# @simone_stewart on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DWUMQddDAT3
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/61302506-simone-stewart-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/4848b42d47.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-25T17:18:27.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Simone (@simone_stewart) — https://gondola.cc/simone_stewart

## Caption

Three years ago I built this van, travelled Europe with my partner, and then realised I wasn’t done travelling but my partner had to be back in the city. 

The thought of solo travelling terrified me so much that I put it off for a year and returned to the city, only to be further feel like I was in the wrong place 

So last year I took the plunge that started travelling by myself. I spent the first 2 weeks close to people I knew, I still went to sleep terrified staying up until 3am only letting myself sleep at this point because‘if something bad was going to happen it would have by now’ 

A month in I went to France to bite the bullet, where I found comfort in finding park ups in local villages that had designated Motorhome spots. I spent a month here and my confidence grew but I was still on edge. 

6 months later I was getting into bed and I realised that I hadn’t checked the doors were all locked up, this was huge because in the beginning I was checking at least 5 times before I went to sleep. This was the moment I realised that I was finally comfortable travelling alone, I built a routine and knew where and how I felt safe. I absolutely check the doors are all locked but now it’s not the forefront of my mind it’s just part of the nightly routine 

A year in and the van is my happy place, my own space, travelling in my own time, and enjoying the ever changing scenery 

I post videos documenting my travels and sharing the realities, hope to see you back here soon ☺️

#vangirl #nomad #solotraveller

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 166
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 3

## Tags

solotraveller, vangirl, nomad

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