Where are you from?

Switzerland ( Christian) , Romania (Andreea)

When did you start your interest in exploration?

We’ve always been curious about exploring new places, but for years, it was the typical kind of travel — two- to three-week vacations based out of hotels, ticking off the usual tourist highlights. But in 2021, Iceland changed everything. We spent four weeks driving through its raw, untamed landscapes, reaching places far from the usual travel routes. Being on the move every day, chasing horizons, and experiencing the wild on its terms sparked something deeper. That trip wasn’t just a vacation — it was the start of a new way of travel.

What is a brief understanding of your background story up until you started seeking adventure?

Andreea : I’ve always felt the pull of the horizon. Born in Romania, I knew from a young age that my story wouldn’t be bound by familiar borders. At 19, I set off on my first great journey, leaving behind everything I knew to carve a new path in Germany, where I lived for 14 years. Eventually,  love and the mountains of Switzerland called, but even they couldn’t contain my restless spirit. The desire to explore, to chase new experiences and live fully, has been woven into the fabric of my being from the very start.

Christian : I was born and raised in Switzerland, where my love for the outdoors began early. Family trips across Europe and the U.S., camping or riding motorbikes, taught me to value simplicity, adventure, and the freedom of the open road.

By 25, motorsport became more than a passion — it defined a decade of my life. It taught me dedication, focus, and the thrill of pursuing a goal with purpose. My engineering background also pushed me to solve problems hands-on, whether on the racetrack or in my own projects. Building something functional and reliable has always been a rewarding challenge.

What special skills do you have to help with your explorations?

Christian: Owning a Defender isn’t just about driving — it’s about becoming best friends with a toolbox. If you have a Defender you know what I mean. On the road, I’m the fixer — whether it’s repairing something on the car or making a random gadget work. If I don’t know how, I’ll figure it out. And when it comes to navigation, I trust my instincts (and a decent map) to get us through even the trickiest terrain.

Andreea: I’m the planner and the medic (Hobby) of our crew. I make sure we have enough supplies to keep us going, even when the nearest store is hundreds of miles away. And when things get rough, I’m ready with a first-aid kit and a calm head. 

Where have you explored so far?

Switzerland, Italy, France, Madeira, Austria, UK, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Romania, Canada, USA, Netherlands, South Africa.

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

In May 2024, we made one of the biggest decisions of our lives — we left behind our jobs, our home in Switzerland, and the comfort of routine to explore the world with our dog, Nacho, and our Defender, Willy. We shipped our car from Hamburg to Halifax and chose to fly from Frankfurt because it meant a shorter, less stressful flight for Nacho — his well-being has always been our priority.

Our journey began on May 28th in Halifax, and since then, we’ve experienced more than we ever imagined. We spent four months crossing Canada, from its rugged Atlantic shores to the vast wilderness of the Yukon, even tackling the iconic Dempster Highway all the way to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. After nearly a month exploring Alaska, we made our way into the U.S., continuing south.

The plan? Reach Ushuaia at the southern tip of South America. What happens after that… who knows? We’ve learned that adventures rarely go according to plan — and that’s the best part. The most unforgettable moments often happen when things don’t work out as expected. We set out not just to see the world, but to truly live it — one unpredictable, beautiful mile at a time.

What are the top three destinations you hope to explore next, and why?

Mexico: We can’t wait to dive into its rich culture, explore ancient ruins, and of course, enjoy some of the best food in the world.

Costa Rica: We’ve never been in a real jungle before, so we’re excited to see what it’s like — the sounds, the wildlife, and the feeling of being surrounded by that kind of wilderness.

Patagonia: There’s something about Patagonia that feels otherworldly. The thought of standing in front of those massive, jagged mountains — it’s hard to put into words.

Where would you recommend others visit?

Iceland - waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic craters, and hot springs at every turn. And the people? Incredibly warm and welcoming, making you feel like part of the land.

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

We travel in our 2004 Defender 110 TD5, named Willy. It’s our mobile home, fully customized for our off-grid adventures. We started by adding an Alucab pop-up tent to give us a cozy place to sleep wherever we park. We then removed most of the seats (except for the driver and passenger) to create a custom interior with a sitting area and kitchen. To make the experience even more enjoyable, we installed a panoramic window for those breathtaking views and set up an electrical system to keep our fridge running. And, of course, we added a heating system to keep us warm on those chilly nights.

What are five pieces of equipment that you always travel with?

1. Toolbox, 
2. Camera gear 
3. Drone 
4. Shovel 
5. Medical kit.

What inspires you to explore more?

What inspires us to explore more is the thrill of the unknown. There’s something indescribable about driving into remote, untouched places, where every corner reveals something new. It’s not just about the landscapes; it’s about the stories, the cultures, and the incredible people we meet along the way. Each journey is a chance to connect, learn, and grow. For us, it’s about stepping out of our comfort zone, challenging ourselves, and finding peace in the wild. Every new place reminds us how big the world is, and we’re driven to experience it all—together.

How do you engage with others?

We meet people everywhere—at the grocery store, gas stations, or campsites, or social media, there’s always someone new to talk to. What we love most is how our travels bring us closer to others. Sometimes we get messages on Instagram from people who’ve spotted us on the road and want to connect. It’s always a wonderful surprise when we’re invited into someone’s home or run into the same faces again. These connections, with both locals and fellow travelers, are what make our journey so meaningful—every encounter adds a new layer to the adventure.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

Embracing global cultures is important for us as travelers because it helps us understand, respect, and connect with people from different backgrounds. It broadens our views, teaching us new ways of thinking, living, and solving problems. Embracing different cultures also promotes kindness, reduces judgment, and enriches our journey by introducing us to new traditions, food, art, and customs.

Many places are misunderstood or have an unfair reputation. Take Romania, for example. Some people assume it's unsafe or associate it with negative stereotypes, like being full of thieves or gypsies. But the reality is so different. Romanian people are so welcoming. They’ll invite you into their homes, offer their best food, and treat you with heartfelt generosity. Being their guest is an honor they take seriously.

As we travel the world, we’ve learned that the stories people hear aren’t always the truth. Understanding others is key to building stronger connections and fostering meaningful experiences. It also helps us grow as individuals, making us more adaptable, empathetic, and open-minded. Traveling has taught us that every place has its own beauty—you just have to be open enough to see it.

What are your goals when you explore?

When we explore, our goal is to take each day as it comes, staying open to whatever the road or the people we met have in store. Some of our most beautiful memories came from moments we could’ve never planned—being invited into someone’s home, sharing stories around a campfire, or finding a hidden spot after taking a wrong turn. 

We also want to learn the history of the places we visit—the stories behind the land and the people who live there. While we create documentary-style, cinematic films of our journey, we’re always careful to respect people’s privacy. We believe in capturing the spirit of a place without intruding on anyone's personal space. It’s about telling the story of the land, the feelings we experience, and the connections we make, all while being mindful of those around us.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced on the road is finding a routine. It sounds easy, right? But when you’re constantly moving, trying to balance seeing everything and still finding time to rest, it’s not as simple as it seems. We all have that picture-perfect idea of what travel looks like—chasing sunsets, sunny days, good vibes, and always being in a great mood. But, let’s be real—that’s not the reality.

Some days are amazing, and others... Well, not so much. Sometimes, searching for a place to camp can take longer than expected. You’re tired, it’s dark, you’re hungry, and everything seems to be going wrong. And, yeah, there are nights we’ve ended up parking in random places—like a parking lot—and we’ve learned to roll with it. No, it’s not glamorous, but it’s part of the adventure. And honestly? We wouldn’t change it for anything.

We’ve learned that it’s okay to have bad days, and that’s a big part of the journey. You can’t expect every moment to be Instagram-perfect. Some days are hard, but it’s all part of what makes this life so special. We don’t complain about it; we just take it in stride and keep going. Because at the end of the day, we’re living our dream, and that’s what makes it all worth it.

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

Standing at the Atlantic Ocean sign in Tuktoyaktuk.

I remember sitting with Christian just a few years ago, watching a video of a Swiss couple who had left everything behind to drive the Pan-American Highway. They stood in front of the Arctic Ocean sign, and I couldn’t help but wonder—what must that feel like? To stand in that place where the road meets the Arctic Ocean, where the highway, and maybe even the world as you know it, ends. How often does someone get the chance to experience something like that?

And then, just a few years later, we stood there, in front of that sign. The Arctic Ocean, the end of the road. It was surreal—freedom, pride, and that rush of knowing we made it. All the struggles, the dirt, the long days, they led to this moment, all of that was worth it. We were there. And it felt... incredible. Just pure adventure.

How has exploration changed you?

I, Andreea, have always been cautious about opening up to strangers. So, when we first started receiving invitations to stay in people’s homes—people we had just met—it honestly felt overwhelming. I wasn’t sure I could let my guard down like that. But as we traveled, something beautiful started to happen. We were welcomed into the homes of so many incredible people, whose warmth and kindness completely shifted my perspective. They showed me that it’s okay to be open and to embrace human connection. These experiences have opened my heart, and I’ve learned to trust in the goodness of people. I want to take what they’ve given me and pay it forward, to share that love and kindness wherever we go.

For Christian, it’s been a different journey. He’s always been the one who needs to control everything—every plan, every detail. But being on the road, he’s had to face the reality that he can’t control everything, and it’s been hard for him. At first, it was tough to let go of the plans, to accept that not everything will go as expected. But little by little, he’s learned to take a step back, breathe, and understand that sometimes, if you can’t change something, it’s not worth stressing over.

What is the number one lesson that you have learnt through your exploration?

Andreea : happiness isn’t about what brand you wear or the newest things you own. It’s about enjoying the little moments, finding joy in the simple things. Traveling has shown me that when you strip away the excess, you realize that what truly matters are the experiences, the people, and the memories you create along the way. As the saying goes, "The best things in life aren’t things."

Christian : For me, the biggest lesson has been to live in the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in planning or worrying about the future, but I’ve learned that the best memories come when you stop overthinking and just let yourself be present. This journey has taught me to embrace each moment, no matter how small, and trust that everything will fall into place.

How do you explore locally?

When we’re "home," we usually do day trips to explore the cities or head into the mountains for a weekend getaway. But you know how they say, “the grass is always greener on the other side”? Well, I guess we didn’t explore as much of Switzerland as we could have. There are still so many places we haven’t seen yet, and it’s funny how being on the road has made us realize just how much we have left to discover in our own backyard.

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

To us is all about living fully and embracing what’s ahead. It’s about ditching comfort zones, diving into the unknown, and discovering more than just new places—it’s about discovering new parts of ourselves. Every new place, every new face, every adventure is a chance to grow, and the more we explore, the more we realize that life’s not about things, but moments. We’re out here to feel the world, not just see it. It’s all about being present, embracing the journey, and finding beauty in the unexpected.

What advice would you give to others who are seeking life changing adventure?

If you’ve got a dream, don’t wait. Trust me—there’s no “perfect time” to start. The world will always try to pull you back into routine, but the biggest regret you’ll ever have is not taking the leap when you had the chance. So start today. It doesn’t need to be grand or perfect—just take that first step. That’s when the magic begins. There will be challenges, yes, but every single one of them will teach you something about yourself. The truth is, life’s too short for "someday." And once you start, you’ll see that everything you thought you needed to wait for was just an excuse. Make today the day that changes everything.