Roman and Natalia
Name and age
Roman, 32
Natalia, 31
Hometown
Natalia is originally from Moscow, Russia and Roman is from Vilnius, Lithuania. We immigrated to America as children and have been living in the DC/Maryland area for the past 20 years.
When did you start your travels?
August 6, 2011
Reason for taking this trip
So many complex reasons, but in short: to explore the world, to be free from the daily routine and the 9-5, to change ourselves and our lives, to have many adventures and to meet lots of people.
Why did you decide to drive?
Because of the flexibility and accessibility the car offers you. We drove around Europe for three months and loved how flexible we were, not to mention being able to go to places that would be difficult to get to via public transportation. In US and Canada having a car to go around national parks is even more essential.
Are you also taking along children? If so, names and ages.
Yes. Our espresso machine "Francis Francis". Three years old. Also doubles up as a mascot/'travelocity gnome' and keeps us energized and 'sane'.
What type of car are you driving?
2005 Toyota Highlander. Not sure if this is the best car for this type of trip, but we just wanted to start going and adjust as we go along as necessary. Will probably sell it and get a van where you can sleep inside more comfortably.
Did you make any modifications to your car for this trip?
Took out rear and third row seats to make more room for our camping gear and bicycles.
How did you save up or finance your trip?
We were fortunate to have IT jobs that paid well and had small consulting projects over the years that allowed us to save some money. We also sold a lot of things we owned, have been frugal and living with a roomate—it all adds up.
How long do you plan on traveling?
At this point we are travelling indefinitely, but we hope to make extended stops in cities to get to fully experience them.
Where do you plan on driving?
For now we're going around the US and Canada, primarily the National Parks in the west. Then the plan is to ship our car to South America for a few months. But we're amending our plans as we go along so who knows where we will end up.
What were your family’s and friends’ reactions when you told them about your trip before you left?
I think everyone was pretty shocked when we took our first extended trip for four months to Europe and China two years ago. So, I think now people aren't as surprised that we're going on another trip. Most have been very supportive though.
Did you speak Spanish before you left your home country? How much Spanish? Are you taking more Spanish lessons as you travel? If so, where and for how long?
We wish we did! We'd love to learn on the road, but between blog writing, photographing and photo editing and of course travelling there just haven't been enough time. We will probably be able to learn more once we're in South America.
Do you have a favorite place or country that you have visited during your trip?
That's usually the first question people ask when you come back. But all the places are so different and you like them for different things that they have to offer so its really difficult to say. Overall, we really love Europe. There is so much to explore in terms of culture, history, cities and nature, we'd love to go back there again. Paris and Rome are also favorites, and we would like to go back there. The cheap but good wine is a motivator too.
What was the weirdest thing you experienced on your trip?
Being surrounded by a band of racoons in Indiana Dunes Park. Just as dinner was ready about five racoons that live near the campground kept walking around us, trying to sneak up from a dark corner and steal our food. As soon as we turned away they were on the picnic table. We had to scramble fast to hide the food and chase them away with water. Not much of a dinner for us that night.
What was the worst border crossing?
We've only crossed the border between USA and Canada on this trip, and those are pretty smooth.
Do you have any advice for others who may be considering driving the Americas?
The important thing is to start. Dont try to have everything planned perfectly, you can amend things as you go. Finding yourself in situations where you are forced to adapt quickly is part of the fun and will help you grow as a person.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely. I think everybody should go on an extended trip at least once. It's amazing what you learn about yourself and how your broaden your horizon—your perspective on your life will change.
Do you have a blog or a website describing your trip? If so, what is its address?
www.my7continents.com
