We chose to begin the year on the road.
Starting 2026 with an adventure felt like the most natural way to step forward. Instead of noise or countdowns, we opted for space. Space to slow down, to breathe, and to let the days unfold without expectation. Wrapped in our TWOTHIRDS winter layers, with a roadsurfer van waiting, Aidan and I headed south towards the wintry coast of Andalucía, ready for whatever the road would offer. It felt like the right way to approach new year trips, with intention rather than excess.
There is a quiet freedom in not knowing exactly where you will sleep, or where the waves will break the next morning. With roadsurfer, the practicalities dissolved into the background. From coffee to bedding, everything was thoughtfully prepared, allowing us to settle quickly into the simplicity of van life and focus on being present. This kind of trip away for couples creates space to slow down together without distraction.
The experience began smoothly at the roadsurfer Sevilla office. Clear instructions, warm energy, and an easy check in set the tone for the days ahead. We chose the Surfer Suite, a compact and modern van that drove effortlessly along the 162 kilometre stretch to the coast. Automatic, comfortable, and equipped for rougher roads, it felt perfectly suited for the quiet tracks leading into El Palmar.
El Palmar de Vejer welcomed us with its familiar coastal rhythm. A place shaped by swell, wind, and an unspoken understanding among those who come to be close to the sea. Known as one of the more relaxed Spain surf spots, it carries a calm that feels deeply grounding.
For our first night, we parked at a nearby campsite. As the town prepared for New Year’s Eve, we slowed even further. We stayed close, shared small conversations with fellow travellers, and settled into our temporary home. With the intuitive van setup and roadsurfer app, the bed was ready in minutes. Sleep came easily and deeply.
Mornings were for surfing. We rented wetsuits locally, collected our logs from It’s Only Water’s gallery and coffee space, and followed the coastline in search of waves. Between surf sessions and quiet drives, the van became our anchor. A place to warm up, rest, cook, and simply exist between tides. This surf trip felt unstructured in the best way.
On New Year’s Eve, we cooked dinner inside the van. Mushroom pasta with truffle cheese, shiitake, and wild mushrooms, prepared slowly and shared quietly. A movie followed, surrounded by trees and stillness, far from crowds or fireworks. The softer pace made the most of the winter sun Spain quietly offers at this time of year.
No spectacle. No noise. Just calm.
The days passed with coffee, surf, and shared moments, made richer by the people we met along the way. There was no rush to move on, only a gentle pull to continue.
As the trip came to a close, we returned to It’s Only Water for one last coffee and joined Hidenori Matsuo’s surfboard repair workshop using kintsugi. Listening, learning, and working with care reminded us that surfing is not just about waves. It is about respect, craft, and the stories carried in well used boards.
Returning the van, returning the boards, and preparing for our flight back to Scotland, we felt settled in our choices. TWOTHIRDS kept us warm and grounded. roadsurfer gave us the freedom to explore. The rest came naturally.
We left feeling at home, inspired, and quietly reassured. A new year met with intention, open roads, and the kind of adventure that lingers long after the journey ends.
Feeling inspired? Find your perfect TWOTHIRDS outfit and book your next adventure with www.roadsurfer.com
Author: Ines Gurovich
