29 OCTOBER 2025
A Retro Camper Trip: From Dream to Reality
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Renting a retro camper van had been my childhood dream.
That unique vibe of the 60s and 70s — the spirit of freedom, the open road, the ocean, the hippie culture — all of it seemed endlessly romantic and inspiring. A camper van always symbolized freedom and the endless journey, the image you picture when you think of the life of a wanderer and a traveler without limits.
In October this year, we finally got to live that dream — to step into a childhood fantasy and hit the road in an old Volkswagen Brazil.
In this short article, we’ll share our experience of traveling in a retro camper van, along with some honest tips — the highlights, the challenges, and what it really means to live the modern nomadic life.
In this short article, we’ll share our experience of traveling in a retro camper van, along with some honest tips — the highlights, the challenges, and what it really means to live the modern nomadic life.
BUY OR RENT?
Thanks to Siesta Campers, our dream came true
Paul had already owned a modern, reliable, and fully equipped camper van. He knew what life on the move was like: waking up in a new place every day and changing plans whenever you felt like it. But with experience came understanding — it’s not always as romantic as it looks in the pictures.
In many parts of Europe, it’s no longer possible to simply park by a lake, open your van door, and find untouched nature in front of you. Most scenic spots are now closed for overnight stays or heavily regulated. That sense of true freedom remains possible only in a few countries — like Spain, Portugal, and Norway — though even there, the rules get stricter every year.
I, on the other hand, had never lived that experience. Childhood dreams are always light and effortless, untouched by the weight of pragmatism. I imagined it most romantically: an old Volkswagen, the open road, sunshine, the ocean, and absolute freedom. But when you start looking closer — checking prices, delivery options, realizing that such a van needs to be stored, maintained, and constantly cared for — the dream becomes a bit more grounded.
That’s why renting turned out to be the perfect way for us to bring this childhood dream to life — to experience all the magic without the risks or “what ifs.”
In many parts of Europe, it’s no longer possible to simply park by a lake, open your van door, and find untouched nature in front of you. Most scenic spots are now closed for overnight stays or heavily regulated. That sense of true freedom remains possible only in a few countries — like Spain, Portugal, and Norway — though even there, the rules get stricter every year.
I, on the other hand, had never lived that experience. Childhood dreams are always light and effortless, untouched by the weight of pragmatism. I imagined it most romantically: an old Volkswagen, the open road, sunshine, the ocean, and absolute freedom. But when you start looking closer — checking prices, delivery options, realizing that such a van needs to be stored, maintained, and constantly cared for — the dream becomes a bit more grounded.
That’s why renting turned out to be the perfect way for us to bring this childhood dream to life — to experience all the magic without the risks or “what ifs.”
INTRODUCTION TO SIESTA CAMPERS
As often happens, when you open your heart to a new adventure and start speaking your dream out loud, the universe responds very quickly.
One day, during one of our hiking tours in Portugal, we stumbled upon an ad for Siesta Campers. Before meeting our group, we decided to stop by — just to see the vans, get inspired, and understand how everything worked there.
The company is based in Faro, on Portugal’s most beautiful coastline — the Algarve. Our first stop was their garage, where the team restores vintage camper vans. To say we were impressed would be an understatement. Surrounded by colorful Volkswagens, the smell of gasoline, leather, and adventure in the air — it instantly felt like stepping into an old movie you never want to leave.
What struck us most was that Siesta Campers isn’t just a rental company. There’s no pressure to book or buy, no pushy sales talk. The people there were genuinely warm and open, happy to chat about vans, travel, and life on the road. Even if you’re not ready to rent, they’re simply glad to meet someone who shares the same love for the journey — and you can feel that right away.
That first meeting happened in April 2022. We just dropped by for a quick coffee and ended up deep in conversation. Three years later, when we finally found the time and opportunity, we returned — not as random visitors, but as partners ready to hit the road together.
The company is based in Faro, on Portugal’s most beautiful coastline — the Algarve. Our first stop was their garage, where the team restores vintage camper vans. To say we were impressed would be an understatement. Surrounded by colorful Volkswagens, the smell of gasoline, leather, and adventure in the air — it instantly felt like stepping into an old movie you never want to leave.
What struck us most was that Siesta Campers isn’t just a rental company. There’s no pressure to book or buy, no pushy sales talk. The people there were genuinely warm and open, happy to chat about vans, travel, and life on the road. Even if you’re not ready to rent, they’re simply glad to meet someone who shares the same love for the journey — and you can feel that right away.
That first meeting happened in April 2022. We just dropped by for a quick coffee and ended up deep in conversation. Three years later, when we finally found the time and opportunity, we returned — not as random visitors, but as partners ready to hit the road together.
WHY PORTUGAL
We chose autumn for our trip. In October, there are significantly fewer tourists, the roads are empty, the campsites are quiet, and the beaches are deserted and atmospheric. The weather, however, remains comfortable: you can still swim during the day, and in the evenings, it's pleasant to sit by the ocean in a warm sweater.
Portugal is one of the few countries where you can still truly experience the spirit of life on the road.
That feeling of freedom — the one slowly disappearing under layers of regulations and restrictions across much of Europe — still lives here.
The beaches of the Algarve remain welcoming to camper vans, and the campsites are cozy and affordable — around thirteen to twenty dollars per night for two people, including parking, water, and electricity. The infrastructure is well thought out: clean pitches, showers, fresh water — everything you need for a comfortable stay.
There are also those special wild spots where you can spend the night close to nature. Those are the moments you dream of — when you open the van door and right in front of you stretches the endless Atlantic Ocean.
Portugal itself seems designed for a slower rhythm of life.
A warm climate, sunshine almost all year round, calm roads, and kind, easygoing people — everything here invites you to slow down. And that fits perfectly with the spirit of a retro van: to drive slowly, enjoy the journey, and truly live each day.
That feeling of freedom — the one slowly disappearing under layers of regulations and restrictions across much of Europe — still lives here.
The beaches of the Algarve remain welcoming to camper vans, and the campsites are cozy and affordable — around thirteen to twenty dollars per night for two people, including parking, water, and electricity. The infrastructure is well thought out: clean pitches, showers, fresh water — everything you need for a comfortable stay.
There are also those special wild spots where you can spend the night close to nature. Those are the moments you dream of — when you open the van door and right in front of you stretches the endless Atlantic Ocean.
Portugal itself seems designed for a slower rhythm of life.
A warm climate, sunshine almost all year round, calm roads, and kind, easygoing people — everything here invites you to slow down. And that fits perfectly with the spirit of a retro van: to drive slowly, enjoy the journey, and truly live each day.
A JOURNEY BY RETRO-VAN: RHYTHM, PEOPLE, AND PHILOSOPHY
If you’re looking for speed, comfort, and efficiency, a modern camper will suit you better.
But if your heart leans toward slow travel, unhurried roads, and the philosophy that life is not a destination but a journey, then a retro van is your perfect companion.
But if your heart leans toward slow travel, unhurried roads, and the philosophy that life is not a destination but a journey, then a retro van is your perfect companion.
If you’re used to modern cars, a retro van might surprise you — especially with its pace.
It drives slowly. Very slowly.
Sixty kilometers in a retro van feel nothing like sixty in a regular car.
But that’s exactly what makes it special.
A retro van teaches you to let go of haste.
It doesn’t tolerate rushing or chasing mileage — instead, it gives you something that everyday life often lacks: the chance to truly live the road.
To stop, breathe, look around, and catch the moment.
Yes, you get tired behind the wheel faster — because you have to stay alert, listen to the engine, and feel the road. But in return, you gain something else: a sense of complete presence.
There are no “assistants” here — no autopilot, no sensors, no shortcuts. You control everything. The steering wheel has no power steering, and the wheels sometimes wobble a bit, but that’s exactly what helps you disconnect from worries and be fully here and now.
And then there’s the social side.
A retro van is like a Golden Retriever on wheels.
It draws people in. At parking lots, in campsites, by the ocean — people constantly come up to you, say hello, ask about the van, share their stories.
Conversations start easily, smiles appear, new friendships happen — all naturally, without effort, just because this van radiates something warm and magnetic.
If you love connecting with others, sharing moments, and don’t mind a bit of attention — you’ll love it.
But if you prefer solitude and privacy, a retro van might feel overwhelming — it simply can’t help but draw attention wherever it goes.
For us, that became part of the adventure.
The people we met, the stories we exchanged — all of it made our journey warmer, more human, and truly unforgettable.
It drives slowly. Very slowly.
Sixty kilometers in a retro van feel nothing like sixty in a regular car.
But that’s exactly what makes it special.
A retro van teaches you to let go of haste.
It doesn’t tolerate rushing or chasing mileage — instead, it gives you something that everyday life often lacks: the chance to truly live the road.
To stop, breathe, look around, and catch the moment.
Yes, you get tired behind the wheel faster — because you have to stay alert, listen to the engine, and feel the road. But in return, you gain something else: a sense of complete presence.
There are no “assistants” here — no autopilot, no sensors, no shortcuts. You control everything. The steering wheel has no power steering, and the wheels sometimes wobble a bit, but that’s exactly what helps you disconnect from worries and be fully here and now.
And then there’s the social side.
A retro van is like a Golden Retriever on wheels.
It draws people in. At parking lots, in campsites, by the ocean — people constantly come up to you, say hello, ask about the van, share their stories.
Conversations start easily, smiles appear, new friendships happen — all naturally, without effort, just because this van radiates something warm and magnetic.
If you love connecting with others, sharing moments, and don’t mind a bit of attention — you’ll love it.
But if you prefer solitude and privacy, a retro van might feel overwhelming — it simply can’t help but draw attention wherever it goes.
For us, that became part of the adventure.
The people we met, the stories we exchanged — all of it made our journey warmer, more human, and truly unforgettable.
A FEW PRACTICAL TIPS
And for all our friends from AdventureRoad, there’s a little something extra waiting for you.
When booking with Siesta Campers, mention to the customer service that you’re part of the referral program from Your AdventureRoad — and you’ll receive a pleasant bonus from our friends at Siesta.
When booking with Siesta Campers, mention to the customer service that you’re part of the referral program from Your AdventureRoad — and you’ll receive a pleasant bonus from our friends at Siesta.
If you’ve ever dreamed of trying life on the road in a retro camper — start small.
Rent one, choose a calm season, skip long drives, and give yourself time to adjust to the rhythm of the journey.
Our biggest tip: go in spring or autumn.
The weather in Portugal is gentle then — warm days, mild nights, fewer tourists, and the country itself feels more intimate and alive. Don’t rush it; let each day be its own little story, not just another point on the map.
Plan your distances ahead of time.
Remember, a retro van isn’t about speed — it’s about presence.
Sixty kilometers in it can become a full-day adventure: with coffee breaks, ocean views, slow conversations, and moments you’ll never forget.
And most importantly — choose partners with soul.
From our own experience, Siesta Campers is not just a rental company but a community of people who genuinely love the road.
Their vans are beautifully maintained, clean, and thoughtfully equipped. And the whole atmosphere feels like visiting friends who share your love for travel and the open road.
If you feel that small dream of a camper life living somewhere inside you — give it a try. It’s more than just a travel format.
It’s a way to live your own version of freedom, take a deep breath, slow down, and feel life a little deeper.
Dreams really do come true — sometimes, all it takes is to speak them out loud. And the road will lead you exactly where you’ve always wanted to be.
Rent one, choose a calm season, skip long drives, and give yourself time to adjust to the rhythm of the journey.
Our biggest tip: go in spring or autumn.
The weather in Portugal is gentle then — warm days, mild nights, fewer tourists, and the country itself feels more intimate and alive. Don’t rush it; let each day be its own little story, not just another point on the map.
Plan your distances ahead of time.
Remember, a retro van isn’t about speed — it’s about presence.
Sixty kilometers in it can become a full-day adventure: with coffee breaks, ocean views, slow conversations, and moments you’ll never forget.
And most importantly — choose partners with soul.
From our own experience, Siesta Campers is not just a rental company but a community of people who genuinely love the road.
Their vans are beautifully maintained, clean, and thoughtfully equipped. And the whole atmosphere feels like visiting friends who share your love for travel and the open road.
If you feel that small dream of a camper life living somewhere inside you — give it a try. It’s more than just a travel format.
It’s a way to live your own version of freedom, take a deep breath, slow down, and feel life a little deeper.
Dreams really do come true — sometimes, all it takes is to speak them out loud. And the road will lead you exactly where you’ve always wanted to be.
When booking, tell the customer service that you are using the referral program, YOUR ADVENTURE ROAD and enjoy some great bonuses at Siesta Campers. Get ready for adventure!
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