Brandon and Clo are explmore Mantra Ambassadors.

Brandon and Clo are an adventurous couple from England who left behind conventional careers and homeownership to pursue a life of exploration. Their passion for travel began with a self-built VW T5 camper trip to Scotland, which opened their eyes to the freedom and flexibility of life on the road. Since then, they’ve explored Scotland, Iceland, Europe, and Egypt, mainly traveling in their campers, and are now converting a Land Rover Defender 110, named Rango, into an expedition vehicle for even more remote adventures.

They have no formal training in travel or mechanics but rely on a strong drive to learn, solve problems, and adapt to challenges-especially those that come with vehicle-based exploration. Their journeys are inspired by the beauty of wild, cold destinations like Norway, Canada in winter, and even Antarctica, as well as by the stories of other travelers who show what’s possible.

Brandon and Clo are passionate about sharing their experiences and camper builds online to inspire and educate others. They value authentic connections, often seeking out less-traveled paths and meaningful interactions with locals, even as introverts. Embracing global cultures is central to their philosophy, helping them grow more open-minded and compassionate.

Where are you from?

We are both from England.

When did you start your interest in exploration?

Our true interest in exploration began during the first trip we took in our VW T5 Camper that we built out ourselves. We took a trip to Scotland and were completely immersed and amazed by the flexibility, freedom and unique paths it allowed us to take. 

What is a brief understanding of your background story up until you started seeking adventure?

We both followed the traditional path—excelled in school, pursued A-levels at Sixth Form, went to university, and bought our first home together. Yet, beneath it all, there’s always been an unspoken drive to push beyond the ordinary, challenge ourselves, and break free from the cycle to truly explore and experience more of the world.

What special skills do you have to help with your explorations?

We wouldn’t claim to have any particularly special skills or qualifications. We’re not formally trained in anything specific to our explorations. However, we’re always willing to give anything a go. We have this persistent, sometimes frustrating drive to learn and solve things on our own. But that drive proves invaluable, especially when traveling in a vehicle where unexpected issues—whether mechanical or situational—are bound to arise.

Where have you explored so far?

Scotland, Iceland, Europe, Egypt

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

Until now, we've mainly explored in our self-built VW T5 camper, which has become our beloved mini home on wheels, offering us incredible freedom to roam. Traveling by vehicle has always been our preferred way to explore, and one of our standout adventures was a trip to Iceland, where we rented a micro camper and journeyed across the country. That trip ignited the spark for our bigger dream of exploration. Upon returning, we bought our dream overlanding rig—a Land Rover Defender 110—and we're currently outfitting it into the ultimate expedition camper. This will give us the freedom to live and work remotely on the road, reaching destinations we've only ever dreamed of.

What are the top three destinations you hope to explore next, and why?

There are so many places on our list, but the ones that immediately come to mind are Norway and Canada in the heart of winter, and we’ve always dreamed of an expedition to Antarctica. There’s an underlying theme of chasing the cold, but it’s the raw beauty of these landscapes—the untouched, vast expanses and the power they hold—that truly ignites our passion for adventure. 

Where would you recommend others visit?

Iceland! For us, Iceland was an unreal, otherworldly experience. There’s something truly magical about the country—its culture, people, and landscapes are unlike anything else. It's a place that offers something for everyone, and it's an adventure you simply have to experience for yourself.

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

Our 1998 Land Rover Defender 110, which we've named Rango, was inspired by the chameleon—able to adapt, change, and navigate its surroundings. We've taken a basic rig and are in the process of transforming it into our dream setup. Our top three current modifications include a solar power system, a comprehensive electrical setup for off-grid living, and, though still in progress, the layout and design of the camper itself.

What are five pieces of equipment that you always travel with?

Five pieces of equipment we always travel with in our vehicle are a portable toilet, a diesel heater, a fridge, recovery gear, and camera equipment. These essentials ensure we stay comfortable, prepared, and ready to capture every moment of our adventure.

What inspires you to explore more?

Our inspiration comes from watching like-minded people who document their travels. They show us how accessible the world really is and how achievable it can be if you have the determination to make it happen. We’ve only scratched the surface of what the world has to offer, but everything we’ve seen so far has been incredible. It fills us with excitement and makes us laugh with anticipation to get out there, explore, and immerse ourselves in even more of what the world has to offer.

How do you engage with others?

On two levels, we’re driven by our passion for documenting our journeys. First, we love sharing our various camper builds to inspire and educate others who want to do something similar. Second, we document our travels to showcase the beauty of the world and inspire others to explore. This has allowed us to connect and engage with people across the globe, both virtually and, on one memorable occasion, in person.

Additionally, we make a conscious effort to take the road less traveled, seeking out authentic interactions with locals. As introverted individuals, this is a challenging aspect for us, but we’re learning and growing. With each new connection we make, we’re discovering just how welcoming and friendly the world truly is. We try to remember that, although they may be strangers, they are still people—people with feelings, emotions, and beliefs just like us.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

Embracing global cultures is important to us because it broadens our understanding of the world and fosters meaningful connections. Each culture offers unique perspectives, traditions, and ways of life that enrich our experiences. By immersing ourselves in different cultures, we grow more open-minded, compassionate, and appreciative of the diversity that makes the world such a vibrant place. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level, learning from each other, and ultimately helping to make the world a more cohesive, united place.

What are your goals when you explore?

Our goal is to find the hidden path, diverting from the well-trodden tourist routes. But beyond that, our true aim is to make lasting memories, gain a deeper understanding of the places we visit, and establish meaningful connections with the people we meet along the way.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

As we love to travel in a vehicle, our challenges are mostly vehicular, which is to be expected when you rely on it for everything. From mechanical issues to navigating rough terrain, we’ve learned to adapt and problem-solve on the go, embracing the journey and all the obstacles it may bring.

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

Two instances stand out for us. First, our very first trip in our camper, which opened up a world of opportunities to explore at our own pace and immerse ourselves in new places. Then, our trip to Iceland, which truly ignited our passion for further exploration. The experience was so impactful that, upon returning home, we acted on our dream and bought a Land Rover to transform it into our ultimate expedition rig.

How has exploration changed you?

Our travels have already made us more adaptable, teaching us to embrace change and adjust to the unexpected. We are excited about how our future adventures will continue to shape and change us. Each new journey brings fresh opportunities for growth, discovery, and connection, and we can't wait to see how it will inspire us and deepen our understanding of the world around us. We know that with every new destination, we’ll gain more confidence, learn new things, and forge lasting memories. The thrill of what’s yet to come fuels our passion, and we’re eager to embrace the unknown, knowing that it will only add to the richness of our story.

What is the number one lesson that you have learnt through your exploration?

Plan ahead, but always be adaptable.

How do you explore locally?

When we're home, we love traveling in our campervan, taking both short and longer breaks whenever we can. Whether it's a weekend getaway or an extended adventure, our van has offered the perfect escape, allowing us to explore new places and unwind in nature, all while maintaining the freedom to go wherever the road takes us.

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

The mantra "Explore more of the world, engage with others, and embrace global cultures" means a lot to us. It’s a reminder to step beyond our comfort zones and discover the vast beauty and diversity the world has to offer. It encourages us to not just travel, but to truly connect with people from different cultures, learning from their perspectives and experiences. By embracing these cultures, we feel we contribute to a more interconnected, compassionate world. It’s about being curious, open-minded, and always striving to understand the richness of humanity and the planet we share.

What advice would you give to others who are seeking life changing adventure?

If you're thinking about it—do it. There are many people out there seeking life-changing adventures, not in comparison to the whole population, but there are still countless individuals who are chasing their dreams. Many of them are documenting and sharing their stories, offering inspiration and insights. Learn from them, take inspiration from their journeys, and dig deep into what truly matters to you—what you're passionate about. Once you’ve discovered it, go after it with everything you've got. The adventure is yours for the taking.