NEW TO VANLIFE
 
VanEssential: Are you new to vanlife?

Bryan Gray: Yes, this is our first real venture. Before committing, we rented a van and did a test run in the Florida Keys. We needed to make sure we could survive in 200 square feet. That’s when we realized we needed a slightly different floor plan, so we decided to build our own van.

Awesome. How’s the conversion process been?

It’s been slow because I’m not really a craftsman. It’s funny because I spent the last seven years as a regional leader for an engineering firm, so people assume I’m an engineer—but I’m actually a business guy.

 
INSPIRATION
 
What's the inspiration for this trip? Why are you going?

In our 26 years of marriage, we’ve faced a lot. I was severely injured in the Army in Afghanistan, and then later in combat in Iraq. Debra spent a lot of time nursing me back to health while our kids were still young.
 
Then seven years ago, the roles reversed. Debra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It’s a progressive disease and symptoms are getting worse. Debra wears some prosthetics now to aid in walking and we know that the ambulation is probably going to go away at some point. 
 
In 2023, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a double mastectomy and radiation, we told ourselves: when we're ready, we have to go out and do something.
 
Thank you for being willing to share all of that. I think your journey will inspire others to say, "I'm going to go out and live life”.
 
We just don't want any regrets. So we’re going to go explore Machu Picchu while we can both still walk. The money will run out at some point, and I’ll have to go back to work, but that can wait. We’re alive now, and we need to go live life.
 
 
SIGHTS TO SEE

You mentioned Machu Picchu. What sites are you most excited to see?

I’m excited about the Denali region and Northern Alaska, plus British Columbia. Then Patagonia — I’m outdoorsy but don’t own any Patagonia gear yet. I’m holding off buying anything until I’ve actually been there. 

[Debra]: For me, it’s Chichén Itzá, Machu Picchu, and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil. It’s not actually on the Pan-American Highway, but we’re going to see it.

And you’re thinking six months or more?

At least six months, yeah. We’re not rushing, but not intentionally slow traveling either. But we’ll take as much time as we need.

That’s great you’re able to carve out so much time!

So about a year ago, when I first notified my employer I was taking this trip, they offered me a six-month leave instead of resigning. That sounded great, but then I realized the trip was on a corporate clock. I thought, "I’m trying to get away from a corporate calendar. Why should I let that dictate the pace of this trip?”

We’re also planning to do some humanitarian work along the way, giving back to communities on the Pan-American Highway. Debra has been active with Habitat for Humanity in the U.S., so we want to find similar opportunities in Central and South America.

How many countries do you expect to pass through?

At least 14, maybe up to 18. We’ll see how it goes. Some countries like Paraguay and Uruguay aren’t on the direct route — but since we’ll be nearby, why not?
 

LOGISTICS

Are there any challenging logistics on the trip?

The biggest one is the Darién Gap between North and South America. It’s too rugged, and you can’t drive through it. So, with the help of an agency, we’ll ship the van from Panama to Colombia. During that time, Debra will come back for some medical appointments, and I’ll sail on a boat with our lithium batteries and our dog, Piper.

Oh, I didn’t realize you were traveling with your dog - very fun!

She’s crazy and full of energy. Her name’s Piper. She’s a German hunting breed called a Pudelpointer, and she’s seven years old going on six months.
 

TAKE AWAYS
 
What channels are you planning to use to share your journey? 

Primarily YouTube (@graytaddventures) and Instagram (@graytaddventures).

What do you hope people take away from your trip as you share it?

My biggest hope is that we inspire people to find more time for themselves. Statistics show that Americans have one of the worst rates of using their vacation time worldwide, and that’s just sad.

We realize that not everyone can walk away from work for six or eight months, but everyone can take a long weekend. Rent a van on Outdoorsy, or get out and take a trip somewhere like Gatlinburg.