A New BJ45, part 2 – Finding the Right Overland Truck
Curious how we ended up searching for a new home on wheels? Check out the first blog in this series for the backstory. June 2024 Our eyes had landed on … Read more
Overland Car Talk – All you Want to Know about Overland Vehicles
How do we deal with car troubles in the middle of nowhere? Where and how do we find workshops? What have been our favorite workshops on our overland journey?
Learn about our favorite overland recovery gear and equipment – we’re talking winches, rooftop tent, air filters, and, of course, tires!
Meet the overland communities and Land Cruiser communities throughout the world. Enjoy stories about other overlanders’ rigs, whether 4×4 or 2×2.
A New BJ45, part 1 – A New BJ or not, That’s the Question
Last spring, we had no idea our lives would be turned upside down in so many ways. In recent weeks, I’ve blogged about the most dramatic change – Coen’s health … Read more
Overland Reunion – How Do I Sign Up?
The yearly Overland Reunion, what’s it all about and where do you sign up? Find all information and sign-up form here.
Overland Reunion – How Did it Start and How Does it Work? + Sign up
Each year, an Overland Reunion is organized in the Netherlands (Twente). What type of overland event is it, for whom, and how to sign up?
Iranian Hospitality Culture – Book Sample from ‘Forever Off Track’
The upcoming book Forever Off Track chronicles Karin-Marijke and Coen’s remarkable 3.5-year overland journey from Europe to Southeast Asia in a rugged Land Cruiser. Join them as they step out … Read more
Camping in Armenia & Georgia, in Good Company (Where are We, Georgia, 2)
A brief update on what’s been happening since we completed our epic 850-kilometer-long Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia. After a seven-week hike, it was time for several things: Read More: Hiking … Read more
Land Cruiser Overhaul #4 – The Turnbuckle Method (Kyrgyzstan)
“There is even dust in the drawers. I’m done with this Mongolian Gobi dirt!” Karin-Marijke exclaimed while she carefully removed a thick layer of fine sand from the inside of … Read more
Kazakhstan Travel Budget Report – Travel Expenditures on our Road Trip
In our Kazakhstan Travel Budget Report we detail our road-trip expenditures on documentation, fuel, the Land Cruiser, camping, and more.
Kyrgyzstan Travel Budget Report – Travel Expenditures on our Road Trip
Our Kyrgyzstan travel budget report, detailing travel expenditures during our road trip including documents, fuel, camping, car workshops.
How to keep your overland vehicle on the road – Part 3 – Where to Find Workshops
This is part 3 of a 3-series story on how to keep your overland vehicle on the road. Find part 1 here and part 2 here. At the Chilean Automobile … Read more
How to keep your overland vehicle on the road – Part 2 – Where to Find Local Parts
This is part 2 of a 3-series story on how to keep your overland vehicle on the road. Find part 1 here, and part 3 here. In India, our jar … Read more
Meet OunTravela – Overlanders & Overland Guidebook Writers
In the middle of the pandemic – while stuck in the Netherlands – we got a beautiful present sent by mail: an overland guidebook of Kyrgyzstan. It got us itching to … Read more
How to keep your overland vehicle on the road – Part 1 – Which Spares to Bring
This is part 1 of a 3-series story on how to keep your overland vehicle on the road. Here are part 2 and part 3. In 2003, we acquired a … Read more
Uzbekistan Travel Budget Report – Travel Expenditures on our Road Trip
In our Uzbekistan Budget Report we detail our road-trip expenditures on documentation, fuel, the Land Cruiser, camping, and more.
Overlanding for a Better World – Meet Alveto Expedition
You overland around the word for a number of years, you observe and learn, and then decide something to do good, that’s what Try to Give Back is about – … Read more
Dealing with the Heat When Overlanding (from the Overland Expertise Pool)
When we left the Netherlands in 2003, a heatwave was about to hit Europe. During the summer months in Greece we were grateful for the foot vents in the BJ45. … Read more
Tips on how to Level your Overland Vehicle (from the Overland Expertise Pool)
Coen is a perfectionist in many ways, even when it comes to using leveling blocks. When he wants the vehicle to be parked straight, it has to be straight. As … Read more
Which Overland Tires do You Need – Fat or Skinny, and Why? (from the Overland Expertise Pool)
So what’s the story, fat or skinny tires? In this blog post we share 13 opinions from experienced overlanders. From the beginning of our journey, over 17 years ago, we’ve … Read more
The Land Cruiser Factory in Japan & the Land Cruiser Community
Japan’s enthusiastic Land Cruiser community was dedicated to making our journey in their country memorable in every possible way. Their mission was successful. They managed to get us a tour … Read more
Land Rover or Land Cruiser, and Why? Part 2: The Land Cruiser Aficionados (Overland Expertise Pool)
I remember from our planning phase, in 2003, that Coen was much charmed by a Land Rover Series—one of the earlier models. I, on the other hand, had no clue … Read more
Land Rover or Land Cruiser, and Why? Part 1: The Land Rover Aficionados (Overland Expertise Pool)
A typical campfire discussion: Land Rover vs Land Cruiser. The pros and cons, jokes about the other and the passion for your own. The stories are never ending, including the … Read more
Overland Reunion 2020
Covid screwed up the tradition of having our annual Overland Reunion in May, but who cares? We made more than up for it last weekend (late August). Probably because so … Read more
Broken Bridges & Failing Brakes in Amapa, Brazil
“Holy shit, they are not working!” There is panic in Coen’s voice as he slams on the brakes. I hold my breath and feel how the Land Cruiser increases speed. … Read more
Winch Maintenance: Stagnation means Decline
What can happen with your winch if you don’t use it regularly and don’t do any maintenance?
The Bandeirante is Alive – Meet the Brazilian Land Cruiser
Land Cruisers produced in Brazil, equipped with a Mercedes-Benz engine and called Bandeirantes?! What started with a perplexing photo in Uruguay grew into a fascinating story in Brazil. In 1984, … Read more
Covid-19 in the Netherlands (Where are We – NL 2)
What do you do as full-time overlanders (travelers) when Covid-19 spreads across the world? Despite everything we saw happening in China last winter, how many of us realized this might … Read more
How to Keep your Overland Vehicle Safe, Low-Budget Style
How can you keep your overland vehicle safe without breaking the bank. Here are low-budget car safety tips and tricks.
Fixing the Brakes – At last, the Gremlins Have Been Defeated
How can you not drive with functioning brakes for 8 years? It was time to get to the core of the issue and fixe those brakes.
Full-time Overlanding & Rock Climbing – Meet GrizzlyNBear Overland
Full time overlanding in a LandRover Defender 130 called GrizzlyNbear, rock climbing and hiking. Here’s how Leigh and Stephanie do it.
How to Combine Careers & Overland Journeys? Marijke & Joost Share Tips
Both enjoying careers at home while loving (long-distance) journeys, Marijke and Joost share how they combine work and travel.
Tajikistan Travel Budget Report – Travel Expenditures on our Road Trip
Our Tajikistan travel budget report, detailing travel expenditures during our road trip including documents, fuel, camping, car workshops.
How to Prepare for a Winter Road Trip in Siberia
Russia Travel – Tips on preparing for a long-distance road trip in Siberia during winter; how to stay comfy in your overland rig.
38 Years and New to Camping – Meet Mijke & Dennis on Their First Overland Adventure
38 Years and new to camping when setting out on a 6-month overland journey from Europe to Central Asia. How to deal with fears of camping?
The Quest for Batteries in Tashkent (Where are We – Uzbekistan 1)
To buy new AGM or Gel batteries we drove to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where we also found a place to weld a new battery box on the chassis.
The Essentials Series – Overland Recovery Gear – What do we Bring and How do we Use it
What is the favorite recovery gear on our overland journey, and what do we like about the overlanding essentials? The winch, hi-lift, saw?
Inspired by First Overland and Meeting The Last Overland – Meet Charlie & Chris, driving from the UK to Australia
At age 13, the book First Overland inspires Chris to overland to Asia. Here are Chris & Charlie, driving from the UK to Australia.
Guyana’s Tapirs
Ever heard of Guyana’s Tapirs? Take a look, they are quite a sight. But they are not at all what you’d expect. No wildlife, but cars!
From Hitchhikers to Overlanders – Meet Kiki, Sebastiaan and a Kyrgyz Lada
When a joke becomes reality and you raise your thumb to hitchhike to China, and in Kyrgyzstan you buy an old Lada Zhiguli to drive back home.
DIY Awning – How To Build an Inexpensive Rear-door Car Awning
Tips for a Rear-door, All-weather Protection, DIY Awning. A car awning for your overland vehicle to protect you in sun and rain.
An Overland Trip to the Japan Rugby World Cup – Meet Mark & Sue
You like to do an overland trip, you want to visit the Japan Rugby World Cup, and you turn sixty. Why not combine all? Meet Mark & Sue.
The Land Cruiser Restoration in Bolivia (4) – Our Home is Back on its Wheels
The Land Cruiser Restoration is coming to an end. Almost 100 days since we disassembled the Land Cruiser, we have our home on wheels back.
Renault 4s in Colombia – Colombia’s ‘Faithful Friend’ (Amigo Fiel)
olombia is home to many old Renault 4s and Coen is a happy man. News in 2019 about the prototype of an electric, convertible e-Plein Air.
Busy in Bishkek! – Overhaul & Overlanders (Where are We – Kyrgyzstan 3)
Two months in a city, it’s unusual for us. We have things to do in Bishkek! The Land Cruiser needs an overhaul and we’ll meet overlanders.
The Land Cruiser Restoration in Bolivia (3) – Car Part Shopping and Conquering Hurdles
The Land Cruiser renovation is progressing with difficulty. Bureaucratic hurdles, renegotations and car part shopping in La Paz.
Mosquito Battle Plan – Tips for Mosquito Netting to Travel Overland
How to keep mosquitoes out of your overland rig and face? Here is our car mosquito netting, homemade mosquito repellent and more tips.
The Land Cruiser Restoration in Bolivia (2) – Cultural Differences, Car Welding and Engine Testing
Is it miscommunication, cultural differences, or something else? Our Land Cruiser Restoration in La Paz, Bolivia, quickly goes pear-shaped.
Throttle Adventures – The First Kenyan Couple to Motorcycle Around the World
Meet Wamuyu and Dos from Kenya. They started their journey in, Africa, are driving up the Pan-Am, and intend to motorcycle around the world.
The Land Cruiser Restoration in Bolivia (1) – Starting the Overhaul
After 7 years on the road, part of the chassis broke off. A restoration of the Land Cruiser was required and we found a workshop in Bolivia.
A DIY Paper Cruiser – Print, Cut, Glue, et Voilà!
Become part of Landcruising Aventure with a DIY customized Paper Cruiser. Easy to make, fun kids as well as adults. Here’s how to get one.
Overland Reunion 2019
Every year, past, present, and future overlanders – long-term (world) travelers with a private vehicle – meet in the woods to catch up and share during our overland reunion.
3 Super Convenient Car Window Shades for Your Overland Journey
Roll-up blinds, blackout shades, insulation material and, while we’re at it, mosquito netting. Here are our car window shades for the Land Cruiser.
Mongolia Overland Travel Guide – Travel Information for your Road Trip
Travel information for your overland journey to Mongolia: budget, roads, gas stations, camping, and more in our Mongolia Travel Guide.
Badass Solo Women Motorcyclists Sharing Their Favorite Motorcycle Tool
Check out these inspiring solo women motorcyclists traveling across the world and what they have to say about their favorite motorcycle tool.
Russia Budget Report – Travel Expenditures on our Road Trip
In our Russia Budget Report we specify our expenditures for documentation, public transportation, fuel, the Land Cruiser, and accommodation.
The First Dakar Rally in South America – a Flashback
A flashback to the first Dakar Rally in South America. In the company of Argentineans we found a perfect spot to watch the spectacle.
The Magic-number Car Tires for Overlanding
Discussions abound on what is the right overland tire. Coen summarizes 15 years of overlanding in the 8 sets of car tires we bought, and why.
Tips on Buying Starter Batteries for Overland Travel
With 15+ years of experience on the road, Coen shares what he finds important when buying starter batteries for overland travel.
Being Spoiled at the Romance Factory (Where are We – South Korea 11)
Romance Factory in South Korea saved our day, our trip, and potentially lots of other vehicles – they fixed the car’s failing brakes.
Women’s Must-have Overland Gear & Overland-Vehicle Requirements
What requirements do women have for an overland vehicle? Is their must-have overland gear about colors and design or is there more to it?
Japan Travel Budget Report – Expenditures of our Road Trip
Money matters, documentation, sightseeing, fuel and gas stations, car maintenance and more in our Japan Travel Budget Report.
4WD a Must – Meet Overlanders with an Awesome 2WD Overland Vehicle
These adventurous overlanders travel in a 2WD overland vehicle: a Mini, a TVR Chimaera, on a Vespa, and more.
Why we Love our Rooftop Tent – Our Pros and Cons with 2 RTTs
From an Eezi Awn we switched to a Carpas Anaconda. Why? What do we like about rooftop tents, what not, and how often have we used them?
Why Travel with a Rooftop Tent – Which RTT to Buy, and Why?
Rooftop tent, RTT, roof tent, car top tent: different names for a bedroom on our home on wheels. Why one do you buy, and why?
4WD a Must? – Do We Consider a Different Overland Vehicle?
s a 4WD overland vehicle a must when traveling the world? Opinions differ and here are ours on the pros and cons of four-wheel drives.
4WD a Must? – Driving in South America
Do you need four-wheel drive when driving in South America? Here are our impressions and experiences about needing a 4WD.
4WD a Must? – Driving from Europe to Southeast Asia
Do you need a 4WD when driving to Asia? Some feel a 4WD is a must, others don’t. Here are our experiences.
Joining the Land Cruiser 40 Meeting East (Mount Fuji, Japan)
Finally it was happening, the Land cruiser 40 Meeting East, a major Land Cruiser aficionado event in Japan that is held annually in June. We had been thrown into Japan’s … Read more
Visiting the Land Cruiser Factory & Automobile Museum (Where Are We – Japan 9)
The Land Cruiser returned the factory where it was built in 1984: Toyota Auto Body, in Toyota City. Next, the Toyota Automobile Museum.
Overland Reunion 2017
This year’s turnout has not surpassed previous Overland Reunions. And we’re happy with that as we feel we have reached some sort of sweet spot. You can wander about and … Read more
Exploring Honshu Island & Replacing the Clutch (Where Are We – Japan 6)
As we weave our way through urbanized Honshu, we stop in Hiroshima, make new friends and kill the clutch in the middle of the highway.
Visiting Kyushu Island & Friendee Auto Workshop (Where are We – Japan 4)
The Land Cruiser returned to its country of birth, Japan, where on Kyushu Island we are spoiled by Friendee Auto Workshop.
Loving Kyushu Island & Our First Fender Bender (Where Are We – Japan 3)
November 29, 2016. We make new friends, admire hellish-looking ponds, and have our first car accident in 13 years on the road.
Joining the Land Cruisers Festa (Where Are We – Japan 2)
In Kyushu we joined the 19th Land Cruiser’s Festa near Mount Aso. Among so many BJ40s and BJ45s, our Land Cruiser was right at home.
Transportation in South Korea
Underground, above the ground, on foot, or varying from using 1 to 4 wheels or more. See the fascinating, nifty, and fun ways of traveling in South Korea.
Remodeling the Land Cruiser (part 3) – Woodwork in Suriname
This is part 3 of a 3-series story of the third overhaul on the Land Cruiser and how we remodeled the car with a water tank, sink, and a whole … Read more
The Overhaul in the Guianas (part 2) – From Water Canisters to a Water Tank & Sink
After 12.5+ years on the road we switched from water canisters to a water tank and sink. Here’s how we did it.
The Overhaul in Guyana (part 1) – Welding the Land Cruiser
To get the Land Cruiser’s bodywork welded was the first challenge in the overhaul. In Guyana we succeeded, sort of: meet the 5 welders.
Overlanding in Venezuela
Overlanding in Venezuela: making new friends and becoming part of Destinos Inteligentes for a weekend.
Overland Reunion 2015
Photos, impressions and information on the Overland Reunion 2015 in the Netherlands.
Academia 4×4 Duel of Couples in Bogotá
We met Academia 4×4’s founder in Bogotá and joined him for one of the fun and exciting competitions he organized: the Duel of Couples.
Problem Solving on the Road (part 3) – The Last Bolts
Part 3 in the series Problem Solving on the Road, this time focused on the car workshop in Quito, Ecuador.
The Workshop Iguana 4×4 – Artistic Details (Bógota, Colombia)
A workshop is more than a collection of cars that need to be fixed. In fact, you could see it as a place of art.
Temporary Fix for a Rattling Door
As the years go by the wear and tear of the Land Cruiser continue. A while back driving off roads became less pleasant because my door increasingly rattled. First I thought it was the placement of … Read more
Overland Reunion 2014
With 70 past, present and future overlanders we had lots over info, adventures & challenges to share during our annual Overland Reunion in the Netherlands.
Problem Solving on the Road (part 2) – A Good Car Workshop in Ecuador
Problem solving on the road, at a car workshop in Ecuador to be exact, continues with stories on idler shafts, gearbox dismantles, and tires.
Problem Solving on the Road (part 1) – Car Repairs in Peru & Ecuador
It started with an odd sound, it ended with new leaf-springs, and the transfer box taken down. Here’s part 1 of our car repairs in Ecuador.
Some Nut with a Loose Screw – Car Mechanics in Ecuador
As Coen inspected wheel nuts on Ecuadorian vehicles he noticed many were missing; what does this say about car mechanics?
Need a Workshop in Peru? Check out Fire Wheels in Lima
Weird sounds and friction came and went for years. To get to the bottom of this we visited a workshop in Peru: Fire Wheels workshop in Lima.
Cool Clean Air, Your Engine Loves It – Our Air Filter Challenges
Our Land Cruiser’s air filter rusted through. How did the car get to sport a fancy air filter like the Donaldson Full-View Pre-Cleaner?
Preparing an Overland Trip – Doing a 4×4 Off-road Training, or Not?
Is it wise to do an 4×4 Off-road Training before your overland travels? We thought so and took a private course. Here’s what we learned.
Our Garmin GPSmap 60CSx – Leaving Nothing but Virtual Breadcrumbs
From traditional road maps we moved on to the digital version: How do we use our Garmin GPSmap 60CSx in our overland trip?
Hella Lights Illuminating our Adventure
Hella Marine Netherlands has been extremely supportive of Landcruisingadventure and has supplied us with Hella LED lights – read more how we use them.
Workshops in Bolivia – Where to Find TLC for Your Overland Vehicle
Tips on where to get your car fixed, on what to do in case of a major repair (overhaul), and tips on where to find workshops in Bolivia.
Overland Reunion 2013
During Landcruising Adventure’s 8th overland reunion overlanders met in the Netherlands to share stories & tips on exploring the world with their vehicle.
Meet Julie, Jean Baptiste and their 1977 Citroën 2CV Fourgonette
You think you need a 4WD to drive the Americas? Julie & J.B. show that you don’t. They drove in beautifully modified Citroën 2CV Fourgonette!
The Best Workshop in South America – Ernesto Hug in La Paz, Bolivia
Searching for an excellent car workshop in South America? Here’s an impression of Ernesto’s immaculate garage, in La Paz, Bolivia.
