10 Reasons we’re Buying a Campervan

The van (yet to be named!) is being converted into a campervan as we speak. When we pick it up, I‘m going to make it our own and organise it for the three of us. I promise to share the progress on here, and perhaps on YouTube at a later date.

You might wonder why, as new drivers, we would buy a van rather than a car for our first vehicle? And why a Mazda Bongo? Well, here’s our thought process in case you’re deliberating about buying a van too.

1. Us wanting to get on the road has never been about hopping in the car to go fetch a pint of milk. We’re not going to be using it for morning commutes either (not that that’s an option at the mo). A vehicle is a luxury to us so we want to make the most of it. For us, it’s about day trips, weekend breaks and holidays. Oh, and regular trips to the garden centre of course. Once we realised what we’d be using the vehicle for, it was easy to make a choice on the type of wheels we wanted. 

2. Although we will be using the van for leisure use, we want the option for it to be a day van too. Predominantly because of the coronavirus and not being able to rely on public transport. When we started researching affordable day vans, we had lots of recommendations for the Japanese imported Mazda Bongo. They’re smaller than your average campervan yet big enough for a couple or small family, and ideal for everyday use too.

3. Being able to drive somewhere and access the outdoors easily is one of the main reasons I’ve always wanted a camper. I’m at my happiest in my walking boots or my wellies, chomping through fields and feeling free from the stresses that modern life brings. The closest to nature, the happier I am. I think I can speak for Ste and Polly too when I say this.

4. I’m an all-weather lass. Ever since we got a dog I’ve felt more connected to nature than ever before and, like Polly, I rarely get down about ‘bad’ weather (apart from flooding, that does suck). I think you definitely have to have a positive outlook on the weather if you’re thinking about living in a small space, even if it’s for a short while. Be more dog.

5. We have no idea what travel will mean in the future. Will we feel comfortable booking a flight next year? Who knows. Knowing we can drive abroad gives us some freedom and it also means we will save on our future holidays in the UK and abroad as we won’t have to worry about accommodation costs. That makes me feel better about the future for sure.

6. To practice simple living. I’m really looking forward to the prospect of packing only what we need and learning to live simpler. This might translate into our everyday life, and perhaps one day we’ll have a field of our own to prance in!

7. There is a Bongo specialist very close to us. We felt that was a sign. Mazda Bongos are mostly 20 year old vehicles (ours is 18) and although ours is a fresh import from Japan and will be newly registered in the UK, it will need to be well cared for. Knowing we have a specialist close to hand is a massive plus for us.

8. Polly can come away with us everywhere! To be honest, she’s gone on most holidays with us in the past but now we know if we want a spontaneous trip, we won’t have to worry about finding dog friendly accommodation or sorting a pup sitter.

9. For extra comfort! Although I love camping and everything that goes along with that. I am hell-bent on adding a few luxuries to the van. A proper mattress, stove and sink are on the list and I can’t wait to buy a mini projector so we can watch van films snuggled up in our blankets.

10. Lastly, freedom. Freedom to drive off whenever we please; after work, on the weekends and for holidays. Moving on to a spot if we need to, at our own pace and in our own time. Heaven.

Next up, I’ll share details of our campervan conversion but first, help a gal out. What shall we call her? Answers on a postcard please (or below will do nicely)…