1 Month Travel In France with 2 kids in a Mazda Bongo Campervan

In 2017 we spent 1 month travelling in France in our Mazda Bongo with 2 kids and 2 adults. I thought it would be fun to look back at the trip as I've had a few questions regarding European travel in a small campervan with kids.
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[@LifeistooshortCK]

We agree, you don’t need a big van to have fun and a small one can get to many more places. We enjoyed your trip 👍

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks!! So strange you've commented as I've been watching you're videos all week, thoroughly enjoying your channel. Love your NV200 looks ace fun 👍👍

[@HerbieRey]

I bought a Bongo 2 weeks ago and it's currently at the garage having its wheel arches replaced. I can't wait to have adventures like this in it 😍

[@VantasticIdeas]

Yes, definitely!! I can't wait until the borders open and we can explore Europe again 😁Have fun 'Bongoing' when your van is sorted 👍

[@vtcliffi]

Did the same trip 2 years ago just me and the wife and it was absolutely brilliant . My bongo stud up to just short of 2000 miles over 4 weeks and it is still going strong . Brilliant vid and glad you and the family enjoyed it . Thanks Cliff 👍👍

[@VantasticIdeas]

Hi Cliff, Sounds like you had as good a time as us 😁I really miss France right now, as I'm sure we all do! Cheers 👍👍

[@jenowens8529]

Oh, can't wait to get our bongo and for it to be safe to travel, soon hopefully! 🤞🤞

[@VantasticIdeas]

🤞crossing everything as well!! hope you get your van soon and adventures can begin 😀

[@hhhh334ify]

Looks like you all had a great time - thanks for sharing 👍

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks 👍can't wait to get back there!

[@turningwheels2584]

This looks like a really good trip!! We are picking our bongo up on Wednesday and i cant wait!! Such a great world we live in it needs to be seen..... With a bongo!! Great vid!

[@VantasticIdeas]

Couldn't agree more, cheers!! 👍👍

[@blueseeker2]

What a lovely trip. You have a great family

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks 👍maybe next year everything will be more normal and we can get back to Europe. Cheers 😀

[@stevewilliams6951]

Excellent video , lovely family. Stay safe👍

[@rogerhoman8858]

Very enjoyable video

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks 👍

[@everyday316]

Looks like a great trip, thanks for posting

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks!

[@jordan4541]

Hopefully I'll be able to save up for a bongo one day. This is my favourite camper

[@VantasticIdeas]

Bongo's seem to cost way more than they used too with the way things are, hopefully if life remains more normal they'll get cheaper again. Hopefully you'll get one soon 👍

[@WareBare]

Great video great fun thanks

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks 👍👍

[@nightwolf1592]

Great inspirational video 👍 Many thanks

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks, appreciate it 👍

[@socopoc]

Nice video mate and nice family too. Im off to France soon in my VW Transporter cant wait. good luck to you pal.

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks and have a great journey! France is such a good place for campervans 👍

[@terrydarby164]

Nice places nice video👍

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks 👍

[@placepages8071]

Mate what a fantastic Video, totally inspiring to bring the kids away in one of these, but they keep growing lol :) can i ask what year your bongo is please, and does yours have any fixed kitchen units or is it seats and beds only cheers!

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks! since this trip (which was a few years ago now) my kids have grown a lot! I could do with a bus now lol. Mines a 2003 2ltr petrol version. If you look at my other videos including my latest one (the bed conversion one) you'll see where I'm at with trying to make it as useful as possible for us with the layout of the van. We now need to use an awning tent to give everyone enough room. Cheers!

[@ruslan6494]

Молодец 👍

[@VantasticIdeas]

👍

[@ginaferreira9399]

❤️

[@borisbongo9494]

👍👍

[@VantasticIdeas]

👍👍👍👍

[@glynscothern3876]

30 m p g OR LESS

[@campingout3063]

so how did you all actually sleep in it?

[@VantasticIdeas]

2 in the pop top and 2 downstairs, a little cosy but it worked out fine. Now the kids are bigger it’s a very different story 😂

[@robertgaskin7574]

Nice video,what MPG would you get?

[@VantasticIdeas]

Thanks 👍 On long runs somewhere around 30mpg, but around town around 26 mpg.

[@turningwheels2584]

@@VantasticIdeas which engine do you have??

[@VantasticIdeas]

@@turningwheels2584 It's the 2ltr petrol.

[@turningwheels2584]

@@VantasticIdeas thanks, same as I'm getting, i can put it into perspective now!

[@georgehotham1312]

Hi can I just ask have you had any problems with the loading of the bike rake with your stuff like the law been pulled over as I just done the same with my bongo but not to sure if it's OK and we are not braking any laws would not fancy a fine lol 😉

[@VantasticIdeas]

I've never had a problem with the law and using the bike rack for other things. I think as long as you stay within the recommended weight limit of the rack (60kg I think) and the load is properly strapped down then I can't see a problem. I'll be honest I've never checked with regards the law so might be worth a look. I do know it's very common to the use the rack for carrying other things. Cheers 👍

[@georgehotham1312]

@Vantastic Ideas thanks I was thinking that I have looked at the law and there nothing saying you can't as you said as long as its strapped and not over loaded and all lights and number plate is visible all is good I just got a large storage box and cargo net so should be good thank you very much for your reply and happy bongo travelling 😀

[@asadkhan420]

How much it cost in total for the whole trip please

[@VantasticIdeas]

I think it was about £2000 in total, fuel, food, campsites and ferries for 4 weeks. 👍

[@mrquill3687]

Serving healthy meals to kids on holiday, must surely be a crime!

[@VantasticIdeas]

Don't worry, they had plenty of crisps and chocolate afterwards to balance it out! 😂