Hello, my name is Allan Barnard: 58-year-old semi-retired radio announcer and restaurant owner in Riebeek Kasteel, South Africa. After 30 years in broadcasting, during which I also spent 17 years in the hospitality industry, I’ve decided that for a year or three, to do what I’ve wanted to do for a long time: to sell up and saunter through Europe in a campervan.
This is an invitation to you to share a small but memorable part of it with me, and your response will help determine which routes I take.
My plan is to acquire a motorhome and a caravan in Germany or the Netherlands in 2019 and to take on the slow roads of Europe, wherever they may lead. The purpose of inviting co-travelers with a similar dream to share in this experience is two-fold: to always have company who speak my language and to share the trip's accommodation and transport costs. In this way, we can travel further, see more, wine and dine without skimping and altogether enjoy a richer experience. I take care of the ride, the stay-overs and see to it that we’re always connected.
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| A perfect example of what I have in mind |
To make it easier, I have researched a comprehensive circular route that covers the less crowded roads of Europe (my first thought: go coastal!). Where, for instance, it is not necessary to stay in a crowded, noisy campsite. Where quaint villages with lively eateries are the norm and where the beauty of the environment takes your breath away. The spectacular fjords of Norway, the majestic castles of Germany and the pristine lakes of Finland are all, among others, in my saunter sights.
With the knowledge I have gained in the restaurant industry, I’d also like to put my cooking skills to the test by stopping in smaller towns en-route and cook regional dishes with local chefs. I’d like to capture this on video for a blog on YouTube, in the relaxed style of the famous TV chef, Rick Stein.
My "Tag-Along" ride-share concept is simple: for the duration of the European summer, I drive in generally one direction on a "Grand Circle” Route. I break up the route in 1000-1500km sections that last for approximately 10-14 days, which, for planning and budgeting purposes is the minimum stay. You then need to select one of the route sections which has an airport that you can fly to from South Africa, because this is where I will meet you. You can also suggest a route, as long as it's practical and do-able. Along the way we stay at least two days at a place, either in a campsite or “wild camping”. At the end of the trip, I drop you off at a return airport, from which you can either fly back home or to your next destination.
An uncomplicated example: fly to Münich and ride-share with me on the route between Münich And Copenhagen (or Oslo) via Nüremberg, Leipzig, Berlin and Lübeck. This is a distance of about 1200km which we drive in sections of 300km, roughly every third day.
The greatest thing about touring like this is that you never need to drive, and you never need to be at a loss anywhere, because I am always on hand to assist (along with my trusty travel companion: Google!). When we are on the open road, you’ll travel with me in the campervan and when we overnight, the separate caravan is your private space. Comfortable and stylishly equipped, it come with its own kitchen, toilet and shower facility. You’ll never need to step inside a public ablution block!
From time to time, we will undoubtedly do our grocery shopping together, or braai together, or sip on sundowners whilst gazing at a sublime view but, by and large, your time is your own.
To summarize: This is carefree self-catering at its most laid-back at a fraction of the cost of doing it all by yourself. For my proposed routes, airports and various cost estimates, please send me an email, indicating which parts of Europe you would most like to visit and please feel free to ask questions!
My e-mail address is: allan@kasteelberg.com. Greetings until our rendezvous at the airport!
Riebeek Kasteel
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