Kath Cross sold all of her possessions and now drives across the world with Stuart Hall

Advertisement

A couple sold all their possessions to buy a campervan and travel the world – for just £30 a day. Kath Cross, 49, and Stuart Hall, 48, have travelled over 25,000 miles on epic adventures through the Sahara desert, Europe and Scotland in their make-shift home.

The pair have been living in their 7.5m Mercedes Sprinter ever since Kath sold all her possessions and stopped paying rent four years ago. To date they have toured over 15 countries – and will have exceeded 20 by the time they get back from their current trip to Montenegro.

The couple work on the road full-time under the name Vanavigation – where they create, write and share travel content. Though their spending plan varies slightly depending on which country they are residing in, the pair say on average they spend around £900 to £1,200 a month – cheaper than Kath’s old house rental in Cardiff.

This means they budget around £30 to £40 a day for their lifestyle – with half spent on fuel. Kath, from Cardiff, said: “It was a choice we made between one life and another – and we don’t regret a second of it.

“When I sold my possessions, it made me realise that you are supposed to own things – not them own you. When you have a mortgage, a car payment, you are owned by society, fixed because you have to stay where you are and pay your bills.

“The more of my stuff I sold the more free I felt – the more I am realising those possessions owned me and pinned me in one place. Life owns you and you are supposed to own it.”

Kath and Stuart bonded over their shared love of nature and the outdoors after meeting in a South Wales walking group back in 2021. They hiked over 105 peaks in the UK during their first year of dating and Kath decided that Stuart was the person she wanted to travel the world with.

She soon after decided to pack up her four-bed rental house and sell all of her possessions back in 2022 when her daughters left home. Stuart and Kath have since travelled over 25,000 miles – including their first trip all the way to the Sahara desert, which Kath described as her “lifelong dream”.

Kath said: “I had an idea that when my kids left home I wanted to drive to the Sahara – it was a dream I’d had for years. Stu already owned the van, and we had been together a few months when we visited Scotland for a month in the campervan. We didn’t kill each other and got on very well.

“So that winter I decided that I was going to downsize my life, my kids had left home, the four-bed rental was too much for me and I just didn’t want it anymore. It was taking every penny that I earned just to keep the rental going – but we knew we could live cheaper on the road.

“A lot of people are scared of the big adventure, but Stu was up for the idea and so we drove to the edge of the Sahara desert and haven’t looked back.”

The mother-of-two is able to ensure a steady monthly income for the pair after she set up her own business online back in 2012. As a single parent, Kath wanted to ensure she could earn a living while being at home with her children – and her copywriting and freelance work saw her amass 1.6million followers on Facebook in 2014.

Stuart, who works for an agency as a truck driver, works when they visit the UK after trips to help top up their money before their next adventure. Her and Stuart are both work together to produce content for Vanavigation – releasing weekly Youtube episodes, travel guides and insightful blogs across social media on how to travel the world.

Kath said: “Life really is a lot cheaper in the van – you don’t need two wages. We were away for 101 days and our average spend was £1000 a month – this is less than my rent used to be in Cardiff and we lived like kings and queens.”

Despite more than half their budget being on fuel, the pair say they don’t live like they are on holiday – and mostly cook in the van and only pay for a few activities a month. Kath said: “As fuel prices have gone up we have just slowed down!

“We just drive a bit slower and make a few less stops – which means we extend the trip really. When you’re in North Macedonia and paying 130 a litre for diesel, there is no point rushing back to pay whatever horrifying price it is in the UK at the moment.”

The pair are able to live in their fully-equipped campervan which boasts a full working set up including: a shower, toilet, king-size bed, sink, and a fully working kitchen with an oven, gas burner. Stuart, who converted the inside of the van shortly after purchasing it, said: “We can even do a roast dinner.”

So far, the pair have driven 3,000 miles to Denmark and back, 7,000 miles around Spain and Portugal, 2,000 miles to Scotland and 8,000 miles to the Sahara. They are currently in Montenegro, and are just shy of 5,000 miles on their trip which has seen them drive through France, Italy, Albania, Greece, North Macedonia and Kosovo.

Their next stops are Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia and France. Kath and Stu said their Sahara trip has been one of their many highlights – which also include their visit to the Atlas mountains, Kosovo and Denmark.

Stuart, from Southampton, said: “We drove to the edge of the sand dunes and were drinking coffee out of own mugs from home. Then we opened up the curtains and there were 40 camels outside – it was totally surreal. I had only ever been on package holidays before.”

Kath said they also loved their visit to the Atlas mountains because of the scenery and people they met during their trip and volunteering. She said: “There are communities there that have nothing, and they just want to help you.

“We helped a guy stuck in the snow and he wanted to take us to his village, which had 66 houses and a mosque. His family made us food and drinks and the kids in the village came to meet us and it was only a few months after the earthquake. It was so special connecting with the local communities.”

The pair are strong advocates for following your dreams and travelling the world in a mindful and sustainable way. Stuart said: “We choose to step lighter on this earth.

“My big diesel van has much less of a carbon footprint than a three-bed house where people leave the lights on. We don’t buy new stuff, we wear clothes until we can’t wear them anymore and we live light on plastics. We love this life and we learn so much about people.”

Kath said: “You can’t dream yourself into this life, you have to make intentional decisions to get here. You have to let go of other things to get here. We left the rat race – and we’re really glad about it.”

You can follow their adventures here: “https://www.facebook.com/vanavigationuk/

1.6 million elderly people get Attendance Allowance as it stands, but there are plenty more who could claim it.

The finance expert explained how to ensure ‘backdated’ payments that start accruing from the original date of claim and not when the DWP officially processes the paper-toting application.

Mr Lewis said: “Call for the form because then they (DWP) send you a form and you apply but you get paid from the date you called up for the form.

Do you pay energy by monthly Direct Debit? If so this is the perfect time to check if you’re due £100s credit back.

Far more info on this, and lots more in the new Martin Lewis podcast just out on https://t.co/8awS8AlebX BBC Sounds, Apple, Spotify & all the usual pod players. pic.twitter.com/31J3YEKEeb

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) May 8, 2026

“If you download the form off GOV.UK and your claim is successful, you get paid on the day you sent it back to them and there could be at least eight weeks difference in that, so call for the form.”

He recommended that anyone seeking further advice on making a claim or requiring assistance with the application form should get in touch with Age UK at 0800 678 1602, which operates daily from 8am to 7pm.

He went on: “Fill in the form with as much detail as possible. Age UK is brilliant on this, they’ve got a brilliant helpline that will probably be swamped but it’s open during the days, but they’re really professional at helping you fill out the form so those who are entitled get the money and don’t fall foul for some strange reason.”

Recommended reading:

Lloyds beats forecasts with 46% leap in profits after interest rates boost

DWP issues Universal Credit warning for 184,000 Brits

DWP Pension Credit warning as thousands miss out on £3,900

Money Saving Expert explained: “Attendance Allowance is one of the most underclaimed benefits, with as many as 1.1 million missing out on up to £5.2 BILLION a year, according to estimates from MoneySavingExpert and Policy in Practice.

“If you’re aged 66+ and need help with daily living due to illness or disability, check if you’re due £5,645 a year…”

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested weekly payment to help cover the costs of pensioners (aged 66+) who need someone to ‘attend’ them.

He was the driver of the only vehicle involved in the collision

A man in his 20s has died following a motorbike crash in Co Wexford on Friday, Gardai said.

He was the driver of the only vehicle involved in the collision on the L4016 near Glenour, in Adamstown.

In a statement, An Garda Siochana said it happened at about 9.20pm on May 8 and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body was taken to University Hospital Waterford where a post-mortem examination will take place.

The road is closed for forensic examinations and local diversions are in place.

Issuing an appeal for information, an Garda Síochána spokesperson said: “Any road users who were traveling on the L4016 between 9:00pm and 9:30pm on Friday 8th May 2026 are asked to make contact with investigating Gardaí. Anyone with camera footage (including mobile phone or dash-cam) is asked to make that footage available.”

They added: “Anyone with any information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on (051) 426030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .

Four other energy-related sites have been approved in the surrounding area

A new solar farm could be built next to a major Cambridgeshire A-road. AGR Renewables has submitted an EIA screening request to East Cambridgeshire District Council to build the solar development.

The farm is proposed on land south of the A10 Cambridge Road in Stretham. If approved, the solar panels will be installed for a temporary period of 40 years.

After this, the panels will be decommissioned and the land will return to agricultural use. The solar farm, which would be set over 43 hectares, is projected to export up to 100 megawatts of electricity.

Other solar farms and energy-producing sites in the surrounding area have been previously approved. This includes one on land south west of Stow Bridge Farm in Newmarket Road in 2012, another in Green End in 2014, followed by another two in 2016 and 2023.

The applicant said it was “clear” that the surrounding area has been subject to a “number of energy related planning applications”. As well as the panels, the plans also seek to add security fencing, CCTV, storage buildings, a battery energy storage system, access tracks and more.

Existing hedgerow and plants that are already on site are set to be retained in the proposals. The site falls mainly on flood zone 1 land, meaning it is unlikely to flood.

However, there are “very small areas” that are flood zones two and three. The applicants do not believe the site would produce any harmful emissions or noise pollution.

It’s not also expected to “generate significant waste during construction or operation”.

Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi is expected to be available for the Champions League final against Arsenal.

The Morocco international has been sidelined with a thigh injury he suffered in the first leg of the semi-final showdown with Bayern Munich.

The right-back, who has regularly captained the side with Marquinhos’ minutes managed in the league, missed the second leg in Munich last week as Luis Enrique’s side turned in a masterclass performance away from home to reach a second consecutive final.

Hakimi was expected to miss the rest of the season with doubts even emerging over his partitcpation in this summer’s World Cup campaign.

But according to RMC Sport, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star is recovering well and is expected to ready for the final in Budapest on 30 May.

PSG are also likely to be boosted by the availability of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. An injury suffered in training last week also raised fears his season could be over but the report states he too hopes to be available for the showdown with the Gunners.

Chevalier was signed from Lille last summer to be the new no1 with Gianluigi Donnarumma leaving the French capital to join Manchester City.

Matvei Safaonov however has been starting ahead of hm since January, overtaking him in the pecking order.

Should Hakimi recover in time and avoid any more injury scares, PSG will have a fully fit squad to choose from when they meet Mikel Arteta’s side at the Puskas Arena.

Arsenal have concerns at right-back themselves over Jurrien Timber.

Timber has not played since mid-March, missing the last 11 games due to a groin problem. There has been no clear timeframe on when the Dutchman could return to action with Arteta confirming on Friday there is ‘no chance’ he will be involved against West Ham United on Sunday, today.

Rather more worryingly, he raised doubts about whether Timber would be seen again before the end of the season.

‘I don’t know, there is still a fair bit to do,’ he said. ‘Everything needs to be so smooth and quick.’

MORE: Arsenal told they can sign ‘perfect’ Kylian Mbappe on one condition this summer

MORE: Theo Walcott urges Arsenal star to reject England call-up for the World Cup

MORE: ‘Sensational’ – Mikel Arteta urged to start Arsenal duo against West Ham

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our
articles.

Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local
services.

These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local
community.

It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need
as much support as possible during these challenging times.

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our
articles.

Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local
services.

These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local
community.

It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need
as much support as possible during these challenging times.

Available for over a year

The US president is going after his fellow Republicans in Kentucky and Indiana.
Donald Trump is getting involved in key state primaries – often in cases where US presidents don’t intervene – urging voters to stay away and not vote for candidates who Trump regards as his political enemies. From Indiana to Kentucky, Louisiana and beyond, Anthony and Justin look at how Trump’s MAGA Republican party is targeting fellow Republicans and whether it’s succeeding.
Trump’s top target is the seven term Republican congressman in Kentucky, Thomas Massie who has stood up to Trump on issues including the Epstein files, congressional spending and the war in Iran. Massie now faces a challenge from a multi million dollar funded Trump backed candidate… we look at Massie’s chances, and what this race tells us more widely about what happens to Republicans who stand up to Trump.
We also look at Louisiana and Indiana, where Trump has recently wiped out state senators he regarded as disloyal.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Stephen Bailey. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you’re reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001mssm
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd

Programme WebsiteShow less

Known for “boshing” – a term the England forwards like to use for swatting aside defenders – Muir smiled when discussing the skill.

However, to “bosh” is what she reckons the correct terminology is.

“It is running into someone and boshing them, or tackling them and boshing them,” Muir says.

Quietly spoken and humble off the field, the former Wasps front row is a powerful athlete on it, who enjoys physical confrontation.

Given she is “too aggressive” for a return to cricket, what she does hope to do one day is have a pottery room at the back of her house, complete with a wheel and kiln – a type of oven used for hardening and drying pottery.

Leading from the front is also done on the team bus, with ‘Maud’s Tours’ now part of the team’s itinerary.

“It started last Six Nations in York. I am at the front of the bus as my little mate Lucy Packer gets travel sick,” she explained.

“I am always at the front and the mic is always there. I started with the tour of York and it has stuck since. I do forget every week that I am doing it.

“It is last minute, trying to get as many facts as I can. True or false. They could be false as Meg Jones likes to send me some stuff.”

The next destination is Parma – yet to be researched by Muir – where Italy host the world champions on Saturday.

England sit top of the Six Nations table with three bonus-point wins over Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The 84-7 victory over Scotland was an ideal way to celebrate Muir’s 50th cap, where her father wore a kilt and an England top – another picture for her scrapbook.

“It was such a special occasion. Being at Murrayfield in Scotland made it so special for my family, especially my dad,” Muir said.

“I have photograph evidence. He is in my scrapbook.

“He had the best of both worlds. He is 77% Scottish.”

Before Saturday’s game, which will likely set up a fifth straight Grand Slam decider against France, Muir is planning to head to a local pottery centre to make a bowl for ramen.

Bowling Italian defenders out of her way will likely follow.