Seminar program 2025
CaravanFest seminar program takes place on Friday (May 2) and Saturday (May 3). As in previous years, the seminar area is located in the log hall of the Vanamõisa Open Air Centre.
Friday, May 2 (in Finnish)
12:30 Estonian Gems (in Finnish) – Elina Aro-Ojapelto, Kesk-Eesti Giidid MTÜ
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Elina is a Finnish woman who lost her heart to Estonia and has been living on this side of the Gulf of Finland for the past 30 years. With over 40 years of experience in the tourism industry – 17 of those focused specifically on caravan tourism – Elina will offer our Finnish guests an in-depth overview of Estonia’s hidden gems.
13:30 Baltic Travel Quiz with Fun Prizes (in Finnish) – Markku Lehtonen, Camping Pikseke
Do you know Estonia and the Baltics like the back of your hand? Put your knowledge to the test in a fun quiz created by Markku, the owner of Camping Pikseke! Originally from Finland but living in Estonia since 1996, Markku has prepared exciting questions covering general knowledge, history, and travel in the region. Best of all – great prizes await the top performers!
Break for 1 hour
15:30 Travel Safely: How to Minimize Risks While Caravanning (in Finnish) – Meelis Adamson, Matkasuvilad.ee
Meelis’s caravan journey began more than 40 years ago. Over the years, he has owned 20 different motorhomes and has spent the last two decades actively involved in the sale of campers and caravans in Estonia. In this seminar, Meelis shares his extensive expertise and personal experiences, focusing on how owners can improve travel safety – for themselves and their vehicles. He'll cover technical upgrades, regional hazards, and provide a wealth of practical safety tips.
16:00 Discover Southeast Estonia (in Finnish) – Kalmer Tint, Salamaa Camping
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Kalmer is an active traveler and the host of Salamaa Camping. Though he’s explored much of Europe, his heart remains in his home region of Taevaskoja. He’ll share captivating stories and valuable tips about both well-known natural wonders and hidden gems in Põlva, Võru, and Setomaa. Come get inspired for your next journey!
Saturday, May 3
10:00 Touring the Baltics by Caravan – Routes, Stops, and Tips (in Finnish) – Markku Lehtonen, Camping Pikseke
Markku, a Finnish caravan enthusiast who has operated a campsite in Haapsalu for 27 years, shares practical advice and inspiring ideas for exploring the Baltic States. Which routes to choose? Where to stop? Which campsites offer the best experiences? Learn about the most fascinating destinations and lesser-known spots worth visiting across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
10:30 Experience-Rich Discoveries in Southeast Estonia – Iia Timmi, Salamaa Camping
Iia is a true local – born and raised in Southeast Estonia, where she also established her family and business. A seasoned traveler and the host of Salamaa Camping, Iia will take you on a journey through the enchanting areas of Taevaskoja and beyond, sharing engaging stories and practical advice about well-known and hidden locations in Põlva, Võru, and Setomaa.
11:00 Fire Safety ABC in Motorhomes and Caravans – Johannes Paldrok, Saku Volunteer Rescue Unit
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Johannes, chief of the Saku Volunteer Rescue Unit, has been a dedicated volunteer firefighter for 13 years, with over 250 call-outs under his belt. In this seminar, he will talk about the importance of fire safety in motorhomes and caravans, explaining the main risks and how to prevent them. He’ll also introduce fire safety equipment every owner should know. You’re welcome to ask questions and check out the rescue vehicle before or after the talk!
11:30 Norway’s Enchanting Lofoten – A Paradise for Vanlifers or Just a Headache? – Gaius-Nicholas Pahk & Kati Mäesepp, Adventurous Couple from Pärnu
Kati and Gaius are experience-hungry travelers with a unique take on vanlife – their 30-year-old Mitsubishi Pajero, “Pancho,” lacks modern comforts but takes them to places where the road ends and adventure begins. They'll reveal how Instagram fantasies of turquoise bays and dramatic cliffs compare to reality, what to expect, and share tips for planning a trip to Lofoten.
12:00 Northern Latvia and the Gauja River Region (in Finnish) – Elina Aro-Ojapelto, Kesk-Eesti Giidid MTÜ
Elina returns to provide a detailed overview of Northern Latvia and the picturesque Gauja River region. What are the top attractions, historical landmarks, and scenic viewpoints worth visiting? Come and get inspired for your next Baltic journey!
12:30 What Fears Prevent Us from Traveling? – Hannes Kärsna, Lifetime Adventurer
Hannes is a lifelong traveler with thousands of kilometers under his belt by car, motorcycle, and on foot. A key figure in the FB group “Travelers by Car,” he’ll discuss common fears and challenges people face when starting a journey – from safety and unexpected situations to technical concerns and fear of the unknown. He’ll share practical advice for overcoming these barriers and embracing confident, joyful travel.
13:00 Vanlife and Remote Work – Dream Life or Challenge? – Hannes Saard, Digital Nomad
Hannes is the founder of the Megapiksel marketing agency and a digital nomad who chose to combine work and travel by touring Europe in a van while running his agency. In this honest and humorous talk, he’ll share insights into the pros and cons of remote work on wheels.
13:30 A Family Story – Life on the Road with 5 Kids – Triinu Liis, Egon, and the Elissaar Family
We are "Ühe Pere Lugu" – a family living life differently, with a motorhome as our home. Together with our five children, we've traveled across Europe, experiencing grand adventures and everyday challenges. In this seminar, we’ll share why we chose to live in a motorhome for 1.5 years, what we’ve learned, and offer practical advice, travel tips, and real-life moments from life on the road.
14:00 Buying or Renting a Motorhome – What to Look Out For? – Meelis Adamson, Matkasuvilad.ee
Traveling with a motorhome can be the ultimate freedom – but only if you have the right vehicle. Meelis, a seasoned caravan expert, will share essential advice on what to consider before buying or renting. Learn how to choose the right model for your needs, what beginners often overlook, what to bring along, and what to leave behind.
14:30 Family, Caravan, and Exploring Europe – Martti & Helen Paju, Caravan Fans
Martti, a software developer and creator of the Instagram account “Sotsiaalsed Elamused,” along with his wife Helen and their three kids, are experienced travelers who love venturing beyond Estonia. In this seminar, they’ll share inspiring destinations, practical tips, and tricks for planning family-friendly caravan trips – from keeping kids happy on winding mountain roads to navigating Balkan landscapes.
15:00 Campsite as a Smart Choice – Kalmer Tint & Iia Timmi, Salamaa Camping
Traveling inspired Kalmer and Iia to start a tourism business in Taevaskoja, turning an old Soviet vacation complex into a modern and cozy campsite – Salamaa Camping. They’ll explain why camping is a smart option, offering security, comfort, and simplified logistics. With limited vacation days, time should be spent exploring – not dealing with hassles. Kalmer and Iia's love for freedom and spontaneity shapes their travel style and their campsite experience.
15:30 Is My Caravan in Good Health? – Gennet Kruusement, Haagisepere
Gennet is a long-time caravan enthusiast who’s passionate about all things motorhome. Her team at Haagisepere is ready to help with both prevention and repair of caravan-related issues. In this seminar, she shares how to recognize the health of your caravan, diagnose problems, and recommend the right "treatment."
16:00 Caravanning in Finland: 41 National Parks for an Adventure-Rich Holiday – Elina Aro-Ojapelto, Kesk-Eesti Giidid MTÜ
Elina, a seasoned tourism expert and passionate fan of Estonia, returns by popular demand to talk about caravanning in Finland – this time with a guide to Finland’s 41 national parks. She’ll share insights on local caravan culture, stopover sites, price ranges, and suggest routes for 3-day, week-long, or two-week trips.
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The organizer has the right to make changes to the program!
