Hall number 4:
Vanlife and Retro Zone
Caravans Salon Poznań
Hall number 4: Vanlife Zone and Retro Zone
The Vanlife Zone in Hall number 4 was a true paradise for lovers of freedom on wheels. This was the place where we could meet fans of minimalist life in vans, see custom builds, and talk to other vanlifers. Our parking spot within the Przystanek Zlot rally was located right next to the hall, which further allowed us to feel the unique atmosphere of the event. Every van had its unique story, and conversations with the owners provided valuable tips for those considering their own build-out.
In the same hall, there was also the Retro Zonewhich was a true tribute to caravanning classics. The exhibition of old campers and caravans attracted the attention of everyone who appreciates vintage-style travel. Despite their age, these classics still charmed with their unique appeal and functionality. The Retro Zone showed that caravanning has a long and fascinating history, and lovers of classic vehicles also find their place in this world.
Modern Trends in Vanlife
In recent years, Vanlife has strongly evolved – from a hippy adventure into a well-thought-out lifestyle. Exhibitors in Hall 4 showed how modern solutions can go hand-in-hand with simplicity. Many vans featured modular builds that can be easily dismantled, as well as solar systems, compressor refrigerators, and power stations. These are no longer improvised conversions, but full-fledged mini-homes that allow you to live off-grid for even several days without access to electricity.
Lectures and Discussion Panels in the #Vanlife Zone – Lots of Talk, Few Specifics
Lectures and discussion panels were held daily during the fair, featuring invited online creators and vanlifers. The presentations were truly interesting – full of inspiring stories about life on the road. However, the discussion panels were disappointing. Instead of delivering substantive knowledge, the conversations were more chaotic and resembled a school lesson where unprepared students are called upon. Better results come from a 1:1 conversation, where you can ask specific questions and get valuable answers.
DIY versus Ready-Made Solutions
Many visitors wondered whether it was better to convert a vehicle themselves (DIY) or buy a ready-made build. This was a topic that kept coming up in conversations in Hall 4. Experienced vanlifers generally agreed that DIY offers immense satisfaction and allows you to customize the space to your own needs, but it requires patience and tools. Ready-made kits, although more expensive, offer a warranty and safety of use. Every choice makes sense – the important thing is that it suits your travel style.
Retro Style Caravanning
Classic caravans and campers, often after self-restoration, attracted crowds. Among the exhibited vehicles, one could see iconic models like Eriba or Niewiadów, which gained a second life after many years. Today, retro is not just a style, but a manifesto – simplicity, durability, and minimalism instead of gadgets. These vehicles reminded visitors that caravanning has a soul and that the vintage trend is not fading away, but merely changing its form.
Speakers' Presentations
Kampermaniak
Kampermaniak to jedna z najbardziej rozpoznawalnych ekip w polskiej społeczności vanlife. Na targach podzielili się swoimi doświadczeniami z podróżowania po Europie w przerobionym vanie. Podczas prelekcji opowiedzieli o wyzwaniach, jakie napotykają na trasie, od technicznych usterek po szukanie idealnych miejsc na nocleg. Szczególną uwagę zwrócili na rolę minimalizmu w życiu na czterech kółkach oraz na to, jak odpowiednie planowanie pozwala na pełną niezależność. Kampermaniak zachęcał również do samodzielnego decydowania o swoim życiu, pomimo zdarzającego się czasami niezrozumienia wśród najbliższych. Żartowali, że rodzina przez długi czas, przyzwyczajała się do faktu, że spią „w samochodzie pod ich domem’ 😉
Podróżovanie
Podróżovanie focused on presenting vanlife as a lifestyle that combines a love for travel with a need for freedom and simplicity. Their presentation was full of inspiring stories from their recent months, namely the purchase of a plot of land in Portugal and preparing a glamping site there. Many were surprised that after many years of traveling and living in a van, they felt the lack of stability and their own piece of land. They are not giving up on vanlife, but are taking the next step in their lives.
Nasz Karavaning
Nasz Karavaning (Our Caravanning) is a family team that asserts caravanning is a great way to spend time with loved ones. During their lecture in Hall 4, they talked about how they organize trips with children and the related challenges they encounter. They drew attention to the practical aspects of various campsites in Europe. They spoke about their favourite spots in Southern Europe. Their presentation was full of humour and warmth, reflecting their approach to caravanning as a way to build unique memories.
Vandalvan
Vandalvan is a project that combines a passion for design with a love for travel. At the fair, Rafał presented not only his uniquely converted vehicles but also talked about how he started his adventure with building vans and what mistakes are worth avoiding by learning from his errors. Rafał's lecture was particularly interesting for those who value aesthetics and functionality. He showed how one can create a camper that is not only practical but also beautiful inside and out. Vandalvan inspired visitors to experiment with their own projects and showed that even small spaces can be full of character and comfort.
Vanlife Zone Poznań
The Vanlife Zone in Hall number 4 was a place full of inspiration, passion, and extraordinary stories. Each team contributed something unique, showing that caravanning and life in a van can take different forms, tailored to individual needs and dreams.
Among the stands, there was no shortage of manufacturers of camping equipment and van accessories. Roof top tents generated a lot of excitement – from hard shells to soft models with awnings. Attention was also drawn to power stations, pressure showers, mobile kitchens, and compressor refrigerators, which allow for independence on the road. Such additions show that modern vanlife is a combination of simplicity and technology.
Education and Community in Vanlife
Although some panels were chaotic, the very idea of the #Vanlife zone as a place for exchanging experiences works perfectly. It’s not just about presentations – it’s a living community of people who learn from each other. For many beginners, this is the first opportunity to see live what daily life in a van looks like, how to care for equipment, and how to plan a route smartly. It is thanks to such gatherings that Vanlife in Poland is growing stronger.
You can read more about the Vanlife Zone parking in front of Hall no. 4 in the post Zlot Przystanek_targi (Przystanek_targi Rally) – click here.
Why the Vanlife Zone is more than just a fair
What distinguishes the Vanlife Zone from other events is its authenticity. It's not about shiny campers, but about the people who genuinely live in them. Their experiences are more valuable than any catalogue. Thanks to them, Vanlife becomes not just a trend, but a lifestyle – a conscious choice of simplicity, nature, and freedom.
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, and that is precisely the biggest charm of the Vanlife Zone. In Hall 4, you can approach the creators who share their life on the road daily on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. Their vehicles are open, you can look inside, ask about the details of the build, the costs, the mistakes they made at the beginning. These are not showroom vehicles – they are real vans that they travel in across Europe.
This list grows year by year. In recent editions, attendees included, among others: Kampermaniak, Podróżovanie, Nasz Karavaning, VandalvanMany of them come with their own stands or lead lectures about life on the road, remote work, van conversions, and traveling across Europe. It's a great opportunity to meet them in person – without the filter and the algorithm.
Entry to the Vanlife Zone is part of the ticket for the fair Caravans Salon Poznań – you do not need to register separately. Simply purchase a standard fair admission ticket or press accreditation. If you want to exhibit your van in the display zone, then prior registration and application via the organizer's form are required – spots sell out quickly.
It's the perfect mix. On one hand, there are DIY creators who showcase their original solutions, often built in a home garage. On the other hand, professional companies present ready-made modules for popular van models, such as the VW Transporter, Renault Trafic, or Mercedes Vito. Contemporary vanlife is a combination of creativity and technology – everyone can find something for themselves.
Make a plan. Write down the brands you want to visit, and prepare a list of questions – about the weight of the conversion, homologation (certification), insulation, and power supply. Also check out roof top tents, off-grid systems, and solar panels. It's worth having your phone handy – take pictures of the solutions that inspire you. This will make designing your own van easier when you return. And if you are just starting out – just listen and ask. Vanlifers are very open and happy to share their knowledge.
Yes, but increasingly these are collaborations based on real experience. Creators test equipment on the road – from compressor refrigerators to roof top tents – and only recommend specific brands after testing them. Many companies exhibiting at the fair cooperate with influencers precisely because they have an authentic connection with their audience. The Vanlife Zone is the perfect place to see these collaborations in practice – without the marketing wrapper.
