Nate & Cara's 2026 Travel Plans: Epic Races, Rally & Life Updates

Reflecting on 11 Years of Adventure

Watching Nate and Cara’s annual New Year’s tradition feels like catching up with old friends who’ve lived a lifetime of adventures. After analyzing their heartfelt 2025 recap video, I’m struck by how their journey mirrors what many aspire to: balancing audacious dreams with hard-won wisdom. Their transparency about epilepsy struggles, channel evolution, and parenthood deliberations adds rare depth to the travel-influencer space. For anyone craving authentic inspiration, this isn’t just a recap—it’s a masterclass in intentional living.

By the Numbers: Travel and Content Breakdown

Travel Stats That Redefine "Busy":

113,000 miles flown (4.5x around the globe)
16 countries visited, bringing their total to 112
113 beds slept in (avg. 3.2 nights/bed)

YouTube Milestones:

26 videos posted, averaging 46 minutes
Longest video: 1h32m (Marathon Des Sables)
Top-performing videos: Saudi overwater villa (6.5M views), Grand Canyon hike, Rovos Rail safari

Key Insight: Their shift to longer, documentary-style videos reflects a strategic pivot. As Nate noted: "When you film 98 hours of a race and cut it to 92 minutes, every second must earn its place." This editorial rigor explains their sustained relevance despite algorithm shifts.

Unforgettable Moments: Triumphs and Terror

Pinch-Me Experiences:

Alaskan brown bears: A mother and cubs approaching within 10 feet—a testament to ethical wildlife filming.
Botswana elephant herds: Watching calves drink from rivers during a luxury river cruise.
11 Madison Park’s "subway" wine cellar: An absurdly personalized NYC dining experience blending $3,000 bottles with brown-bag beers.

Near-Disasters:

Victoria Falls ledge walk: Guides physically gripping them as swollen rapids threatened to sweep them over the edge.
Moroccan sandstorm: 7 days without showers, cameras destroyed, and a "retired" suitcase casualty.
Heli-skiing avalanche risks: Filming paused after 3 nearby fatalities, highlighting adventure’s sobering realities.

Behind the Scenes: Real Life Beyond YouTube

Major Personal Updates:

Epilepsy Journey: Cara’s medication adjustments show promising reduction in episodes, though not yet fully resolved.
Colorado Home: A private sanctuary intentionally kept off-camera for mental health.
Parenthood Plans: "We’re 80% yes on kids," they shared, with timing hinging on Cara’s health stability. Expect potential news in their 2027 update.

Off-Camera Highlights:

Nate officiating a friend’s wedding
Family ski trips in their new home base
A Moroccan coast surf trip post-Marathon Des Sables

2026 Preview: Continent Runs and Chaos

Nate’s Insane Running Quest:

Patagonia 100 (April)
Dead Cow Gully 100 (Australia)
Gobi 400km (Asia)
Antarctica 24-hour world record attempt

Mongol Rally: The year’s centerpiece—a 6-week, 18-country road trip from Czechia to Kyrgyzstan in a sub-$1,000 vehicle. Why? "If we have kids soon, we couldn’t do this for 10 years," Cara admitted. Expect breakdowns, makeshift repairs, and raw camaraderie.

Other Adventures:

Komodo Islands & Hawaii (first visits!)
English Channel relay swim with friends
Japan’s luxury train experience (filmed, coming soon)

Your Adventure Toolkit

Actionable Takeaways:

Track Nate’s 7-Continent Quest: Follow his training for Antarctica’s Guinness record.
Steal Their Planning System: Use giant wall calendars for visual goal mapping.
Prioritize Recovery: Note their 3.2-night/bed average—slowing down improves creativity.

Resources We’d Trust:

World’s Toughest Races (book): Context for ultra-running culture
AG1: The supplement they’ve used since 2020 for travel nutrition gaps
Mongol Rally guides: Essential reading if replicating their 2026 centerpiece

The Heart Behind the Miles

Nate and Cara’s journey proves adventure isn’t about passport stamps—it’s about designing a life that terrifies and fulfills you in equal measure. Their willingness to share epilepsy struggles, creative burnout, and parenthood fears makes their triumphs resonate deeper. As they enter Year 11 on YouTube, one truth stands out: "The only reason we get to do this is because you watch."

Your Turn: Which 2026 adventure excites you most—Nate’s Antarctica run or the Mongol Rally chaos? Share your pick below!