Modern nomads: Redefining travel goals, this Indian couple embarked on a Pan-American adventure in their van
Smrit and Kartik’s pan-ameircan van journey.
An insight into into their #brownvanlife.
Meet Smriti Bhadauria and Kartik Vasan, your not-so-typical couple flipping the script on the whole idea of “settling down”. Ditching the 9-to-5 for a life less ordinary, this dynamic duo is taking the ultimate road trip — a Pan-American van journey that is not just a travel diary but a vibe, an experience, a whole mood!
In a world obsessed with hashtags and social media-worthy moments, Smriti, who works in digital marketing, and Kartik, an IT consultant, are the OG influencers of the open road, merging modern tech with nomadic dreams, all while documenting their adventures on their Instagram account @thebrownvanlife.
In an interview with indianexpress.com over email, the duo unravelled the ultimate mood board for every Gen Z soul yearning for more than just filters and facades. Smriti divulges, “After doing a lot of research, The Pan-American highway – the longest road in the world – emerged as a good starting point for this wild dream; a 30,000-km highway through 15 countries from North to South America. This highway was exactly what I needed to experience human connections, diverse landscapes, and rich cultures of the world.”
The Brown Van Life.
In 2018, they bought the brown van and decided to self-build the interiors and get the van back in shape.
Smriti and Kartik.
Smriti, Kartik and their dog Everest.
Their journey commenced in Canada amid a lockdown which urged them to leave the confines of their apartment. During the initial months, they opted for the wilderness which meant sidestepping big cities and minimising contact with outsiders.
It is fascinating how inspiration can come from unexpected sources, and in Smriti’s case, Bollywood played a significant role. The portrayal of Shahrukh Khan rolling into a village in a luxurious motorhome in the movie Swades seems to have left a lasting impression on her younger self. The allure of a mobile and comfortable lifestyle, symbolised by the motorhome, sparked a dream within her.
Bolivian salt flats.
At the Bolivian salt flats with their dogs Everest and Bali.
“It wasn’t until I met Kartik that the idea of this journey truly came to life. As luck would have it, our offices turned to remote work in 2018, the purchase of a vintage van happened on a whim that year and eventually our marriage in 2020 paved the path for this adventure of a lifetime.”
As 2021 unfolded, gradual openings and vaccinations in the US facilitated their entry into Mexico by April 2021. Negotiating each border required presenting COVID-19 test results until they reached Panama in March 2022. Though challenging, they proceeded with caution, taking their time and avoiding any unnecessary risks along the way.
The Brown Van and the dogs.
A glimpse of The Brown Van against a scenic backdrop.
Volcano Cotopaxi.
Volcano Cotopaxi was closed due to volcanic activity.
On locations that left a lasting impact, she says, “The breathtaking landscapes were simply the icing on the cake. Becoming a part of the Dias de Muertos in Oaxaca, a celebration honouring the departed, left us speechless with the peace of the candlelit graveyards and the music celebrating the lives of loved ones. The Festival of the Sun in Cusco, showcasing the heritage of local tribes through vibrant dance forms, was truly incredible.”
Embarking on a voyage that unfolded from the grandeur of Patagonia’s majestic peaks to the boundless allure of Bolivia’s salt flats, each stop evoked a sense of awe.
Yet, what etched a profound connection was the mirroring of Indian culture in Latin American traditions. The heartwarming embrace of strangers-turned-hosts who unlocked the doors of their homes are among cherished memories they treasure now.
Pan-American.
The Pan-American adventure concluded in December 2023 in Argentina’s resort town of Ushuaia.
Smriti and Kartik.
They have been living out of their van for the past 3 years crossing 15 countries.
Living in a van for an extended period, of course necessitated meticulous planning, addressing aspects ranging from locating suitable accommodations to handling daily needs efficiently within the limited space and resources. “Balancing remote work, taking care of our two dogs, and handling daily tasks demands effort and patience,” she says. Work takes precedence, determining where to park for morning calls, besides where to take the dogs for playtime or a hike.
Deciding where they slept was a crucial morning decision to avoid scrambling for a campsite after sunset. They use various apps for overlanding with multiple reviews from people. In cities, camping in a safe neighbourhood near the central church, a police station, or a dog park has proven to be a secure option. “All across Latin America there are paid campsites where we go to dump grey water or fill up water or to charge our house battery if we don’t get enough solar power. We also do a lot of wild camping based on recommendations from iOverlander,” they share.
Needless to say, van life has heightened their consciousness regarding daily consumption. From managing perishables in their compact fridge to monitoring water and electricity usage, a vigilant eye is always maintained on resources.
Meanwhile, a culinary odyssey unfolded as meals turned into vibrant companions that opened up a tapestry of flavours and the duo made it a point to immerse themselves in the most-recommended gastronomic experiences along the way.
Carretera Austral.
Carretera Austral covered in Lupins.
From unravelling the secrets of crafting mole – referred to as the national dish of Mexico – to delving into the art of chocolate-making in Ecuador, they embraced it all. “We were always hosting locals for a meal. Introducing Indian food to people who had never tried it before brought us closer. We carry a pantry full of Indian ingredients/spices and being able to cook our own food after a challenging day is what made us survive this journey for this long,” they say. The Pan-American adventure concluded in December 2023 in Argentina’s resort town of Ushuaia.
“However, a hiatus is in order as we intend to construct a larger motorhome for upcoming journeys through Asia and Europe. At the moment, our anticipation is directed towards reuniting with family in India, seeking rejuvenation before the next chapter unfolds,” the two affirm.
Patagonia.
Their journey to Patagonia completed 3 years recently.
As Smriti and Kartik embark on a ship to Antarctica – their next destination – a horizon of possibilities stretches before them, intertwined with dreams of exploring the Silk Route and traversing Europe.
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