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Couple from Caxias do Sul sold their apartment, transformed a van into a house on wheels, and now prepare an international route between Ushuaia and Alaska, after traveling 17 thousand kilometers through 19 Brazilian states
A couple from Caxias do Sul, in the Serra Gaúcha, is preparing a motorhome trip between Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina, and Alaska, in the United States, after spending almost three years living on the road. Rafael Busatto and Sana Vargas have already traveled more than 17 thousand kilometers through 19 Brazilian states.
Motorhome became home after life change
The decision to abandon the conventional routine began between 2020 and 2021. Rafael worked with an Information Technology company, while Sana worked as a dental technician.
To make the plan possible, the two sold their apartment, bought a van, and transformed the vehicle into “Belezinha,” the couple’s house on wheels.
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The change was not treated as a short trip. The motorhome became the center of the new routine, with a structure adapted for living, traveling, and working. Rafael sums up the choice by saying that today they don’t see themselves living a normal life.
Couple tested the road in Brazil before aiming for Ushuaia
Before embarking on an international route, Rafael and Sana decided to gain experience within Brazil. For one year and nine months, they traveled through 19 states and accumulated more than 17 thousand kilometers driven.
This stage served as a practical test to assess if they could sustain themselves on the road. After the Brazilian experience, the couple began planning the next phase: heading to Ushuaia and from there, moving towards Alaska.
Route to Alaska will have adjustments due to the cold
The initial itinerary had to be changed due to the extreme cold in the south of the continent. Now, the idea is to first head to Paraguay and then descend along the side of South America until reaching Ushuaia.
After that, the couple plans to head up towards the Panama Canal. At this point, the van will be shipped by boat to Mexico. From Mexican territory, the journey will continue overland to Alaska, in the United States.
Cat Pantufa is also part of the journey
The routine in the motorhome is shared with Pantufa, the couple’s cat. The vehicle was prepared for her, with her own space inside the van.
Rafael states that when the car is turned off and everyone moves inside, the feeling is of being at home.
To maintain life on the road, Rafael and Sana also changed careers. Today they work with digital marketing, ad management, and brand partnerships.
The profile “Saí Viajando” was created to document the journey and inspire others to explore this lifestyle.
This article was prepared based on information from the material provided about Rafael Busatto and Sana Vargas, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
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