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How We Took an Epic Road Trip Journey from Las Vegas to Argentina
In 2019, our family of three—myself (Brodi), my husband David, and our tween son—embarked on an extraordinary adventure that would reshape our lives.
We even spent the pivotal “pandemic years” outside the US, taking our chances abroad.
What began as a decision to leave Chicago and travel full-time evolved into an epic road trip. We took a 2.5-year journey, including an 18-month exploration of South America via the legendary Pan-American Highway.
Preparation and Planning
Our journey as digital nomads began before we even considered the Pan-American Highway. In 2019, we left our conventional life in Chicago behind, embracing a nomadic lifestyle that would eventually lead us to one of the world’s most epic road trips.
The decision to drive the Pan-American Highway came later, as we were spending the holidays with a good friend in Las Vegas. That’s where we purchased our trusty companion for the journey—a 2003 Toyota 4Runner.
Unlike many Pan-American travelers, we chose not to convert our vehicle into a campervan.
Our priority was maintaining strong internet access to support our digital nomad lifestyle, so we opted for a strategy that combined house-sitting, Airbnb stays, and occasional car camping.
We focused on enhancing our 4Runner’s reliability and comfort for long-distance travel, while keeping it versatile enough for both city driving and off-road adventures.
The Journey Begins: USA to Mexico
As we left Las Vegas, the familiar landscapes of the American Southwest gradually gave way to the vibrant colors and rich culture of Mexico. Crossing the border marked our first major milestone, signaling the true beginning of our Pan-American adventure.
Mexico offers a perfect introduction to the joys and challenges of long-term international travel. We explored colonial towns, ancient ruins, and tropical beaches, all while adjusting to life on the road as a family.
Our son’s education became a blend of traditional subjects and real-world experiences, setting the tone for the worldschooling approach we’d embrace throughout our journey.
Central America Adventures
As we moved through Central America, each country presented unique experiences and challenges. From the volcanic landscapes of Guatemala to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, we found ourselves constantly amazed by the diversity of the region.
Our digital nomad lifestyle allowed us to immerse ourselves in local communities for extended periods. We balanced work and exploration, often setting up temporary home offices with views of stunning landscapes or bustling city streets.
South America Exploration
The heart of our journey lay in South America, where we spent a full 18 months exploring the continent’s vast and varied terrain. This leg of our trip presented some of our greatest adventures and most profound learning experiences.
One of the highlights was our drive along Chile’s Carretera Austral. Here, we embraced car camping, sleeping under the stars amidst some of the most pristine wilderness we’d ever encountered.
The rugged beauty of Patagonia left an indelible mark on our family, challenging us physically and rewarding us with breathtaking vistas.
Another unforgettable experience was crossing the Salt Flats in Argentina. We car camped there overnight, and spent the evening under the stars with only a Patagonian Fox for company.
The otherworldly landscape provided a backdrop for family photos that seemed to defy reality, and camping in this unique environment gave us a new appreciation for the planet’s geological wonders.
Family Life on the Road
Balancing work, education, and travel required creativity and flexibility. Our son’s education became a collaborative effort, blending online resources with real-world experiences.
History lessons came alive as we explored ancient Incan ruins, while geography was learned through the ever-changing landscapes outside our car windows.
Maintaining our digital nomad work life while constantly on the move presented its own set of challenges. We became experts at finding reliable internet connections and creating productive workspaces in varied environments.
This often meant choosing Airbnbs or house-sits that could accommodate our need for stable connectivity, allowing us to work efficiently while still immersing ourselves in new cultures.
Practical Tips for Families Considering a Similar Journey
For families contemplating a similar adventure, we learned that flexibility is key. While we had a general route planned, we allowed ourselves the freedom to stay longer in places we loved or move on quickly from those that didn’t suit us.
Our choice to mix house-sitting, Airbnb stays, and occasional camping proved to be a winning strategy.
It allowed us to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, ensure consistent internet access for work and schooling, and still experience the thrill of camping in some of South America’s most remote and beautiful locations.
Budgeting for such a long trip required careful planning and constant adjustment. We found that costs varied significantly from country to country, and our ability to work remotely was crucial in sustaining our journey.
Impact on the Family
This 2.5-year journey, with an 18-month focus on South America, profoundly impacted our family dynamic. We grew closer, learning to rely on each other in new ways.
Our son further developed a global perspective and adaptability that no traditional classroom could have provided.
As parents, we discovered new depths of patience and creativity. We had to be teachers, playmates, and co-adventurers, all while maintaining our professional lives as digital nomads.
Final Thoughts
Our drive along the Pan-American Highway was more than just an epic road trip—it was a life-altering expedition that reshaped our family’s future.
From the bustling streets of Las Vegas to the southernmost tip of Argentina, every mile brought new discoveries, challenges, and growth opportunities.
As we reflect on our journey, we’re struck by how this experience has changed us. We’ve returned with a deeper appreciation for the diversity of cultures, landscapes, and ways of life that exist in the Americas.
Our son has gained an education that goes far beyond textbooks, one that we believe will serve him well throughout his life.
For families considering such an adventure, we wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. While it requires careful planning, flexibility, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, the rewards are immeasurable.
The Pan-American Highway offers not just a route from north to south, but a path to self-discovery, family bonding, and a broader understanding of our place in the world.
Our Pan-American journey may have ended, but the impact of those miles and months on the road will continue to shape our lives for years to come.
As we settle into our next chapter – still as digital nomads – we carry with us the lessons, memories, and spirit of adventure that the open road instilled in us.
The Pan-American Highway wasn’t just a route we traveled; it became a part of who we are as a family.
