In our busy lives, we’re often so wrapped up in detailed planning and strict schedules that we leave little room for spontaneous moments. It even applies to our vacations, which tend to be just as rigidly organized. This habit of constant planning traps us in a cycle of endless stress, whether in our day-to-day lives or during holidays. We lose sight of the simple pleasures of relaxation and living in the moment. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Finding peace and freedom can be as simple as not over-planning your leisure time and just going with the flow.
For those looking to break free from excessive planning, the lure of the open road might be just what you need. Imagine a vacation free from the constraints of schedules, where you follow what your heart desires. It is precisely the appeal of renting a motorhome. Imagine a cozy, mobile home that allows you to explore at your own pace, stay in places where you feel most at peace, and travel without restrictions. Sounds ideal, right?
Yet, life in a motorhome does come with its challenges. It’s not just about the costs; sometimes, managing the vehicle can be taxing. Handling mundane tasks, like taking care of basic needs (yes, I’m talking about the toilet), can be less than glamorous. Emptying the loo might seem easy in motorhome ads, but it can be a hassle. However, these minor inconveniences pale compared to the incredible freedom and excitement of discovering new places. Our own experience in the summer of 2022 is a testament to this.
Our Motorhome Adventure
After missing the boat on last-minute deals, all-inclusive packages, lovely rental homes, and tickets to exotic locations, we ended up having no vacation plans. Initially, we were in a bit of a panic and even considered just staying home. But from experience, we knew that would likely mean getting caught up in home improvement tasks, leaving us more tired than relaxed.
That’s when we had a lightbulb moment. Why not rent a motorhome and hit the road with no set plan? Our only goal was to see the stunning landscapes of Sweden, free of any specific route or timetable. This decision turned out to be perfect. We enjoyed a string of spontaneous adventures and memorable experiences. The motorhome vacation opened a new world: we embraced the unknown, made in-the-moment decisions, and had genuine adventures.
Adventure
an unusual, exciting, and possibly dangerous activity, such as a trip or experience, or the excitement produced by such an activity
Source: Cambridge Dictionary
Unexpected consequences of a cashless life
Proper preparation is crucial for any adventure, a lesson we learned the hard way on our motorhome trips. In Bräcke, a town we talk more about below, we found an idyllic camping spot by a lake. It was everything we could hope for: stunning views, tranquility, and surprisingly affordable. But there was a catch: they only accepted cash – which we didn’t have.
That’s when things started to go awry, though we didn’t realize it until later. A kind employee offered to drive us to the nearest ATM. During the ride, he suggested some great local diners and cafés, mentioning he was covering for his son, who had fallen ill. After two days, we realized how highly infectious his illness was. Having gotten cash, we paid for our stay and thought nothing more of it. The next day, we enjoyed exploring the recommended eateries and did a bit of shopping.
However, two days later, we started feeling sick and decided to get tested. The results were beyond doubt: we had both contracted COVID-19. It was then that we truly understood the importance of being well-prepared. Had we prepared some cash, we wouldn’t have gotten ill. It all looked like our motorhome adventure came to a premature end. Yet fate had other plans, and what first seemed like a setback started a new adventure.
Sick with COVID-19 at a nudist camping site
We decided to head home, driving as fast as we could. It felt like a race against time, reminiscent of those nights when you indulge in too many drinks at a bar and rush home before the effects fully set in. And, as is often the case when trying to outrun the inevitable buzz, we found the same true for the COVID-19 infection: we did not make it. Halfway home, the illness overwhelmed us, making it impossible to drive any further. We were compelled to find the very nearest place to rest.
And we found it; indeed, we did. Oh, boy, what a place it was! Sandvikens Fribad och Camping, a nudist camping site near Filipstad, became our unexpected sanctuary. What a funny sight it was: we clad from head to toe due to high fevers, in stark contrast to everyone else chilling in their birthday suits. Remarkably, our exaggerated attire caused no concern among the campers. The juxtaposition of our fever-induced layers against the backdrop of carefree nudism painted a picture that was both bizarre and heartwarming. Sandviken Fribad och Camping, thank you for your hospitality!
Epilogue
Our 10-day motorhome road trip through Sweden was all about finding the cool in the unexpected. Every turn showed us something remarkable, and every stop was a chance to hear a new story, making us see that surprises are just adventures waiting to happen. We learned to value spontaneity in life over planning.
Even when stuff like catching COVID-19 tried to put the brakes on our trip, it actually ended up showing us some pretty unique spots, like our unexpected crash at Sandvikens Fribad och Camping. This trip didn’t just give us a bunch of epic memories; it also taught us to love life’s wild twists and turns, showing us that the real fun starts when things don’t go as planned.
Check out the map at the end of this page to get a peek into our trip. If you zoom in, you’ll see photos of the amazing places we found by chance, each showing how beautiful it is to let life happen in its unpredictable but perfect way.
E. Old Finnish Forest Settlement
Forest Finns were a group of Finnish immigrants who settled in the forests of Sweden and Norway in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were skilled in farming, hunting, and fishing and lived a self-sufficient life in isolation from the rest of society. Today, remnants of their settlements can still be found in the forests of northern Sweden. If you want to experience their culture peacefully, spend some hours at this old Finnish forest settlement! We did not meet a living soul the whole day when we visited there.
H. Forest Museum near Mora
Even though we were hesitant about going out in the rain, the Forest Museum was a perfect choice, even on a rainy day.
The museum is a fascinating place, with lots of exhibits about the history and culture of the forest in Sweden. We learned about the traditional forest industries and saw many old forestry buildings. The whole area is crowded with wooden sculptures, which give the museum an artistic touch.
Click on the link if you want to learn more about the museum http://www.skogsmuseum.se
I. Folk Museum in Orsa
The folk museum in Orsa was our final stop in Sweden. The museum showcases a collection of beautifully preserved historic buildings relocated from the surrounding countryside. We spent a delightful evening exploring the museum and enjoying a picnic on the grass as we bid farewell to the place before heading back home.
Click on the link if you want to find out more about the museum https://www.hembygd.se/orsa-skattunge/orsa-hembygdsgard
Zoom in on the places we visited, on the map below and click on the pins to view more pictures.
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