Campervan Life on the Road: How One Free Spirit Campervan Changed Everything
When Jo picked up her Mercedes Viano campervan, she knew it would give her the freedom she needed. What she didn’t realise was just how much it would transform her life. Within the first year, she and her scruffy, lovable dog Finn, a Jack Russell–Cavapoo cross, had already spent around 60 nights on the road, from Shetland’s northern cliffs to the Yorkshire Dales, rural France, the Pyrenees and Spain and the New Forest.
This is the story of Vino, as she named her burgundy campervan, and how it became more than transport. It became a lifestyle.
Why a Campervan, Why Mercedes, Why Free Spirit?
Jo’s journey began with selecting the right campervan. She wanted something reliable, stylish, and easy to maintain, with parts available across Europe. A Mercedes Viano ticked all the boxes. Paired with a bespoke Free Spirit Campervans conversion, it gave her the comfort of home on the road.
- Pop-top roof for extra space and sleeping.
- Gas heater for warmth on chilly nights.
- Thoughtful fittings that made every trip simple.
“Everything just worked,” Jo said. “I didn’t have to think about it. I could focus on the journey, not the practicalities.”
The First Big Adventure: South Coast to Shetland
Most new campervan owners start small, perhaps at a local campsite. Not Jo. Her first journey was a marathon trip north for a 10-year reunion of former colleagues from when she lived and worked on the remote Sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia. So effectively from meeting on one of the most remote southerly islands in the world, to reuniting in the most northerly of the British Islands. on the Shetland Isles.
Driving from the south coast to Aberdeen, she and Finn boarded the NorthLink Ferry for the overnight crossing to Lerwick. The ferry itself is an adventure, carrying locals, tourists, and supplies across the North Sea.
From Lerwick, Jo carried on to Unst, Britain’s most northerly inhabited island. Wild cliffs, seabird colonies, Viking heritage, and the famous Muckle Flugga lighthouse make it a destination like no other.
“It was the perfect first trip,” Jo said. “I felt completely independent, but also completely at home. Finn loved it too, every stop was a new world for him.”
Spontaneity in the Yorkshire Dales
If Shetland proved Vino’s reliability, the Yorkshire Dales showed Jo the joy of spontaneity. She could decide on a Thursday night to head north and be in the Dales by Friday evening, her partner joining by train along the way.
The highlight? Waking up to views of the Ribblehead Viaduct, a 19th-century engineering masterpiece carrying the Settle–Carlisle railway across the moors.
Some nights were spent at simple pub car parks or tucked-away rural spots, others on friends’ driveways. Each felt different, but all felt like a sense of freedom.
“Some of the best nights weren’t at fancy sites,” Jo said. “They were when it was just us, the stars, and Finn curled up on his bed.”
Where Practicality Meets Serendipity
Taking Vino abroad opened up a whole new world of experiences. The journey carried Jo and Finn through the quiet backroads of rural France, over the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees, and finally down to the sun-soaked Spanish coast.
For Jo, arriving in Spain was the highlight. She had owned a house there for 20 years, yet had never been able to take Finn with her before. Travelling by campervan changed that, giving Finn the chance to run on the Mediterranean beaches and making the trip feel extra special.
Even so, the most unexpected memory came not in Spain but in France, during Finn’s worming appointment. UK rules require dogs to undergo a vet-administered treatment before re-entry, so Jo booked a slot at a small village clinic.
Afterwards, while walking Finn, she suddenly heard her name called. To her amazement, it was old friends from her sailing club, passing through the very same village at the same time.
“We just stood there laughing,” she recalled. “The campervan made that moment possible. If I’d been flying or staying in hotels, it never would have happened.”
The New Forest: A Switch into Calm
Back in England, Jo often escapes to the New Forest, a place that feels magical from the moment you cross the cattle grid. Ancient oaks, wild ponies, and quiet cycle paths make it the perfect short break.
“It’s like flicking a switch,” Jo explained. “The stress just drops away, and suddenly you’re surrounded by trees and ponies.”
With Vino as a base, every corner of the New Forest is within reach, from cosy pubs to scenic walks.
The Little Things That Made a Big Difference
Beyond the big destinations, Jo found joy in the details:
- Folding chairs for sitting outside with a cup of tea.
- A burgundy kettle to match Vino’s paintwork.
- The pop-top that gave Finn space to explore.
- The gas heater kept the nights warm.
“It’s those little touches that make it feel like home,” she said.
Campervan Life and Wellbeing
One unexpected benefit was how much campervan life improved Jo’s wellbeing. Escaping routine, spending time in nature, and enjoying a slower pace had a profound impact on her stress levels.
“There’s something about waking up in the countryside that resets your head,” Jo said. “Even just one night away makes a difference.”
Research supports her experience. The Mental Health Foundation highlights how connecting with nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost sleep.
60 Nights and Counting
By the end of her first year, Jo had spent around 60 nights in the campervan. What started as a vehicle for a reunion trip had become a lifestyle, one she now can’t imagine living without.
“I thought I’d use it for a few holidays,” Jo said. “Now I can’t imagine life without it.”
Advice for Future Owners
For anyone thinking about buying a campervan, Jo’s advice is simple: just do it.
“You’ll never regret it,” she said. “The experiences, the freedom, the connections, they’re worth so much more than you can imagine before you start.”
Her only warning? You’ll use it far more than you expect.
Why Free Spirit Campervans Make the Difference
Jo’s story isn’t unusual; it’s what happens when you choose the right campervan. At Free Spirit Campervans, we take pride in our conversions, which are practical, stylish, and built to last.
Our company ethos is simple:
- Reliable foundations: Premium bases, such as the Mercedes Viano, Nissan Elgrand, or Mazda Bongo.
- Thoughtful design: Pop-tops, heaters, and fittings that make life on the road effortless.
- Personalisation: Every campervan feels unique, not mass-produced.
- Support and expertise: We guide you through ownership, from your first trip to your fiftieth.
Where others cut corners, we add detail. Where others sell vehicles, we create experiences.
👉 Explore our latest stock: Free Spirit Campervans Showroom
📞 Call us on (01243) 649087 to talk through your options.
Final Thoughts
From Shetland’s cliffs to Yorkshire’s moors, from French villages to the magic of the New Forest, Jo’s campervan story shows what’s possible when you take the leap.
It’s not just about destinations. It’s about independence, well-being, connection, and the stories you’ll tell afterwards.
At Free Spirit Campervans, we don’t just sell campervans. We help create lives filled with adventure.
So the question isn’t whether a campervan can change your life. It’s: where will yours take you?
- Why should I choose Free Spirit Campervans over other dealers?
We specialise in professionally converted, road-tested campervans with thoughtful design features and aftercare support, giving you confidence and comfort from day one. - What makes a Free Spirit campervan different from a standard conversion?
Our conversions focus on reliability, practicality, and style. From pop-tops to gas heating, every detail is designed to make life on the road effortless. - Do Free Spirit Campervans only convert certain models?
We work with premium bases such as the Mercedes Viano, Nissan Elgrand, and Mazda Bongo, vehicles chosen for reliability, availability of parts, and driving comfort. - Can I personalise my Free Spirit campervan?
Yes. Each campervan can be tailored with layouts, fittings, and finishes that match your lifestyle and preferences. - Are Free Spirit campervans suitable for long-distance European travel?
Absolutely. With reliable bases and professional conversions, our campervans are designed for everything from local weekends to extended European road trips. - How reliable are Free Spirit campervans?
We use trusted base vehicles and expert craftsmanship to ensure every campervan is dependable, safe, and ready for many years of travel. - Do Free Spirit campervans come ready to use?
Yes. All our campervans are fully equipped with essentials like heating, cooking, and sleeping arrangements, so you can hit the road straight away. - Can I bring a pet when travelling in a Free Spirit campervan?
Of course. Our layouts are pet-friendly, with flexible space for beds, crates, or travel seats, making adventures with your dog easy and stress-free. - Is owning a Free Spirit campervan good value compared to renting?
If you plan to travel regularly, ownership quickly becomes more cost-effective than rentals, while also giving you complete flexibility and freedom. - What support do Free Spirit Campervans provide after purchase?
We pride ourselves on aftercare. From advice on your first trip to ongoing servicing guidance, we’re here to make ownership smooth and enjoyable.
