Jennifer and Matthew

Name and age

Jennifer Lind (32) and Matthew Glass (31)

Hometown

Florida/South Africa

Reason for taking this trip

Tired of working :-)

Why did you decide to drive?

We went to Nicaragua 2 years ago and hired a car and found that we could see so much more with a vehicle. Plus we wanted to camp a lot and can also sleep in the back of our truck to save money when safety allows.

What type of car are you driving?

2003 Toyota Tundra long bed with topper

Did you make any modifications to your car for this trip?

Matt and my stepdad but a wooden platform in the truck bed with slider panels so we could hide all of our gear under it. So if anyone looked in the back they wouldn't see anything and be less likely to break in. Also the usual security stuff- kill switch, car alarm, locked lug nuts, lockable gas cover

How did you save up or finance your trip?

Worked in London and saved for a year and a half (Matt is an accountant- he handles the money part)

How long do you plan on traveling?

6 months "or so"

Where do you plan on driving?

We started in Florida and drove through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and then Texas. We crossed into Mexico at Nuevo Laredo, through Zacatecas and Guadalajara, and then all along the Pacific Coast, through Chiapas and the Yucatan and then into Belize. Through Belize and 2 weeks in the Bay Islands Honduras - left the car in Belize, then into Guatemala. We intend to drive through El Salvador next and then all the way to Panama.

What were your family’s and friends’ reactions when you told them about your trip before you left?

Our families and friends are very different so mixed reactions. Most people thought it was pretty amazing, the parents worried of course.

Did you speak Spanish before you left your home country?

I do and Matt was learning a little.

How much Spanish?

I studied for 7 years in high school in college and have travelled before. By no means am I fluent but I can get around.

Are you taking more Spanish lessons as you travel?

No-experience is the best teacher.

Do you have a favorite place or country that you have visited during your trip?

Guatemala as a whole has been our favorite so far.