Woman Restores Old Van To Travel Around The World With Her Dog
Marina Piro has a serious case of wanderlust. She was born in Italy, she lives in the UK, and now she’s traveling around the world with her rescue dog, a labradoodle cross called Odie, in a old van called Pam. The vehicle is a 5-door 2001 Renault Kangoo, and she restored it herself after researching the project for two months. She ripped out the interior before turning the blank canvas into her very own cozy space complete with a bed, curtains, a kitchenette, some LED lights, and even some houseplants (car plants. Whatever). Marina said that the total cost of restoring the van was about £500.
How long will they be on the road? “I will travel for as long as I can,” Marina told Bored Panda. “Whether it’s with Pam or with a different means of transport. My plan is not to see as many places as possible but to really experience and get to know the places I go.” And how is Odie enjoying the journey so far? “Odie is loving it. He gets spoiled wherever he goes and loves being out in the fresh air each day.” Read on for more of our interview with Marina, and check out her blog and Instagram to keep up to date with their travels.
More info: Instagram | Pam the Van (h/t: designyoutrust)
Marina Piro has a serious case of wanderlust
She was born in Italy, she lives in the UK, and now she’s traveling around the world with her rescue dog, a labradoodle cross called Odie, in an old van called Pam
The vehicle is a 5-door 2001 Renault Kangoo. She restored it herself after researching the project for two months
Marina knew nothing about car renovation before she started her project. “For real, I learnt everything on the spot,” she told Bored Panda
“The van works in fact aren’t perfect (I cannot cut anything straight and I always get my measurements wrong), but it serves me just alright”
She ripped out the interior before turning the blank canvas into her very own cozy space. She installed LED lights…
A floor…
Curtains…
A comfy bed…
And even a little kitchenette
She said that the total cost of her renovations cost around £500
When asked about her favorite place so far, Marina said: “I adored the lake of Xonrupt-sur-longemer in France. It’s a lovely lake surrounded by pine trees”
“It was super quiet and no tourists whatsoever, the perfect spot for spending a couple of days”
“I also particularly enjoyed Brighton in the UK, and the whole region of Valle d’aosta in Italy as it has incredible views and it’s perfect for hiking”
“Odie is loving it. He gets spoiled wherever he goes and loves being out in the fresh air each day”
“My plan is not to see as many places as possible but to really experience and get to know the places I go”
“I would like to spend 2-3 weeks in each new place I visit, possibly by doing some WWOOFing or volunteering. I would love to visit Spain and Portugal this year”
“I will travel for as long as I can, whether it’s with Pam or with a different means of transport”
“My main aim in the creation of Pamthevan‘s blog and Instagram page is to really empower women more than showing how “cool” my life is”
“I believe that every choice of lifestyle is “cool” if it’s what you truly want to do whether it’s travelling, being a home mum or throwing yourself into a finance career”
“The blog was really created to make women feel like they could convert a van if they wanted to, even if they are alone/clueless/manless”
“Many women tell me “I wish I could do it, but would have no idea of where to start” or “I’m not brave enough to follow my dream.” Well, they now have no excuse!”
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That's seriously cool. I too have a dog with whom I travel a lot because of our work (we are search and rescuers), which is voluntary based, so you get no pay. It's not only a hustle to use public transportation, but it's insanely costly. Actually to get just me and my dog to our main training facility, located at just 385 Kms by train (no buses accept dogs in my country) it costs the same as going by car. Now imagine having to carry around 80Kgs in equipment and another 20 in food, clothing, small necessities on your back + dog (Thank God I don't have to haul his 15Kg cage as well, since he is a work dog!). Plus you can even sleep in it comfortably, which is a HUGE asset when you can be expected to work for 36 hours non stop. So the sourpusses can pipe down. It's super cool to see someone be able to do this all by themselves.
This is great. Where are you from? (no dogs in buses?!g
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Well done, I love the idea and may your travels be amazing. I love the DIY attitude.
This looks like an amazing opportunity. Would love to have the financial freedom to have such adventures!
That's seriously cool. I too have a dog with whom I travel a lot because of our work (we are search and rescuers), which is voluntary based, so you get no pay. It's not only a hustle to use public transportation, but it's insanely costly. Actually to get just me and my dog to our main training facility, located at just 385 Kms by train (no buses accept dogs in my country) it costs the same as going by car. Now imagine having to carry around 80Kgs in equipment and another 20 in food, clothing, small necessities on your back + dog (Thank God I don't have to haul his 15Kg cage as well, since he is a work dog!). Plus you can even sleep in it comfortably, which is a HUGE asset when you can be expected to work for 36 hours non stop. So the sourpusses can pipe down. It's super cool to see someone be able to do this all by themselves.
This is great. Where are you from? (no dogs in buses?!g
Load More Replies... Well done, I love the idea and may your travels be amazing. I love the DIY attitude.
This looks like an amazing opportunity. Would love to have the financial freedom to have such adventures!
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