In a society where accepting routine is frequently associated with settling down, Smriti Bhadauria and Kartik Vasan made an unconventional choice. This Indian couple decided to live the nomadic lifestyle and left the usual 9–5 job behind, taking a van trip across America. Their Instagram account, the Brown Vanlife, documents their rich adventure that started off as just a simple travel journal.
A Pan-American Van Journey By An Indian Couple
The original open-road influencers are Smriti, a digital marketing specialist, and Kartik, an IT consultant. The two said in an exclusive interview with the top media outlet that Bollywood—especially in Smriti’s case—provided inspiration for their epic voyage.
When she was younger, she was inspired to live a mobile and comfortable lifestyle by the scene in the movie Swades where Shahrukh Khan pulls into a community in an opulent campervan.
By happenstance, in 2018, their offices changed to allow for remote work, which prompted them to make an impromptu purchase of a vintage van that served as the basis for their voyage.
Their marriage in 2020 signified the achievement of their mutual desire and set the stage for this journey. They were under lockdown when their Pan-American adventure began in Canada. They were urged to get out of the residence. Choosing the woods in the early months meant staying away from large cities. This also meant interacting with strangers as little as possible. (As per News 18)
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The Trip Took Them Across Breathtaking Landscapes
The Pan-American Highway, which stretches 30,000 km over 15 countries from North to South America, was selected by the Indian couple. Their trip took them across several landscapes. Twoo of the most memorable ones were taking part in Oaxaca’s Dias de Muertos and visiting Cusco’s Festival of the Sun.
Overcoming the obstacles posed by the worldwide health crisis, they arrived in Mexico by April 2021. Later they proceeded to pass through several nations before arriving in Panama in March 2022. COVID-19 test results were required at every border crossing.
Smriti and Kartik had to manage their two dogs, work remotely, and complete everyday chores. All these in an effective manner with the space and resources they had available.
Van Life made them more conscious of their everyday consumption. From keeping an eye on their electricity, water use to organising perishables in their little refrigerator, they plan it all.
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