Natalie & Chris
Name and age
Natalie Winter & Chris McRae, both 26
Hometown
Victoria, B.C.
Reason for taking this trip
Natalie has been to Central America five times, and is in love with Costa Rica. This trip has been a dream of hers for a few years now. Chris hasn’t done very much traveling but is really excited to get out and see some of the world. Natalie recently graduated from University, and wanted to do this trip before settling into a career. Chris’ job is fairly seasonal, so he was very lucky to be able to get a four-month leave of absence. Everything just fell into place, so we had to jump on the opportunity to
take this trip while we can!
Why did you decide to drive?
To see more, at our own pace, and with the freedom to do whatever we want when we want. We get to cover so much more ground, and see so much more this way.
Are you also taking along pets? If so, names.
No, sadly we are leaving our dog Tico at home with our parents’. He is still pretty young and not the most obedient yet, so we don’t think bringing him is the best idea.
What type of car are you driving?
We are going to be driving our 2009 Kia Rio. We couldn’t afford to buy a new vehicle for the trip, so we are just going to take our little car and hope it makes it! It is pretty new so it should be fine.
Did you make any modifications to your car for this trip?
Nope. We may get our windows tinted in Mexico if it gets too hot though.
How did you save up or finance your trip?
Worked A LOT, didn’t go out, and cut back on everything we possibly could! With us both working full-time, as well as working small gigs on the side, it took just over a year to save up enough.
How long do you plan on traveling?
120 days, that’s all the time Chris could get off work.
Where do you plan on driving?
From Victoria to Costa Rica, and back. Once we get there we will spend about six weeks in Costa Rica before heading back home. We are traveling down along the Pacific Coast for the most part, with a detour to the Caribbean side in Honduras. We haven’t planned out our drive back yet but it will probably be along the Pacific Coast too.
What were your family's and friends' reactions when you told them about your trip before you left?
Some people think we are crazy and don’t understand why we would choose to drive instead of fly. Our parents are worried about us driving through Mexico. I think people are worried about what they don’t know. They are also really excited for us and think this trip will be a great experience!
Did you speak Spanish before you left your home country? How much Spanish?
None at all.
Are you taking more Spanish lessons as you travel? If so, where and for
how long?
We aren’t planning on taking any lessons, we don’t think we will have the time, but we really hope to learn some Spanish along the way. We might take some lessons when we get back though.
Do you have a blog or a website describing your trip? If so, what is its
address?
Yes we do! victoriatocosta.blogspot.com
