I thought I'd be settled with kids by the time I turned 30. Instead, I moved into a campervan with my dog.

Lara Dopson My dog and I have spent the past year exploring Europe in a van.

Traveling wasn't how I originally pictured spending my 30s. But when I found myself single, without the commitments I'd expected to have at this age, I started thinking about what I could do with the freedom.

I'd always wanted to see more of the world, and with my 4-year-old dog Maple beside me, I decided to stop waiting.

Up until then, I'd worked as a financial advisor, spending my days in the corporate world, helping people plan for their futures. It made me think about all the things I wanted to do before I retired.

I wanted to travel while I was fit and healthy enough to climb mountains and enjoy the places I'd dreamed of visiting.

So, I sold my belongings, packed up my car, and set off with Maple in April 2025. We spent three months traveling between Greece and my native UK.…