hello Aelita

Van life, hiking and outdoor adventures across Europe

Tag: exploring

  • Is vanlife safe in Europe?

    Van life in Europe is generally safe – violent crime against van dwellers is rare, and most issues are property-related (break-ins, fines for wild camping). The riskiest moments are urban overnight parking and busy summer coastal lots. Here’s what 4 years of van life across Europe has taught me about staying safe. We’re Aelita and…

  • The Best Apps for Van Life in Europe – 2026

    These are the apps I use for full-time van life in Europe, tested across four years and 13 countries with two dogs and no fixed address. The list covers overnight parking, food, fuel, navigation, weather, trail safety, money, and ferries. No apps I tried once. No affiliate padding. Just what I open every single day…

  • Sella Pass Van Life Guide (2,240 m) – Parking, Climbing & Sassolungo Loop

    Sella Pass (Passo Sella) is the highest pass in our four-pass Dolomites van life series, sitting at 2,240 metres on the border of South Tyrol and Trentino. It is the busiest pass in the series but also the one with the most concentrated climbing and hiking options within walking distance of the parking area. This…

  • Weekend Getaway in the Lake District

    After a rainy start of 2022, we have decided to spend long a weekend in the Lake District. Our usual weekends involve lots of climbing and hiking and we often try to cramp too much in 2 days. So for a change, we decided to have a relaxing weekend with some nice walks and spend…

  • NC500 hikes – the most memorable trails in the North of Scotland

    Eight of the most memorable hikes on the NC500 and Isle of Skye – including Beinn Eighe (18 km, 1,116 m ascent), Sandwood Bay (13 km), the Quiraing loop, Old Man of Storr, and Fairy Pools. Each trail listed with distance, time, and honest notes from the route. With all the COVID-19 going on, it…

  • Dovestone Reservoir

    Today we did an awesome 8 miles hike passing reservoirs, wild swimming spots and waterfalls with some easy scrambling and lots of beautiful views. With less than 30minutes drive from Manchester this is a must for anyone who loves outdoors. There is a path to go up to the Holme Clough Waterfall, or if you…

  • Blackstone Edge

    No matter how many times I visit this place, I always have loads of fun! No two adventures are the same – every trip throws up new scenery and fresh experiences. ⁠⁠This beautiful spot is only a 45-minute drive from Manchester 👌🏻 The Blackstone Edge offers a rocky 1,549ft summit, and a road that was…