1 week, 10 countries - We took this DIY van camper on a road trip

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  • čas přidán 5. 11. 2022
  • We set out on a 2000 mile road trip across Europe in my friends DIY van camper conversion.
    Check out my Instagram - / alex_smith1809
    Jim's Pottery Instagram - jwpottery_...
    Support the Just Alex Channel on Patreon - / justalexsmith
    Business enquiries - alexfordhamsmith@gmail.com

Komentáře • 243

  • @shezant7
    @shezant7 Před rokem +137

    Last time I commented, I mentioned that I wish the video had gone on longer, and hadn't ended so soon. You replied that you were looking at making a longer one. I have only one word for this video. Amazing. You didn't disappoint. I am so envious of you for having the courage to just get out there and do it. This has been one of the most enjoyable hours of my viewing year. Thank you. Just loved it and look forward to more. BBC make way - we now have ABC.

    • @lisachristine4297
      @lisachristine4297 Před rokem +5

      Just the coolest and I love listening. I wish I knew at an early age to get out in life and "wing it".

  • @stevensimons.soss1
    @stevensimons.soss1 Před rokem +20

    Thank you young man you have taken me out of my wheelchair and for a little while i was up that mountain with you, many thanks Steve ps pizza looked fine 🙂

  • @Earth-360
    @Earth-360 Před rokem +29

    Your relaxed presentation style is a treat .

  • @linda6725
    @linda6725 Před rokem +8

    How absolutely endearing is just Alex!? Enjoyable videos and quite refreshing to see such a young man embrace life so passionately.

  • @rickyjessome4359
    @rickyjessome4359 Před rokem +39

    Jim done an amazing job on his van! Absolutely love this channel and the content Alex! The memories you are making will last an eternity. Cheers

  • @grichnak4794
    @grichnak4794 Před rokem +2

    Bro came out of nowhere with that smooth pizza dough kneading ! You can feel the love and passion in those movements !

  • @petecoventry6858
    @petecoventry6858 Před rokem +2

    Dudes i've been winging it in an RV for 9 years now - best thing I ever did

  • @Penguinishy
    @Penguinishy Před rokem +22

    Alex keep it up bro. Im 31 and I wish when I was your age I was doing all the things youre getting to do right now. Don't let go of doing all these things. Life, money, health all catch up quick. I wish more than anything I could even get to do 1% of what you get to do. I still have time if my health and money situation ever improves. You have no where to go but up my guy keep on living the dream.

    • @terraglade
      @terraglade Před rokem +4

      im 26, 27 in April and i feel that. Due to very bad finances and health i feel like i wasted my life, but if im lucky i'll still have another 40+ to live once things improve.

    • @jaxdragon1723
      @jaxdragon1723 Před rokem +1

      it's never to late to do what you want ! even if it's on a smaller scale.

    • @pavel9652
      @pavel9652 Před rokem +1

      The grass is always greener on the other side. I am 35 now and have the same thinking, but back then had different priorities. I traveled locally, but now I consider trying a van life. Rent prices are high and I tend to get lazy and stay in one spot. Van would force me to travel, but I have pets, so I don't know if this is even doable.

  • @garulusglandarius6126

    Cracking adventure Alex and I love the spontaneity, Jim is a cool guy which made your pairing ideal for this road trip. Keep the videos coming 😁👍

  • @TheChapelMouse
    @TheChapelMouse Před 2 měsíci

    Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. This is way better than anything on tv!❤❤❤❤❤

  • @soulsister5539
    @soulsister5539 Před rokem +3

    I started watching your bee series which so so so inspired me to start keeping bees this year. Your style is very similar to mine...'just go for it!'. I did have a fun idea for your garden you might enjoy. Worm keeping. I started a few years ago and have successfully wintered my guys 2 years in a row. I live in the northeast, USA. Basically, you will use up all your food scraps and paper scraps....even your egg shells! I found my initial worms in a semi composted pile of horse manure. They are called red wigglers. My worms 'summer' in the ground in my gardens depositing worm castings daily 😊 I put them in a large tote and bring them into my basement for the winter. Not much work involved. You could then save money on your soil used for your cucumbers, etc. Enjoy!

  • @roadsweride_pt
    @roadsweride_pt Před rokem +6

    I’ve just found your channel a few days ago and i’m diggin it a lot mate!!
    Glad to see that you like Bonobo, is one of my fav artists for ages 😎🙌🏼
    Keep up the good work!
    Cheers from Portugal 🇵🇹

  • @PeterPanbe
    @PeterPanbe Před rokem +6

    I really love you upload in the morning! Alex adventures with a coffee brings sunshine to the day.

    • @color-head1696
      @color-head1696 Před rokem

      Yeah. Especially when there IS blue sky and sunshine during breakfast. Greetinx from the black forest!

  • @AZJH8374
    @AZJH8374 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Yes, he should name her!❤❤❤ Nurse Judi in Scottsdale AZ and Eucharistic Minister ❤❤

  • @JOLUTOYT
    @JOLUTOYT Před rokem +20

    Every single video you upload I just know it's going to be incredible

  • @SuziRibs1515
    @SuziRibs1515 Před rokem +4

    I’ve honestly fallen in love with your channel. I’m an avid gardener and found you by a search for some raised bed tips randomly. 😅 I’m glad I found your channel and can watch how much more you learn! I’m so much more interested in bees now (despite being allergic and knowing they are the main reason my garden grows) I’m less scared. Better way to describe it. ❤ stay well! Can’t wait to see more.

  • @billspectre9502
    @billspectre9502 Před rokem +5

    Jims van is awesome!
    I didn’t think much of your sleeping accommodations though.😂
    That bed is big enough you should have shared it. 😊
    You wouldn’t have to get any extra friendly. 😮
    Edit, a bit later. Wow! What an awesome trip!
    Those pizza ovens are great, seen those in other van life vids.
    And Jim does it all! Even rock climbs!

  • @angelapietras1235
    @angelapietras1235 Před rokem +1

    Love your videos,but you can always tell when you are back in the uk,dull,rainy weather that’s why I left the uk.I love countries with mountains like Canada and my country now Newzealand keep up the good videos Alex’s,Switzerland ,was beautiful.

  • @benscott633
    @benscott633 Před rokem +6

    You and your brother make amazing videos. The editing is so good. Thank you for the effort you put in and the interesting projects and ideas you come up with.

  • @tylerwalker7322
    @tylerwalker7322 Před rokem +2

    The van deserves a name, abstract things can certainly have a name. It's not the same as human or pet, but more like how castles and ships have names. Things like these have a spirit of their own in a way, and I think it's cool for it to have a name.

    • @LeeleeGilbert
      @LeeleeGilbert Před 8 měsíci

      I thought he should name it
      Either CarVANara, Carbonara, Peccorino or Southpaw (he is left-handed)….but CarVANara is best. For His love of Carbonara

  • @omshaanti369
    @omshaanti369 Před rokem +1

    Jim did a great job with all the unexpected miles and driving on the wrong side of the road. Kudos to him

  • @biomagic8959
    @biomagic8959 Před rokem +4

    love the boyfriends vibe 😎

  • @ringerheringa3052
    @ringerheringa3052 Před rokem +9

    Fantastic video, Alex! Wonderful to see it all in one go! An hour very well spent.

  • @lisachristine4297
    @lisachristine4297 Před rokem +1

    Awesome!! Love watching and listening to your adventures!! Keep "winging it" for all of us!!

  • @cornell_are_i
    @cornell_are_i Před rokem +5

    Loving the content mate! Always stoked to see when a new video goes up!

  • @shellery87
    @shellery87 Před rokem +9

    Tbh i wasn't even interested in the content you do, not until you did it, made it interesting. You are just so natural behind the camera. I'm surprised you haven't been snapped up to do some big TV show.

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  Před rokem +1

      Thanks!

    • @LeeleeGilbert
      @LeeleeGilbert Před 8 měsíci

      @@just_alexI named your Van. CarVANara !!! For you love of Carbonara 🎉

  • @wandag7882
    @wandag7882 Před rokem +3

    I have the same pizza oven. It’s definitely something that takes time. A lot of pizza disasters happened before I made the perfect pizza. Most of my first pizzas were too charred and still doughy. It takes time. Hang in there and I look forward to seeing more pizza oven videos. 😋

  • @sheldonmaharaj394
    @sheldonmaharaj394 Před 4 měsíci

    Just started looking at your videos a few days now an I can’t stop looking at all your videos great job 👏🏻

  • @lelandpeck4585
    @lelandpeck4585 Před rokem +3

    this was a great trip, guys and you saw some incredible places. Making pizza beside that beautiful lake in Italy was definately a highlight.

  • @Leo-pc4wf
    @Leo-pc4wf Před rokem +4

    Hey Alex! Horticulture student here- you were looking for tips on transplanting your cucumbers:)- when plants become root bound like it’s best to tease/ break apart the roots before putting them into a new home to help the roots branch out laterally and get more nutrients and avoid choking out the plant, after that if you want to you can add top fertilizer followed and a weed disk to keep weeds out and the good stuff in:) Nice harvests so far!

  • @davidparrishproductions5082

    Alex you make such beautiful videos with soothing sounds and music and your demeanor relaxes me… thank you from Skokie, Illinois USA!

  • @Nayfb
    @Nayfb Před rokem +1

    Alex, i'm absolutely loving your content brother, keep up the great work!

  • @ameep
    @ameep Před rokem +3

    Love every single video Alex, stay amazing mate! ❤

  • @emmanuelola59
    @emmanuelola59 Před rokem +3

    Yes,finally...Switzerland 🥰 my dream country to visit! ❤️

  • @julipolito7761
    @julipolito7761 Před 5 měsíci

    The Jim pottery is beautiful. We got a good look at your pasta bowl while you were doing dishes. Verrry nice, Jim
    I loved this posting. The adventurers! 👍👍

  • @stephencrumpton8096
    @stephencrumpton8096 Před rokem +1

    I love you way you do stuff with no bullshit .

  • @ragnorremix8426
    @ragnorremix8426 Před rokem

    Alex your channels become my staple favourite, it's the variety of content and your sense of humour that keeps me coming back roll on 300k

  • @jukes243
    @jukes243 Před rokem

    Very interesting vid. Thanks, Alex and Jim.

  • @gilmoregirlsfan
    @gilmoregirlsfan Před rokem +2

    So happy you uploaded this rn! 😊 just have a study session break, so Alex's video it is 😍

  • @yoyichen4470
    @yoyichen4470 Před rokem +9

    What a wonderful lifestyle 🎉 I envy you young guys ❤

  • @ThaGamingMisfit
    @ThaGamingMisfit Před 2 měsíci

    I would be scared out of my mind suddenly needing to drive on the other side of the road ! Kudos for Jim just doing it like he never done anything else.

  • @trevorcornes1056
    @trevorcornes1056 Před rokem +1

    Yet another great video Alex .what else can you say really 👍

  • @marialorenavillanueva5342

    Enjoyed watching your road trip

  • @catheyboocat-design7175
    @catheyboocat-design7175 Před rokem +1

    Well we know how epic your future trip turned out❣️❤️

  • @relocatetoItaly
    @relocatetoItaly Před 8 měsíci

    Oh well I do love Scotland.... but im ready to follow you wherever you roam.

  • @jhonmartfrias6496
    @jhonmartfrias6496 Před rokem

    not gonna lie everytime i watch any of your video i feel relaxed like im watching a documentation or something makes me kinda wanna travel myself or makes me interested on what you are interested in.

  • @johnwhite7054
    @johnwhite7054 Před rokem +4

    Love the content Alex keep it up.

  • @ruthisaac2390
    @ruthisaac2390 Před měsícem

    I was hoping for recipe for the vegetable pasta. I enjoy your videos. Very courageous to just venture out travel the way you do. Have fun

  • @joshgambles8644
    @joshgambles8644 Před rokem +1

    The most heartwarming channel on CZcams such a genuine good guy.what I would do to meet you one day favourite CZcamsr keep it up buddy your so awesome😊❤️❤️

  • @floplob835
    @floplob835 Před rokem

    I was indeed impressed by such a view

  • @seyhuh
    @seyhuh Před rokem

    Your channel is growing nicely. Well done

  • @vjerad8165
    @vjerad8165 Před rokem +2

    I really love your vidoes🙂🤗. You are doing a good job alex. I feel like i have a best friend talking just next to me when i’m watching your videos. I have to say i enjoyed every single of your videos.

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  Před rokem +1

      Thanks! Glad you like the videos! :)

  • @connorsseur7360
    @connorsseur7360 Před rokem +1

    Great content, living the good life!🙌🏻

  • @radioactivepotato2068
    @radioactivepotato2068 Před 8 měsíci

    "You've got a big van"
    *Smiles in 'You're gonna make me take this up a mountain aren't you?'*

  • @buntrockstudios
    @buntrockstudios Před 10 měsíci

    Fair play to do that on your own is very impressive!!

  • @color-head1696
    @color-head1696 Před rokem +2

    "I'm a MAN with a VAN!" 🤣Sell this advertising slogan to every car company!!!

  • @k.aslesen5271
    @k.aslesen5271 Před rokem

    That bie at 50:25 🥲 It felt like watching a friend being denied entry to the club after a few to many beers.

  • @MrLeesv650
    @MrLeesv650 Před rokem

    Im sure ive already seen this one alex, such a good trip

  • @sweetpeainfrance6729
    @sweetpeainfrance6729 Před rokem +1

    A take away: "Enjoy the unknown rather than feeling afraid of it". I am at my age wishing to travel south across the border of France and drive i a country where I have driven before but 30 years or so ago with a navigator passenger, my son! Now in my van to sleep solo I am wondering if I shall be safe and more importantly not frozen to death!

  • @Orchidee503
    @Orchidee503 Před rokem +2

    You guys are so funny, I have to laugh whole time. Well done 😂❤🎉👍🍀

  • @slyboy1966
    @slyboy1966 Před rokem +1

    That dive Alex cracks me up 😂 😂😂 great video 👊🏻

  • @ricardoarati
    @ricardoarati Před rokem

    great job you do have great talent

  • @nabilagrine8167
    @nabilagrine8167 Před rokem

    Wonderful!❤️I wrote the comment before watching the video, because I know it's gonna be great🙏🥰

  • @DavidBennettPiano
    @DavidBennettPiano Před rokem

    2:30 Jumping in the car, both wielding cornettos had very Hot Fuzz vibes 😂

  • @unpathed1626
    @unpathed1626 Před rokem +1

    I like to imagine that all these fun experiences will result in you becoming a pro at all these things when you become a larger comtent creator

  • @HitTheBricks89
    @HitTheBricks89 Před rokem

    With your compost add about 10-20% aggregate to the mix . You can use perlite or vermiculite ( both cheap by the sack) or failing that small pebbles and sand . This will make sure your water load drains well, gives your roots things to grow around instead of balling and doesn't build up causing root rot and mineral build ups which can lock out nutrients. On this score before you put the mix into your container add about an inch and a half of stones in the bottom again for drainage purposes. Other great addictions to your soil can be things like the char you get from burnt down wood, just crush some off and build a small pile and add to the mixture. oyster shells or the crushed shells from most crustaceans from the sea. There is a product pretty cheap called Diatomaceous earth and a good sprinkle of this in each bucket load of soil will be a great defense against any soil and root pests. If you are finding pests to be a real problem where they are you may wish to look into other Beneficial's such as nematodes which are fascinating little creatures naked to the human eye but check which type you need against which crop you are growing and they are again added to your soil mix before you plant and they eat 99% of other non beneficial bacteria that could effect your root zone. Making organic teas out of coffee grounds and water 20% - 80% is great at first when the plant is growing as it is rich in nitrogen that the green plant needs to get big and healthy. crushing eggshells and leaving them in water a few days and using that in a feed can add good amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium . All things you plants will thank you for when they are switching over into the budding and flowering stages. soaking banana skins in the same can flush a dose of potassium into your now starting to flower and fruit plants . I am only an amateur gardener myself but have found these things helpful since I began two years ago and it's all free apart from the D-o earth. If your finding at any point your plants are looking withered and not growing very well, then wait for it. collect a small amount of your own pee in a cup and add about a shot glass to a 10litre bucket . pee is jam packed with nitrogen and I was fully gobsmacked how my squash went berserk and grew nearly twice as big after just one treatment. Only do this up until the flower buds start to form and then there will be plenty of watering's between the treatment and eating. Of course you can go and buy all the nutrients in plastic bottles but I often don't have fifty quid to throw at my veg harvest. The point is saving money , well at least partly. Having watched you since forever I think you should get into looking at building up your own soils Alex. It will appeal to your D.I.Y nature I think and it's fascinating using things from nature to make your food grow bigger and tastier. Ok..woah that wasn't supposed to be such a sermon and I'm sure some real gardeners will come at me telling me I'm all wrong now. It's been working for me else I wouldn't pass it on to a bro ,is my reply. Take it easy , I've been loving your channel mate.

  • @trudiswanson9855
    @trudiswanson9855 Před rokem +2

    Loved your trip through... parts of Europe. Pretty amazing to see 3 countries from up that big hill. You are very cluey about lots of outdoor activities of interest. Bee keeping! Cheers from Australia.

  • @letmeexplain1816
    @letmeexplain1816 Před rokem

    Really enjoyable video😊

  • @kelleysciarrino8024
    @kelleysciarrino8024 Před rokem

    Alex what a wonderful video. Pizza homemade in Italy. Cheers!

  • @joseff_evans
    @joseff_evans Před rokem

    Wow what a nice surprise, been off CZcams for a while due to work etc no spare time, just seen I’ve got LOADS to catch up on!!🙌🏼🙌🏼

  • @tommills1652
    @tommills1652 Před rokem

    Best video you've ever made

  • @paulbajorinas2148
    @paulbajorinas2148 Před rokem

    Great video!

  • @jimmybiddle690
    @jimmybiddle690 Před rokem

    very good video alex makes me wana convert my van

  • @easytvlogs
    @easytvlogs Před rokem +2

    My Mom has named every car, motorcycle, van, trailer and caravan she's ever had. In fact she's named my Dad's motorcycles too

  • @leiaalegado4720
    @leiaalegado4720 Před rokem

    wow another video upload done watching ❤❤keep safe guys god bless

  • @TT-id3dp
    @TT-id3dp Před rokem

    love love love the music on these edits

    • @TT-id3dp
      @TT-id3dp Před rokem

      hahahah no way that's mad I saw bonobo too 18th of may at RAH, no wonder I like the music!

  • @syedabdulnasir71
    @syedabdulnasir71 Před rokem

    Thats the most beautiful and wholesome video I’ve ever watched. just love your videos alex ❤️from🇵🇰

  • @TheArtisticGardener777

    Good on you, Alex! An Ooni!❤. So much easier than your handmade pizza oven😊. You need some wild mushrooms for that pizza!

  • @nickmackerel5060
    @nickmackerel5060 Před rokem +1

    I’m surprised Alex hasn’t got a wormery in the back garden!

  • @Kingslayerrock
    @Kingslayerrock Před rokem

    Travelling in Van seems okay but living in it full time seems absolutely madness!

  • @TheWebcrafter
    @TheWebcrafter Před 8 měsíci

    02:55 - So funny. French to English translation... "But of course. Hello. I live in Dan."

  • @denisefoggie6997
    @denisefoggie6997 Před rokem

    Alex I suggest you keep your car because of the miles you put on your van if it breaks down you will have backup transportation

  • @rocknroth764
    @rocknroth764 Před 9 měsíci

    Always enjoy this video! And I suggest add some protein to your menu... You would enjoy mushrooms, onions with proscuitto.

  • @lindafett1826
    @lindafett1826 Před rokem

    Enjoy yourself at the music festival😊

  • @coolsai
    @coolsai Před rokem +1

    Just want to say i will also join you one day on the trip like this,, but that time we will cook something different than pasta 😅

  • @barrywilliams4866
    @barrywilliams4866 Před rokem

    Alex, when you now stand by a lake is your first thought still "now, where would the big fish be"...and if it is, do you not wish you had your tackle with you? Does that ever leave you?

  • @silaunik8691
    @silaunik8691 Před rokem

    I love so much all your video

  • @rajgill7576
    @rajgill7576 Před rokem

    You're not gonna like it. But I am going to be honest here. I lived out of a proper RV for about a year of my life so I've got some degree of experience. You're not going to get the same combination of insulation, storage, and functionality out of a self built van as you do with a proper built RV. Having a generator that I could turn on remotely for wifi, and a proper bathroom/shower were things I remember I never would have been able to swing if I built my own living vehicle. I got my proper RV for under $10k here in the states and even sold it for more after having had it for a few years.
    PS. that was a very James May sweater to wear while mentioning the cheese meme haha. Great vids

  • @georgehj2518
    @georgehj2518 Před rokem

    How much roughly for your polo do you think you will be after? What is the milage like, I am original thinking to convert a Prius because of the milage but might be interested, cheers! Congrats on your channel so far!

  • @Brokmod
    @Brokmod Před rokem

    Why do I have the feeling I've allready seen this vid? Oh well, I still like it! ;)

  • @val_val_
    @val_val_ Před rokem

    You even brought the pizza slider 😮

  • @isaacgowling6732
    @isaacgowling6732 Před rokem

    I thought my phone was broken when I saw this uploaded 3 hours ago haha. Proper feature length movie now. When’s the production company getting released.

  • @SvengelskaBlondie
    @SvengelskaBlondie Před rokem

    "A van is a small space"
    Yes, that's why I would go for a bus if I wanted to do vanlife. Preferably a double decker, there are one's that are not as long as a typical buss. They will give you a surprisingly large amount of space, much more than any van could potentially do. Downsides are that when they brake down, it can easily get expensive. The height can also be a problem if there are height restrictions (bridges and other such infrastructure).

    • @iainbaker2742
      @iainbaker2742 Před rokem

      Be far too large to get around many country roads, and the height would seriously restrict where u could go (probably even petrol stations). Then there's diesel costs, the limited number of garages that would be able to work on it when required, and also somewhat imprtantly, parking. .......

  • @combatbunny9820
    @combatbunny9820 Před rokem

    I liked the hidden message “impressed?”

  • @mariapottery
    @mariapottery Před rokem

    I admire you!

  • @Mr.Guild1971
    @Mr.Guild1971 Před rokem

    You Name "her" because she is your ship onto Adventure !!! Ships always used to be named after women. My first Van was a SuperVan so I named her Diane after Wonder woman

  • @ancaprodan3685
    @ancaprodan3685 Před rokem

    Did u add a flash with impressed around 30 min mark??!

  • @omen_nemo
    @omen_nemo Před rokem

    Love the content. Be safe brother XD🐙

  • @Archon83
    @Archon83 Před rokem

    Love the divebomb comment no real thoughts went into that jump it was all natural xD

  • @Andrew68Taylor
    @Andrew68Taylor Před rokem

    blair witch wasn't a sensible choice of film when i slept in a boat surrounded by dense forest. I feel your pain.