Brasileiros Vivem no Motorhome, Contam Tudo na autocaravana na Europa

Summary

In this engaging interview, a couple shares their inspiring journey of living in a camper van while traveling across Europe. Fábio and Libina discuss their decision to transition from traditional living to a nomadic lifestyle, blending their dreams of exploring new places with the practicality of a camper van. They highlight the challenges, such as language barriers and space constraints, but emphasize the freedom, cost-effectiveness, and joy of waking up to new landscapes. Their experience covers 12 countries in 10 months, offering valuable advice for those considering this adventurous lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 😀 The couple, Fábio and Libina, have been living in a motorhome for a year and have traveled through 12 European countries.
• 😀 Their decision to live in a motorhome was driven by their desire to travel freely while still having the comforts of home.
• 😀 Fábio spent months researching different types of motorhomes before making their final choice based on their travel needs.
• 😀 They embraced a minimalist lifestyle, downsizing their possessions to fit into the limited space of the motorhome.
• 😀 The couple appreciates the freedom of waking up in a new place every day and having the flexibility to choose their next destination.
• 😀 Language barriers were a challenge, but they relied on Google Translate and learned basic phrases in each country they visited.
• 😀 The financial savings of living in a motorhome are significant, with costs like rent and hotel stays minimized, allowing them to travel more economically.
• 😀 They often cook their own meals, saving on food expenses, but occasionally indulge in dining out for special experiences.
• 😀 Fábio and Libina’s income from Brazil allows them to maintain their lifestyle without needing to seek employment in Europe.
• 😀 They recommend extensive planning and research for anyone considering a motorhome lifestyle, including learning about the vehicle types and budgeting.
• 😀 The couple highlights the joy of flexibility in travel, saying that with a motorhome, they can stay longer in places and explore more cities compared to traditional travel methods.

Q & A

What inspired the couple to start living in a motorhome and travel around Europe?

The couple's inspiration came from their dream of living in Portugal after retirement, combined with a desire to travel around Europe. They decided to merge these two goals by purchasing a motorhome, allowing them to both live in Portugal and travel freely across different countries without the need for expensive accommodation.

What kind of research did the couple do before buying a motorhome?

They spent a significant amount of time researching different types of motorhomes, from integrated to profile models. They carefully considered the space, features, and size of the motorhome, as well as renting one before deciding to purchase.

How did the couple manage their finances while living in a motorhome?

They maintain a careful financial strategy, budgeting for their living expenses and keeping track of their resources. Living in a motorhome allows them to reduce costs like rent, accommodation, and travel expenses, although they still occasionally dine out.

What has been the biggest challenge in living in a motorhome?

The biggest challenge has been adjusting to the limited space. Despite the smaller living area, they have adapted by simplifying their lifestyle, discarding excess belongings and embracing a minimalist approach.

How do they handle communication in countries with different languages?

They use tools like Google Translate to communicate, especially in countries where they don’t speak the local language. They also learn basic phrases like greetings and polite expressions to make their travels smoother.

How many countries have they visited during their time living in a motorhome, and how long has it been?

They have visited 12 countries in Europe over the course of 10 months, including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and several others. They have been living in the motorhome for about a year, though two months were spent in Brazil.

What is their perspective on living in a motorhome compared to staying in a traditional home?

They appreciate the freedom and flexibility that comes with living in a motorhome, such as the ability to wake up in different locations. They find it liberating to be able to travel while maintaining their home on wheels.

What are the pros and cons of traveling in a motorhome versus traditional travel methods like hotels or trains?

The pros of traveling in a motorhome include the ability to save on accommodation costs, flexibility in where to stay, and the freedom to explore different regions at your own pace. The cons are the limited space and the need for self-sufficiency in terms of amenities and services.

What advice do they have for couples considering living in a motorhome and traveling in Europe?

Their main advice is to do thorough research and planning. They recommend investing in a course to learn about motorhome life and understand the practicalities of traveling in one. It’s also important to have a reliable income source and to embrace the minimalist lifestyle.

What do they miss most about Brazil while living in the motorhome?

They miss their family—particularly their parents, children, and grandchildren—but not the country itself. They don’t feel a strong longing for Brazilian food or the environment because they find their current lifestyle fulfilling.