Logan and Brianna
Names and ages: Logan Pribbeno (27), Brianna Haifley (25)
Hometown: Imperial, Nebraska and Huntington Beach, California
Reason for taking this trip: To give up the 9-5 hustle in exchange for a pilgrimage in learning and exploration.
Why did you decide to drive?
We opted for overland travel as opposed to backpacking to allow for more flexibility in our travels, roving from town to town independent of rigidly-scheduled mass people movers. The idea spawned from a Montana road trip during the summer of 2009. We had made reservations at the finest fleabag motels in all of Montana while in the comfort of our home living room. But having rented a 4×4 we opted to strike out on our own adventure, leaving the preplanned trip in the dust. The idea of having all that you need with you opens the door to possibility.
What type of car are you driving?
2003 Toyota Tundra TRD 4WD with a 2007 Palomino Bronco 800 pop-up camper.
Did you make any modifications to your car for this trip?
Nothing substantial like a suspension upgrade but we made a number of modifications to the truck to accommodate the camper including Firestone suspension air bags and BFG All Terrains. We found that the little things like scheduled maintenance, shocks, and GPS ate up our modifications budget.
How did you save up or finance your trip?
16 months of saving, we both put 30-40% of our take-home income into savings each month. We increased the amount we saved each month and in the end actually came to enjoy this lifestyle.
How long do you plan on traveling?
One year, our return to the states is scheduled January 2012.
Where do you plan on driving?
We plan to explore the majority of Central and South America, going all the way to Ushuaia, Argentina.
What were your family's and friends' reactions when you told them about your trip before you left?
To many this appeared to be a sudden departure from our path. In actuality it was not and our peers who had witnessed our transition were supportive. Of course there were heaps of concerns but we have found out those who say don’t know, and those that know don’t say.
Did you speak Spanish before you left your home country?
We both spoke a little bit of Spanish, what little we could remember from high school and college courses. About 8 months before we started the trip Brianna began using Rosetta Stone to strengthen her language skills. RS proved to be an immensely helpful resource and Brianna handles most communication from border crossings to ordering coffee. We now feel this was the most important preparation.
Are you taking more Spanish lessons as you travel?
We debated doing a homestay in Guatemala but the ease and cost (free!) of keeping up our Rosetta Stone practice won out in the end.
Do you have a favorite place or country that you have visited during your trip?
Bahia Concepcion in Baja Mexico: one of those places you think only exists in photoshopped post cards.
What was the weirdest thing you experienced on your trip?
Stopping for lunch at a roadside restaurant in Mexico. We ordered tacos and received what appeared to be animal vertebrae in a spicy fish broth.
What was the worst border crossing?
Guatemala Talisman was the worst in reality. Guatemala was our first real crossing and probably the most overwhelming due to the amount of people milling around and the chaotic disorganization of their bureaucratic process. We anticipated Honduras being the worst but was a learning experience for us. We went into the process with the intentions of creating a guide which shifted our perspective and sharpened our observations skills. We now have a guide to assist others in getting through Honduras quickly and safely.
Do you have any advice for others who may be considering driving the Americas?
$500 beater pickups have made this drive without issue. Don’t let the details keep you at bay.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain
Would you do it again?
Travel, especially overland travel, is addictive. You don’t know all that your missing until you stop traveling via online reservation. Forgetting the itinerary and just letting the road take you is the best part of the adventure. It opens your eyes
Do you have a blog or a website describing your trip?? If so, what is the address?
