Man travelled 4,000 miles around Europe in a converted van

Ryan Holland, 31, took a gamble and bought a 2007 Doblo Fiat after falling in love with hiking during lockdown.

He wanted to push himself out of his “comfort zone” and travel solo.

Ryan Holland, 31, from Colwyn Bay, has travelled 4,000 miles around Europe in a converted van. Image: SWNS

He spent 28 days over three months making the van habitable – spending just £1.5k more on materials.

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Ryan road tested his new van around Scotland, Wales and the Lake District before taking the plunge to solo travel around Europe in April 2022.

Ryan Holland, 31, from Colwyn Bay, has travelled 4,000 miles around Europe in a converted van. Image: SWNS

He started along the West coast of France, before visiting the Pyrenees, south coast of France, Italy, and Switzerland.

He's been on the road now for seven months now, and reckons his DIY van reno has saved him £27k.

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Ryan’s van is equipped with a foldable bed and cupboard, but he uses a portable shower, camping stove and public toilets when on the road.

Ryan takes photos as he goes along and works as a content creator while on the road.

He spent £1,300 for fuel, food, ferry crossings and permits during his three month trip around Europe.

Ryan Holland, 31, from Colwyn Bay, has travelled 4,000 miles around Europe in a converted van. Image: SWNS

Ryan, a photographer from Colwyn Bay, said: “The van was such a bargain.

“No one believes me when I say it was £1.5k.

“I cleaned it all out and used recycled wood free for Facebook market place to make the bed frame and cupboard.

“I just researched YouTube videos and on Facebook groups to help me do it.

“I’ve created a little home on wheels.

“It’s taken me out of my comfort zone.

“Switzerland was one of my favourite places to visit as it looked straight out of a postcard.

“I’m quite comfortable on my own solo traveling and you can make your own path.”

Ryan Holland, 31, from Colwyn Bay, has travelled 4,000 miles around Europe in a converted van. Image: SWNS

Ryan decided to look for a van during lockdown and spotted the perfect vehicle in May 2021.

“I wanted to get out and about and have an adventure,” he said.

“I come from an introverted family so I’ve always had to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

“I found a passion for hiking and the UK during lockdown.

“I was just searching around sites and Facebook market place when I spotted my van.

“Within 10 minutes I was dressed and driving up to go and get it.”

Ryan secured the van for just £1.5k and started getting to work on his driveway to convert it.

“I cleared it out and started from scratch,” he said.

“I got recycled wood from Facebook market place for free.

“I made to pay for the electronics so they were done properly.”

Ryan took his first road trip in the van around the West side of Scotland with his pal, James New, before also exploring the Lakes and North Wales.

In April 2022, Ryan decided to take three months to travel around Europe in his van who he lovingly called ‘Pablo.’

Ryan Holland, 31, from Colwyn Bay, has travelled 4,000 miles around Europe in a converted van. Image: SWNS

He started along the West coast of France, hiking, surfing and enjoying the culture of each place he visited.

After France he ventured to the Pyrenees before continuing onto the South of France.

“I met locals and joined in with parties,” he said.

“I was relying on very little Spanish and French to get me by.

“In France I visited Monaco and got to see them setting up for the Grand Prix and even went round the track.”

From there Ryan visited Italy and Switzerland before cutting his trip short when temperatures started to get too high.

“I managed to see the backstage of where they were filming Fast and Furious in Turin,” he said.

“I had no air con in the van so I would cool off with a wild swim.

“But when saw it was going to reach temperatures of 37 degrees I decided to head back.

“I used a portable shower and camping stove when I was on the road.

“I used public toilets and ones at campsites but had a collapsible one for emergencies.”

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Ryan plans to travel to the Dolomites, Slovenia and Croatia next in his van.

“Lots of people think van life is expensive because they go for the big vans and spent £30k converting them.

“With my little van I’ve saved £27k for the same experiences.”