EXCLUSIVEI converted a British Gas VW into a home-on-wheels and travel the UK with my dogs and partner - here are the most surprising things about van life and the top three places to visit
- Owen Price, 32, from Scotland, uses his van to 'escape reality'
- He shares three top beauty spots - including his favourite campsite for vans
- He spent £2,200 converting his ex-British Gas Volkswagen Caddy Maxi
- READ MORE: Incredible pictures taken from the cockpit of a jumbo jet
'We love the freedom, we loathe unpacking the van, especially after a wet weekend in Scotland.'
So says Owen Price, 32, from Arbroath, in Scotland, when we ask him what he loves and loathes about going on adventures in an ex-British Gas Volkswagen Caddy Maxi van that he converted into a camper with a rooftop tent, double bed - and gin dispenser.
He uses his van most weekends to travel alongside partner Megan Mcleod, 28, and their dogs Riley, 13, and Skye, nine, and posts pictures and videos of their trips on Instagram under the username @roofracks_rucksacks.
Owen also shares with MailOnline Travel the hidden gem locations they've discovered and the most surprising aspects of adventuring in a mini home on wheels.
One eye-opener has been the amount of money the couple has saved on accommodation. Owen says he was hugely surprised at 'the amount of money saved on holidays and Airbnbs by being able to just jump in the van with a tank of fuel and snacks for the road'.
Owen Price and partner Megan Mcleod, pictured, use their van for mini adventures
Owen, from Arbroath in Scotland, converted his ex-British Gas Volkswagen Caddy Maxi van, seen above, for £2,200
The couple were shocked by the number of 'hidden gems’ they found along the road where ‘you can just pull up and visit for the day - and stay the night if you feel like it'. And they were surprised by 'how achievable’ the lifestyle is
Another revelation was how quickly they made friends along the way.
Owen comments: 'You already have something in common so it is very easy to make new friends while out exploring. We’ve met so many amazing people on our trips up and down the country and now have some friends for life.'
He was also surprised by 'how achievable’ the lifestyle is - he claims 'no matter your budget, whether it is a pull-out bed made from old pallets or a professional conversion', you can make it work.
He notes: 'It is surprising, with a bit of planning and thought, just how much you can fit into such a small space while still making it comfortable to live out of for periods of time - short or long.
Owen's van in front of Buachaille Etive Mòr mountain at the head of Glen Etive in the Highlands of Scotland
Owen travels with dogs Riley, 13, and Skye, nine (right). Remarking on how he chose the van, he said: 'After extensive research, the VW Caddy Maxi came out top, specifically ex-British gas models, as they are well serviced and maintained being ex-fleet vehicles'
Coastal cruising: Owen's van is pictured here on the Isle of Lewis
'With everything having its place in the van it can stay packed ready to go at the drop of a hat whenever we feel like it instead of having to pack and unpack the car all the time.
'We use the van every other weekend as much as we can as well as for longer trips, festivals, wedding accommodation and everything else in between, but mainly as an escape from reality.'
The couple were also shocked by the number of 'hidden gems’ they found along the road where ‘you can just pull up and visit for the day - and stay the night if you feel like it'.
Recommending his top three spots, Owen says: 'Red Squirrel Campsite in Glencoe is the closest “wild camping” experience you’ll get whilst still having campsite amenities such as an onsite shop and food truck, hot showers and washing-up facilities.
'It's surrounded by some of the most stunning rugged terrain Scotland has to offer. Pull up and find a spot - views guaranteed. It’s our favourite campsite.'
He also recommends Shell Island Campsite in North Wales. with its 'stunning views of the unspoilt Welsh countryside, including Cardigan Bay and the Snowdonia National Park'.
He continues: 'It is one of Europe’s largest campsites and has a host of facilities such as shops, bar, restaurant, arcade as well as washing and cleaning amenities and it hosts multiple event weekends throughout the year.'
Owen suggests the Isle of Harris for those who want beaches, and notes: 'Like most of the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Harris is stunning no matter the weather.
'With breathtaking views, vast sandy beaches and turquoise water it's a must-see. There are numerous campsites across the island as well as community-run aire’s [sites built specifically for campervans and motorhomes] that have overnight parking with basic amenities.'
Owen turned the blue van into a well-equipped camper. It even has a gin dispensing bar (right)
Inside Owen's empty VW van before he converted it into a campervan
The custom fittings include a pull-out table (bottom left) and storage. Owen says: 'With everything having its place in the van it can stay packed ready to go at the drop of a hat whenever we feel like it'
Inside the main body of the campervan with its extra seating and projector screen for movie nights
Owen adds: 'Being from Scotland, we are pretty lucky with what we have on our doorstep, but living on the east coast we have to admit that the “west is best”. Therefore we find ourselves travelling up and down the west coast often, with Glencoe being our favourite area.’
Owen completed the conversion of his VW van himself. As the images show, he turned the empty blue van into a well-equipped camper with seating, mounts for tools and clever storage solutions.
These include a ‘side pull-out kitchen drawer, multiple storage compartments, overhead cargo netting and rear door molle pouches,’ he describes, adding: 'This paired with our TentBox roof tent, side awning and shower makes the most of the limited space. Our favourite features have to be the rear door gin bar and pull-down projector screen for when the weather doesn’t play ball.'
The roof rack opens into a tent with a double bed inside where Owen, Megan and their dog Riley sleep - and it compresses flat when they are driving. Larger pooch Skye sleeps in the van.
Pictured above is Glencoe, Owen's favourite place to take his van
The couple claim they spent around £2,200 on the conversion, plus the price of the van itself and the roof tent that they already owned. Owen notes that the price was 'not much when you look at how much a professional conversion will set you back'.
They bought the van in January 2023, and he says: 'I knew we didn’t want a large van. After extensive research, the VW Caddy Maxi came out top, specifically ex-British gas models, as they are well serviced and maintained being ex-fleet vehicles. Mine came up locally and cost £10,000. It is a 66 plate, so is ULEZ compliant, and has the more sought-after 2.0 TDI engine.
'I have done the full conversion myself from fitting windows, to sound deadening, insulating, carpet lining, electrics and everything else in between. Saving a small fortune along the way! It’s amazing what you can achieve with a little bit of YouTube, some helping hands and some patience.’
