THIS CHALLENGE nearly FINNISHED me off - Vanlife EXPEDITION Ep.8

[@zekevarg3043]

If you ever have the chance, take a tour i the east/south east of Finland. Lakes, lakes and lakes, just stunning!

[@vanscran1672]

Fantastic, I'm glad you are heading south before you get snowed in, I will visit that area next summer.

[@johnmandy]

Thank you 😁 we’d heard plenty of stories about why we don’t want to risk it although we would have loved some snow, especially at the Arctic Wilderness Campsite 😁❤️

[@Madders23]

I toured sweden and Norway on my camper 10 years ago. This is bringing back some wonderful memories. I loved it so much I’m going back next year but for longer. The full 3 months we are allowed!!!!!!

[@johnmandy]

It needs the full 3 months too don’t you think? It’s amazing! 😁❤️

[@Madders23]

@@johnmandy it really does. I would like to have more time, but what I don’t see next year I’ll have to go back again. I love the feeling of knowing you could see nobody all day walking through the forests. I got to the Arctic circle and spent a day and night in Finland and came back down Sweden on another route. I went to the most Northern IKEA 😂😂 in Tornio I think it was called. I so envied you watching your adventures. I’m looking forward to you showing your trip down from Talin. Have fun. X

[@drchunkybiscuit9973]

Can you prove it though? 🤔😉😁

[@Flossy_tops]

After watching John and Mandy they’ve given me a real taste, and I’m so looking forward to the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark etc

[@davidwilliams-du4ru]

Hi John and Mandy. Enjoying your tour, but I am very surprised you didn’t stop to have a look around Finland’s capital city Helsinki. There was so much to see and do there. The centre of Tallin is also quite an interesting, place. I must say we are a little envious, having been to most of Scandinavia and having stayed in a log cabin during the winter in Finland’s Arctic circle. Even driven over an ice frozen lake by car with a few Finish friends, two of them ex rally drivers, to visit their summer cottage on the edge of a huge lake.

[@Kent.]

I think that it is because every rental apartment buildings in Sweden have dedicated laundry rooms in the bottom floor to do the laundry so we don't need those places you do the laundry. And it gets more common for new rental apartment buildings to be built without a laundry room, but instead individual apartments comes equipped with their own washing machines instead.

[@johnmandy]

That's the same as the rest of Europe, however, they also have public laundry services too, so it's very odd not to find them.

[@Kent.]

​@@johnmandy Ok... Never heard anyone from Sweden miss them, suppose we are so used to do the laundry at home we don't even think about it. We have a place in my town but there you leave the laundry and they do the work, but it's more like leaving a suit or a nice dress. Dry cleaning i think in English.

[@lindajames7083]

You never complain Mandy. Always smiling.

[@johnmandy]

Ah thank you 😁❤️😁

[@tangfors]

All apartment buildings must have a laundry room in Sweden, so there is no need for laundry rooms to pay for. But campsites usually have, but they are rarely open so late in the year. Otherwise there are dry cleaners and there you can probably also run a regular wash.

[@diandmartydownes1611]

Nice one guys. Another great country to see. X.

[@maureenjones7532]

Hi , just back off a prolonged trip in Scotland . So on catch up of your blogs . Will have to go to beginning to watch . But wondered how you find your park ups .

[@maureenjones7532]

Oops forgot to say , Great blog .

[@johnmandy]

@@maureenjones7532 Hope you had a great time Maureen, we made a video all about how we find them - have a search through and you’ll find it 😁👍🏻❤️

[@Pulunen]

18:53 That's the parking area at Suomensaari, Tampere. Nokia is near though! :D

[@amisa160]

Next time you come to Scandinavia you should be here in the summer period. Then you can sit by the ocean in nothern Norway in the middle of the night and watch the sun dipping into the water and then start rising again. That is beautiful! An explanation to why there is no laundry services downtown in Sweden: There are usually washing machines in the house where you live, in your house or your apartment or a shared laundry room in the basement of the house that you share with your neighbors if you live in a big building. When you are out traveling the best place to find a washing machine is in a camping area with services. Thank you for your video and be safe on the road!

[@johnmandy]

That sounds amazing! We’ll definitely be back 😁❤️ the washing machine thing makes sense too

[@simoncolombo6640]

Loving your vlog. You need to come back to Finland during the summer. Hundred thousand lakes. Go to Hossa and down to the lake-Finland... There are also public saunas, if you want the sauna & swimming experience. FYI: the point of Schengen is that there are no border controls.

[@johnmandy]

We will definitely be back as it’s amazing!! We’ve been stopped at many borders within schengen - just never the ones we expected 😁😂

[@davidbuxton7921]

Loving the blog , northern lights so jealous, scenery is epic. Has Mandy actually caught any fish ?

[@ovelamajava]

The small town you were near Oulu is called ii (Ii).

[@simonlees7031]

Excellent thanks I will go through them tonight when I park up,thanks again

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Simon 😁

[@markotark]

The small road from 15:47 onwards seemed weirdly familiar and the uphill section you edited after it even more so. Then when you showed the place you parked and fished at i knew it fir certain, i lived just few hundred meters away from those places from 1977 until 2002. You actually stayed at parking lot of Suomensaari-beach at the district of Lentävänniemi in the city of Tampere, not Nokia. The boats over the water from the fiahing spot are located at the Jänissaari-sailing club, where our familys sailing boats were located. Weird to see such familiar scenery in video all of a sudden. I moved to the Åland Islands in 2002 where i’ve been living ever since and if you ever make it back to the Nordics, i’d highly recommend that you stop over here if you have the chance. There’s several ferries from at least 4 different cities in Finland and Sweden that sail here.

[@gina50gina]

Nice chilax music in this video. I hope the waters were as calm as they were when you started, and I hope Cooper was alright braving the seas by himself. I love your hat Mandy! Norway is so special, I can totally understand why you plan on returning for an extended visit.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Suzane.. Coop was a star but I worried about him the whole time, that might have helped me out a bit 😁

[@gina50gina]

@@johnmandy So true, focusing on him instead of you. I have anxiety as well, for many things. I'm getting better as I get older, except for bugs, that's worse lol!

[@stevewright9651]

Great video. The overnight in Nokia looked really fun!

[@johnmandy]

It was fab 😁🙌🏻

[@escapethematrix5069]

Love the time lapse footage.

[@stevedoyle8390]

Fantastic, inspiring us to do it next autumn......"fatland" laughed our heads off.

[@johnmandy]

Awesome..!! That’s great, you’ll absolutely love it 😁❤️ I still chuckle a bit at fatland 😂

[@doubledutch13]

Loving the quality of the roads ❤️

[@johnmandy]

They are very good indeed 😁

[@davidiand7]

I hope you have winter tyres.

[@johnmandy]

Please feel free to watch our other videos to learn more about our camper and us 👍🏻😎

[@herculesthehymer]

Such an excellent adventure you are both taking us all on. Thanks for all your effort with capturing, editing and uploading the footage. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@johnmandy]

Ah thank you very much 😁👍🏻

[@michellechapman6961]

Oh yeh me need to go thinland also. Mandy you were so brave getting on that boat, my worst nightmare. Arrrrr and I love you three as well, even though I don’t know you and you don’t know me but I love you because you are taking me on an epic kind of a journey 🤣😉😊. That was hilarious, our dog jumped of her forever sofa when you said “pub” to Mr Coop and she looked at us with expectation on her face and all knowing intelligence😲. Stay safe.

[@johnmandy]

Awww Michelle, that’s so lovely, thank you for coming along with us ❤️ It’s nice to see that all dogs like pubs too 😁🥳

[@outandaboutmd]

🤣great vlogs guys, I am loving your adventures. Stay safe

[@Motorhoming_Fun]

Another epic vlog again this week thanks for Sharing John & Mandy.

[@BellasBigAdventures]

Fantastic as always. Hope Mandy survived the ferry? looking forward to Estonia. keep up the great work and stay safe.

[@Rob.1340]

Fantastic. Scandinavia is absolutely outstanding. Thank you for bringing us along. Looking forward to the next leg of your expedition. I should watch these videos early in the day. Those burgers mmm. Stay well and safe travels. All the very best to you. Cheers.👍🐾😎

[@johnmandy]

Haha.. thanks Rob, I feel bad for John as he has to watch the edit back like 4 times.. poor man must be starving 😂

[@borjesvensson8661]

No laundromats in sweden as all apartment buildings have washing rooms in the cellar but most campsites big enough to have cervice buildings tend to have washing machines.

[@johnmandy]

That makes perfect sense.. we didn’t go to any campsites to see any because the wildcamping is so amazing ❤️🙌🏻😁

[@susangranger3089]

Great video, enjoying your adventures, hope you feel okay Mandy, I suffer with sea sickness too, it's not pleasant, glad it's only a couple of hours crossing, for you. Hope it goes well.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Susan, I’m doing better than I thought with it ❤️

[@susangranger3089]

@@johnmandy Back in 2014 spent 2 months in our motorhome touring round Spain and Portugal, came back to England from Santander to Portsmouth, the Bay of Biscay, was so choppy, overnight stay, never again will I do that crossing, I was so ill, would rather go through the Eurotunnel and drive.

[@suzybeetravels]

Loved the dog park! We need more things like that in the UK. Fabulous vlog as always ❤

[@johnmandy]

We need lots of things like they have in Europe - they literally think of everything 😁❤️

[@karlmabe1649]

Excellent landscapes hardly any people or cars about . Loved the laundry and in a shopping centre

[@johnmandy]

It’s probably the time of year but it’s been wonderfully quiet 😁❤️

[@mattiasolander1038]

Sorry to be "nit-picky" but Finland is not a Scandinavian country (only Denmark,Norway & Sweden)! Finland was a part of Sweden for 600 years, so in some places they still speak swedish, like in Helsinki/Helsingfors The finnish language however is closer to Hungarian and Japanese than to germanic languages like english and swedish. Finland is a great place to visit in the summer. Hope to see you visit the Old Town of Tallinn. :)

[@carolryan9056]

Thank you both for taking us all on a wonderful well planned journey. Keep safe and well. 🇮🇲🇮🇲 🥰

[@johnmandy]

Thanks for joining us Carol 😁

[@ajaton]

It's ii with two i:s. Kinda funny to see you in one of my all-time-favourite places, few miles from my home 😅 Great videos, loving every second watching these!

[@ANightworkerslife]

Just found you channel and been thoroughly enjoying myself. You are so relaxed charming and witty :) this is gonna be a treat!

[@jaredb9281]

I had to think when you said you were in OOO-LOO. haha! it's pronounced 'Oh-loo'. Regarding the double letters, in Finnish, you pronounce the double letter. So you make a pause when there is a double letter. Anna would be An - na. It can be quite a challenge when you start learning the language. Tulli (customs) is very different from tuli (wind or fire) so getting used to the double letter sound to make is really important. My wife Sanna was called sana by so many Brits and kiwis, regardless how many times she was introduced as San - na. It's really interesting how we all use language and mouth sounds etc. differently. Regarding the weather, if this was recent, then yep, you're probably in the worst time of year to travel (grey, wet, cold, rain). Sept and part of Oct is good for autumn colours, but Oct-Nov. is usually the most miserable. In terms of Finland, it's the opposite of the UK when it comes to parking in places. If there's no signs, then you can stop overnight almost anywhere. It helps having only 5.5 million people. We call them Puskaparkki, and there are even FB groups for these where people share good ones they find. I love that you went to Rolls Burgers. They're seen as pretty cheap and a little nasty here, but perhaps this outlet was fresher? They looked pretty good, so I must try them again. They're usually only attached to gas stations and places outside the main cities though. There are dog parks everywhere here too. Finns are really into their dogs... and yes, drinking in pubs here empties your wallet faster than a mugging! I really hope one day you can come back to Finland. After Norway and Sweden, it might seem a bit plain, due to the lack of topography. Norway is epic scenery, but it NEVER gets sunny and warm. It is too mountainous and too influenced by the North Sea maritime climate. The laketime summers here in Finland are epic. Especially the Turku Archipelago (20,000 islands in the Baltic Sea) in the south west ( you can get loads of ferries, but they tend to be between 3 minutes and 30 minutes in journey time) and the lakeland region to the east, which includes Lake Saimma, Europe's 5th largest lake, and home to the world's only inland freshwater seal species. Oh, last thing, fun fact... Finland is not part of Scandinavia! (every Finn told me this when I first got to know my wife and used to make this mistake! They are quite clear about this! haha!). Nordic yes, Scandinavian, nope! 😊 (ps love the poo bag bit... my kind of humour! I was thinking that as soon as Mandy said she had her poo pags!). haha! Righto, I'm going to leave the Estonia ones until tonight to watch!

[@daydreamer7618]

You missed Europe's longest beach (15 km of uninterrupted sandy dunes). I do believe you slept the night somewhere pretty close. It was that night before your Rolls burger stop. The beach is in Lohtaja (which is nowadays part of Kokkola).

[@andreabalderstone4272]

We will be visiting there next years, so thank you for sharing your journey. It looks amazing and the fact that there are facilities available is fantastic 😊

[@ari.voutilainen]

Welcome back to 🇫🇮 in the summertime! Next time you need to experience the archipelago road and the lake district. Btw, a couple of days after you left the Northern Finland got almost 30cm of snow. 🌨🌨🌨

[@johnmandy]

We’ll be back soon to try more ❤️ we’re glad but also a little sad that we missed the snow

[@robp9129]

Another stunner!!! The ' Countries Visited' graphic is brilliant John! Take care and already looking forward to your next installment! Regards, Rob👍😉

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Rob 😁👍🏻

[@carlshirley]

EPIC video yet again, loving it. I was wondering, do the Scandi motorhomers wave 👋 like here.

[@johnmandy]

It’s been about 50/50 😁👋🏻

[@tonylee8550]

Having seen your vlogs from Scandinavia it’s on my bucket list, also tell Mandy when fishing twitch the rod whilst winding the line back👍

[@johnmandy]

It should be, it’s not to be missed 😁 thanks for the tip 👍🏻

[@276tracey]

Also you might need a landing net if you get lucky...love your journey thanks for sharing

[@familyupgrade]

Sorry about the laundry, but I think most camping have a machine. I guess it is bc the high living standard here - EVERY home has one. Either in a "tvättstuga" - the joint laundry room, - or in the flat/house. But campings have. And hotels. And the harbours have, as boats generally dont. Fun fact: The most swedish spealing town/village,in the world is in a small place outside of Wasa. It is well over 97% that has Swedish as first language. Here in sweden, we have something like 30% finnish speaking. 😀

[@johnmandy]

That makes sense then 😁

[@anhatur]

I follow the weather fairly closely, and the weather systems normally grow up in the atlantic ocean somewhere south of Greenland, and get served to the UK in fairly ordely fashion. Then the UK, with its crags and hills, smashes them up into smaller turbulent eddies, only to have slightly collected their wits again before they hit the Norwegian coast. It's truly a mess, I agree. And then they calm down gradually, until well into Russia and the Baltics.

[@petergreen3717]

Really liked your trip round Scandinavia. Like you I find Norway far and away the most scenic of the countries. You said you would be back, don’t miss the North Cape on your next visit and getting here mid June would give you the opportunity of enjoying the midnight sun! I am also planning a trip around the Baltic from my home in Gothenburg, I am a little hesitant about the Covid situation in Estland, Lettland and Litauen etc., I will be interested to watch your coming videos from these countries and seeing how that works in practice. Finally how are you going to manage unlimited data for your mobile connection, I understand that EE is adding a £2 per day surcharge on its tariff?

[@jackiestokes6502]

Great video guys 😊😊

[@greenmanshell1117]

So glad I found your channel! You are really a nice couple with a sense of humor and reality. Also nicely professionally edited with beautiful views. It almost feels like I'm there with you on the trip. :)

[@johnmandy]

Ah thank you very much, that’s lovely to hear.. thank you for joining us on our travels 😁❤️

[@hgglass8905]

Us to love it when the music in playing while driving feels like we are drive along I guess that's the idea brilliant. if anyone wants to travel can't, watch videos make you feel you are there

[@gilly4133]

Awww I spent a week in Oulu when I was 18 back in 1991. I seem to remember the local brew was Lapin Kulta I think :)

[@johnmandy]

Ah very nice! 😁

[@TheTfortwo]

Brilliant vlog guys, keep them coming and take care x

[@johnmandy]

Cheers Steve 😁

[@mcginc91]

Hello - A question from me this time. When you're travelling do you check out local delicacies so you eat like a local? For instance rice pies or squeaky cheese or cinnamon buns in Finland or frikadeller and the amazing hot dogs in Denmark? And are there things that you've eaten that were really disgusting?

[@johnmandy]

We usually wait until we’re in a supermarket or restaurant and ask then. We’re not incredibly adventurous with food mind you..

[@marsukarhu9477]

Not maybe the best time of year to visit, but at least you escaped the mosquitos in Lapland (that is a situation). If you visited a month earlier it would've been breathtakingly beautiful with bright yellow and red trees and sunny weather :)

[@MarkNoff]

Loving this trip guys. You will make a sailor yet Mandy!

[@andymacdonald30]

Sea looked like a mill pond . LOL fantastic video !

[@johnmandy]

Still sea like with waves n stuff 😁 thanks Andy

[@mcginc91]

Hi both. We started watching your adventures a few months ago as we start to look at vans. Years ago we had a sprinter conversion which we had to sell for work/space reasons. Still have pangs. Thanks for sharing your adventures. Informing, educating and entertaining. Coop is a bonus. More power to your elbow. Learning loads. Helsinki carpet cleaner still blowing my mind. C 🌎🌎🌎

[@johnmandy]

Ah thanks Clare, hope you find your perfect van soon ❤️ I wished I had a carpet to clean.. amazing!

[@plove523]

The camping spots are beautiful!

[@johnmandy]

They really are, stunning 😁❤️❤️

[@murraymint8159]

Did the burger bars have plant based options?

[@johnmandy]

They all did, for beef and chicken swaps and also halloumi too - I’ve been very impressed, with the supermarkets too 😁🙌🏻

[@FrankSluijter]

Great vlog what a trip so far, the nordic countries are a little expensive. But what a cool places you visit.

[@johnmandy]

Absolutely, thanks Frank

[@garytraynor6963]

Great video love it looks stunning and your bough looking well, we are also following your other videos, we are starting the planing for our WiFi set up in our new Moho would you say your last update is still on point or would you advise differently yet ? Keep up the Great work it must be so hard 😂😂 👍🍺

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Gary.. 😁 last weeks update video has a bit about the wifi set up.. go give it a watch 😁👍🏻

[@whereverilaymyhat6673]

If you come to Sweden again I think the best laundryalternativ are to go and use washingmachine in campingplaces for a small fee!

[@johnmandy]

That’s good to know, thank you 😁👍🏻

[@SilvertopMotorhomers]

Bit late this week. Soz. Lovely video with lots of activities and outcomes. Strange Finland has no LPG. Any specific ring. When you entered Nokkia were you welcomed by the tone? 😂 Couple of questions (as ever) What are dry toilets? Are you cash, credit or debit card or a mixture. What issues have you had so far with getting money/paying for things? Has Mandy caught any fish yet? Go safely in Estonia and look forwards to the next vlog

[@johnmandy]

Dry toilet is one that has no water, essentially it’s a hole in the ground with a seat over it. We’ve used the Revolut card 99% of the time so far. Still no fish for Mandy 🤦🏼‍♂️👍🏻

[@attesmatte]

I've been binging your Sweden/Norway videos now to see if you managed to get back down south before it started snowing up north. 😜 And I'm glad to see that you did! 😁 It would've been a bit scary if you had to drive on snowy/icy roads without proper winter tires. 😳 And I'm so glad you got to see the aurora! 😍 I live in the middle/north of Sweden, and even though I see the auroras several times a year, it just never seizes to amaze me. ❤️❤️

[@johnmandy]

Ah thanks for watching Sara.. we were so lucky to see the Aurora 😁🙌🏻

[@neilwilliams3299]

Hi J&M I am enjoying your tour so far, keep the videos coming.going off the subject, would you say the exhaust from your diesel heater is enjoying to other campers?

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Neil.. I’d say it’s absolutely fine - we’ve been in many fields with many people so it’s tried and tested

[@jamieellmers5511]

Hello again lol hope your all doing OK and still enjoying your self's all these places are just breath taking and bet you loving every min of it lol and hope your OK Mandy with the long ferry trip and hope you made it across OK you all take care and enjoy every min

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Jamie, it’s amazing!! We’re having a great time - take care yourself ☺️❤️

[@Great-to-be]

An end to a beautiful leg of your grand tour. I’ve really enjoyed watching you two so massive congratulations to you both (and you two Cooper and Alex!). Can’t wait to see what you reckon to Estonia, keep it up…. 👍👍👍 NB: Bloody hell, those burgers looked legendary! Yummmmm

[@johnmandy]

Ah thanks Jay.. it feels a bit sad as it was amazing!! I’d go back in a heartbeat ❤️

[@PMMagro]

Estonia is fast becoming a Scandinavian country it seems? Atr least we feel we have loads in common with them. Lovely to see you tour Scandinavia. Do come to Stockholm next time, I'll get you good help on fishing tips etc :)

[@johnmandy]

There was definitely a Scandi feel in Estonia but you could also see lots of it’s past links there too - I bought a beautiful set of Russian dolls from there, made in the Estonian town closest to Russia. It’s all so interesting 😁 Thank you for that, I think I need the help 😂

[@stephenbergin9184]

Hi John and Mandy wow what an amazing journey fantastic places great to see you both having a great time travelling and both happy those burgers looked great not watched for a few months drive safely and I hope your next place is as good if not better than the last stave b 🇬🇧 👍

[@frederickchase]

Loving the blog guys. Scandinavia seems the ideal location in which to "roam". Our burning questions are 1) Do you find it expensive and, if so, how did you get your heads around that? 2) Who is Alex "the burger beast"?. 3) Did you wave at 6.04, after the washing stop?

[@johnmandy]

Thank you so much for watching 😁❤️ 1) Yes, very much so, especially compared to previous countries we’d visited - there’ll be a full cost breakdown vid out soon 👍🏻 2) Alex is the legend that is Mispronounced Adventures on you tube and Instagram 3) We did 😁👋🏻 we never miss a wave - it was about 50/50 to get a wave back though

[@Ukkipo]

@@johnmandyAs a Swede I love your videos - just found you guys today and been watching like 5 videos straight! Really good that you keep reminding people about litter - because if there one thing we Swedes hate it is litter. As long as you dont litter anyone is welcome here :)

[@carolinebridge900]

Morning guys … and coop x Are you listing your what 3 words for the stop overs anywhere ? Xx I’ve looked on the travel map ? By country ? Xx

[@johnmandy]

The what3words are shown on screen at each parkup 👍🏻

[@carolinebridge900]

@@johnmandy yes I’ve written them down. Just wondered if they were in a list/ blog anywhere :) xx

[@johnmandy]

@@carolinebridge900 We are keeping them all on a separate what3words map so we can release it when we’ve finished our travels 😁👍🏻

[@carolinebridge900]

@@johnmandy ah fab x will it be purchasable at the end ? Like a travel book / guide. X ££

[@Home.on.wheels]

Hi guys great video again love the music in your video would you ever put CB radio in you van ?

[@johnmandy]

We have a video all about that 😁👍🏻 how we keep in communication

[@Home.on.wheels]

@@johnmandy i must of miss that one right time to watch it now lol and thank for the videos

[@jackiestokes6502]

Nothing wrong with fatland Mandy, especially with these cold winter days approaching 🤗🤗

[@IrenESorius]

❣❣❣ Luv you guys. Welcome back to Scandinavia. ❣❣❣

[@johnmandy]

Ah thanks Irene.. it’s become our favourite place 😁❤️

[@IrenESorius]

@@johnmandy ,,, and the best thing is that you have at least a sillion more things to discover up here in this the best of corners of the world. Take care and be safe, lovely humans,, and dog of course,, ❤❤❤❤

[@wendajones9040]

Don’t miss Lofoten when in Norway!

[@johnmandy]

You can see where we visited in Norway in a previous expedition episode 👍🏻

[@wendajones9040]

@@johnmandy I missed that one! Will watch!

[@Flossy_tops]

Well guys what an amazing trip you’re on!! ... and you’re so easy to watch too. But more importantly all your videos are teaching me so much. We’ve a way to go yet before we can finally head off to wherever, and your Vlogs will certainly be a useful reference library... However wouldn’t it be nice if here in the Uk was as MH friendly and organised as the rest of Europe is. See you at the next location. Stay safe 🍻

[@johnmandy]

It really would be nice wouldn’t it? It makes such a difference ❤️ we’re so glad you’ve been learning from our vids and have enjoyed watching them too ☺️🙌🏻

[@Madders23]

When you visit countries with great facilities for camping you realise just how bad this country is for vanlife

[@Flossy_tops]

Spot on Marie, this country is diabolical and cannot see what potential there is 😢 ... There is so much we’ve not seen here yet though, so have a good few trips planned before we venture back across the channel.

[@jackiesmithsmetaldetecting]

John missed a bit he left a chip :D Hope Mandy was ok on the ferry.

[@johnmandy]

Wasteful, I tell ya! 😁 it was definitely better than I thought

[@markwhitehead64]

Hi John and Mandy really enjoyed watching your video looks really great and them burgers 🍔 were epic really really looking forward to seeing your next video keep safe 😷👍🏻

[@johnmandy]

Ah thanks Mark, they were really really good 😁🙌🏻

[@TheJeanGenius]

Loved it, what more can I say? 😃❤️ Already looking forward to the next installment 👍🏻🤗😘😍

[@johnmandy]

Awww thanks Sis ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@stehaughton5074]

Allways Watchin With A Smile ,Music'Spot On.. Best Wishes 👍👍

[@johnmandy]

Ah thanks Ste 😁❤️

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Not sure what looks better, the lake side views or the Rolls burger 😄

[@johnmandy]

It’s a tough one 😜

[@CampervanHabitude]

Great vlog guys, as usual. Hope you had good phone reception in Nokia! I have to say, I have been watching you for years now and it's great to see that you still reply to comments, as not all KZbinrs do so, many thanks. With that in mind, My other half and I are considering a change from our VW T6 (self converted) to a LWB Crafter (which we also plan to convert.) It is a big decision as we love our T6 and its versatility so much but, feel we would benefit hugely from the extra space - fixed bed, toilet, shower, garage etc. I know you had the transporter initially and, of course, your motorhome is even bigger than a Crafter however, how much of a drawback would you consider these larger vehicles to be? Would you recommend this to be a wise decision overall? BTW, we have a rather over enthusiastic Airedale to consider too. Thanks guys. Keep on inspiring! Mal, Ruth & Raffy.

[@johnmandy]

After having the T6, then a Ducato panel van conversion and now a coach built, I’d say there’s very little between the last two. From the T6 to the Ducato you lose the option of truly fitting where cars can fit easily, but otherwise we rarely struggle parking or manuavorhing our van at all. The extra space far outweighs the fraction of time it might hinder us.

[@CampervanHabitude]

@@johnmandy Thanks guys. I shall place that on the plus pile and share it with Ruth... when she gets up! Happy travels.

[@hgglass8905]

Hi guys In Lithuania try a lovely park called hill of witches in KALNAS

[@johnmandy]

That looks interesting, we’ve left Lithuania now though ❤️

[@cedarcanoe]

Always enjoy your feel-good videos! Greetz from mid-Sweden

[@johnmandy]

Ah thank you 😁❤️ we do love Sweden

[@korean_foot_traveler8655]

I've found Finland has a number of beautiful and calm places through this wonderful video.😀👍👍

[@johnmandy]

It really is beautiful 😁❤️

[@korean_foot_traveler8655]

@@johnmandy🙏🙆‍♂️🙆‍♂️

[@brianmcclure8012]

Woow, you have really wet my appetite to visit Scandanavia with our van. I live in Switerland and am considering trying winter campervaning in the mountains, where it will be probably be -10C or less nightime. I've no idea how cosy we can keep the van in those conditions. I don't have a diesel heater, but will consider one if this winter test goes ok. You said it was getting down to -2C ish were u where, what temperature were you able to keep the van at in those conditions and have any idea how many litre diesel a day it took to do that?. I'm loving following you along on your Expedition. Thank you😀

[@chrismartin5772]

Great video loved the idea that you have cameras in your van and check to see iff all is good on your phone I have a net gear in my van with a arial for wifi would love to no how to put a camera in to conect to the phone when you’re away from the van to make sure all is safe ( brilliant idea)👍👍👍👍👍

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Chris, if you search for Gadget John Neos you’ll get a good video all about them - we will be doing a security update video soon 😁👍🏻

[@chrismartin5772]

@@johnmandy thanks for the information look forward to your security video 👍👍👍👍👍

[@hannayoung9657]

Sweden don't have laundromat because when you rent , there is always a laundry room in the basement. If you travel, most campsites has a laundry room and same goes hostel and similar.

[@johnmandy]

That’s good to know 😁👍🏻

[@carolemousdell4444]

What an amazing journey you are taking us all on, out of this world scenery, great humour I really enjoy your videos, thank you !

[@johnmandy]

Thanks for watching Carole 😁❤️

[@danielwalsh8894]

great video, is Finland officially Scandinavian? Nordic yes?

[@danielwalsh8894]

sorry nevermind, see we've been there already, still great videos guys...

[@johnmandy]

Feel free to read Wikipedia as you’ll see it IS in Scandinavia 👍🏻

[@jamesbeech8643]

Hi to you both, after watching your video of a few months ago we have just bought a couple of MiRiders from Wigan, and have found them so much fun. Love this long trip you are on and love Mandy’s joke about Finland “so where is Fatland” I think it’s called the USA!

[@johnmandy]

Ah that’s fantastic!!! We love our bikes ❤️🙌🏻 the team are brilliant there too aren’t they? I think fatland is where you make it 😂

[@Alivefrom45]

those views are stunning.

[@johnmandy]

Absolutely 😁❤️🙌🏻

[@ian_morg]

Stunning! What Fiat/Alpha Romeo have you had? (Vans not included 😂😂)

[@johnmandy]

Oh I had many, from little 127 sport, 131 Mirafiori, Strada Abarth and many more

[@GeoffJonesEsprit]

That launderette matches your jacket! 🤣

[@johnmandy]

I did notice that 😁🙌🏻

[@tangfors]

October and November are really rainy throughout the Nordic region. June-July-August is the best time if you want nice weather, then the Nordic countries are fantastic then, or the winter then January-February is probably the best time.

[@eventfive]

Mandy, I love to watch you fishing but.... do you ever catch anything??

[@johnmandy]

No.. not at all 🙈 I’m working on it though..

[@martinfield1484]

A decent fiat john😀😀leave off that whiskey great adventure your having spectacular views and roads look surprisingly good keep up the good work

[@johnmandy]

Haha.. well 🤷🏼‍♀️ they are amazing

[@rabfraser1234]

mandy you need to get yourselves a fly rod as i keen angler i cant wait to see you catch something ,,will you eat it ? if its a trout or similar ,,i just throw them back as cant seem to get the bones out ,,

[@johnmandy]

I have just upgraded and nearly did buy a fly Rod but couldn’t find one that collapsed small enough.. I think I’d eat it - I’ve done lots of filleting of fish before, it’s just the despatching of the fish that I’d have a problem with..

[@olavsantiago]

I live in Oulu its pronounced O-Lu, and the place you stayed Ii is pronounced "E" as its 2 ii. For your choice of burger then you missed the best in Finland - kauppuri 5, its in Oulu. There is LPG, its called "Nestekaasu" in Finnish, you can buy it from any DIY shop, some petrol stations also. Finland is similar area to the British Isles, with Finnish Lapland almost as big as england minus cumbria and northumbria, on your quick drive through you missed a lot, i.e. gold panning in Lapland, Amethyst mine, a lot of excellent fly fishing spots, etc.

[@johnmandy]

It’s worth googling LPG in EUROPE and you’ll see why Finland doesn’t have lpg pumps that we need to fill up our tanks. We did try that burger place, but really didn’t like it very much. Our trip is a reiki for future travels, it’s worth watching the full series from the start to get the full picture 👍🏻

[@davidmbell]

Mandy’s jacket matched the laundrette

[@johnmandy]

I was very pleased about that 😂

[@CamperVanya]

What an epic adventure we’re following you on! 👌🏻❤️👍🏻

[@johnmandy]

It certainly feels like it from here 😁🙌🏻

[@cidersorbet2075]

Loving the videos. Now to find the quality time to explore these beautiful (but large) countries. Thanks for your time and efforts, The video quality is amazing. As an aside - as someone who is now realising these small euro lounges layouts (I have a 2007 NB Arto) are very clostraphabic to actually be stuck indoors for any time with your partner (and the mother in law) especially out of season ? - do you think a rear lounge would be a better layout for such a trip ? Or would the continual setup/ putdown of beds be more of a bind?

[@johnmandy]

Thanks David 😁 for us, we prefer to not have to make up the bed each time but I like to chill on the bed with a book so we get a little space that way ❤️