ONE COUPLE have told how they moved into their Land Rover Defender and saved £60,000 for rent.
Nick Chazee and Mathilde Vougny ditched their nine-to-five drive to travel 68,350 miles around the world in their rugged Land Rover Defender 110.
They chose the car for its durability and versatility, opting for a “sunroof” style to fit inside, making it more spacious and comfortable.
But there is no bed and the couple has to wash in the sink.
Nick told The Sun: “It’s reliable and the Land Rover network is global.
“Wherever we go, there’s always someone with a Defender who’s ready to lend a hand if we need help.”
The couple made the most of the car by equipping it with a garage for food, cooking equipment and camping gear.
Mathilde said: “You save a lot by cooking your own food, we have our own equipment so we can source the ingredients locally along the way and prepare our own food along the way. “
Planning their adventure wasn’t easy, but the couple was determined to make it happen.
After growing frustrated with the constraints of two-week holidays, they left their nine-to-fives and began planning their route, drawing inspiration from overlanding groups on Facebook.
Mathilde said: “It’s about going somewhere new every day, meeting other people and experiencing the world in a way that most people don’t. »
The couple says South America is “great for outdoor camping,” allowing them to get around in their 4×4 and camp anywhere the road takes them.
However, the rugged terrain was not easy to navigate.
South America is one of the toughest driving challenges.
Nick said: “We had to deal with some dangerous roads, full of trucks and gravel.
“It’s a totally different type of driving and the altitude increases the difficulty. “
In Bolivia they faced 400 kilometers of sand dunes, while in Peru they faced rocky passes.
But Nick said, “It’s the whole experience. »
He added: “We didn’t need to take the simplest exit. We seek to get off the beaten path and explore places where others don’t go. »
The couple considers the famous Pan-American Highway, which runs through America, to be dusty and monotonous.
They said: “The main road is flat, busy, and not that interesting.”
“Most people end up taking side tracks because it’s just not the adventure they’re looking for.”
Instead, Nick and Mathilde prefer the more rugged, isolated routes that offer them a chance to meet locals and immerse themselves in the culture.
Australian roads present their own challenges, the men say.
While the open roads are impressive, the long distances between destinations have made them less exciting for the couple.
Mathilde said: “In Australia, you can drive for 700km and not see much in between.
“It’s a little repetitive after a while. “
With their Land Rover as their home and their Instagram fans cheering them on, Nick and Mathilde are determined to see it all, one mile of adventure at a time.
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