in Versailles, with visits to the palace and Paris.

It was a practical way to make more of a journey they were already taking. The family holiday remained at the centre of the plans, while travelling with their own accommodation allowed them to add time on either side.

For readers considering a similar stop, the Palace of Versailles visitor guide provides information to help plan a visit. The estate recommends allowing a full day to make the most of what is there.

A Netherlands Break Planned in a Few Days

Their Netherlands trip came together much more quickly. They wanted to fit in another worthwhile break before the weather became colder and decided to see what they could arrange.

“Let’s just do it.”

They found a crossing, chose a campsite and went. They planned only a few days before departure, which felt different from their Irish road trip, when they had booked campsites ahead.

Both approaches have a place in their travels. Some campervan adventures benefit from a detailed route, while others begin with an available week and somewhere you would like to visit.

Their experience also gives spontaneity a practical shape. There were still arrangements to make, but once they had found a crossing and somewhere suitable to stay, they were able to act on the idea.

One Campsite and Several Places to Explore

For their Netherlands break, the couple found a campsite near Delft with transport connections that worked well for their plans.

A bus outside the campsite took them to the station. From there, they travelled to Amsterdam for a day and also visited The Hague.

They were particularly pleased with being able to keep one base while exploring different places. There was no need to move the campervan to another pitch each time they wanted a day out.

This offers another way to approach a touring holiday. You can use the campervan to reach your chosen area, then leave it at the campsite while you explore by public transport.

If you are considering a similar arrangement, NS travel information can help you plan rail journeys in the Netherlands, including departure times and fares. Check the connections from your particular campsite as part of choosing where to stay.

Enjoying the Company Along the Way

The places they visit are only part of what Jane and her husband enjoy. Campsites also bring opportunities to meet people who share an interest in travelling.

During their Netherlands stay, they met other couples who had been touring the country for a month. Conversations developed naturally around the campsite, whether people were washing up or stopping to ask about something.

Those encounters add a social element without requiring a planned activity. A brief conversation can become part of the day, alongside sightseeing and time spent together.

For the couple, travelling with Flo gives them the chance to enjoy their own company while still meeting others along the way. Their plans for a few nights away can sit comfortably alongside someone else’s month-long tour.

Looking Ahead to More Campervan Adventures

Jane and her husband have found several ways to make their campervan part of retirement, from adding days to a family holiday to arranging a break at short notice. They have also discovered that staying on one campsite can open up plenty of opportunities to explore.

Their intention is to carry on while they feel fit, active and able to enjoy it. With trips already behind them and more places they would like to see, Flo has given them a reason to keep making plans.

If you are considering campervan adventures of your own, browse our campervans or contact Free Spirit Campervans to discuss what would suit your travels. Call 01243 649087 or email info@fscltd.co.uk to arrange a visit near Chichester.

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FAQs

Why did Jane and her husband choose a campervan in retirement?

They wanted to return to travelling with their own accommodation after selling their previous motorhome. A smaller campervan suited their needs as a couple and gave them opportunities to get away around their existing commitments.

Why is their campervan called Flo?

The name has a family connection to Florence and also reflects the phrase “go with the Flow.” Their previous motorhome shared the name, which they carried over to their current campervan.

Do they plan all their campervan adventures far in advance?

No. Their approach varies by trip. They booked their Irish campsites ahead, while their Netherlands break was arranged only a few days before they left.

How did they use the campervan for their family holiday in France?

They travelled out before the rest of the family and spent extra nights in France. They also extended the return journey, including a three-night campsite stay in Versailles.

What did they visit during their Versailles stay?

They visited the Palace of Versailles and Paris. Staying for three nights gave them a base for exploring before continuing their journey home.

Where did they stay in the Netherlands?

They stayed at a campsite near Delft. The campsite is not named in their account, but they particularly appreciated its connections to local public transport.

How did they reach Amsterdam and The Hague?

They took a bus from outside their campsite to the station, then used rail connections for their city visits. This allowed them to explore while keeping the campervan at one base.

Do campervan adventures have to involve driving every day?

Their Netherlands experience shows that they do not. Choosing a campsite with suitable transport links allowed the couple to stay in one place and travel elsewhere for days out.

Did they enjoy meeting other campervan travellers?

Yes. They described chatting to people around the campsite, including while washing up or answering questions. In the Netherlands, they met couples who had been travelling around the country for a month.

What advice does their story offer people considering retirement travel?

Think about how you would like to use a campervan alongside your existing life. Short breaks, longer tours and extensions to family holidays can all offer opportunities to travel, depending on your preferences and available time.