Volkswagen Vanagon World Travels: Sandra and Markus’ Story
Traveling the world in a Volkswagen Vanagon isn’t just a dream—it’s a way of life.
Swiss couple Sandra Garder, an architect, and Markus Elmer, a software engineer, actually did it.
They quit their jobs, packed their lives into a 1976 VW Vanagon camper, and hit the road.
Photo: Sandra Gafner
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Volkswagen Vanagon World Travels
With just 40,000 Swedish Krona and a big dream, Sandra and Markus rolled out in their Vanagon and haven’t looked back.
They’ve driven through Greece, Austria, Croatia, Georgia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and now, Malaysia.
Crossing Mongolia
Camping in Thailand
They’ve camped on beaches in Thailand, chased sunrises over the Mekong River, and cruised the wide open roads of Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
When GPS fails, they fall back on old-school maps.
No schedule. No tour guides. Just the open road.
Life in a VW Vanagon Camper
Their home on wheels? A classic VW Vanagon, complete with a pop-up roof, storage, and years of on-the-road fixes—including a broken window from a break-in in Penang.
Despite the hiccups, they’ve loved every bit of it.
They rely on solar power, stay connected when they can, and cook many of their meals from scratch.
Markus still picks up freelance gigs. All he needs is a laptop and a solid connection.
Open Roads and Big Dreams
“Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of touring the world,” Sandra says.
“When I met Markus and found out he shared that dream, I knew it was time. So I bought a VW Vanagon, packed my things, and hit the road.”
They’ve rolled through seaside towns in Turkey, wandered the Aegean Isles, and discovered quiet corners in Georgia.
In Malaysia, they spent a week in Penang and drove through Perlis, Kedah, Terengganu, Pahang, Melaka, and Kuala Lumpur.
Boh Tea Plantation in Cameron Highlands
Next stop? Thailand—then they ship the van to Canada for the next leg of the journey.
Sunrise over the Mekong river
Penang Pit Stop
While in Penang, they parked at Youth Park and explored the city’s food scene and coastal charm.
“Malaysia has been amazing. The food is incredible and the people are kind,” says Markus.
“The only downside? Our van was broken into in Penang. It wasn’t much, but those items meant a lot to us.”
Living the Dream (And Inspiring Others)
Their advice for anyone dreaming of the road? Go for it.
“People thought we were crazy to quit stable jobs. But we didn’t want to live with regret. If you dream of travel, don’t wait for the ‘right time.’ Just start.”
As they prep to head back to Thailand, then on to Canada, Sandra and Markus are still chasing the horizon.
Thinking of Your Own Vanagon Adventure?
If you’re planning to travel the world in a Volkswagen Vanagon, here’s what you should know:
Vanagon Travel Tips
- Prep your van well: Know the basics. Bring spare parts and a toolkit.
- Solar is a game-changer: Power your fridge, lights, and laptop on the go.
- Water storage matters: Always carry clean drinking water and a backup filtration system.
- Go light but smart: Pack the essentials—first-aid kit, cooking gear, warm clothes.
- Offline maps are key: GPS can drop out. Paper maps still save the day.
- Documents and visas: Research border crossings, visas, and driving rules.
- Van shipping: For long hauls across oceans, look into roll-on/roll-off shipping and insurance.
Helpful Resources for VW Vanlife
- The Samba Forum: All things Vanagon—repairs, mods, travel tips.
- Kombi Life: From Chile to Alaska in a VW van.
- Idle Theory Bus: U.S. and Mexico van travel stories.
- Vanlife Diaries: Inspiration and guides from the global vanlife community.
Also Read: 7 Must-Try Dishes in Penang — Because road tripping on an empty stomach is never a good idea.
