Meet Katy: The Ford Nugget Camper Owner Who Turned a Setback into an Epic Adventure

One night in February 2024, while driving to meet my parents for dinner, I lost control, hit two trees, and rolled down a 25-foot embankment. While waiting for an ambulance, trapped upside down, I realised I hadn’t truly lived.

It was in that moment, thinking my time was up, that my priorities became clear: I needed to leave the 9-5 ‘rat race’ and set off on the adventure I was always meant to have.

While I was lucky to have a relatively quick recovery time, my outlook on life had changed forever. I embarked in a new direction, starting with a van. I knew I needed something practical for me and my dog, Nova, and after watching countless online reviews, I knew the Nugget was the one.

Why the Nugget was the perfect choice

Its convenient layout, with the kitchen separated at the back, is perfect for me. You can actually move around and use the sink without the bed getting in the way, giving me and Nova the space to live comfortably on the go.

I travelled to 10 countries in my first 10 months. I set out to see specific places, such as Spain and Switzerland, but I quickly realised this journey isn’t about the destination, it’s about the community you meet along the way. You can fly anywhere for a holiday, but to really experience a place, you have to connect with the people.

It isn’t just about seeing a lake or a mountain; it’s about experiencing that moment with the locals and other adventurers. It’s like we’re all seeing it for the first time together. If it wasn’t for the Nugget, I wouldn’t have got to have such moments of intimacy and shared connection.

One experience which sticks in my mind is when Nova and I travelled to Morocco. I met two local boys who were the same age as me and, after realising it was my first time visiting, they endeavoured to show me all the best hidden spots in the area. They even taught me how to make Moroccan tea and cakes.

I’ll never forget sitting under the stars around a campfire together and sharing our life stories — opening up in a way that you never normally would with a stranger. We still speak regularly and I know we’ll remain lifelong friends.

How to stay safe as a female traveller

As a solo female traveller, people always ask if I feel safe. For me, feeling secure is a combination of mindset and having the right setup. The Nugget is my little fortress on wheels.

Being fully self-contained is a huge factor; I never have to leave the van late at night. I can cook, sleep, and live entirely within my own secure space. And of course, I have Nova. While she's more of a cuddler than a guard dog, she’s the best alarm system.

How I work and live affordably on the road

I work remotely for a UK construction company. I take calls and conduct work from my van. Thanks to the Nugget, I am always guaranteed to have the best background in a video meeting.

I’ve also found it’s financially friendly to run. If you drive every day, you can do roughly six hours of driving on a full tank, and it only costs me about £80 — it was enough to get me across Spain to Portugal.

My advice for aspiring van lifers

My advice to anyone dreaming of doing this is simple: be open-minded, let go, and have fun. Before the accident, I was always looking for excuses not to do it. I was always too busy with work or didn’t have enough confidence. I stopped worrying and just decided to go for it.

I honestly believe it is one of the most spiritually fulfilling things you can do. It widens your perspective and allows you to learn more about yourself and what you’re capable of.

This year, I’m planning to explore Norway, Sardinia and Montenegro — I’m always searching for hidden gems. I feel like I’m only just scratching the surface of the joys of van life, and I know the best days are ahead for me and Nova.

Katy Knapman is a van life blogger and Ford Nugget Camper owner