Kasper Kivistö embarks on adventure to Albania in transformed Renault van

Kasper Kivistö from Helsinki recently sent a photo from his trip in the Alps to his 70-year-old father, who responded, “You’re living my dream.” This statement caught Kivistö’s attention, prompting him to reflect on unfulfilled aspirations during previous travels. “I don’t want to look back someday and wonder what I could have done. Dreams don’t fulfill themselves; action is necessary,” he noted.

Currently, Kivistö is finalizing his white Renault van, which he has transformed into a living space, complete with a bed, kitchen, bathroom, and even a small cinema. He constructed the van’s interior himself, using a couch salvaged from an old police car. This weekend, he plans to escape the Finnish winter, embarking on a journey to Albania with his dog, Napoleon.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted travel trends, with more Finns opting to flee the cold for months at a time. Smalin’s CEO, Heli Mäki-Fränti, reports that remote work has inspired many to dream of working under sunny skies. Kivistö aims to reach his destination before the slushy weather begins. While he is excited to start this solo adventure, he admits he is nervous about traveling alone with a small dog. If Napoleon isn’t comfortable in the van, Kivistö will return him to a pre-arranged caregiver.

Traveling from Finland to Southern European countries has steadily increased over the years, with popular destinations now including Egypt and Dubai. Kivistö intends to combine his travels with charity, delivering supplies for street dogs in Lithuania along the way. He emphasizes that life should dictate work, not the other way around, expressing contentment with his new lifestyle. He will return to Finland once winter ends in March.