Meet Lauren & Mike - Nature Seekers, Joy Chasers, and Weekend Wanderers @goplay.outside

Lauren and Mike are the duo behind @goplay.outside, where their shared love for fresh air, open trails, and some hard work come to life. Whether they’re exploring forest paths with their pup, Cooper, or chasing golden hour in their restored 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser, their adventures remind us that we’re all capable of creating. Their journey is full of intention, lighthearted energy, and a deep respect for the wild places that ground us.

When did you start traveling? Was it an instant love affair? What inspired your life on the road?

Our first few dates actually included a hike, and from that moment, we were pretty much inseparable. We’re lucky to share so many of the same hobbies and interests, which made adventuring together feel effortless. Both of us grew up taking road trips with our families, so hitting the road as a couple felt less like a new chapter and more like a natural continuation of something that’s always been a part of who we are.

What’s your best memory while restoring your Land Cruiser?

Our best memory has to be our maiden voyage to Death Valley. The pandemic restrictions had just lifted, and we were itching to see what the Land Cruiser could do after nearly a year of working on it every weekend. Six hours on the road without a single hiccup felt like a huge victory. That first evening, the desert sky lit up with a fiery sunset as we set up camp. Sitting there, surrounded by wide-open silence, we finally got to savor the reward of all those long hours and scraped knuckles—it was pure magic.

What relationship advice/ tips do you have for traveling couples?

Our camper isn’t exactly the fastest thing on the freeway, so we’ve learned to embrace the journey as much as the destination. Some of our favorite moments happen in those in-between stretches—laughing over snacks, spotting quirky roadside attractions, or just talking for hours. For traveling couples, that’s the key: don’t rush. Enjoy the adventure leading up to the picture-perfect moment, because that’s where some of the best memories are made.

What does sustainability look like while traveling?

For us, sustainability is an ever-evolving practice. The more we learn, the more we adapt and weave those changes into our travels in ways that feel practical and meaningful. We focus on minimizing single-use items, choosing products we can refill or reuse, and opting for materials like glass over plastic whenever possible. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making consistent, conscious choices that add up over time.

What place has surprised you the most—and why?

Alabama Hills, CA completely surprised us. It was our first time camping on Bureau of Land Management land, and it felt like we’d stumbled into an entirely new world of possibilities. Towering rock formations, wide-open skies, and the freedom to set up camp in such a raw, beautiful landscape—it completely changed the way we think about camping.

What does “feeling alive” look like to you on the road? (Moments that make it all worth it.)

Feeling alive on the road are those moments when everything clicks - like standing on a mountaintop after a long hike, waking up early to catch the sunrise, painting the sky, watching a meteor shower in a sea of stars. It’s in these moments we feel both incredibly small and profoundly much bigger, at the same time.

What’s a travel moment that changed the way you see the world—or yourself? (A perspective shift that stuck.)

One travel moment that shifted our perspective is trying new food for the first time and thinking, “Wow! How have I never had this before?” Everytime we travel we are exposed to the richness of different cultures. Those moments spark a deeper curiosity inside us and appreciation for the world’s diversity.

Where do you go (or what do you do) when you need to reconnect with yourself? (A personal sanctuary, no matter the location.)

We can both confidently say that climbing is our go-to sanctuary. The moment we start, all the noise in our heads fade away and we’re completely consumed by the present. When you get into that body state, it’s as if time and space stop—there’s just you and the wall. Everything else melts away, even if only for a moment. It’s incredibly therapeutic, which is why we find ourselves doing it so often—at the gym a few times a week, and outside every chance our schedules allow!

What’s one ritual or habit you carry with you wherever you go? (A grounding practice amidst constant motion.)

One habit we carry with us wherever we go is walking our dog, Cooper. Starting the day with a walk always sets the tone no matter where we are. It’s a simple ritual that leads the day in the right direction!

What was your last great read?

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin! It’s a collection of short, insightful pieces on how to live a more creative life—whatever that looks like for you, and however you interpret it. I love recommending it because you don’t have to read it all at once; you can pick it up for a single story, set it down, and come back whenever you need a little spark or reminder. It’s the kind of book that meets you exactly where you are.

What is next for you — what do you have coming up this year and next?

Wedding bells are in our near future—we’re tying the knot this year! It’s an exciting season for us, and we’re looking forward to celebrating this next chapter surrounded by the people we love most.

Where can we follow you and your adventures?

You can follow along with all our adventures on Instagram at @GoPlay.Outside—we share our travels, outdoor escapades, and a few behind-the-scenes moments from life on the road.

Complete the following sentence: 

Travel is… the gateway to understanding both the world around you and the world within you. 

Join the journey with Lauren & Mike @GoPlay.Outside

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This story is part of the umanos Changemaker & Trailblazers series, where people with adventurous lives break down the routines and rituals they have to live their best life. Got a story to tell? Let us know! Email us at hey@heyumanos.com.