Swift Europe
Chris and Gillian - Travels with Honu
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Welcome to our travel blog. Our travels in Europe with our camper Honu.The site is mostly for friends and family, but we are always happy to have more friends.
Some of the information on the blog might be helpful for those planning similar adventures.
Many people have helped us out over the years. Thank you.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can provide any advice or help you. Contact us click here
Past travels in recent years in Europe and with Honu (photos)
Navigation and apps
Informative links
about us
We have traveled extensively to many different parts of the world, having also lived and worked extensively in Australia, Canada, UK and the USA.
Gilllian is retired, having taught accounting at University for over 20 years.
Chris is semi retired - his business provides higher education management consultancy.
Chris and Gill hold Canadian and Australian citizenship; and Chris also has EU citizenship.
We are keen outdoors people - skiing (alpine and back country), hiking, sailing, motorcycling, mountaineering in many parts of the world and, not least, a lifetime of cycling. We have traveled to about 42 countries over the years.
For the few decades, we routinely traveled to Europe every year for cycling, outdoor adventure and some touristing. We travel to other places including Australia most years and down south occasionally to take a break from winter in Canada. Mix of photos in Europe over the past decade (pre camper). At home we hike, ski and do some water sports.
We have spent a lot of time hiking and scrambling in the mountains in Europe and have cycled many of the Eurovelo routes and bike routes. We have logged over 35,000 kms cycling in Europe and spent a lot of days on the trail.
Past travels in recent years in Europe and with Honu
honu
Like many 'van life" people we named our vehicle. "Honu", or H.O.N.U. (Home Of Nomads Underemployed) is the name we gave our motorhome (RV, campingcar, camper, wohmobile, autocaravana etc, depending on your country).
Honu is a 2017 Knaus Van TI 650 (click the 360 degree view link) ... video
Honu is also the Hawaiian word for green sea turtles.
We are very fond of Hawaii, a place we have often visited. We have spent time swimming with the turtles. Honu carry their homes on their backs and we travel with our home.
"The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, known as “Honu,” symbolizes good luck, endurance and long life. Turtles can show up as a person's guardian spirit, known as “Aumakua.” When lost, turtles are excellent navigators and often find their way home."
So, all of that seemed appropriate when we were choosing a name for our camper.
Honu is registered in France under our company 'Swift Europe'. We "adopted" Honu through Phill who owns France Motorhome Hire. The process was a bit complicated but Phill helped us every step of the way and we really appreciated all the work he has done.
Honu is a 2017 Knaus Van TI 650 (click the 360 degree view link) ... video
Honu is also the Hawaiian word for green sea turtles.
We are very fond of Hawaii, a place we have often visited. We have spent time swimming with the turtles. Honu carry their homes on their backs and we travel with our home.
"The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, known as “Honu,” symbolizes good luck, endurance and long life. Turtles can show up as a person's guardian spirit, known as “Aumakua.” When lost, turtles are excellent navigators and often find their way home."
So, all of that seemed appropriate when we were choosing a name for our camper.
Honu is registered in France under our company 'Swift Europe'. We "adopted" Honu through Phill who owns France Motorhome Hire. The process was a bit complicated but Phill helped us every step of the way and we really appreciated all the work he has done.
In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take
“ Explore. Dream. Discover."
Why a camper for Europe?
Why a camper van for Europe?
Whereas cycle touring and hiking is great, camping most of the time can get draining. Some years we were tent camping for multiple months.
When we occasionally rented or leased cars, issues like rain still presented travel problems.
Some of our best life memories are in Europe; so very early in our European travels we knew we needed to sort out some of the issues and set ourselves up for a long term engagement traveling in Europe.
Having a camper would predictably resolve a number of issues:
Campsite noise - generally OK but occasionally a real issue.
Rain ... well, as every cyclist and traveler knows rain is a game changer - especially day after day. Now we say "rain, what rain?".
Logistics - by having a camper Chris could set up a work station and work at times while on the road.
Freedom - Tent camping reduced our options and forced us to stay in designated areas - not least was the cost of even a basic site.
Travel to Europe - Our flights to Europe were becoming complicated with bikes, camping gear etc. Now everything is with Honu and we can travel light.
We guessed that a camper would open up a whole new way of traveling and freedom. And yes it has!
We spent a lot of time visiting showrooms in Europe and surfing the internet for information on campers. We also reached out for advice to others traveling with campers (some of whom have travel blogs/ websites).
Lots of choices and lots of options....
Whereas cycle touring and hiking is great, camping most of the time can get draining. Some years we were tent camping for multiple months.
When we occasionally rented or leased cars, issues like rain still presented travel problems.
Some of our best life memories are in Europe; so very early in our European travels we knew we needed to sort out some of the issues and set ourselves up for a long term engagement traveling in Europe.
Having a camper would predictably resolve a number of issues:
Campsite noise - generally OK but occasionally a real issue.
Rain ... well, as every cyclist and traveler knows rain is a game changer - especially day after day. Now we say "rain, what rain?".
Logistics - by having a camper Chris could set up a work station and work at times while on the road.
Freedom - Tent camping reduced our options and forced us to stay in designated areas - not least was the cost of even a basic site.
Travel to Europe - Our flights to Europe were becoming complicated with bikes, camping gear etc. Now everything is with Honu and we can travel light.
We guessed that a camper would open up a whole new way of traveling and freedom. And yes it has!
We spent a lot of time visiting showrooms in Europe and surfing the internet for information on campers. We also reached out for advice to others traveling with campers (some of whom have travel blogs/ websites).
Lots of choices and lots of options....
Adopting HONU
We narrowed down our choices and decided on the layout we wanted.
While cycle touring in 2016, we decided on the model we wanted.
We ordered Honu from Phill's company in October 2016.
In the course of our discussions we also needed to work out what option packages to order and what dealer accessories- ie solar panels, LPG gas and much more.
Sticker shock was the other issue we needed to get our heads around. Ouch.
Moving of funds presented a bit of an issue. Having that amount of money floating around in Cyber space was somewhat of a concern. But after a number of transfers Phill informed us all was well and our account paid.
Honu arrived on Phill's site early May 2017, only a few weeks prior to our flights over.
We flew into Paris, rented a car and appeared at Phill's doorstep 3 hours later ... and there was Honu, waiting for us ...
While cycle touring in 2016, we decided on the model we wanted.
We ordered Honu from Phill's company in October 2016.
In the course of our discussions we also needed to work out what option packages to order and what dealer accessories- ie solar panels, LPG gas and much more.
Sticker shock was the other issue we needed to get our heads around. Ouch.
Moving of funds presented a bit of an issue. Having that amount of money floating around in Cyber space was somewhat of a concern. But after a number of transfers Phill informed us all was well and our account paid.
Honu arrived on Phill's site early May 2017, only a few weeks prior to our flights over.
We flew into Paris, rented a car and appeared at Phill's doorstep 3 hours later ... and there was Honu, waiting for us ...
Equipment motorhome
Honu started life with the standard layout - we added some manufacture packages (ie larger wheels, sunroof etc) and dealer options - for example, two roof mounted solar panels and related electronics, Thule Omnistor awning, security locks and more.
We like the Honu for a number or reasons:
Data and engine: Fiat Ducato: 7 meters. 2.3 turbo diesel; 6 speed manual gear shift; Euro 6 emission standards. Enough power but not outstanding - Honu will cruise comfortably at 110 km; but Chris generally drives about 95 km. We average 8.2 liters to 100 km. Considering Honu weights in at about 3000 kg (max 3500 kg) that is pretty good. The dash layout and controls are very good - basic but effective. Usual stuff like cruise control. The Germany Company Knaus built the camper on the fiat base.
We think the Honu is a good looking camper and right in the European sweet spot for size. To date Chris and Gill agree, if given the option to buy again we would stay with Honu, as is.
Bikes - we have owned our current bikes for the past eight years and 35,000 kms.in Europe. We have two sets of he same bikes; one set in Europe and one in Vancouver - people refer to them as circus bikes - but they are great. Xootr swift folding bikes.
We are planning to buy a set of electric bikes in Europe so as to have a greater range of travel. Need to be compact enough to fit in the back of Honu with the other bikes. We have test rode these bike and think they will fit ourr needs: Radius Tour ebike
We like the Honu for a number or reasons:
- Good German quality.
- Well designed with no wasted space whatsoever = actually it is amazing use of space,
- A large "garage: with large left and right side entrances: More than enough to store our two bikes, chairs, table, ground mat, bike gear, tools and more.
- Solar panels and 3 batteries allows us to keep of the grid indefinitely.
- Excellent fridge, with freezer; heating system, hot water system and great shower pressure.
- 3 burner hob - works well.
- More storage space than we can use.
- Outstanding insulation = no need for living area air conditioning.
- Ventilation with 4 sunroofs + shower ceiling vent.
- Attention to detail.
- 2 full length fix beds with lots of space
- A convenient hanging closet.
- under bed space and lots of shelving
Data and engine: Fiat Ducato: 7 meters. 2.3 turbo diesel; 6 speed manual gear shift; Euro 6 emission standards. Enough power but not outstanding - Honu will cruise comfortably at 110 km; but Chris generally drives about 95 km. We average 8.2 liters to 100 km. Considering Honu weights in at about 3000 kg (max 3500 kg) that is pretty good. The dash layout and controls are very good - basic but effective. Usual stuff like cruise control. The Germany Company Knaus built the camper on the fiat base.
We think the Honu is a good looking camper and right in the European sweet spot for size. To date Chris and Gill agree, if given the option to buy again we would stay with Honu, as is.
Bikes - we have owned our current bikes for the past eight years and 35,000 kms.in Europe. We have two sets of he same bikes; one set in Europe and one in Vancouver - people refer to them as circus bikes - but they are great. Xootr swift folding bikes.
We are planning to buy a set of electric bikes in Europe so as to have a greater range of travel. Need to be compact enough to fit in the back of Honu with the other bikes. We have test rode these bike and think they will fit ourr needs: Radius Tour ebike
Gallery selection
Our Travels
Past Trips and Future plans
informative links
Armchair travels and links
Motor home travels:
Traveler links on Barry and Margaret's great site "MagBaz Travels".
Traveler links on Julie and Jason's informative site "Our Tour'.
More Iinks to other traveler blogs
Travel adventure sites we follow:
Christine's inspirational site of travel adventure.
Generally informative or useful sites for campers:
Practical motor home
Motor home forum
European Caravan Club
Places we like
Our home - Vancouver Canada Whistler skiing
Hawaii (the big island) Arizona
Bregenzerwald Austrian Tyrol; The Italian Dolomites French Alps.
Cycling in Germany.
And of course we really like Spain .... Doesn't everyone?
YouTube subscriptions we follow - mostly travel (in no particular order):
itchy boots
sailing magic carpet
Expawers
Spain revealed
Nomad trails
Spain speaks
C90 adventures
Bike touring pro
On Her Bike
Wheels to wonder
XT adventures
Others we think are interesting (well done / interesting enough to make the cut):
Political - Adam Curtis Documentaries
Ed Pratt
Paolo from Tokyo
William gloege
Kombi life
Exploring alternatives
Motor home travels:
Traveler links on Barry and Margaret's great site "MagBaz Travels".
Traveler links on Julie and Jason's informative site "Our Tour'.
More Iinks to other traveler blogs
Travel adventure sites we follow:
Christine's inspirational site of travel adventure.
Generally informative or useful sites for campers:
Practical motor home
Motor home forum
European Caravan Club
Places we like
Our home - Vancouver Canada Whistler skiing
Hawaii (the big island) Arizona
Bregenzerwald Austrian Tyrol; The Italian Dolomites French Alps.
Cycling in Germany.
And of course we really like Spain .... Doesn't everyone?
YouTube subscriptions we follow - mostly travel (in no particular order):
itchy boots
sailing magic carpet
Expawers
Spain revealed
Nomad trails
Spain speaks
C90 adventures
Bike touring pro
On Her Bike
Wheels to wonder
XT adventures
Others we think are interesting (well done / interesting enough to make the cut):
Political - Adam Curtis Documentaries
Ed Pratt
Paolo from Tokyo
William gloege
Kombi life
Exploring alternatives
Navigation and Apps
- Navigation and apps -
We use our Samsung android phones (j7) and a 7 inch samsung tablet for all our navigation - magnet mount on the windsheid. We have a plethora of other electronic devices, a 10 in tab, laptops etc. All our maps are off line (downloaded onto our devices) We have Vodaphone sim cards for internet data and phones (Italian account) and now Europe wide with the new roaming regulations from June 2017.
Offline maps (driving, hiking, cycling, and being tourists) Osmand
offline maps - driving Here we go
LPG gas locator app - aligns with offline maps MyLPG
Used sometimes (hiking/ cycling) Backcoutry nav with opencycle maps
ACOMODATION
Campground app (locations of campsites in every European country) Archies camping
Resources; IOverlander
Motor home parking areas app 1 park4night
Motor hoom purking areas app 2 All moterhome parkings
Motor home parking areas app 3 Camper stop
Motor home parking areas app 4 RV camping finder
Motor home parking areas app 5 Campervan pro
Motorhome dealers (service) app Camper pro
bike route maps app downloads - Biroto routes and tours for multi-day bicycle touring
(note if you use Osmand you need to 'drop' the info and GXP routes into the 'track' folder file)
Other:
faster fix for your tab or phone: GPS fix
Skype - used for phone calls and skype calls.
VPN (for BBC, ITV etc) - Android touchVPN PC Windscribe
BBC Iplayer
Kindle app (books and newspapers) - Kindle
podcast app - Podkicker (pro) BBC daily news feeds, the economist etc
weather app - accuweather
overdrive (download books from your library)
Music - music player
Uber
