Where to start?

After nine years of working I quit my job, moved into a van, and embarked on a new chapter in my life. I completed the van conversion in November 2023, setting out with no concrete plan but carrying a bag full of questions.

Where should I go?

There are so many options. For this winter period, I want to go to warmer regions, maybe Spain. Spontaneously, I decided to go through France rather than Italy to Spain; that felt better. I started by crossing the border near Freiburg, then spent some time at a lake in Belfort, thinking what to do in this privileged situation. I made a small plan, then carried on. Soon I discovered some nice parking and hiking spots. There I enjoyed my freetime a couple of days.

What would I do on my trip?

Reflecting on past trips, I learned that traveling alone (as I did) is no longer fulfilling. In my previous journeys, I preferred being alone, enjoying the feeling of freedom and independence from everything. Living a basic life with a tent and, in my case, a motorcycle, doing nice hikes, and enjoying the beautiful nature. Being alone allowed me to find my center, calm my mind, and realize what matters in life. It served as a reality check of my own life, confronting me with my inner thoughts and emotions, whether I wanted it or not. It could be an eye-opener or my biggest fear, with the choice being mine. However, at a certain point, there were no more insights, and reality started getting closer again. It became boring, and there was no “why” behind the journey. I later realized that something was missing—the people.

Now, this time, I plan to travel differently. I want to connect with other people, share my ideas, thoughts, and emotions on another level, and enjoy the beauty of life together. A first step will be volunteering, giving back to people.

What will I do in the future?

Actually, there is no plan for the future right now. I hope to find some answers on the journey.

What am I seeking on this journey?

I want to see how other people and cultures live. I also want to find answers to these questions: What do I need in life? What is genuinely necessary, and what’s not? How do I want to live in the future? Where do I want to put my energy?