We were lucky to catch up with Diego, Aldana And Abby recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Diego, Aldana and Abby, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
The idea for Abby por América was born out of a shared dream between my partner, Die, and me—to explore the world together as a family, break free from the conventional, and live life on our own terms. The true star of this adventure, however, is Abby, our beloved dog and the heart of our journey. Her curiosity, energy, and zest for life inspired us to create a project where she could be the protagonist, showing the world how incredible life on the road can be.
The concept began to take shape during a moment of reflection, when we realized we wanted something more meaningful out of life: to connect with nature, different cultures, and people from all walks of life. One evening, as we imagined what this dream could look like, the idea of traveling from Argentina to Alaska in a motorhome with Abby by our side felt like the perfect adventure to share with the world.
What made us confident this could work was Abby’s natural ability to bring smiles to people’s faces. Everywhere we go, she draws attention and sparks conversations, making it easy to connect with others. We knew that her charisma, combined with our love for storytelling, would resonate with people seeking inspiration to live life differently.
We also knew that the rise of digital platforms gave us the tools to share our story in a meaningful way. With Die’s creativity, my organizational skills, and a shared determination to create something unique, we felt confident this wasn’t just a dream but a tangible project with potential. The excitement we felt, coupled with the support we started receiving from strangers who connected with our journey, confirmed we were on the right path.
What drives us to keep going is knowing we’re creating something impactful—not just for us but for those who follow along, reminding them that life is an adventure worth pursuing.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
We are Diego, Aldana, and Abby, an adventurous trio from Argentina. Five years ago, we left our home country to pursue a dream: traveling across the Americas in our beloved 1984 motorhome. Together, we’ve built Abby por América, a project that celebrates the joy of exploration, the power of connection, and the incredible stories we discover along the way.
Our journey began with a simple idea: to break free from the routine, embrace the unknown, and see the world through fresh eyes. Abby, our furry companion, quickly became the star of the adventure. Her cheerful and curious nature is at the heart of everything we do, inspiring smiles wherever we go.
As content creators, we share our experiences through Instagram and YouTube, offering a mix of stunning visuals, heartfelt stories, and practical insights about life on the road. Whether it’s tips for traveling with a pet, navigating van life in a vintage motorhome, or finding hidden gems across the continent, our goal is to inspire and inform.
What makes us unique is our authenticity. We’re not just telling stories; we’re living them. Our 1984 motorhome isn’t perfect, and neither are we, but that’s part of the charm. We embrace the challenges and joys of this lifestyle, showing our followers the raw, unfiltered side of long-term travel.
One of our proudest achievements is building a community of dreamers and adventurers who find inspiration in our journey. Whether they’re planning their own road trip, looking for the courage to chase a dream, or simply enjoying the beauty of the Americas through our lens, we’re grateful to connect with people around the world.
For those discovering Abby por América for the first time, we want you to know that our story is about more than travel. It’s about daring to take a leap of faith, finding beauty in simplicity, and cherishing the bond between humans and animals. We hope to inspire you to follow your passions, explore the unknown, and discover that the best adventures often start with a single step—or paw.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most challenging moments of our journey—and a true test of our resilience—was crossing from Colombia to Panamá. Unlike most of our trip, where we could drive through borders, the infamous *Tapón de Darién* has no road connecting the two countries. This meant we had to ship our beloved 1984 motorhome, *La Toyo*, in a container across the Caribbean—a process that was both complicated and expensive.
The logistical challenges were overwhelming. Coordinating paperwork, inspections, and fees required endless back-and-forth with authorities, agents, and shipping companies. Every step of the process felt like a puzzle, from finding a container big enough to fit *La Toyo* to securing a spot on a vessel. On top of that, we had to prepare her for the journey, which included securing everything inside to prevent damage during the shipping process.
Financially, it was a huge strain. Shipping costs were higher than we had anticipated, and we had to dig into our savings to make it happen. Emotionally, it was even tougher. Watching our home—our safe space—get loaded into a container and knowing we wouldn’t see it for days was nerve-wracking. Abby could sense our anxiety, but as always, her playful energy reminded us to stay hopeful.
During those days, our resilience was tested in every way. We relied on teamwork, meticulous planning, and the support of fellow travelers who had gone through the same ordeal. When we finally reunited with *La Toyo* in Panamá, the relief was indescribable. Seeing her emerge from the container without a scratch felt like a small miracle and a huge victory.
This experience taught us the value of patience, determination, and trust—not just in each other but in the journey itself. Crossing the *Tapón de Darién* wasn’t just a logistical hurdle; it was a reminder that even the toughest challenges are worth it when they lead to new horizons. It’s a story we carry with us, knowing that if we could overcome that, we can handle whatever comes our way.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building our audience on social media has been a gradual but rewarding journey. It didn’t happen overnight, but by staying consistent, authentic, and focused on creating content that resonated with our audience, we slowly started to see our community grow.
When we first launched *Abby por América*, our focus was simply to share our adventure and the beauty of life on the road. At first, it felt like we were speaking into the void—just a handful of family and friends liking our posts. But we remained patient and kept pushing forward, sharing everything from breathtaking landscapes to the daily challenges we faced with *La Toyo* and Abby.
The turning point came when we realized that what set us apart wasn’t just the places we were visiting, but the people we were becoming as we traveled. Abby’s joyful presence and the authentic moments we shared started to resonate with more people. We weren’t just showing pictures of beautiful locations; we were sharing real-life stories of perseverance, connection, and adventure. That authenticity helped us connect with others who were on their own journeys—whether they were aspiring travelers, fellow pet owners, or just people looking for a bit of inspiration in their day.
A few key strategies that helped us build our audience:
1. **Consistency in Posting**
We committed to posting regularly. Whether it was a story on Instagram or a new video on YouTube, we kept the content coming. Over time, this consistency helped us stay top of mind for our audience.
2. **Engaging with Our Community**
We took the time to reply to comments, messages, and connect with followers. Building relationships with our audience made them feel valued, and many of them became our biggest supporters. We also engaged with other creators in the same space, which led to collaborations and cross-promotion.
3. **Sharing Our Vulnerabilities**
There’s power in being vulnerable. We shared not only the highlights of our journey but also the struggles—the flat tires, the moments of doubt, and the tough times. People resonated with that honesty, and it made our audience feel like they were part of our story.
4. **Storytelling**
We focused on storytelling. It wasn’t just about the beautiful photos but about crafting a narrative. Whether it was a caption or a video, we always tried to share the emotions and lessons of the day. Storytelling created a deeper connection with our followers, allowing them to feel like they were traveling alongside us.
5. **Collaborations**
As our audience grew, we started collaborating with other travelers, brands, and content creators. These partnerships helped us tap into new audiences and gave us credibility in the digital space.
**Advice for Those Just Starting:**
1. **Be Authentic**
People follow real stories, not just polished content. Show your true self and the ups and downs of your journey. It’s the authenticity that will help you build lasting relationships with your audience.
2. **Engage with Your Community**
Respond to comments, answer questions, and take time to engage. Social media is a two-way street—building relationships is key to growing your audience.
3. **Don’t Focus Too Much on Perfection**
Don’t get discouraged if your content isn’t perfect. Focus on progress, not perfection. Your audience will appreciate the effort and realness more than perfectly curated posts.
4. **Be Patient**
Building an audience takes time. It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see instant growth, but consistency and patience are crucial. Keep showing up, and the audience will follow.
5. **Find Your Niche**
What makes you unique? What can you offer that others aren’t? Find your niche and lean into it. Whether it’s travel, lifestyle, or a specific theme, focus on what makes you stand out.
Ultimately, the journey of building an audience is about creating meaningful content that resonates with people. Keep sharing your passion, and your audience will find you. It’s not just about numbers, but the connections and impact you create along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyporamerica?igsh=cjUwZWlsYjRwMnh5
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@abbyporamerica?si=Kz6gf4xOcd3ckrNq
Image Credits
Abby por América