Curious about Solo Vanlife in Europe? Before you believe the #vanlife hype, here’s what it’s really like — especially if you’re a woman doing it alone.
From crossing borders, finding campsites, wild camping, to loneliness and navigating life in foreign countries where I don’t speak the language.
Is it worth it? Well, I’ve been living this lifestyle for 4.5 years – and I love it! But it’s not all sunsets on the beach!
If you’re curious about:
What it’s actually like to live in a van as a woman approaching 60
How solo vanlife in Europe compares to Australia
Whether this lifestyle is as glamorous as it looks on Instagram
Or how to manage the tough bits — like safety, solitude, and staying sane…
Then this is for you.
Liked this one? You can buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/nigelsuead4
Please consider subscribing to our channel – we bring you travel guides and Van Life tips weekly with a peek into our lives on the road.
WHO AM I?
Hey there, I’m Sue – a 50-something lady from Australia. I’m travelling the world with my partner Nigel, but he works in the Middle East for 50% of the year, so I spend half my time alone… in the van. In 2024 we moved to Europe, bought a new van and we’re now exploring the highlights and hidden gems of this continent. Join me for all the history and culture of Europe along with the day to day realities of living in a van.
Website: https://nigelandsueadventures.com
Instagram at http://instagram.com/nas_adventures
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nigelandsueadventures
#solofemalevanlife #vanlifeeurope #solovanlife
30 Comments
Tons of respect. Stay safe and heads on a swivel.
Try peppermint for the ants.
I really wish i could try vanlife…only in Australia though. Can i recommend " Itchy boots" the female motorcycle lady currently in saudi arabia.
Hey Sue, I love watching your videos and agree with 1458theresa, that peppermint oil is good to deter ants. Also recommend getting a large container with a lid that seals for your unwashed dishes.
Thanks for your lovely and interesting video! I’ m going to Montenegro for the first time this summer so it’s so fun to see some glimpses from that country! Stay safe and have great week! 😊🌸
Thanks Sue, that was fascinating. When I camp solo, as a male I never get asked am I scared, or told you must be brave, but I can be scared at times. So like you I will move on if something doesn't feel right. Well done you <3
Hi Sue, thanks for your honesty about solo van life and the things to be aware of traveling in Europe, very helpful. Enjoy Montenegro we were in Kotor last September and were amazed at the cats roaming all over the place. I make a spray with clove oil and spray it around entry points to deter ants. Good luck with that ants are persistent creatures😏
Interesting video Sue. I would not be super worried about bears. I assume they're black bears in Europe, not grizzlies, and generally they're pretty scared of people. You should get a bottle of bear spray and when you're hiking just make sure you make noise. Most of the places you're staying in seem relatively Urban, so I don't think you'd get a lot of bears around the campsites, but you should clean up food if there are some. And don't get between Mama bears and their Cubs. follow those basic rules and you should be fine. We don't have them in Minnesota but have been in Bear country up in Canada and in Alaska.
Hi sue , thanks for sharing all this great video ❤
Of course van life holds a certain mystique and we all think we would like to do it. So there you are on a dark road, did I say all by yourself, and the van breaks down. No problem if you are a mechanic or mechanically inclined! Personally I am better at sewing. But there's always someone who says, just do it! just take the risk! Or they will a just camp in your car! Great idea! Usually that would be another woman who has an engineer or technically inclined husband or partner! Some people have no imagination, bless them! It sounds like you have the best of both worlds. Keep enjoying your life and making videos for us to e joy and envy! 😂
I'd be rich if I had $ for every time I have been called brave on my solo travels around the world and in Australia. Yep. Common sense and move on if something seems off. I also try and meet my neighbours at free camps, before I make a decision to stay. The demands of driving on the opposite side of the road is certainly challenging, especially given the roads you showed us and the crazy drivers. Lucky you speak some German as relying on only English, when travelling in Europe is a pain. Have you ever considered having an odd night in a YHA when loneliness bites? Usually they have some parking available too. I still sometimes use them, now in my mid 60s and have found them great for chatting in the evenings. Good luck with eradicating those pesky and truly gross ants. We do actually have legless lizards in Australia. Really cute and much smaller than snakes. Also google how to wash dishes using a spray with vinegar for campervans on YouTube. No Hot water needed. Meanwhile happy travels and enjoy your solo time!
Cash is king.
Great video Sue. I have a suggestion for your ant problem. I don't like using nasty chemicals so I use borax mixed with honey or sugar. You only need a little bit. You can use a bottle top or just put it in spots on their path. They ingest it and take it back to their nest. It's not good for them but solves your problem. Happy camping!
Thanks Sue for your informative and honest video. Keep well until next time and hope you had a great mothers day with your son. Thanks Bill Mc
In regards to your ant issue…if you leave dishes in your sink spray your dirty dishes with a mix of water and dish washing detergent. They are then ready to be washed in the morning or whenever you put your hot water system on. We also use this mix to wipe down benches and cupboards. Saves buying sprays from supermarkets. A little detergent in a spray bottle and top up with water.
Good job Sue…nice to hear still enjoying.
The Aldi multipurpose kitchen spray has the active ingredient, Lactic Acid. Kills ants quick smart. Best thing ever. Not harmful like aerosol sprays. Borax powder is good for the ants to walk over and take back to the nest.
Thanks for the inside view. Question, why not stay with Nigel when he's working?
Good video Sue. I hope you get rid of the ants.. other people have mentioned eucalyptus spray and believe it is good for mice as well! Also clean of their trail with a bit of bleach/water or vinegar/water mix to get rid of their trail markers. Glad you're positive about Albania. You will be driving like them soon!!!!!!!!😉😆 Heaven forbid, gosh don't they take such chances with the trucks!
Hi Sue love the motorhome I’ve always wanted to travel solo through Europe in my van 🚐 cool video thanks for sharing lol 😉
I always appreciate videos that cover the practicalities of living in a van, both for short holidays and full-time vanlifers. Once these are sorted the rest seems to fall in to place. I like learning about how others deal with routine matters and the unusual issues that crop up. Seeing new ways of doing things always gets me appraising the value of an idea, and if something would work in our van, or in the way we travel. As always Sue, your experience is always worth bearing in mind, so thanks for putting the effort in to your videos, its much appreciated. 👋🇬🇧🇪🇺🇺🇦🇮🇪
Great video . I hope you sorted those ants out . The view from your van and the beach looks amazing .
Thanks Sue enjoyed your video. You are brave on your own. Enjoy Mother’s Day with your son – will be a special time ❤
If you can get powdered borax (it’s cheap, used for laundry – should be in supermarket) and mix 1 tsp in shallow container (eg lid) with some icing sugar (powdered sugar) the ants will be attracted to that. It kills them. I love travelling in my van on my own and enjoy Aurora chasing … and leaving my husband at home. I’ve never had any issues free camping as a solo female here in Australia. I have stayed in camp sites where I’ve been the only one there (out of season) but mostly there are others around. I do enjoy my own company – and what I dislike most is when ppl come and camp right next to me 🚐 Even though there’s a virtually empty or large campsite, they park up close to my van 🤦♀️ 🤷♀️ – that really annoys me … Why do ppl do that? Maybe THEY feel insecure?
I’m totally with you in the scared of bears thing!!!
I don't think that you took a breath during that whole video Sue, so nicely spoken and very informative. Thanks for the hard work.
Sprinkle tobacco in the corners.
Ants don't like tobacco; however, if the tobacco scent fades, repeat the process.☺
I really enjoyed this video as I’ve been wondering what it’s like for you when Nigel is away, particularly now that you are in Europe. I’m noticing more and more women making the choice to live in vans and enjoying the freedom it brings. Even if it’s not fully by choice, but because it’s cheaper than living in a house and means they don’t need to earn as much, so can do more of the things they enjoy. You seem to have had some good tips for dealing with ants in the comments.
Daily are the best 😊
Hi Nigel and Sue. To me Sue you are a. legend, you do a great job on your solo van life, and it is such a great video and informative for others doing the solo trip. You made me smile when you said about when Nigel returns and your talk a lot, only natural for being alone , and I am not taking any thing away from Nige. Staf safe and happy travels, till. next time, Coen and Jay