Maggi Dale

Nomad Bus: Unique Hostel Experience

The Nomads Bus – or Jumbo George as it is affectionately called by the initiated – is a decommissioned American school bus that has been completely refurbished and unleashed on Europe as the first ever adventure-seeking hostel on wheels.

The Nomads Bus combines the freedom and intimacy of van life, the lively, social atmosphere and hospitality of a hostel and the intrepid spirit that is lived and breathed by the two nomads themselves.

Belgian couple Tim and Val are the adventurous, powder-chasing powerhouse team behind The Nomads Bus. Val is a culinary wizard with a passion for good, wholesome food and the outdoors, while snowboarding instructor Tim is the cool-headed Mr Fix-It that keeps Jumbo George powering through Europe’s highest mountain passes.

In tow are their sultana-loving little nomad Fenna who doles out high fives and infectious giggles, and lovable dog Lewis who will always be around to play fetch and keep your feet warm beneath the dinner bench.

After years of budget travel that eventually led them to Guatemala, the pair were inspired to combine their passions of mountain expeditions and travel with their dream of running a hostel. Once they had found the perfect vessel, run a very successful Crowdfunding campaign, shipped the bus over to their homeland Belgium and spent two years planning, clearing, sanding, sawing, painting and sewing, Jumbo George was ready for his first season on the road.