Reason for taking this trip:
It was my dream to travel :)
Why did you decide to drive?:
I've decided to drive because this allowed me to be independent on the road. No waiting for a bus or a hike, no problem finding a hotel/hostel or a camping ground, I have my whole house with me and it really is comfortable xD
It proved to be an excellent choice! After pandemic hit everything was closed: all the hotels, hostels, camp grounds.. if I haven't had my campervan with me, which allowed me to stay independent, I would have been forced to stop the journey and return to Europe.
What type of car are you driving?:
Did you make any modifications to your car for this trip?:
I have converted the van to a campervan. It has a bed that transforms to a couch, a secondary battery, water pump, huuuge amount of storage under bed, on a extended shelf above the cab and inside all the drawers in the kitchen unit. I also insulated it, added fantastic fan, diesel heater, turned the passenger seat to face backwards, made the table top out of two oak boards and used translucent coloured epoxy to connect it. I basically made an epoxy table and lit it with LED lights from underneath.
It's a lot to be listing everything.
How did you save up or finance your trip?:
I saved up as much as I could. I actually moved into my van after converting it and while still working in an full time office job I stealth camped in London. That was fun! Not paying Londons rent freed up a lot of cash.
How long do you plan on traveling?:
Where do you plan on driving? :
It's hard to plan anything these days but I would like to travel all the way to Alaska if God permits :)
What were your family’s and friends’ reactions when you told them about your trip before you left?:
They didn't like the fact that I'm going to the other side of the globe all alone and not knowing anyone there. They thought Argentina, where I was starting, is dangerous and they worried a lot. Only when I got here and showed them where I am and the lovely people I meet they're mi ds were changed.
What languages do you speak? Will you learn more on your trip?:
I speak Polish, English, a bit of German and now that I'm here I'm learning Spanish. It helps to know Spanish
Do you have a favorite place that you've visited?:
It's hard to decide on one or even a handful. Ask me after I'm done ;)
What was the worst border crossing?:
None. Up until now I was crossing between Argentina and Chile but never had any problems. All went smoothly and I haven't had any problems. We'll see if this will change after the crazy 2020.
Do you have any advice for others who may be considering driving the Americas?:
Learn Spanish as not a lot of people will speak English if you will want to divert from the most touristic locations.
Feel free to ask me a question if you have one.
Sunday, January 3, 2021 - 07:18
