On National Tourism Day (January 25), meet an inspiring couple from Delhi-NCR who are embarking on a remarkable journey along the Pan-American Highway—all while keeping their jobs! Smriti Bhadauria and Kartik Vasan, originally from Faridabad, are challenging the conventional notions of a settled life.
Silver Screen Inspirations
Influenced by Bollywood films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) and Tamasha (2015), which encourage embracing a more fulfilling life, Smriti and Kartik questioned the meaning of a settled life. In 2019, they announced their plan to experience the Pan-American Highway—a 30,000 km journey through 15 countries from North to South America, starting from Ontario, Canada.
Pandemic Push
While they had initially been working on building their van and securing remote jobs, it was the pandemic that propelled them to kickstart their adventure. The urgency to pursue their dreams became more tangible. Bhadauria, a digital marketing consultant, and Vasan, an IT consultant, commenced their journey on August 15, 2020, documenting their adventures on Instagram and garnering a following of 88.7k.
Redefining Settled Life
Addressing common queries about sustaining their lifestyle, Vasan clarifies that they aren’t millionaires or funded by family; they have remote jobs. Currently in Argentina, the final country of their tour, the couple aims to redefine what a settled life means to them. They express a commitment to exploring continents even if they have children, with plans to bring the van life concept to India.
Challenges of Van Life
Amidst the picturesque journey, challenges include constant packing and unpacking, reliance on solar panels for electricity, and the search for WiFi in remote areas. Despite these hurdles, Bhadauria emphasizes their eco-friendly and self-sustained lifestyle.
Balancing Dreams and Careers
Vasan emphasizes the possibility of living one’s dream life while maintaining a career and working towards a purpose. The couple challenges the conventional narrative by showcasing that adventure and professional fulfillment can coexist harmoniously.