From Weekend Adventures to Off-Grid Living — Our Journey
Before we made the big move to Portugal, we always had Amber the Camper ready for spontaneous weekends away. For us, it gave little tasters of off-grid living — an opportunity to unplug from city life and immerse ourselves in nature. And for us, the more remote and wild the location, the better.
We hold so many fond memories of the adventures we’ve shared with the boys over the years — memories that will stay in our hearts forever.
What we didn’t imagine four years ago was that this way of living would become our day-to-day reality.
Looking back now, we realise that camping and van life were quietly preparing us for a fully off-grid lifestyle. It gave us the chance to reconnect with nature, spend our days outdoors, and follow our own natural rhythms. It brought us closer together as a family — yes, it can be chaotic and messy with three kids — but the shared wonder of exploring somewhere new, that warm glow after a day in the sun, and getting cosy around a campfire under the stars made it all worthwhile.
Sometimes, it’s still hard to believe that this is our everyday life now.
We know that throwing yourself into full off-grid living feels unrealistic for many people. But the benefits of doing it for just a long weekend or a week away can be incredible. Camping has a way of stripping life back to the essentials and helping you reflect on what really matters.
There’s also growing evidence that spending time outdoors and camping supports both physical and mental wellbeing, helping to reduce stress and improve sleep. For families especially, it’s a wonderful way to build practical skills, confidence, and resilience. Through our own camping adventures, we’ve made lifelong friends, and for the boys it has helped them develop problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
There’s something incredibly healing about waking to the sounds of nature. Opening your door to woodland, a flowing river, or the distant sound of waves. It’s calming. It’s nourishing. It feeds the mind, body, and soul.
Sometimes, we get so caught up in everything we’re creating here on our land in Portugal that we have to remind ourselves what a blessing it is to experience this every single day — that this truly is our life now.
We know this way of living isn’t for everyone. In today’s fast-paced world, it can even seem backwards or primitive. But for us, it brings us back to something simple and essential — our true connection with nature and with each other.
So if you’re thinking about a camping trip this summer — about switching off from the noise of towns and cities, and replacing it with birdsong, rustling trees, and star-filled skies — we’d love to share a little piece of this lifestyle with you.
We’re thrilled to now be able to offer others a taste of off-grid living at our own off-grid quinta here in Portugal. Our campsite and bell tent are now open for bookings, and we can’t wait to welcome fellow nature lovers to experience it for themselves.
Find out more about camping or glamping with us here.
Camping Essentials & Exclusive Discounts
If you’re looking to stock up on camping essentials this summer, we’re excited to share a few discounts with our online community.
OLPRO Camping Gear
We’re HUGE fans of OLPRO camping gear and use a wide range of their products when we’re adventuring in Amber the Camper.
You can get 10% off your order by using the code: WHATSNEXT10 at checkout.
https://olproshop.com/?aw_affid=1321079&awc=11300_1777386651_583864a3c389304ff250a03fe06bf006
ALLPOWERS Solar Generator
We use the ALLPOWERS S700 Portable Solar Generator and panels as a compact and handy power setup around our quinta. It’s also great for camping trips—super portable, fast to charge via solar, and equipped with built-in lights to help illuminate your camping area at night. It’s ideal for keeping essential devices powered when you’re away from electrical hookups.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Sunburn can quickly ruin a good adventure, so we’re big fans of Shade All Natural Sunscreen. It comes in a solid form in a handy tin—perfect for popping into your backpack when you’re out exploring.
With only four natural ingredients, it moisturises and protects skin from a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB rays, helping to keep your skin healthy while reducing the risk of sun damage. It’s suitable for all skin types and ages.
If you use the link below and enter the code CHLOEMORGAN at checkout, you’ll get 15% off:
https://not-the-norm.com/products/shade-all-natural-sunscreen?ref=CHLOEMORGAN