Spain is calling! Mira and Mikko have refurbished their RV into a bright, colorful home on the road for themselves and their dogs

Mira Salminen and her partner Mikko Pehkonen were facing a major life decision: Should they stay in Finland paying off a mortgage, or travel and see the world? In the end, they reached a decision quite quickly.

“We both value the freedom to move around easily, so on a whim, we started looking at camper vans,” Mira says.

The RV’s colorful, unique interior is an important part of the overall experience for Mira and Mikko.

The couple had a few requirements for the RV. First, it had to be roomy, since they always travel with four or five dogs plus Mikko’s double bass. They also wanted the RV to have a separate shower.

Mira and Mikko found a used, spacious RV with a double floor, which helps keep it warm in winter and offers plenty of storage space.

In addition to a few domestic trips, the couple have driven their RV through the Baltic countries, Poland, Germany, and France, all the way to Spain. “Traveling really opened our eyes to the high toll costs, since our RV is big and old,” Mira says.

Before using it, the couple renovated the RV. Mikko fixed the water system, serviced the engine, and handled other necessary upgrades, while Mira painted, wallpapered, and decorated the RV with colors they chose together.

“We both love color, and we couldn’t imagine living in a white, gray, or brown home or vehicle.”

Mira and her partner appreciate being able to decorate exactly according to their style.

Mira says they still plan to improve the RV’s electrical system. They also intend to get a new fridge and better storage solutions for the large compartment in the back. “You always learn from other caravanners, even just by seeing how they’ve outfitted their own vehicles,” Mira says.

Mira and Mikko decided they would move into the RV at the beginning of November.

“We decided to move because it makes no sense to hang on to an expensive apartment when we want to see and experience the world while we still can. I have a back injury, and you just never know. Life is now.”

Before moving, the couple will give some of their vintage furniture to their children and store or pass on the rest. Then they’ll pack up their dogs in the RV and head for Spain. Their five-month trip will follow the Spanish coastline, which they plan to document on camera. Because neither of them can work remotely, they’ve saved money to spend this time on vacation.

Mira and Mikko’s children have been supportive of their parents’ new lifestyle, and others close to them have also admired their courage.

Mira herself is also excited about moving into the RV:

“We’ll bring our dogs and bikes along. We’ll have an adventure and explore anything interesting that comes our way.”

Mira and her partner prefer adventure to staying at campgrounds. Their dogs also enjoy traveling, getting to see new places and sniff new scents.