We did up a van for £100 to travel the world – now we can’t even leave the country but we’re saving £1.4k on rent

A COUPLE who gave up their rental flat to travel the world in a van have been left unable to leave the country.

Marie-Laure Parsy Szikola, 35, from Edinburgh, was itching to travel after the pandemic.

So she and fiancé Alan, 34, bought a Mercedes Vario 614d minibus for £50,000 in July and did it up for £100.

But the couple came across an unexpected barrier - soaring petrol prices.

“As experienced trekkers and overall outdoor enthusiasts, we wanted a life that gave us freedom to find a place to hike, climb or kayak and just go,” Marie says.

“For someone with an adventurous background, staying indoors was a real challenge and I felt it truly impacted my wellbeing – both mentally and physically.

“I got furloughed and the lack of mental stimulation didn’t help at all. I wanted a way of life that would be more engaging than the mainstream: job, commute, flat.”

The couple have travelled across Scotland, getting out to the islands. But they've found themselves unable to globe-trot as planned.

Marie says: “With fuel prices being so high at the moment, there’s more importance than having a constant adventure.

“Obviously the idea of being non-stop on the road is appealing, but the certainty that comes from a regular income is important.”

Although their year hasn't gone as planned, Marie and Alan are saving lots of money - £1,200-a-month rent and £180-£200 on council tax and bills.

They currently spend just £15 a week on water and disposal as they largely self-reliant, with solar panel powered electricity.

Marie says: "The previous owners of the bus already did a superb job converting it using wood and carving details all around.

"We love detail and the work we've done is more an add-on with different paint schemes, hardware and soft furnishings.

"The bus is a canvas of our lives and we are trying to craft the bus so that every corner reflects a part of our personalities and tastes."

They have spent £100 making the vehicle feel like home, by re-purposing decor from their previous flat. Despite the challenges, they have no plans to return to renting.

Marie says: "Van life makes you feel independent and more confident in yourself as it forces you to deal with breakdowns, climate and nature.

"You feel more engaged with your life and in a sense, more in control. It's helped me to re-find a path and series of goals when my life hit a standstill."

Everything can and will break in a van, but patience, a good dose of humour and the ability to learn quickly will turn hassles into fun

Marie-Laure Parsy Szikola35

Her main positives about their way of life are "a sense of freedom, which is met by daily challenges".

Marie adds: "Everything can and will break in a van, but patience, a good dose of humour and the ability to learn quickly will turn hassles into fun. 

"It doesn't need to be full-on straight away to be enjoyable and it can be done on a wide range of budgets.

"Everybody on the road has their own story and reasons to take this way of life.

"I would advise anyone to start by hiring a van first for a weekend or short holiday.

"Get the feel for it first and if you decide to take the step, always make sure you know where your next pay cheque will come from.

"A vehicle does break more often than a house and bills can rapidly pile up.

"Travel slowly and take time to explore the mountains – it feels great not to feel rushed to reach the next destination."