Christian and Andreea from Fluri Adventures, turned their dreams into reality and travel full-time in their Land Rover Defender 110. Exploring remote corners of the world, the Icarus Rooftop and Shadow Awning has been crucial to their journey. Read on to discover more.
How It All Began
For Christian and Andreea, the spark of adventure ignited during a trip to Iceland in 2021. “Iceland was a game-changer for us,” Christian recalls. “The landscapes were breathtaking, and the freedom of overlanding just clicked. We knew we wanted more.” That trip led them to purchase a Land Rover Defender, a vehicle that quickly became central to their adventures. After memorable journeys through Scotland and Norway, they realized they were craving something bigger.
In August 2023, they started their life-changing, multi-year expedition. “We sold everything, quit our jobs and fully committed to this lifestyle,” Andreea shares. “It was scary but exhilarating. We started on the Pan-American Highway, and now we’re planning to explore Africa and beyond over the next 3-4 years. It’s about pushing boundaries and experiencing the world in a way that feels authentic to us.”
Why the Land Rover Defender?
The Land Rover Defender is the ultimate overland vehicle for Christian and Andreea. “In Iceland, we saw Defenders everywhere,” Christian explains. “They just looked perfect for the rugged terrain. We fell in love with their aesthetic, but it was also their off-road capabilities and simplicity that won us over.”
They chose the Land Rover Defender TD5, a model that strikes a balance between reliability and performance. “It’s not the most modern or comfortable vehicle,” Andreea admits with a laugh, “but it’s a workhorse. We’ve driven 75 000 km so far, and with regular maintenance, it’s been incredibly dependable. Plus, its simplicity means we can handle most repairs ourselves, which is huge when you’re in remote areas.”
The Icarus Rooftop Conversion
“From the very beginning, we knew we wanted the Icarus rooftop,” says Christian. “It’s the complete solution and everything we needed came in one package. The reliability and aesthetic appeal were key for us.”
Their Shadow Awning has similarly become an indispensable part of their daily life. “We use it almost every day,” Andreea shares. “It provides shade during the hot days and shelter when it rains. It’s like having an extra living space wherever we go. And the fact that it folds up in just one minute is a game-changer. In our experience, if something isn’t quick and easy to set up, it just doesn’t get used.”
What’s Next? Africa and Beyond
While their current focus is on the Pan-American Highway, Christian and Andreea are already dreaming about the next phase of their journey. “Africa is a big one for us,” Christian says with excitement. “Andreea has never seen the Big Five, and to explore Africa in our own Defender would be the ultimate adventure.”
They’re also looking forward to the raw, culturally rich experiences of southern South America. “The further south we go, the more raw and authentic the experience becomes,” Andreea adds. “It’s about immersing ourselves in the history and culture of these incredible places.”
Their 3-4 year timeline is flexible, depending on how their journey evolves. “If we can grow our YouTube, Patreon, and other channels, we might even extend our trip,” Christian says. “It’s all about creating a sustainable lifestyle that allows us to keep exploring.”
Advice for Aspiring Overlanders
For those dreaming of their own overlanding journey, Christian and Andreea offer some good advice. “Start with smaller trips,” Christian suggests. “Get a feel for the lifestyle and see if it’s really for you. Overlanding isn’t always as glamorous as it looks on social media. It’s tough, and requires patience and adaptability.”
Andreea adds, “Financial planning is crucial. Start with a solid budget and make sure your destinations align with your capabilities. But most importantly, be prepared to be flexible. Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s part of the adventure.”
A Moment They’ll Never Forget
When asked about their most unforgettable moment so far, Christian and Andreea both light up. “Standing in front of the Atlantic Ocean Sign in Tuktoyaktuk was surreal,” Christian recalls. “After four months of traveling, we finally reached the official starting point of our journey. It was a powerful realization that we were really doing this.”
Balancing Travel and Content Creation
Balancing full-time travel with content creation is no small feat, but it’s a labor of love for Christian and Andreea. “We dedicate 30-40 hours a week to editing YouTube videos,” Christian says. “Andreea handles Instagram, spending 10-15 hours a week on posts and engagement. It’s a lot of work, but we’re driven by our passion for sharing our journey.”
Andreea adds with a smile, “We’re no experts, and it’s definitely more work than we anticipated. But it’s worth it to connect with people and inspire others to follow their dreams.”
The Power of Community
For Christian and Andreea, community is at the heart of their journey. “It’s not just about sharing our adventures,” Andreea says. “It’s about creating a space where others feel inspired. We’ve connected with people from all over the world, both online and in person, and it’s been incredibly humbling.”
Christian echoes this sentiment. “Collaboration is huge for us. Working with like-minded people allows us to exchange ideas and resources, and it deepens the connections we make. It’s about building something together and growing in ways we can’t do alone.”
A Sneak Peek at Their Upcoming Video
Christian and Andreea have just wrapped up a 40-minute full room tour video of their Land Rover Defender 110 Overlander.
“We built everything ourselves, and we live in it every day,” Christian explains. “We can truly speak to what works and what doesn’t. This video is about sharing the practical side of overlanding. What it’s really like to live on the road.”
To be part of the journey, checkout their website and give their YouTube channel and Instagram a follow.