Change of Plans: Why We're Skipping North America in 2026 and going Eastwards

Changing Our 2026 Travel Plans

Our original plan for 2026 was ambitious. We aimed to ship our travel rig to North America, starting in Canada and making our way down through the United States and into Mexico. The idea was to arrive in Canada by RORO ship in January, spend three months traversing the country due to visa limitations, then enter the U.S. near Seattle. With a B2 visa already granted, we looked forward to six months of exploring the American West: Utah's offroad trails, the towering redwoods, the iconic national parks. Then, we planned to head into Mexico, and eventually re-enter the U.S. from the East Coast for another 3 to 4 months.

Making this plan a reality, however, requires significant logistical effort. Shipping such a big rig across the Atlantic via RORO isn’t something that happens last minute. It involves coordination, contracts, and a fair bit of early commitment. Right now is the moment when we would need to finalize bookings and lock in the relocation process. That pressure to commit is what pushed us to make a clear decision, one that aligns with both our hopes and current realities.

It sounded like the ultimate road trip. But it's not happening.

Why We're Not Going

We don’t want to turn our travel blog into a political platform, so we’ll keep this part short.

The shifting, often contradictory nature of current U.S. policies makes us uneasy about the feasibility of entry, even with a valid visa. The idea of being turned away at the border after making a significant financial investment to relocate our truck simply isn't a risk we’re willing to take. We also don’t want to find ourselves caught in the middle of civil unrest or conflict. The thought of being stuck between National Guard troops and armed factions is not just unnerving, it’s a risk we cannot justify as travelers.

We are not political commentators. We don't take sides in what has become an increasingly divided national conversation. Our goal is simple: to explore, connect, and share the joy of travel. We want to meet people, taste local dishes, marvel at stunning landscapes, and tell human stories. Right now, we feel the USA is in a period of deep reflection. It needs time to find common ground again, to heal, and to reconnect with the unity that once made it so inviting. Until then, we’ll explore elsewhere and hope for calmer times ahead.

To all the friends, fellow travelers, and family members we hoped to visit in the States, especially my cousins in Michigan and former colleagues in Seattle, Washington, and San Francisco, we’re truly sorry. We’d have loved to catch up and explore together.

The New Plan: Eastbound

Instead of heading west, we’re turning east. Inspired by the striking image of Alexander I’s bronze statue in Skopje, Macedonia, gazing toward the east, we find a symbolic reflection of our own shift in direction. His steady, forward look mirrors our hope and curiosity for what lies ahead in the lands we have yet to explore. We’ll focus on a slower, deeper exploration of Eastern Europe. Our 2025 route will take us through Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and into Greece and Turkey. The ultimate goal? Cappadocia, a place we’ve dreamed of experiencing firsthand.

This shift is inspired by all the warm memories from our recent trip through the Balkans. We were enchanted by the Ottoman charm still present in architecture, culture, and cuisine. From the rich, syrupy baklava to the hearty local meals shared with strangers who quickly became friends, every encounter was a reminder of the region’s deep-rooted hospitality.

We had never been to these countries before, but they welcomed us with open arms and kind hearts. That mood of generosity, openness, and heartfelt connection made a lasting impression on us. Sadly, it’s not a vibe we feel we could expect on a similar journey through the USA at this time. We hope that changes in the future, but for now, we’re seeking out places where warmth and genuine welcome still feel assured. It’s that same spirit we’re excited to return to and explore even further.

This shift opens up the chance to immerse ourselves in regions we’ve only just begun to understand. Eastern Europe offers a tapestry of traditions, languages, and local flavors that feel incredibly vibrant and underappreciated. Traveling through this part of the world means connecting with communities still grounded in rich cultural heritage, discovering landscapes that range from dramatic mountains to quiet, forgotten villages, and embracing a rhythm of life that feels refreshingly authentic. It's not just a detour, it's an opportunity to see a side of Europe most people overlook.

What’s Next

This new direction doesn't mean fewer adventures. If anything, it means more meaningful, unexpected discoveries. Eastern Europe is rich with history, nature, and soul. We’re excited to share it all with you, from gravel roads in Transylvania to sunrise views over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys.

Stay tuned. The journey continues, just on a different path.