In a world where settling down often means embracing routine, Smriti Bhadauria and Kartik Vasan decided to upend the conventional. Shunning the typical 9-to-5 life, this couple embarked on a Pan-American van journey, turning their nomadic dreams into reality. What began as a mere travel diary has blossomed into a rich experience documented on their Instagram account, the brown vanlife.
Smriti, a digital marketing professional, and Kartik, an IT consultant, stand out as the original influencers of the open road. In an exclusive interview with the leading media outlet, the duo unveiled that the inspiration for their grand adventure stemmed from unexpected sources, with Bollywood playing a significant role, especially in Smriti’s case. The image of Shahrukh Khan rolling into a village in a luxurious motorhome in the movie Swades left a mark on her younger self, sparking a dream of a mobile and comfortable lifestyle.
As fate would have it, their offices shifted to remote work in 2018, leading to the spontaneous purchase of a vintage van that set the stage for their journey. The culmination of their shared dream was marked by their marriage in 2020, creating the perfect conditions for this adventure of a lifetime.
Their Pan-American journey kicked off in Canada amidst a lockdown, urging them to escape the apartment. Opting for the wilderness during the initial months meant avoiding big cities and minimizing contact with outsiders. The duo chose the Pan-American highway, the longest road in the world, spanning 30,000 km through 15 countries from North to South America. For Smriti, it was a chance to experience human connections, diverse landscapes and rich cultures.
Navigating the challenges of the global pandemic, they entered Mexico by April 2021, gradually making their way through various countries until reaching Panama in March 2022. Each border crossing demanded COVID-19 test results, emphasising a cautious approach to ensure their safety.
Their journey unfolded through landscapes, with particular highlights including participating in the Dias de Muertos in Oaxaca and experiencing the Festival of the Sun in Cusco. Beyond the scenic beauty, what struck a chord was the mirroring of Indian culture in Latin American traditions, fostering profound connections with strangers-turned-hosts who opened their homes to the couple.
Living in a van for an extended period required meticulous planning. Smriti and Kartik had to balance remote work, take care of their two dogs and handle daily tasks efficiently within the limited space and resources. The choice of sleeping locations was a crucial decision made each morning to avoid scrambling for a campsite after sunset.
Van Life heightened their awareness of daily consumption, from managing perishables in their compact fridge to monitoring water and electricity usage.
The Pan-American journey came to an end in December 2023, culminating in the resort town of Ushuaia, Argentina. However, the couple is not resting on their laurels. A hiatus is in order as they plan to construct a larger motorhome for upcoming journeys through Asia and Europe. The anticipation now centres on reuniting with family in India and seeking rejuvenation before the next chapter unfolds.
As Smriti and Kartik set sail to Antarctica, their next destination, they also intend to explore the Silk Route and traverse Europe.
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