They found love in an odd place.
Couple Marcel Pop33 and Vendula Zakov31, they met while on vacation in Vietnam.
Now they’ve decided to quit their jobs and explore the world together, reportedly saving around $1,000 a month.
The 2 first bonded over a love of travel, but their initial courtship was quick.
“Marcel and I only spent two days together in Vietnam [where we met] after which they split up,” said Zakova NeedToKnow.co.uk.
Nonetheless, they kept in contact, and Zakova flew to see Popp in his native Latest Zealand, after which Popp in turn visited her in Argentina.
Zakova said that “they each quit their jobs, sold every thing we couldn’t fit into the van, and went on a seven-month tour of Latest Zealand.”
This adventure took place in 2019, after which they decided to upgrade their vehicle before heading out to tour the Chilean countryside.
“We quickly realized that we didn’t need many material things to live and be completely happy – just the bare necessities plus just a few toys like fishing and diving gear and surfboards,” Zakova explained.
(*2*)
They decided to transform an old 2003 Toyota Hiace ambulance right into a home for themselves by constructing a solar shower, a working kitchen, a 40-liter refrigerator and even a rooftop deck – all for a complete of $12,000.
To date, their adventure plan seems to be working.
“We began our journey in Santiago de Chile, we have already traveled 10,000 km (6,214 miles) to the end of the world – Ushuaia in Argentina – and now we have the remainder of South America ahead of us, mainly Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia,” explained Zakova .
“We predict this journey will take a couple of 12 months and about 40,000 km (24,854 miles),” she added.
![The couple fell in love after they met on vacation and bonded over their love of travel.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NYPICHPDPICT000010952784.jpg?w=820)
Life on the road allows them to save numerous money, especially on on a regular basis expenses.
They only spend about $600 a month on fuel for the van and $10 a month on propane – which is less expensive than the $2,500 a month they used to spend on rent.
“Thanks to our completely off-grid photovoltaic system, we haven’t got to pay any electricity bills because we charge with the sun or the alternator while driving,” said Zakova.
“The actual plus is that it only takes two minutes to heat the van in winter, if you happen to do not like where you reside or if you happen to do not like your neighbors, you’ll be able to just leave.”
![They only spend about $600 on fuel for the van and $10 a month on propane.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NYPICHPDPICT000010952778.jpg?w=819)
![The two first bonded over a love of travel, but their initial courtship was quick.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NYPICHPDPICT000010952777.jpg?w=819)
![They save thousands of dollars a year by living in a van.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NYPICHPDPICT000010952781.jpg?w=819)
![“We quickly realized that we didn't need many material things to live and be happy - just the basics plus a few toys like fishing and diving gear and surfboards,](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NYPICHPDPICT000010952795.jpg?w=819)
The pair now work remotely from around the world, with Popp consulting as a van builder and Zakova working as a human resources manager.
Nonetheless, while there are lots of positive elements to their lifestyle, there are also some issues which have come up along the way in the 75-square-foot space, including “cabin fever” and the occasional lack of privacy.
“When it rains for a few days in a row and also you’re stuck inside, you begin to have cabin fever, normally adding to the tension in the van,” said Popp.
“You certainly have to come to terms with and adapt to the incontrovertible fact that you are going to be living with someone very close to you, in essentially a really small room with not much privacy.”
But overall, they’re enthusiastic about their latest life and the next chapter.
![They turned a converted van into a full living space.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NYPICHPDPICT000010952805.jpg?w=576)
![The couple also shares their travels on social media and have gained a lot of fans.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NYPICHPDPICT000010952765.jpg?w=1014)
The duo are currently planning their next trip and it looks like they shall be heading so far as Australia with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
“We quickly realized that we didn’t need many material things to live and be completely happy – just the basics plus just a few toys like fishing and diving gear and surfboards,” said Zakova.
They plan to invest their money in a latest van for the trip.
![Their next trip is to be in Australia.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NYPICHPDPICT000010952794.jpg?w=819)
The couple shares their adventures on Instagram under the username @salty_vanventuresboasting over 19,000 followers.
It also seems that they don’t have any plans to return to the apartment – and there isn’t a one to persuade them.
“We love minimalist living and we want to proceed to live that way,” said Zakova.