At Gutsy, we're incredibly proud of our ambassadors. Each and every one of them is an inspiring person with extraordinary stories . What unites them is their unique bond with their dogs. Together, they experience the most wonderful adventures, enjoy spending time with their best friends, and inspire others to do the same.
This also applies to Soetkin and Finn, whom we interviewed for this article.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and Finn? How did you both embark on this adventurous life in the campervan?
Hi! We're Soetkin (26) and Finn (5)—two adventurous souls who chose an alternative life! Back to basics is the way we roll. We're happiest in my self-converted campervan, close to nature! Few things, tons of adventure! You can find us on hiking trails and in icy waters. As long as we're near water and mountains, we're completely happy flappy!
My campervan has been with me for a while now, but since September 2023, it's been our only home. I sold my house and moved into my campervan with Finneke. Looking for an alternative life. It started with traveling: a solo trip that took me to France, Spain, and Portugal. But now it's less about constant travel and more about living! I live, work, and live in my van: in the most beautiful locations in Europe! It's only a little different in the winter, when we do seasonal work in the mountains and get slightly warmer accommodations. ;) But all in all... We're living the 'vanlife'!
What makes Finn the ideal travel companion for your campervan adventures? Are there any special features of Finn that make traveling easier or more enjoyable?
Combine pure goldie energy with a super-cuddle factor, and you have Finn. He loves running around in nature, taking long walks, swimming, and adventure! I always say Finn reflects my personality a bit... Lots of people, stimuli, and busy places like cities aren't really our thing. In nature, we find complete peace! He's been traveling since he was a puppy, so he's used to it by now. Read: he can handle unpredictability, constantly changing his garden, meeting lots of new dogs, and so on. Every day with Finn is a treat. He's such a bundle of joy, and I love him so much! He makes every day a little better and reminds me to appreciate the little things in life. I always have a buddy to go on adventures with. My best friend is always there :)
What does a typical day look like for you during the winter months in Les 3 Vallées? Do you have any favorite spots or activities in the snow?
A combination of lots of cuddles and micro-adventures! Mornings are truly our time. We cuddle for ages in bed—something we can't do on the bus, so we're making the most of it now! Then we head straight outside. Coffee in hand, Finn plays in the snow. There are lots of other dogs in the village, so he often has a friend to play with. After that, I work—or go snowboarding. Finn chills in our studio, and his favorite activity is watching the passage outside from his bed—haha. In the evening, we go for a walk and more playing in the snow! Finn's favorite activity is rolling in the snow! That's a standard day, but we also like to go on outings: we take the ski lift up and go for a longer snowshoe hike, or watch the sunset from the mountain! A real dream of mine is to go splitboarding with Finn... maybe we'll finally make it happen this season! Then I can share my passion for snowboarding with Finneke!
Finn is certainly important to you, especially when traveling. How do you ensure he always stays healthy and happy, especially during long journeys or in cold conditions?
During the off-season, we often stop for (among other things) a vet visit in Belgium. We appreciate being able to visit our regular vet. We also do everything we can to give Finn a balanced life. He has a wonderful life, especially when we travel in the campervan: constantly roaming free in nature! We always make sure he gets plenty of exercise and, of course... GUTSY! We're thrilled that we can also order Gutsy abroad. Finneke really enjoys the nutritious kibble and tasty treats!
Can you share a special adventure or memorable moment you had with Finn during your travels?
The most special thing for me is simply that Finn is always there; he's always by my side on every adventure, big or small. It's the little, everyday moments that I'm so grateful for, time and time again! When I see Finn happily walking around in nature, I'm happy too!
But one of the most special things we've ever done together was a seven-day canoe trip in Sweden. I'm so incredibly proud that Finn was able to join us. What initially felt like panic and pure stress (for me and for him) turned into a wonderful adventure. Finn quickly got used to the canoe and even took blissful naps in it while we were on land. Once on land, he was able to roam freely, we went swimming together in the lakes, and shared beautiful campfire moments. Everything about that trip felt so pure, and I'm incredibly grateful that Finn was there.
I also absolutely love spending the night on a mountain with him. Braving the altitude is just more fun with happy, flappy Finnie! Hiking to a viewpoint, admiring the sunset, and sleeping under the stars is truly the epitome of happiness! We usually sleep in a tent, but I've also slept under the stars, sharing my sleeping bag with Finn—haha.
What are your plans for the future? Are there any specific trips or adventures you'd like to take with Finn?
We're currently completely sold on winters in the mountains, so as long as we keep getting that chance, the coming winters will be white again! Our next campervan adventure will be Scandinavia: Sweden & Norway. Our third visit now (also for Finn!). We're really looking forward to it! We experience such incredible freedom there and are completely blown away by the beauty of nature every time!
Thank you Soetkin & Finn for your story!
Want to follow the adventures of Soetkin and Finn? Then be sure to follow: @Soetcase.be on Instagram.
