Solo vanlife: rising popularity and real challenges

Unknown perpetrators broke into a caravan near Torhout beach on Bruggestraat in Torhout, stealing a game console and its controllers. The incident occurred on Monday, August 25, 2026. Police are investigating; the identity of the suspects is unknown, and the value of the stolen items has not been disclosed.

The Dupont family from Hensies, Belgium, completed a year-long caravan journey across Europe, covering 36,421 km in 371 days and visiting 20 countries. The children have returned to school: two daughters passed their CEB exams, while the older sons partially passed CE1D and CE2D exams and must retake some subjects. The parents noted that homeschooling was challenging and advise notifying schools and authorities in advance about such projects.

A photo of a luxury Niesmann+Bischoff motorhome with a personalized license plate reading 'OPVERLOF' (Flemish for 'on vacation') has gone viral on Facebook. Prices for such models can exceed 200,000 euros, while a personalized plate costs around 1,000 euros. Social media users praised the originality, commenting 'Well thought out' and 'Finally one with meaning'.

A fire broke out on Friday evening around 8:30 p.m. at the Domaine de Clairefontaine campsite in Godarville, destroying several caravans. Firefighters from the Hainaut-Centre rescue zone arrived to find the caravans ablaze and called for reinforcements from La Louvière and the Hainaut-Est zone. The fire was brought under control by 10 p.m., with no injuries reported and only material damage. The large smoke plume, visible for kilometers, triggered numerous calls to emergency services from nearby residents, prompting additional checks to rule out other fires.

On Sunday, a group of travelers from Brittany set up on a plot on Rue Mathy in Eghezee without authorization. According to acting mayor Michel Dubuisson, about 20 caravans had arrived by noon, with up to 50 expected. Authorities plan to discuss the situation at a meeting on Monday evening and hope to shorten the anticipated one-month stay. The incident also highlights the lack of designated stopping areas for travelers in Namur province.

Le Monde du Camping-Car has published a guide to motorhome travel in Belgium. The article lists traffic rules, equipment requirements, low-emission zones and three recommended itineraries. It also notes restrictions on travelling with animals and parking specifics.