A MARRIED couple have been living in a van and a canal boat for the past 12 years – they don’t pay for heating or groceries but admit there is a huge downside.
Emma, Reese, and their little dog Daisy live in a self-converted van named Romany and have been sharing their van-life adventures via YouTube.
The trio live in a 2019 Ford Transit van which they say costs £100 in fuel to fill up.
For this couple their mission is simple. They want to live a life outside the norm and to travel. The van is essentially a means to an end.
“Van life means something quite simple”, explained Reece.
“The van is just somewhere to sleep while you’re travelling. So, it’s travels first, and then the van,” he added.
The couple are also renovating a 57ft canal boat.
In addition, they own a cottage, which they use as an Airbnb while travelling.
A question the couple constantly get asked is how much does van life cost.
Emma believes this is an impossible question to answer because it really depends on how much you have to spend.
However, she recommends buying as newer vehicle as possible with as little mileage as possible.
The mum added; “You can put an absolute fortune into doing the back of your van up and it looks absolutely gorgeous – but if the engine goes then that’s it.”
The couple explained that the most important factors in terms of cost are:
Emma, who is mostly in control of managing their expenditures warned as a start-up, you’ll need around £4,000 to buy a van.
Once you’ve got the van, it could cost anywhere between a couple of hundred to £15,000 to furnish.
However, Emma advises looking on Facebook Marketplace, and eBay to find second-hand features such as rock and roll beds.
Also, making your own furniture will help reduce costs.
Emma also explained that a great way to save on electrical costs is to use a general relay rather than a smart alternator.
This is because a smart alternator requires a DC charger which can be costly.
The couple also revealed that they don’t have a shower, heating, or gas.
“When you start thinking about getting heaters in and piping all that stuff in unless you really know what you’re doing I don’t think you should be been messing about with gas,” Emma warned.
The same goes for diesel heaters, she adds.
Instead, the couple use a transportable shower and use natural heat sources such as candles for warmth.
The couple also admitted they don’t spend much on food as going for out treats like coffees can add up.
The downside being that they will have to “share that slice of cake” from time to time, however, they understand their priorities.
Reece on the other hand has some simple advice and that is not to stay at a campsite.
The couple claims campsites in the UK cost around £15 – £40 per night and it’s “not what van life is about”.
“Campsites restrict you as there’s no freedom of movement”, said Reece.
“Van life means something quite simple. Nothing too spectacular, just a van with your stuff in and the open road.”
“It’s about being as simple as possible”, added Emma.
The rise of van life began during the pandemic in 2020. With no one able to leave the country, staycations became popular for many say camping blog venturecampers.
On top of that, the rising cost of renting a house has put many off doing so, especially when wages have failed to keep up with the cost of living crisis.
Although it has gained popularity again, many people opted for van life in the 60s and 70s.
A BOY of five dreams of winning gold at the Paralympics after becoming the youngest in the UK to get a leg blade.
Isaac Ismail had the blade, usually seen on pro Para athletes, fitted last October.
His has a “foot” attached to appear more realistic.
Isaac, born without a lower leg bone, won a ton of medals with it at his sports day.
The battler, from Stratford, East London, now hopes to win gold.
Mum Aisha, 33, said: “When I told Isaac we lived in one of the houses built for the Olympics and Paralympics, his mind went into overdrive.
“He started Googling Para athletes with blades and has now set his sights on being part of the GB Paralympic team when he grows up.
“When I ask him which Paralympian he wants to be, he just says: ‘Mum, I don’t like just one of them, I love ALL the Paralympic runners because they all love to run like me.’
“This summer he’s literally been a different boy to last year and to see him marching so confidently through the school gates to start Year 1 this year is priceless.”
CELEBRITY Race Across The World fans were left devastated Jeff and Freddy Brazier missed out on the win – blaming one fatal error as the reason.
The father-son duo had an emotional ride during the 30-day trek, and on the final days were in good stead to win as they made their way to Frutillar, Chile.
However, after days on the road and with budget to spare, the pair decided to take a break and relax at a thermal spring outside of Mendoza, Argentina, before continuing on in the race.
They were seen enjoying a swimming in the lakes, with Freddy shooting down a water slide as Jeff lounged in the water after spending hours on a bus.
Jeff told the cameras: “Seeing Fred happy makes me really happy, but in this hand, I’m thinking about the race. I’m thinking about the next steps, and I find it really hard to switch off from that.
“I was brought up playing football, and it was train to win, you play to win. It’s a part of why I’m really resilient.
“But there are always going to be experiences like this where I think it just demands your focus be taken from the race and just put on the now, that’s something I’m really grateful for.”
But fans got antsy at Freddy and Jeff for the detour, thinking they were wasting time.
“Everyone else is now under 10% budget – except Jeff & Freddy who are under water at a swimming pool!,” joked one on X.
“They may have a higher budget but Jeff and Freddy are wasting so much time,” said another.
“Have Jeff & Freddy spent weeks racing only to decide to enjoy themselves now? ITS A RACE BOYS!” noted a third.
Once the pair had their downtime, they got back on the road, hitch-hiking to Mendoza in order to catch their next bus.
At this point they ran into trouble, with buses being full and needing to move to a different
Once in Santiago, they found themselves trapped in a gridlock which brought them to a standstill.
Ultimately, those few hours may have cost them, and they eventually came in third place, with Scott Mills and husband Sam winning the series, and Kola Bokinni and cousin Mary-Ellen coming in second.
Both teams beating Jeff and Freddy by a whole day, with Kelly Brook and Jeremy Parisi – who were also caught in the gridlock – coming in fourth.
However, both said they enjoyed the experience and believe it brought them closer together.
Freddy told the cameras: “Didn’t come first, but we didn’t need to come first. We finished the race and we done it together. Brother and son, what a duo.”
“Watching Freddy grow, I’ve seen him see what he’s capable of on this trip,” said proud dad Jeff. “That is winning this experience.”
Fans were devastated they didn’t win – though celebrated their bond after the sweet scenes.
“What an exciting end to #CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld gutted that @JeffBrazier and Freddy didn’t win, but the most heartwarming thing that came out of the series for me, was to see their father and son relationship blossom and go from strength to strength, best mates forever!!” beamed one.
Another noted: “Jeff and Freddy’s relationship on #CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld is one of the most beautiful, refreshing and wholesome portrayals of a father and son dynamic I’ve ever seen”
WE’RE always saying it – kids don’t know they’re born these days.
When I popped my cherry I was cramped up in the back of a G-reg Ford Fiesta.
Thankfully, Cathy knew what she was doing and what position worked.
Which wasn’t much.
We probably spent more time trawling back roads looking for a quiet place to park than actually getting naked.
I’m sure this sounds familiar to a lot of you.
In the electric Inster, fold all the seats forward — even the driver’s seat — use the three-pin plug socket to inflate an airbed and you’re a-wahey.
Today, Hyundai is making car sex more fun by creating motors that can fit a double bed in the back.
Whether it’s a micro SUV called Inster or the XL-sized Santa Fe.
You could go through the Kama Sutra from front to back, if you know what I mean.
In the electric Inster, fold all the seats forward — even the driver’s seat — use the three-pin plug socket to inflate an airbed and you’re a-wahey.
I’m almost 6ft and could easily put my legs straight.
In the seven-seat Santa Fe, flip down the second and third row of seats and you’ve got enough space for a queen-size bed.
For those who insist they’ve never got fruity in a car — 36 per cent of adults, apparently — you’re still getting an Airbnb on wheels.
Put a tent box on top and you can sleep four.
Road trip? Cancel the Travelodge. Kip in the car.
The mother-in-law’s visiting? She can kip in the car.
I can’t say much about Inster right now — because I’m not allowed to.
You’ll have to wait a bit for the full low-down.
But I can tell you it’s going to cost around £21k for the 42kWh battery that will do 189 miles — and it is seriously well-equipped.
The 49kWh battery will do closer to 220 miles.
As for the chunky new Santa Fe, I spent a night under the stars in one in Dyfi, Wales.
Without Cathy, sadly.
If ever a car was designed from the inside out, prioritising comfort and convenience for all the family, then this is it.
There’s lots of space in all directions, lots of cup holders, lots of charging ports, lots of clever storage, two sunroofs, sliding centre seats so you can share the space.
All things that please.
There’s buttons to warm and cool your back. You can do big miles in this car and arrive at your destination as fresh as when you set off.
Up front, everything you need is within easy reach.
The widescreen display carries loads of tech, backed by a 12in head-up display and a neat blind-spot camera system which fills the driver’s binnacle with a live feed when you indicate left or right.
There’s buttons to warm and cool your back.
You can do big miles in this car and arrive at your destination as fresh as when you set off.
Hyundai has axed diesel from the new Santa Fe line-up.
But fair play, the 1.6-litre petrol hybrid is game when you hurry it and talks nicely to the six-speed auto.
Cornering is accurate and pleasant enough — and we genuinely got 36mpg
Our £52k “Ultimate” test car was 4WD.
The 2WD version is £2k less and the 4WD plug-in hybrid is £3k more.
That does 33 miles in e-mode and has a bit more poke.
One more thing.
Do you like the new shape? I’m yes and no. I like the boxy front end with the H-lamps.
But I don’t like the fugly back end with the giant SANTA FE badging.
I’ll sleep on it.
No, I’ll sleep in it.
POPEYES has revealed a major menu change with new meals – and turned a popular dip into an official flavour.
The chicken chain announced the release of its brand-new ‘Hot Honey’ range – including the Hot Honey Sandwich, Hot Honey Saucin’ Wings, Hot Honey Box Meal and Biscuit and Hot Honey.
Popeyes said the launch is a response to fan demand, as the sweet and spicy flavour grows in popularity – with Popeyes UK selling more than 80,000 Hot Honey dips last month alone.
The hashtag #HotHoney also reached 887 million views on TikTok, the brand said.
Fans can tuck into the Hot Honey Box Meal, with the option to bundle their favourite Hot Honey menu items together, including fries and a drink, for just £10.99
The limited-edition Hot Honey Sandwich, Sauncin’ Wings and Box Meal was made available at all Popeyes restaurants, drive-thrus and via delivery nationwide on September 17.
The New Orleans-born fried chicken brand said they were “spicing up” the menu with the launch of the brand-new Hot Honey range.
This includes the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, Hot Honey Saucin’ Wings and Hot Honey Box Meal.
The chain said in a statement: “Sticky, sweet, and with a fiery kick of heat, the Hot Honey range has finally been launched after Popeyes’ followers on social media called for its best-selling Hot Honey dip to be turned into one of its iconic chicken sandwich flavours.
“Now the fans have asked, Popeyes has listened, and turned up the temperature with the launch of three mouth-watering limited-edition new menu items.
“Landing in time for the start of Autumn, fried chicken lovers can keep the summer heat poppin’ with the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich.”
The item is described as a “sweet and spicy twist” on the iconic Popeyes Sandwich.
It features a hand-breaded “Shatter Crunchin’ chicken breast” drizzled in Hot Honey sauce, and is topped with smoked cheese and fresh pickles, nestled in a soft brioche bun.
Popeyes UK has now also launched Hot Honey Saucin’ Wings, which the brand say “pack a punch”.
They are available in 6, 8, or 12 wings – or as part of a meal, including fries and a drink.
Fans can also make it a meal and get even more chicken with the Hot Honey Box Meal.
Customers can enjoy the sticky Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, paired with a side of two Chicken Tenders, three Hot Wings or one-piece Signature Chicken, regular fries and a regular drink for £10.99.
Dave Hoskins, Head of Food at Popeyes®, said: “After seeing the love from our fans for our best-selling Hot Honey dip – which continues to rank in the best-selling sauces for us – we thought it was only right that we take it one step further and launch a range of new products dedicated to the flavour.
“Designed to get taste buds poppin’ by combining the texture of our famous Shatter Crunchin’ chicken with sticky and sweet Hot Honey, we’re proud to be the first and only QSR in the UK to launch a Chicken Sandwich and Saucin’ Wings that pays homage to this delicious flavour trend.
“We’re constantly inspired by our origins in New Orleans, and Hot Honey certainly comes with that sweet Southern kick.”
The new items are available from 17th September in Popeyes participating restaurants, drive-thrus and via delivery.