Overview:
What would make someone leave home for two years, cross 20 countries, and drive more than 35,000 miles in a 2000 Ford Excursion? For Will, known on Instagram as @wherewouldwillgo, the answer is simple: curiosity, grit, and a belief that the world reveals itself one road at a time.
From the icy roads of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, Argentina, Will’s overland trek is a testament to endurance, resilience, and the timeless appeal of travel by road. And now, after conquering the Americas, he has set his sights on Africa.
The Journey of a Lifetime
Starting in Maryland, Will drove across Canada and up to Alaska before turning south through Central and South America. His route cut through 20 countries, blending the thrill of natural beauty with the raw challenges of border crossings, unpredictable roads, and mechanical breakdowns.
“I stayed the length of my visa in every country which ranged from 30 to 90 days,” Will explained. “In Ecuador, they allowed 90 days… I stayed 87.”
His longest pause came in Mexico, where he lived for six months before moving further south.
Adventures and Challenges
The road was not without dangers—or unexpected kindness. Travelers online have marveled at how Will crossed regions with a reputation for guerrilla presence, yet found most people to be welcoming and helpful.
David Brazie, another traveler who asked online, Will recalled:
“The ones I met in Colombia right before the death road were the scariest looking, but turned out to be the nicest. They gave me great info on food and other places I should stop to eat.”
Mechanical issues also tested his resolve. Over two years, Will’s Excursion needed a new water pump, power steering pump, wiring repairs, and—by the trip’s end—a transmission. The biggest headache? A leaking oil pan seal. But remarkably, the truck never left him stranded for long.
“Everything else was regular maintenance,” he said, noting that spare parts were usually available since Ford F250s are common in many of the countries he passed through.
Life on the Road
Fuel was an ever-present cost, though Will admitted he didn’t track it closely. Averaging 11 miles per gallon—including off-road stretches—he often pressed forward as long as his bank account allowed.
His philosophy was simple: If I had money, I kept going.
Travelers following his journey online often asked the same burning question: How could he afford it? Will’s answer was straightforward—he made it work, stayed as long as visas allowed, and lived frugally while prioritizing the experience over luxury.
What Comes Next
Now that the Americas are behind him, Will is fundraising to ship his Ford Excursion to Africa, where he plans to continue his global adventure. Followers are eagerly awaiting his next chapter, where deserts, savannas, and new cultures await.
For those inspired by the dream of long-term overland travel, Will’s story is proof that it doesn’t take perfection—or a brand-new vehicle—to make it happen. It takes persistence, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
This is the kind of journey most people only dream of completing in their lifetime. Great job, Will — and keep it up.
Sources
- Instagram: @wherewouldwillgo
- User comments and traveler discussions online
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