When we first decided to buy a campervan, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. The sheer number of choices—from tiny camper cars to massive motorhomes that looked more like cruise ships on wheels—was overwhelming. But after weeks of research (and a fair few cups of tea and pretty heated arguments) we finally landed on the perfect one for us: a Peugeot Boxer Elddis Autoquest 196. A mouthful, yes, but an absolute beauty.
Why the Elddis Autoquest?
The Elddis Autoquest 196 is a six-berth motor home, which may sound like overkill for just the two of us, but hear us out. We wanted something spacious enough for comfort but not so massive that we’d need a pilot’s license to drive it. The layout is brilliant—a rear lounge for relaxing, a drop-down bed for convenience, and a decent-sized kitchen for Kevin’s experimental cooking (don’t ask about the “risotto incident”). And the fire extinguisher…
- Space: There’s plenty of room for us to spread out, and the rear lounge turns into the perfect nap zone.
- Gadgets galore: Solar panels for off-grid adventures, USB ports for all our tech, and even a reversing camera to save Kevin’s neck. And our no claims bonus.
- Storage: Mary’s extensive wardrobe fits perfectly, and there’s still space for Kevin’s fishing gear.
Cons:
- Size: It’s a bit of a beast. Narrow Spanish streets might be… interesting.
- Fuel consumption: Not the most economical, but hey, we’re retired—we’ve got time to take the scenic route.
We’ve named her “Wanderlust,” which captures our adventurous spirit perfectly. She’s already become part of the family—even if she does have a tendency to beep at us if we forget to close a cupboard properly. In that respect, it’s like being at home. How many things beep or worse at you every day. Alexa? Don’t get me started on that lady.
The First Farewell
Once Wanderlust was parked outside our house in Hull, the reality of our new adventure began to sink in. Leaving home for an extended period is never easy, especially when home is Hull and all our family and friends are around us. All the family live within 2 streets of each other.
We spent our last week running around like headless chickens, making sure we’d packed everything we might possibly need—from spare fuses to Kevin’s favourite teabags. (I insisted on bringing her hairdryer, even though Kevin reminded me we’d be mostly off-grid.)
Saying goodbye to our family was the hardest part. Emma and James, our grown-up kids, came over with the grandkids for a proper send-off. There were hugs, a few tears, and a lot of promises to keep in touch. Sophie, our eldest grandchild, made us a hand-drawn map of Europe with “Spain” circled in red. It’s now proudly pinned to the wall of the campervan.
We also had a final meal with our closest friends at our favorite pub. Between the jokes about us turning into hippies and heartfelt toasts to new beginnings, it was the perfect way to say farewell to Hull (for now). It was lovely and testament to why we’ll never leave Hull for good.
The Journey Begins
Our first adventure started with a ferry ride from Hull to Rotterdam. Boarding the ferry was an event in itself. Kevin had a minor panic attack about whether the camper would fit in the loading bay, but the staff were pros and guided us on with ease. Once parked, we climbed up to the passenger deck and found ourselves a cozy corner to watch Hull fade into the distance.
The ferry was a mix of excitement and bittersweet goodbyes. As we watched the familiar coastline disappear, we couldn’t help but feel a pang of homesickness. Which soon led to seasickness.. The North Sea can be a rough old ride.
But that was quickly replaced by the thrill of what lay ahead. I spent most of the journey planning our first few stops in Spain, while Kevin explored the ferry’s bar menu (“research purposes,” he claimed). He swears that 5 pints of Guinness means you don’t get seasick. He was gloriously wrong.
Rotterdam: A New Chapter
Arriving in Rotterdam was a surreal experience. Everything felt fresh and exciting. We handled the Dutch roads like a dream, and we soon found ourselves at a quiet campsite just outside the city. It was the perfect spot to regroup, make a proper cup of tea, and take our first official “campervan selfie” (yes, that’s a thing now). We actually thought the site eas called Eingang site as there was a large sign saying that when we trundled in. We then realised eingang means entrance in Dutch. Every day a school day.
The next morning, we took some time to explore Rotterdam which is a lovely city actually, before continuing south. The city was a stark contrast to Hull—modern, bustling, and filled with cyclists. We wandered around the vibrant Markthal, picked up some stroopwafels (yes), and admired the quirky Cube Houses. It was a wonderful way to ease into life on the road.
What’s Next?
From Rotterdam, our journey will take us through Belgium and France before crossing into Spain. We’ve got a loose itinerary, but the beauty of campervan life is the freedom to change plans on a whim. One thing’s for sure: we’re in for an adventure.
As we settle into this new way of life, we’re excited to share every twist and turn with you. From campsite mishaps to breathtaking views, Campespana.com will be our digital postcard of the journey. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll share our first impressions of Spain and the joys (and challenges) of campervan life.
So here’s to new beginnings, open roads, and the comforting hum of our little home on wheel’s engine. The adventure has only just begun!
