A trip to Betoeterd in sustainable style: our vanlife experience with LEAVV

As Campspace staff members, we often get to explore the most remarkable eco-friendly adventures. Today, we’re thrilled to share with you the latest trip we took part in, which truly encapsulates the spirit of sustainable travel. We drove from Haarlem to the inaugural Betoeterd Vanlife Meet-up in Zeeland, the Netherlands, in two electric campervans by LEAVV - a Dutch company leading the charge in combining the vanlife ethos with greener alternatives.

LEAVV is revolutionising the way we travel by offering fully-equipped, electric campervans that accommodate up to four people. This approach not only keeps our carbon footprint minimal but also allows for a unique, intimate experience with the surrounding environment - truly a win-win for any conscious traveller.

Exploring our home on wheels for the weekend

Our journey started in Haarlem, where we set off with two signature green campervans generously provided to us by Robbert from the LEAVV team (pictured above left). Each of these sleek, beautifully designed vans combines practicality with style, with all the amenities needed for comfortable travel. Inside, you’ll find bench seating that folds down into a spacious bed, plus an additional sleeping area in the roof extension, a functional kitchenette complete with storage, stove and sink for meals on-the-go, driving chairs that swivel around for an indoor dining setup for four and even an efficient workspace for digital nomads. 

The balance of form and function in these vans is commendable, ensuring that no element of comfort is compromised while adhering to sustainable principles. In addition to tableware, cutlery, a small kettle, cooking utensils, washing up liquid, cleaning tools, a dish towel, first aid kit and USB ports for charging your electronics, Robbert even threw in a few camping chairs and a table for outdoor dining, which are available to add to your van booking for an additional fee.

After poking around and discovering the facilities, we hit the road, making sure to bring along an EV charging card and scoping out a fast-charging spot for on the way. We would make it to Zeeland without a charge, but on an electric vehicle road trip it’s always good to plan charging in advance!

Campspace and LEAVV at Betoeterd

Our destination was Zeeland, a province in the southwestern Netherlands, known for its stunning beaches, charming towns, and a vibrant vanlife community. We were headed there for the Betoeterd Vanlife Meet-up, a gathering that promised shared stories, experiences, and of course, fantastic food cooked in mobile kitchens. Both Campspace and LEAVV were the main sponsors of the event.

Arriving at the meet-up was like entering a hive of like-minded individuals. There were those living full-time in their vans, others part-time, but all united by a shared appreciation for exploration, being on the road and being inventive with the design of their homes on wheels. After exploring the food trucks, market and rows upon rows of beautifully converted campervans, firetrucks and former ambulances, we set up camp around our two LEAVV vans, forming an alcove that allowed for wind shelter and an inviting shared outdoor dining setup.

Vanlifing in our LEAVV van

Cooking meals using the LEAVV campervan’s kitchenette was an experience in itself. The stovetop was perfect for preparing everything from a quick pasta dish to a more elaborate feast. While the food was cooking, we could engage in lively conversation with fellow vanlifers, sharing stories of the road and dreams of future journeys. 

We spent the weekend meeting people from the thriving Dutch vanlife community, listening to music around the campfire, watching a documentary at the outdoor cinema, getting people excited about booking campervan road trip destinations with Campspace and finally, hosting the first ever Bus Quiz pub quiz at Betoeterd, which ended up being a roaring success!

The trip ended on a high note, with a night under the Zeeland sky, comfortable in the knowledge that we were tucked into an eco-friendly vehicle. Waking up to a sunrise, with a thoroughly rewarding experience of sustainable travel under our belts, was a gratifying end to our weekend.

Our trip to Betoeterd was more than just an opportunity to embrace the freedom and camaraderie of the vanlife. It was a chance to contribute to a more sustainable future, facilitated by companies like LEAVV and, of course, Campspace! As we move towards greener alternatives in all aspects of life, it's heartening to see vanlifers, not to mention the travel industry, following suit, redefining the way we explore the world, one electric campervan journey at a time.

Plan a road trip with LEAVV

If you’re interested in trying out sustainable vanlife without committing to the lifestyle change, head to the LEAVV website to rent a van for next weekend! Click below to browse the hundreds of well-equipped campervan sites we offer on private land all across Europe.

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