Would you like this to be you? Waking up in green spaces with open sea views is certainly at attraction. Especially if you can do it cheaply and in comfort, without having to lug a whole lot of camping gear with you and squish into a teeny tent with all your stuff.
While living in a van down by the river was once a lifestyle that was frowned upon, today it is a life goal for many, judging by the much loved hashtag #vanlife on social media.
In Malta, as in most countries, actually living in a van is not quite allowed. But nothing is stopping you from spending a weekend in the wild in a campervan.
The Volgswagen Kombi has been the epitome of van living since the 1960s, the manufacturer even launching a factory-made fully decked out camper van. But most of all, it provided inspiration for all kinds of vans to be custom converted to anything resembling a home on wheels, with space for sleeping and cooking.
Search #vanlife on Instagram and Pinterest to discover just how widely it is covered, including how to do cheap DIY conversions from recycled pallet wood.
Largely depending on the size of your van, number of occupants, purpose and budget, the interior can be dead simple with love for the wilderness as the main ingredient ...
... Or fully decked out with careful useage of space and chic design.
Ultimately, it's all up to you. If your camper van is custom-made, your imagination and resources are the limit. And perhaps how dab you are at DIY. Do check the legalities about converting your vehicle, especially for safety regarding weight and its proper distribution.
Start with getting a van of the desired size. A reliable one is adviseable, unless you are able to tinker in the engine. You may well fall in love with the lifestyle and desire to travel overland to explore Europe from a different perspective. Also consider that for longer term travel, you're better of investing in something decked out a little more comfortably.
Having said that, experiencing the gypsy life for a year in Australia, I didn't even have the space and comfort of a van - I made do with a stationwagon! Back seats down, I had a single mattress on one side and on the other: a picnic cooler for dry foods such as bread, pasta, sugar, coffee and so on; another picnic cooler for fresh vegetables; a jerry can with a fitted tap that I would lean over the back edge of the car; and a camping stove which I used outside. I travelled up and down the east coast of Oz in that beloved vehicle, granted I was always following the sunny weather.
The bottom line is, if you fancy doing part-time van life in Malta and Gozo, you don't really need all that much. You can start with very little. A sleeping space on wheels and a camping stove could do you just fine to spend a weekend at L-Ahrax tal-Mellieha. You can handle toilet needs in the same way you would while camping (please note that wetwipes are NOT biodegradeable and the earth is not your litterbin - dispose of your filth responsibly).
Places to go are also up to your imagination and personal preference. While caravans and motorhomes are limited as to where they can settle, a simple van isn't. Discretion and ensuring you leave no impact on the environment can go a long way. If you are uncertain, check in with the local council of the area.
Ultimately, when you start getting the gusto, you know that if you have a home on wheels, you can go just about anywhere!