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Your guide to Solo Van Travel in Sweden

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Evelina Hjortskog

24.10.2024

∼ 10 min. read

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Image by Småland Campers

With the rising prices on both flights, accommodation and touristy activities, travelling is not as accessible as it used to be. The changing economy, a different outlook on solitude after the pandemic, and a warmer climate have changed the way we travel. The typical summer destinations, although still crowded, are losing popularity due to their scorching temperatures. This leads many travellers to explore the milder climate in the north. Most people view their vacation as a way to fully relax and unwind, which we claim can be best-done solo – keep reading to find out why! 

The Appeal of Travelling Solo

There are many reasons why solo travelling is a good choice. While it may seem daunting at first, people usually come back from a solo trip full of not only experiences and memories but also more confident and fuller of energy. 

Although travelling with other people, whether it’s your family, friends or significant other, is great for creating memories together, it can also be stressful. Being compatible travel buddies takes more than just loving each other and getting along. Travelling together tests your relationships; as much as it can strengthen your bond, it can also weaken it. Regardless of whether you are compatible for travelling together, constantly being surrounded by another person can reduce your ability to relax and shut off from the world fully. For this reason, travelling solo provides a unique experience to enjoy the ultimate calm of being fully alone with your own thoughts and feelings. The risk of conflict is non-existent, and you don’t need to adjust or compromise your itinerary to anyone else’s wishes. The best part? If you feel lonely, the people you love are not more than a phone call away. 

Travelling solo allows you to focus fully on self-care and self-love, outside of the walls of your home. Being by yourself and enjoying your own company also provides a massive opportunity for personal growth. For most people, travelling alone is outside their comfort zone, which is where true growth happens. 


When was the last time you did something for only yourself? Travelling solo is the ultimate way to invest in yourself and your internal solitude and happiness. 

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Ted Logart/imagebank.sweden.se

Why Sweden is Perfect for Solo Van Travel

The two factors that are of the highest importance when considering travelling solo are safety and accessibility. These factors are especially crucial for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Sweden, alongside its Scandinavian neighbours, is one of the world leaders in progressive values and safety. Swedish people are very inclusive and welcoming to everyone, regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation. This makes it one of the best countries for solo travel. 


Swedes are reserved at first, which means they won’t disturb or bother you unnecessarily, but they are also super friendly and welcoming if you feel like interacting or making friends on your trip. English is widely spoken, and in many cases, Swedes love a chance to speak English, which makes it easy for international travellers to navigate the country and ask for help if necessary. 


The roads are high standard and easy to navigate, and you can drive and sleep safely around the country. 

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Credits: Faramarz Gosheh/imagebank.sweden.se

Safety and Comfort for Solo Travelers

Although Sweden is a very safe country to travel in, it is still important to practice basic safety principles such as locking the doors of your campervan when away from it or sleeping in it. 


Make sure you follow regulations such as speed limits and parking rules to make sure you don’t end up in a legally tricky situation. It is also important to dress according to the weather to ensure you can stay safe and comfortable against the elements of nature, especially the cold if you’re travelling in the winter. 


Since you are travelling this beautiful country in a campervan, there are some other factors to consider staying connected and safe on the road: 

Internet and Mobile Coverage

Before travelling to Sweden, check the regulations regarding using your phone during your trip. In 2017, a law was passed to enable free roaming in the European Union, which means that if you’re visiting Sweden with a phone plan from another EU country, there are no added charges for calling, texting or surfing. However, if your phone plan is from outside the EU, charges may apply, and sometimes they can be hefty. Make sure you are aware of the costs and plan ahead to make sure you can safely make calls if necessary. 


While travelling in a camper van, some of the best places to visit are the most remote ones; after all, that’s where the ultimate tranquility is found. However, make sure you do some research before to be up to date on whether you will have a phone connection. The Swedish mobile network is extensive, but there may be areas where your phone won't have coverage. However, emergency numbers such as 112 (police, ambulance and firefighters) can still be reached in most cases. Make sure you also note down the number for roadside assistance and have it close at hand in the van in case it’s needed. 


Many rural and urban areas in Sweden offer public Wi-Fi in libraries, cafés, and gas stations. Knowing these locations can be helpful if your mobile connection fails.

Useful Apps for Navigation and Staying Connected

Navigation and Location


Offline Maps come in handy whenever you find yourself without internet access. There are a few alternatives, but the general rule of thumb is that you have to download the apps while you have the internet. Make sure you do this before so that you can use these apps whenever needed – you will thank yourself. 


Offline Maps to use: Google Maps and Maps.me.


Hiking apps sometimes offer offline GPS tracking that can help you find your way on foot in remote areas but can also provide valuable location data in case of emergencies.


Offline GPS Tracking apps to use: AllTrails or Gaia GPS.

 
As mentioned above, the emergency number can often be reached – however, for it to be reached, there must be a connection by any Swedish phone provider. This is true in most places, but it is not always the case in some very remote locations, especially in Swedish Lapland. Investing in a satellite communication device can be worth it if you know you’re going to an area without any connection. 


Satellite devices to use: Garmin InReach or SPOT devices. 


Some devices offer an SOS function that connects directly to emergency services. This can be a lifesaver if you’re stranded or in an emergency far from major towns or cities.


Another tip is to plan your route and set waypoints in your navigation app before leaving areas with strong signals. This will give you an idea of the road ahead, even if you lose connectivity.

Staying Connected

Staying connected with friends and family is not only something that can make you feel less lonely on your solo adventure, but it can also be an essential way to stay safe. 


Most smartphones, whether iPhone or Android, offer location-sharing apps that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts. This can feel reassuring while travelling solo and exploring unfamiliar places. 


Apps for Location Sharing: Find My (for iPhone) and Google’s Location Sharing (for Android). 


Some apps offer an Offline Mode where the messages are sent when you’re offline and automatically go through when you reconnect to the internet. This can make you feel less isolated if you’re alone for an extended period of time. 


App for Offline Mode: WhatsApp.


In addition to staying connected to friends and family at home, you may also want to make some new friends along the way and thanks to technology, this is a lot easier than before. Some apps help you connect with other travellers nearby, and some even work in remote locations. It is also worth exploring Facebook groups or online forums to connect with other van travellers going similar routes. 


Social Apps for making friends on the road: Meetup and Couchsurfing.

Other Things to Consider

As you can see from the previous section, technology is key to staying safe and comfortable on your solo trip; however, to use your technology, it is crucial to make sure it is charged. Although our camper vans offer charging options, bringing alternative power sources such as power banks is also important. These can be helpful if you’re far away from any power source and need charging. 


You can also use your power efficiently by turning on airplane mode when you’re not using your phone and disabling background app refresh to extend your phone’s battery life. This is especially important when relying on your device for GPS or emergency communication.


Since the camper is not only your mode of transportation but also your home, it is also essential to make sure you are aware of basic vehicle maintenance and safety checks. A basic knowledge of how to handle breakdowns is crucial to ensure you stay safe in case something happens on the road. 

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Credits: Gösta Reiland/imagebank.sweden.se

Urban Van Parking Tips

While nature and the outdoors are perfect for exploring as a solo traveller, the cities offer more things to do or people to meet. Perhaps you’d want to mix up your camper van adventure with a mixture of city exploration and tranquil nature. If you decide to explore our bigger cities, there are some things to consider regarding parking. 


You can park your campervan anywhere a car is allowed to park as long as it fits within the designated parking space. However, carefully study the parking lot signs, as some parking spaces are reserved for regular passenger cars and prohibit sleeping overnight. 


Where parking is permitted for 24 hours, you can usually stay overnight in your camper. However, this only applies to one night since staying longer counts as camping, which is not allowed on public land. You can read more on parking rules and regulations in Sweden here.

Camping in Stockholm and Gothenburg

If you feel unsure or uncomfortable sleeping in the van at regular parking spots in the bigger cities, choosing camping is an easier option. Stockholm and Gothenburg have several campsites on their outskirts and often have good public transport connections to the cities. This way you don’t need to worry about whether it’s allowed to park or sleep overnight. 


Closest Camping Spots for Gothenburg: Liseberg Camping Askim Strand, Gothenburg Camping Lilleby, Kungälvs Citycamping


Closest Camping Spots for Stockholm: Långholmen Husbilscamping, Askrike Camping, Rösjöbaden camping & Stugby, Bolvik Camping


There are many parking apps in Sweden, but the most common ones are the following: 

  • Easypark (works in most cities)

  • Parkster (works in most cities)

  • Parkering Göteborg (only for Gothenburg)

  • Betala P (only for Stockholm)

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Credits: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se

Managing Loneliness on the Road

Travelling solo, no matter how exciting and invigorating it may be, some moments will feel lonely. We are social creatures at our core and can sometimes crave social connection. To maximise your solo van adventure, it can be good to plan beforehand to make sure you have planned how to handle the lonelier moments. Every traveller and person is different so your needs or ways to tackle this might differ but here are some tips for how to manage loneliness on the road: 

Shift Your Perspective on Being Alone:

Your experience will be significantly influenced by how you view being alone. Try to view solitude as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself rather than a sign of loneliness. Being on this journey is the perfect time to practice mindfulness, observe nature, and appreciate your surroundings.

Stay Connected with Loved Ones: 

Being alone in your campervan is not the same as being lonely. You can check in with family and friends regularly through phone or video calls, and most likely, they will be very excited to hear all about your journey. 

Practice Self-Reflection and Journaling: 

Journaling not only gives you a valuable thing to look back on to relive the trip, but it also is a way to process your emotions, reflect on experiences, and express gratitude. It’s a safe space to document your challenges and celebrate your wins.

Engage with Nature to Boost Your Mood:

Sweden has an overflow of stunning nature worth taking advantage of. Spending time in nature has proven mental health benefits, from reducing stress to enhancing mood. No matter the weather, make sure you get outside. Go for a hike, swim in a lake, or simply sit outside and observe your surroundings.

Set Boundaries for Social Media and Screen Time: 

ocial media can make you feel connected with the world. However, excessive scrolling can often make loneliness and comparison feel bigger. Try to use your technology intentionally and use it for entertainment. One tip is to download a TV series or movie you enjoy so you can watch it without access to the internet. 
It’s also worth looking outside of technology for things to keep you busy, such as reading, cooking or crafting. 

Remind Yourself of Your Courage:

Solo travelling means growth, which is rarely comfortable. In moments of discomfort or loneliness, remind yourself why you chose to do the trip in the first place. Remind yourself of your courage, resilience, and the beautiful experiences you gain through your solo campervan travel.

Being Gentle with Yourself on Tough Days:

Last but not least, be kind to yourself. Treat yourself as you would your best friend. Try not to push your feelings away but rather sit or walk with them and accept them without judgment. Reach out if you need support; don’t hesitate to call a friend, connect with fellow travellers, or even book a stay in a local guesthouse if you need a break from solitude. 

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Image by Småland Campers

Solo travelling is the ultimate way to unwind, relax and grow. Travelling in a van allows you to turn up your favorite music, podcast or audiobook and enjoy the sweet melodies while driving through Sweden's colorful and serene surroundings.

Hopefully, this article makes you feel more prepared for a solo van adventure; make sure you share your experiences with us!

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