Family Adventures in Lefkada: A Greek Island Getaway

We arrived one day early at the charming vacation home in Lefkada, Greece, where we would be spending the week with Mirre’s parents. Our camper couldn’t fit under the olive trees in the driveway, but thankfully, there was enough space to park it on the quiet street next to the house. The girls were beyond excited — we had a house with a private swimming pool!

Enjoying Simple Luxuries in a Greek Villa

That afternoon, we took our first dip in the pool and fully enjoyed the little luxuries, like having a washing machine. On campsites or in laundromats, you pay around 5 to 7 euros per wash, so we made the most of it now that it was included.

Early Morning Excitement: Airport Pick-Up

The next morning, the alarm rang early, and it was hard to wake the girls — until they heard what we were about to do. They jumped out of bed, put on their beautiful new dresses, and off we went to the airport. And there they were — Opa and Oma! The girls ran into their arms, thrilled. Though they prefer seeing us regularly back in Brielle, it meant a lot that they traveled all the way to Greece. We were ready to make it a week to remember.

Exploring Lefkada with the Whole Family

After picking up our gorgeous seven-seater rental, we returned to our villa. Opa and Oma could definitely use a coffee after their overnight flight, but soon enough they, too, were splashing in the pool. A refreshing swim was just what they needed!

Throughout the week, we explored Lefkada’s hidden gems — we visited waterfalls, secret beaches, a historic fort, and of course, swam every single day. Opa and Oma were amazed by the vibrant turquoise waters — unlike anything they had seen before. A lovely hike led us to one of the most stunning beaches we’ve ever seen.

Unexpected Connections & Sweet Moments

One special highlight: Mirre reconnected with an old colleague who, coincidentally, was staying in the house next door. Strange to call her a “former colleague”; it still doesn’t feel that way. It was such a joy to chat with someone familiar, someone you don’t have to start from scratch with. They had a nearly one-year-old daughter, and Diede adored the chance to be the “big kid,” proudly showing off all her silly tricks.

Meanwhile, Jinte learned to snorkel in the pool, and Diede taught her how to give a thumbs up. All day long, we heard enthusiastic cries of, “Toppie Toppie!“

Delicious Food, Family Fun & Unforgettable Memories

We enjoyed every single day with delicious local meals, exciting activities, and simply spending time together. It was truly a perfect family holiday in Lefkada. On the final day, Oma baked her famous pancakes, and we shared endless hugs before heading to the airport.

Saying goodbye was tough, but surprisingly, the girls handled it well. As we chatted with another family also saying farewell, Johan even managed to connect with a potential client. Mirre shed a few tears once we were on the road — parting is never easy, but it was all worth it for such a beautiful week. Maybe the girls are becoming used to farewells?

The pictures say it all. Until September, dear Opa and Oma!

Exploring the Municipal Unit of Thestieis: A Family Journey

We’re back on the mainland! Mirre and Jinte kick off the day with a fun shopping trip in Patras—Jinte’s shirts are getting too small. In the evening, we find a peaceful beach spot to park for the night, soaking in the serene coastal atmosphere.

Scenic Drive to the Lake

The following day, we head towards a breathtaking lake. The drive is nothing short of stunning. Along the way, we search for the perfect spot to stay and discover a lovely taverna with a playground right next door—instant joy for the girls!

Fun, Creativity & Family Excitement

Our day is filled with a mix of work, creativity, and play. Jinte invents fruit-themed games, they sing songs dedicated to the king, and most importantly, they start counting down the hours. Why? Because tomorrow is the day Grandma Jeandrine and Grandpa Jan arrive!

Preparing for Family Time

We’re already heading to the house where we’ll spend the upcoming week together as a family—such excitement in the air! Before arriving, we stop for a big grocery haul. Every item the girls want to buy comes with the same argument: “But grandpa and grandma like this too!” They make quite the case!

A Heartfelt Countdown to Tomorrow

Just one more sleep until the big family reunion. The girls can hardly wait. We look forward to laughter, memories, and adventures in the beautiful Municipal Unit of Thestieis.

See you tomorrow, Grandpa and Grandma!

Zakynthos: A Family Adventure on the Beautiful Greek Island

With an overcrowded ferry due to Easter, we set sail for the picturesque island of Zakynthos. Upon arrival, our first mission was to find a place to stay for the night. The next morning, we hit the road again — groceries first, then off to explore the stunning west coast. But we didn’t get far. The olive trees hanging low over the roads meant we had to reverse quite a distance back.

As we continued driving, the clutch started acting up. Uh-oh. We made our way to the nearest beach. Despite the clear blue skies, we stayed inside the campervan — outside, the wind was so strong it felt like sandblasting.

This was our first impression of Zakynthos. We looked at each other and thought, “Why did we even come here?” It was Good Friday, so all garages were closed. We parked the camper in front of one and decided to spend the night there.

Stranded for Easter — But Making the Most of It

The next morning at 9 AM, still no sign of a mechanic. So we rented a small car — or as our daughter Diede calls it, “our little car” — to explore the island. Lucky us, the car rental had a garage next door that could fix the campervan. The part wouldn’t arrive until after the Easter holidays, but at least the van was still drivable.

We parked along a quiet beach and set out in our rental to experience the island’s charm: cozy coves, dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and nature in full bloom. Slowly but surely, we began to understand why Zakynthos is such a beloved travel destination.

Celebrating Easter Abroad

We celebrated Easter not with traditional dishes, but with banana pancakes — a family classic. We called our families back home and had a fun Easter egg hunt. Later, we wandered into the local town center. We couldn’t believe how many fellow Dutch travelers we encountered — but then again, it was spring break in the Netherlands.

Hiking, Swimming & New Friendships

We chose a beautiful hiking trail — a bit of a challenge, but our little mountain goat of a daughter hardly blinked an eye. Along the way, we met Pascalle, a friendly Dutch girl around 15 years old, who joined us. Her parents were a bit slower, so we reached the end ahead of them — only to find a rocky shoreline with a rope leading into the sea. Undeterred, Mirre and Pascalle decided to climb down for a swim.

Mirre was in sandals, Pascalle in brand-new sneakers. Mirre insisted she couldn’t go barefoot, curious to see what her parents would think of her swimming in her underwear with a stranger — thankfully, a friendly one. Our daughters Jinte and Diede laughed watching them. The water was incredible, especially after the hike.

A Few More Days of Island Life

After the weekend, we took the camper to the garage. We couldn’t sleep in it overnight since their gates closed at night — so we booked an apartment with a pool instead. Tough life, right?

We made a day trip to the famous Navagio shipwreck beach and the breathtaking Blue Caves of Zakynthos. The water there was unreal — a surreal shade of blue. Next to us, we met a Dutch pediatric nurse from The Hague, who instantly clicked with our girls. It’s amazing how people with the right touch with kids make everyone feel comfortable.

Launching a Dream Project

That night we finished up our course. At 2 a.m., the moment had arrived: our project finally went live! Mirre, being the perfectionist she is, will surely continue refining it, but this was a moment to celebrate. We’re incredibly proud. And guess what? Word of mouth is the best marketing — so if you’d like to support us, please share: www.komteenkindbijdedokter.nl

Goodbye Zakynthos, Hello Adventure

Before we knew it, it was our last day on the island. Most tourists fly home, and people were often surprised — but mostly inspired — by our travel lifestyle. Years ago, we were inspired during a vacation in Italy. Maybe now we became that couple for someone else. You never know when a chance encounter can change your life.

We soaked up the sun at Banana Beach — sounds tropical, right? A restaurant visit, a playground stop, one last ice cream — and then the call came: the camper was fixed and ready to go. It was running smoothly again, and it felt amazing to have our tiny home back.

The next morning, we ferried back to the mainland — rejuvenated and full of stories. It truly felt like a proper vacation week.

Travel vs. Vacation — Yes, There’s a Difference

You might be thinking: “But aren’t you always on vacation?” We hear that a lot. And while we are on the road full-time, there is a distinct difference for us: a vacation means staying longer in one place, working less, and being surrounded by more tourists. Traveling is about moving often, standing free in nature, and embracing simplicity and freedom.

And we’re loving every second of this free-spirited lifestyle!

Camping Ionion: An Unforgettable Week in Greece

What a fantastic week! Our stay at Camping Ionion was nothing short of amazing. This campsite had been recommended by several friends, and it truly exceeded all expectations. We originally planned to stay for three nights, but we ended up extending our stay to a full week — and we’re so glad we did!

Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Camping

One of the highlights for our daughters was finally finding a campground with a fully filled swimming pool. Their excitement only grew when they discovered other Dutch children to play with, which led to friendships, laughter, and lots of fun. To top it all off, their parents were just as friendly, and our kids weren’t the only ones making great connections.

Our days were filled with laughter, games, spontaneous beach visits, local markets, communal barbecues, shared dinners, and engaging conversations. I even had a chance to test out my course during the week — a win-win!

Endless Play, Exploration, and New Friends

The kids kept themselves busy with biking, exploring the campground, and discovering hidden corners of this beautiful spot. Our neighbors, traveling in a caravan, had what seemed like a mobile toy library, and were more than happy to share. Very quickly, our daughter Jinte became inseparable from their son Mees.

Johan and Mirre braved an early morning swim one day. Although the water was rather cold, they said it was the perfect way to start the day refreshed and awake.

Unexpected Setback Turned Bonus Night

On the day of our planned departure, our leveling foot broke during the packing process. Johan spent the entire morning fixing it — needing to grind and drill out the bolt. Thankfully, a bar was under construction on the campsite, so he was able to borrow some much-needed tools. While we brought plenty of supplies, we didn’t happen to have a grinder with us. It turned into quite a project and left Johan with some impressive bruises. Because of the delay, we added one more night — something none of us minded at all!

A Magical End to Each Day

Each evening, frogs gathered by the pool for their own musical performance. The croaking concerts were incredibly entertaining, especially when they jumped into the water whenever the kids ran by. It was pure joy to watch.

Memories to Last a Lifetime

All in all, our week at Camping Ionion was a dream. The friendly atmosphere, thoughtful neighbors, happy kids, stunning surroundings, and spontaneous adventures made for a holiday we’ll never forget. The photos truly speak for themselves — a five-star camping experience in every sense.

Looking for the best family-friendly campsite in Greece? Look no further than Camping Ionion — the perfect blend of nature, community, and comfort.

Olympia: Exploring the Birthplace of the Olympic Games

After wrapping up our careers as equestrians, we knew we had to keep fitness and sports a central part of our lives. And what better place to celebrate that than in Olympia, Greece—the historical birthplace of the Olympic Games?

A Delicious Greek Lunch and Family Fun

We started the day with a delicious Greek lunch, where there was plenty of attention for the girls and a tasty dessert too. Travel Tip: Try Greek yogurt with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon—it’s an absolute must when you’re in Greece.

Walking Through Ancient History

Fueled and ready, we dove into history. The girls loved exploring the ancient ruins, especially the ones with poses and pictures showing what things looked like centuries ago. We must admit—we enjoyed them just as much.

From running and boxing to pretend-wrestling among the ruins, we immersed ourselves in the ancient Olympic spirit, marveling at the incredible statues and architectural wonders around us. We even took a tour through the archaeological museum, and once again, our eyes were wide with awe.

Career Change? Maybe Not Yet!

For a brief moment, we joked about applying to be museum attendants—just sitting on a chair all day and telling people not to touch anything. But honestly, sitting inside all day just isn’t for us anymore.

Camping by the Sea and a Sunset to Remember

Tonight, we’re parked at a beachside lot, as driving further to the next destination—reportedly an amazing campground—is just a bit too far. Mirre and Diede are playing on the beach while Johan prepares dinner and Jinte is crafting something creative nearby.

One funny moment: a car nearby has all its windows covered with jackets and blankets. As Mirre and Diede walk back from the beach, Mirre casually says to Johan, “I think those two are about to… you know.” Jinte overhears and asks what that means. A quick mini sex education session follows, to which she hilariously replies, “In that car?!” Laughter breaks out. What surprises her isn’t the idea of sex—it’s the location! Moments later she asks, “Will a baby be born in the car too?” Smart girl—always connecting the dots!

Capturing the Magic of the Moment

During dinner, Jinte expresses her wish to take a photo with the sunset. She wants to include Papa, Tinus, and herself. We made it just in time to capture that beautiful moment.

How do you think the photo turned out?

Our time in Olympia was filled with laughter, amazement, and meaningful family moments—a perfect combination of cultural exploration and fun. Stay tuned for our next adventure as we head to what’s been hyped as one of the best campsites in Greece!

Elea Beach: An Unexpected Adventure in Paradise

We had already heard plenty of great stories about Elea Beach, and we were excited to experience it for ourselves. However, the journey to this hidden gem wasn’t entirely smooth. Especially the last part of the drive was a bit tricky. Mirre hadn’t driven in a while, and though we took turns driving on our previous trip, the thought of getting behind the wheel again felt increasingly daunting. It’s funny how thoughts can snowball in your mind.

A déjà vu moment from our previous trip—back when Johan was recovering from strep throat—motivated Mirre to think, “Let’s just go for it!” After all, if something happens to one of us, we both need to be able to handle the campervan on our own.

Nearing our destination, Mirre confidently drove through a puddle, thinking that driving too slowly might get us stuck. Johan, however, would have taken it slow and careful. We often think differently—opposites attract, right?—but this time we didn’t communicate our thoughts. Hidden beneath the seemingly harmless puddle, a rock caused a dramatic jolt and loud noise. Something underneath the camper now seems loose.

We were both startled, and Mirre instantly thought, “I’m never driving again!” But after the emotions settled, we carried on in search of a safe spot to park. Johan optimistically drove toward what looked like a perfect open field. Unfortunately, it turned into a muddy trap—we got stuck again. That’s when we decided: Next time, we’re getting a 4×4 camper!

This time, we managed to free ourselves without any outside help and found a secure, paved place to park the van. The rest of our stay at Elea Beach was truly magical.

Life at Elea Beach

We spent our days relaxing on the beach, making our signature “witch soups,” and catching up on work. Interestingly, there are people who’ve been staying here all winter. In many ways, it’s like a free campsite community. It’s fascinating to see the wide variety of travelers: some arrive in massive tour buses converted into campers—sometimes with trailers in tow—while others live modestly in rusty Volkswagen vans with their families of four.

Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone

The girls had been talking nonstop about wanting to go horseback riding. It’s definitely outside our comfort zone, but as we read every night in Diede’s favorite book: “Sometimes you just have to be a little bit brave.”

We booked a guided tour and ended up taking an incredible ride through the forest and along the beach. Diede developed a little crush on our guide Costa—just look at the photos and you’ll see! The experience turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable, and we’ve come away with yet another set of beautiful travel memories.

Elea Beach offered us more than just sun and sea—it gave us stories, challenges, laughter, and the kind of moments that truly make a road trip unforgettable.

Exploring Romanos: Family Adventures by the Beach

Our journey began with a small detour — we took the wrong road. A big truck made the same mistake, but with heavy rain expected that night, we preferred to find a secure and solid camping spot. We turned back and arrived at the scenic location we originally had in mind.

Stunning Views and a Private Beach

What a view! From our new spot, we had panoramic vistas and a lovely beach right in front, perfect for the kids. Though we were parked just off the road, it felt safe and stable. The girls spent the entire day playing school. That evening, as Jinte went to bed, she told Johan, “I’m pretty sure that when we return home, I won’t have to go back to school—because I’m really learning everything here. At school, I only played, but with you, I’m actually learning to read.”

This led to a heartwarming conversation about how important play is for learning, and how much children absorb while having fun. Afterwards, we all tucked in for a peaceful night’s rest.

Sunshine and Seaside Discoveries

The next day was sunny and beautiful. We played “school” again, dried flowers between magnetic tiles, and in the afternoon, we relaxed at a serene, sheltered beach. It was the perfect spot to stay out of the wind and dive into nature. Between the rocks, we discovered all sorts of tiny creatures like hermit crabs and small shore crabs.

Diede quickly got soaked and came back to warm up with mom, only to run off again, eager to keep discovering and digging in the sand.

One Last Night, One Big Adventure

The final night before our departure, heavy rain poured down. The next morning, as we tried to drive off, Mirre thought, “We really need to go straight forward, or we’ll get stuck.” She didn’t say it out loud, and Johan turned the wheel. Yep—we got stuck.

After some digging and generous help from our friendly neighbors, we finally managed to get the van out. “Good thing we all share the same hobby,” joked one of them. Phew!

Next stop: Elea Beach.

Methoni: Discovering the Magic of a Historic Ruin

Time to explore some fascinating history! We arrive at the breathtaking ruins of Methoni, a place that immediately transports us back in time. Our daughter Jinte has now mastered the difference between a castle and a ruin—so we’re swiftly corrected whenever we get it wrong.

That afternoon, we embark on a wonderful treasure hunt through history. We wander through crumbling buildings and mysterious tunnels, soaking in the beauty and imagining what life was like here centuries ago. The atmosphere is enchanting, and we are completely captivated by our surroundings. What a fantastic afternoon!

Camping with a View of the Methoni Ruins

We’re lucky enough to be parked at a spot where we have a direct view of the stunning ruins. We’ve seen the friendly French couple next to us several times during our journey. Although they speak little English and we speak barely any French, translation apps help us share a smile and conversation.

After dinner, we enjoy some playtime in the nearby playground—thanks to that extra hour of daylight, we can truly make the most of every evening. As night falls, the ruins light up beautifully, creating a magical and unforgettable scene. This is exactly why we came here!

Continuing the Journey Through Greece

The next morning, we take our time departing. Savoring every last moment in this incredible location, we begin to make our way upward along the coast. Methoni has left a lasting impression, and we’re filled with anticipation for the next adventure on our road trip through historic Greece.

If you’re planning a family-friendly road trip in Greece, make sure to include Methoni on your itinerary. Between the stunning historical landmarks, the scenic views, and the relaxing atmosphere, it’s a destination you won’t want to miss.