Like many others, Mike Hudson longed to exchange the monotony of work and everyday routines for a life filled with adventure and travel. He made that dream a reality in 2013, when he quit his job as a systems engineer, gave away most of his worldly possessions, and began the enormous project of converting a rundown, 10-year-old van into a home on wheels called Vandog.
The rust-covered LDV Convoy, which Hudson had bought on eBay, required five months of hard work before it was successfully turned into a cozy, self-sufficient camper equipped with everything a person could need. Sliding open the van doors reveals a comfortable, timber-lined interior fitted with an extendable bed, a large hammock, a work desk area, plenty of storage space, speakers, a fridge/freezer, a gas burner and sink, a shower and toilet, a pressurized water system with hot water on demand, and LED lighting that uses electricity generated from solar panels on top of the van. Gas, his main energy source, is stored in an LPG cylinder that can be refilled cheaply at petrol stations.
In March 2014, after completing his van, Hudson drove Vandog from his native Hull to the south of England, where he boarded a ferry and crossed the pond. Since then, he has traveled all over Europe, driving across countries like France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Austria. The 25-year-old traveler shows no signs of slowing down his whirlwind adventure, as he wishes to continue experiencing all that life has to offer from the comfort of his wonderful, mobile home.
To keep up with Hudson's journey, check out his blog, Vandog Traveller.
