The “Schengen Shuffle” is real, folks. After 33 days of “Rainabania”—seriously, we think we forgot what the sun looked like—it was finally time to point Holly toward the coast and head back to the European Union. But as any full-time traveler knows, the transition from one country to the next is rarely a straight line. It’s more of a zig-zag involving ferry cabins, missing side dishes, and a “Stalker Camper” mystery.

The Last Meal “Betrayal”

We wanted to send Albania off with a bang. We opted for a quick KFC run before boarding the ferry. Big mistake. Huge. We’re talking no coleslaw, no crispy chicken—just a bucket of broken promises. If there’s a lesson here, it’s this: always check the bucket before you leave the drive-thru, especially when you’re about to board a ship for 10 hours.

Ferry Survival: Cabin 718

Crossing from Vlorë to Brindisi is a rite of passage for motorhomers. We booked a cabin because, let’s face it, we’re at the stage of life where “roughing it” on a lounge chair lost its appeal years ago.

Enter Cabin 718. To call it “compact” would be an understatement. It was a teeny-tiny box, but it was our box. It gave Salsa a place to settle and us a chance to catch a few hours of shut-eye before hitting the Italian pavement.

Holly’s Spa Day & The 333 Rule

Once in Italy, it was time to take care of our fourth traveler: Holly. Our 8-meter Hymer needed some TLC, specifically a new skylight and a kitchen faucet that had decided to retire early. We headed to Mondo Camping for what we called her “Spa Day.”

While the sealant was drying, we treated ourselves to a night at a B&B in Ostuni. After months of van showers, that whirlpool tub felt like a gift from the gods. This is the beauty of the 333 Travel Rule (3 hours of driving, stop by 3:00 PM, don’t drive more than 3 days in a row)—it gives you the margin to enjoy the “Happy Detours” without the burnout.

The Mystery of the Stalker Camper

Travel isn’t just about the places; it’s about the people. Or in this case, the people who seem to be following you. We noticed a specific camper in Ostuni that somehow ended up in the exact same mall parking lot as us later that day. Coincidence? Probably. A great story for the vlog? Absolutely.

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What’s Next?

We are currently navigating the west coast of Italy, heading toward Pompeii and Camp Spartacus. From there, it’s a long ferry ride to Barcelona as we continue our trek toward Gibraltar.

Are you planning your own “Schengen Shuffle” or curious about 8-meter motorhome logistics in Italy? Drop a comment below—we’d love to share what we’ve learned (including where NOT to buy chicken).