1982. Bought a 1969 (G reg) bay camper off a garage forecourt. Drove it in England for a week, then drove to Greece via Yugoslavia. No break down insurance, who needs that with a VW? Stayed in Greece for the summer, then decided to leave through Bulgaria, which had just been "liberated".
Greek border police told us we had overstayed (never did find out why) and were in trouble. Knowing the Greek psyche, persuaded them to let us go, detention was too much paperwork. Arrived at Bulgarian border post, refused entry. "If you have a visa you will be welcome in our country". Returned to Greek border. Much consternation. Eventually convinced them that we would immediately travel west to Yugoslavian border and leave there. At Greek/Yugoslavian border, met a Dutch man who told us there was no petrol available anywhere in Yugoslavia. Bought 50 litre plastic drum, filled it with petrol and put it between the front seats. No problem leaving Greece as during the earlier encounter, the Greek police had written a screed of notes taking up two pages of my passport (must have been favourable). Returned home without further incident.
To me, that is the type of trip experience in the good old days, never been gassed, but often experienced the hospitality of local people, usually very friendly.