Encounter a Faridabad Couple Redefining #TravelGoals Through Van Life

On National Tourism Day, observed on January 25, let’s meet a remarkable couple from Delhi-NCR who is breaking the conventional norms of travel. Smriti Bhadauria and Kartik Vasan are traversing the Pan-American Highway in their van, embracing a nomadic lifestyle without quitting their jobs.

Inspired by Bollywood films like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” and “Tamasha,” which glorify the idea of breaking free from the routine corporate life, Smriti and Kartik contemplated the meaning of a settled life. In 2019, they shared their adventurous plan with family—to embark on a journey along the Pan-American Highway, the world’s longest road spanning 30,000 km across 15 countries from North to South America, starting from Ontario, Canada.

However, it was the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that accelerated their plans. Having worked towards building their van from scratch, the couple secured remote jobs to sustain themselves during the journey. The pandemic underscored the urgency to realize their dreams, and on August 15, 2020, Bhadauria, a digital marketing consultant, and Vasan, an IT consultant, set out on their grand adventure with their dog Everest.

Documenting their journey on Instagram, they have gained a significant following of 88.7k followers. Addressing common queries about sustaining their lifestyle, Bhadauria emphasizes that they are not millionaires funded by their parents but individuals with remote jobs. Their ability to work remotely has been crucial in supporting their nomadic lifestyle.

In Argentina, the 15th and final country on their tour, the couple reflects on the symbolic significance of starting their journey on India’s Independence Day. Travelling in a 77 Dodge B200, accompanied by their canine companions Everest and Bali, they aspire to redefine what a settled life means to them. Bhadauria expresses their intent to continue exploring continents, even with children, without imposing a strict timeline. While they have plans to introduce the van life concept in India, they acknowledge the logistical challenges involved in determining routes and campsites.

Living a nomadic lifestyle brings its own set of challenges. Constant packing and unpacking, reliance on solar panels for electricity, and the search for WiFi in remote areas can be taxing. Bhadauria highlights their eco-friendly and self-sustained lifestyle, emphasizing the need to find places to plug in or work from cafes during cloudy days.

As they continue their journey, Bhadauria and Vasan are not just exploring the Pan-American Highway but also challenging societal norms about settling down. Their story serves as an inspiration for those who wish to break free from conventional life, explore the world, and redefine the meaning of a settled life.

In conclusion, this couple’s journey along the Pan-American Highway is not just a travel adventure but a testament to the changing dynamics of work and life, showcasing how one can embrace a nomadic lifestyle without giving up a fulfilling career. Their story is a celebration of independence, both personal and global, as they traverse continents, leaving footprints of inspiration along the way.