Feature: The Southbound Seahags — Women Overlanding the World

“Don’t listen to what they say, go see.”

We are the Southbound Sea hags, Dechiara and Somer, traveling with our 3 dogs (Chula, Brother, and Nola). We were living in Santa Rosa Beach, FL when we both realized we were completely burnt out in our careers and began looking to downsize and find another living/working situation. I, Somer, worked in the offshore oil and gas industry while Dechiara worked in the local restaurant scene. So with the summer of 2018 drawing to a close we quickly sold our stuff, rented our house, and moved into our slightly used pop up camper. We have always been intrigued with Latin America and its culture so driving the Pan American Highway was a logical choice for us. Although our route has never been mapped out completely we would like to make it to Uruguay or even further South. For us this journey is mostly about the people we meet and the adventures we have. The destination is not a huge part of the concept of the trip.

Who or what inspired you to choose independent vehicle travel as your mode of transportation?

Well, I discovered an article on Facebook that The Vagabroads had written about overlanding with their dog, Gracie. I started to wonder if my family and I could manage undertaking a similar expedition. I emailed them immediately, asking if they thought it was doable with 3 dogs in tow. I think it was Sunny who replied and basically responded with “ why not”. The Vagabroads then directed us to Geneva and Mike Saint- Amour of “It’s Not A Slow Car It’s A Fast House”. After hearing Geneva’s encouraging words I was hooked. I could focus on nothing else. I began to read as many blogs and follow as many overlanders on social media as I could. Definitely, “ Running From Monday’s”, Tucks’ Truck, and “The Traveling Together Journal” were super helpful and have been patient with our endless questions. Also, “Travel Amateurs”, Bernard Barbour and a few others for sure.

You travel with 3 dogs. What is your advice for those considering an overland trip with pets?

So my best advice for planning an overland trip with 3 dogs is to read the blogs of others who have gone before you with dogs. I read Paws On Tour and It’s Not A Slow Car, It’s A Fast House. I still consult Geneva and Mike Saint- Amour. She has been super helpful. Just to reassure anyone considering it. We have always been able to find a veterinarian, we may have had to search a little more than at home but they are accessible and affordable. As far as special food we have always been able to secure a similar product if not exactly what we need. We stocked up on parasite treatments and meds before leaving the states because that was more convenient. My vote is hands down to bring your dog. There is always a way to work around any situation and accommodate your dog and your itinerary. The bottom line is a good pet owner at home will be a good pet owner on the road just a few more hoops to jump through. And lastly, if a street dog approaches you while walking your dog bend down and pick up a rock or pretend to, this is usually enough to deter the aggressive dog.

Everyone always asks a traveller what their favorite country is. Do you have a favorite country? If not, what is a place that is special to you?

While the easy answer is Mexico, because it has something for everyone. There are amazing cities, mountains, jungles, beaches, and so many beautiful people. For us though, the true answer is Nicaragua. It has all those things too and our hearts are there now.

Travelling has taught me…

So many lessons: Not to be in a hurry, approach every situation with kindness. Most importantly, travelling as taught me that in the end it all works out exactly as it is supposed to.

Overlanding sucks sometimes because…

It requires constant decision making and endless searching for one resource or another.

I am a badass woman because…

We walked into the unknown and to do that we had to trust that the universe was going to have our backs. It was hard but we did it!

One of the most common questions we get is about finances. Do you have any tips, tricks or advice on this topic?

Well, I don’t think anyone needs our financial advice. Lol. For us, it’s a marathon, not a sprint so we budget ourselves to the best of our ability. The dogs are all old and have acquired significant medical costs along the way so that required an adjustment. My best advice is to learn Spanish if you aren’t already fluent. The more Spanish we are able to speak, the more we are able to communicate our specific needs. The more we are able to shop around for exactly what we need vs. when we were on a 2 week vacation and could just throw money at the situation.

How has this experience changed you?

This experience has absolutely altered our relationship with fear. We are much less fearful than we were prior to our departure. We have gained confidence in ourselves and each other through tackling the various types of challenges that have been presented to us.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women overlanders? And the biggest advantage?

The biggest advantage has been the out pouring of assistance we have received from the locals. Whether it has been chivalrous gentlemen lending a hand or nurturing women giving us directions to the market. People all along the way have shown us they have appreciated us giving them the benefit of the doubt and seemed to take us under their wings and in some cases even bend the rules for us. They all seemed to recognize that our choice to make this journey as two women took exceptional courage.

The biggest challenge for women overlanders is maybe that a lot of people feel compelled to protect us or prevent us from putting ourselves into a situation they don’t believe is safe for us. That is a problem because most of the times they aren’t really aware of where or how those dangers exist.

What are your favorite overland resources (blogs, books, FB pages, etc.)?

Our favorite resources in general are: iOverlander, The Overlanders Handbook, Pan American Travelers Association Facebook group. Our favorite specific sources are: It’s Not A Slow Car, It’s A Fast House, KP Pawley of Zero Declination, other overlanders we run into, and of course local knowledge is always a great resource.

What is a simple life hack you’ve discovered while on the road?

To take advantage of times when wifi is available by downloading maps for offline use with Google Maps or Maps.me or whatever OSM application you are using. To never skip an opportunity for a hot shower, regardless of what is supposed to be available where ever you are going. Stick a “Beware of Dog” sticker on your vehicle regardless of pet ownership status. Last one, always have some expired or extra credential to present to traffic cops, keep original in your possession at all times.

What advice would you give to someone with a dream to travel overland?

Don’t put it off. Crack open your piggy bank and go. You don’t need half of the stuff people are trying to sell you.