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.
On the Road, Off the Road – Enjoy the Life of Overlanding
Road trips, hiking adventures, rough camping, coming across festivals and events, visiting cultural and historic sites, fixing your overland vehicle, meeting people and making friends throughout the world.
A life of overlanding is enriching in so many ways. Take a look.
A Religious Festival in Peru – Following the Q’ollor Ritty Pilgrimage
Q’ollor Ritty is a religious festival in Peru. We caught up with a small version of this religious celebration high in the mountains.
Ready to Explore Kyrgyzstan, A Little Bit, For Now – (Where are We – Kyrgyzstan 4)
After weeks of hard work to get the Land Cruiser in shape we are more than ready to explore Kyrgyzstan, and after a 12-day trip we want more!
Brazil’s Worst Highway: the BR319 Through the Amazon
When we tell Brazilians we are going to drive the BR319 their eyes open wide and they look at us with respect. “You’re sure?”
Driving The Transamazônica through Amazon Deforestation
Thousands of kilometers of driving the Transamazônica (Trans-Amazonian Highway) showed the full-scale Amazon deforestation going on.
Changchun City Travel Guide (China): Transportation, Food, and Sightseeing Tips
In Changchun, visit the former home or Puyi, China’s last emperor, Bãnruò Temple, or enjoy the big city’s daily scene.
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.
Our Top Travel Destinations in Argentina (and Favorite Lesser-Known Regions)
Top travel destinations in Argentina, like Iguazu Falls and Ushuaia, lie in its remotest corners. But there’s more, like Córdoba, San Juan, and Punto Tombo.
A Road Trip in Chile’s Northernmost Desert – the Altiplano
The altiplano in Chile, its northernmost desert, offers all you need for a perfect overland road trip and take in the magnitude of creation.
Why & How to Visit Major, Beautiful Cities in Brazil Safely
“Are you going to São Paulo? But that’s a dangerous city! Don’t go there!” many foreigners and Brazilians exclaim. Is it?
Overland Camping in Siberia – Inaugurating the Taiga Pitch Campsite (Where are We – Russia 2)
A new campsite for overlanders on the crossroad of the overlanders’ route in East Russia, Ulan Ude: The Taiga Pitch Offroading Camp.
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.
Watching Sea Turtles in South America – Where, When & How
Sea turtles are among the animals that characterize South America’s wildlife. Where you can see them? We show you a couple of places.
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.
Overland Travel – Legit Road Trips in South America
The Death Road in Boliva, the Transamazônica in Brazil, and the Carretera Austral in Chile are among the popular road trips in South America.
Back on the Road, or Not? (Where are We – Kyrgyzstan 2)
After 5 months without our Land Cruiser, it was good to see our home on wheels back in Kyrgyzstan. Yet to travel with her takes more time…
16 Years of Overlanding the World without Killing Each Other – How Do We Do It?
Living together 24/7, working and overlanding the world together… How do we create space, deal with arguments, and appreciate each other?
13 Places in South America Where You Will be Dwarfed by Nature
On a continent so rich in salt flats, wetlands, glaciers, canyons, and deserts, what were among our favorite places in South America to be blown away?
The Pantanal – 4 Gateways to the world’s largest inland wetlands (Brazil)
Among the easiest place to watch wildlife in South America, the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil can be visited from four sides. Here’s how.
Harbin City Travel Guide (China): Transportation, Food, and Sightseeing Tips
Tucked away in China’s northeastern corner lies the big and historical city of Harbin. Prepare your journey with this city travel guide.
Hiking in Turkey – The Carian Trail Thru-hike (Where Are We)
Hiking in Turkey is growing in popularity. The 850-km-long Carian Trail thru-hike is little known but so worth it. Let us tell you why.
Why Drive the Pan American Highway – Overland the Americas
Driving from North America to South America is popular. Here overlanders answer the question why they drive the Pan-American Highway.
A Photographic Journey through the Cloud Forest in Ecuador
Giant snails, army ants, red creepers, and walking palm trees are among the beauties you will find in the cloud forest in Ecuador – a photo essay.
What’s so Intriguing about Keyholes? Sneak a Peek!
Photography, isn’t it all about details? Check out some keyholes in Brazil’s colonial town of Ouro Prêto, a gorgeous town to explore on foot.
Signboards in China – Funny Translations
Laughing at funny translations? Why not – have a giggle and take it with a grain of salt. Here are some memorable signboards in China.
Overlanding in a Siberian Winter
Only partly prepared we head for the Siberian Winter that starts early October. Driving in snow and on ice became part of the routine.
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.
Books on Overlanding – Meet these Fabulous Overlanding Authors
A list of popular books on overlanding by car or motorcycle: around the world, through the Americas, and in Africa, Asia and Europe.
A Train Journey in Russia – Riding Siberia’s BAM to Komsomolsk-on-Amur
A trip to Russia isn’t complete without a train journey so we rode the Baikal-Amure Mainline from Tynda to Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
Couchsurfing in Russia (Where are We – Russia 5)
Our stay in Komsomolsk-on-Amur is a great example why we enjoy Couchsurfing in Russia so much. A warm home, and wonderful hosts.
The Joy of Overlanding with Kids (Where are We – Russia 4)
Overlanding with kids? Is that possible? Isn’t it dangerous? Iris and Ronald show us what a joy it can be to go overlanding with kids.
Hiking the Great Wall Away From the Crowds (Where Are We – China 1)
“Broken-down sections first attract tourists off the beaten track, then the inevitable hawkers, then the renovators and safety consultants who often strip away much of the historical charm along with … Read more
7 Adventurous, Cultural & Inspiring Road Trips in Brazil
Our 600 Days of travel in Brazil have included a couple of fantastic road trips that we would like to share with you…
Visiting the Nadaam Festival (Where Are We – Mongolia 3)
Mongolia’s most important celebration, the Nadaam Festival is a summer event held throughout the summer and in every corner of Mongolia.
The Most Adventurous Road Trips in Australia (guestblog)
Vast, empty and diverse, here is a heaven for overlanders. To prepare for your trip, check out these 6 awesome road trips in Australia.
Feeling Lost in the Gobi Desert (Where Are We – Mongolia 2)
A two-week road trip in the Gobi Desert: vast and empty but with fascinating landscapes and hidden ‘treats’, a monastery and rock carvings.
Enjoying a Festival at the Amarbayasgalant Monastery (Where Are We – Mongolia 1)
During a weekend-long festival monks chant for enlightenment in the Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia’s top three monasteries.
The Paucartambo Festival in Peru: Masked Devils, the Virgin and Everything in Between
One of Peru’s most authentic, dramatic, fun and spectacular festivals: the Paucartambo Festival, with 17 traditional troupes honoring the Virgin of Carmen.
How to Deal with Police Officers when Overlanding
You can’t always control what happens; you can choose how to respond. Here are tips on dealing with police officers and on check points.
Rough Camping along Lake Baikal (Where Are We – Russia 3)
Lake Baikal in May, still partly frozen. But that doesn’t deter us from rough camping on this beautiful spot: in the forest along Lake Baikal.
Windshield Views from the Russian Far East
Hop in the Land Cruiser, buckle up and enjoy the windshield views of the Russian Far East as if you are behind the wheel or riding shotgun.
Hiking the Jordan Trail (part 2)
Starting the new year in Ais, part 2 of hiking the Jordan Trail leads from Ais, via Dana and Petra to Wadi Rum and Aqaba, totalling the 650 kms adventure on foot.
How to Start an Off-road Adventure in Russia (Where Are We – Russia 1)
After one week in Vladivostok, everything fell into place to start a new phase of our journey with an off-road adventure in Russia.
Our Favorite Hiking Gear – the List After 2 Thru-Hikes
After two thru-hikes, the Baekdu-Daegan in South Korea and the Jordan Trail, we have learned what hiking gear we need. Here’s our list.
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.
The Jordan Trail Hike (part 1)
Part 1 of the Jordan Trail hike, which covers 650 kms of trails from north to south Jordan, with the first half starting in Umm Qays and meandering through agricultural countrysides and Ajlun to Iraq al Amir.
Sightseeing in Vladivostok
Another pleasant surprise on our journey and we wished we had more time to stay and explore. For one day we made the best of sightseeing in Vladivostok.
Feeling Welcome in Vladivostok
Vladivostok: from a new, flashy and organized airport into maddening traffic, but most of all into the welcoming home of new friends.
Driving Dunes and Beaches in Northeast Brazil
Photos of an off-road adventure in Brazil where we drive through shifting sands of dunes and beaches, and cross rivers on rickety, hand-powered ferries.
Starting the Jordan Trail Thru Hike (Where are We – Jordan 1)
We are about to hike the 650-kilometer Jordan Trail, which runs from the far north of Umm Qais to the Red Sea near Aqaba in the south.
Thank You Japan!
What a journey it has been! 9 months, 11 islands, 12,000 kilometers from Kyushu in the south to Hokkaido in the north. We kept you updated through our ‘Where are … Read more
The Falaza Trail Run (Russia)
A one-week visit to Vladivostok includes train ride to the countryside where Coen will run his first marathon trail run in the Falaza Mountains.
Watching Korean Beach Life (Where Are We – South Korea 10)
Japan kicked us out two months earlier than we had hoped for and anticipated. We use our remaining time in Japan enjoying its beach life.
The Story of Sponsoring, Gifts & Sharing
Originally published 2012 / Updated October 2017 I could have added this topic to the Frequently Asked Questions. People often want to know if companies are sponsoring us. However, I realized … Read more
Of Course You Can Hike a 465-mile Mountain Trail!
I was giving up. I didn’t want to do this anymore. My clothes were soaked with sweat, my legs and arms covered in scratches from overgrowth taller than I was. … Read more
Overlanders Inspired – Free E-book Featuring Overlanders from all Walks of Life
Debunking all excuses for not going on an overlanding trip! This free e-book Overlanders Inspired shares stories of overlanders from all walks of life.
Why Overlanding in Japan is Fun, Easy, and Affordable
The driving, people, camping, paperwork, and infrastructure are among the reasons why overlanding in Japan is fun, easy, and affordable.
A Glance into the Lives of the Mennonites in Paraguay
We are lucky to have a peek into the lives of the Mennonites in Paraguay, in a moderate community as well as a conservative community.
From a Typhoon to Okhinohama Beach (Where Are We – Japan 11)
Chased from Japan’s inland by a 4-day typhoon, we return to the coast and camp at Okhinohama Beach, one of Japan’s most beautiful beaches.
Enjoying Summer on Shikoku (Where are We – Japan 10)
Summer on Shikoku? It has thus far been a good choice. Empty beaches and a wilderness camp in the forest along crystalline rivers.
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.
Hanami in Japan – The Celebration of Cherry Blossoms
What better announcement of spring is there than sakura – the cherry blossom season?
Watching a Glassblower in Japan at Work (Where Are We – Japan 8)
Peter Ivy is an American glassblower in Japan, running his own studio in Toyama. We were his guests and saw him work his art.
Behind the Fences in the World’s Biggest Wetland: the Pantanal (Brazil)
After an hour of fruitless trying piranhas were suddenly flying into the boat. We had hit a school of them and reeled in one after the other. Pablo carefully removed … Read more
Admiring Wildlife on Hokkaido, in Winter (Where Are We – Japan 7)
While we went to north Japan for snow festivals, our highlight was wildlife on Hokkaido – and took some awesome photos.
The Sapporo Snow Festival on Hokkaido (Japan)
It’s as awesome as all the travel blogs and sites promise: Sapporo’s Snow Festival.
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.
Don’t skip Paraguay on Your South America trip. Here is Why.
Paraguay has more than enough to offer for overlanders to check it out.
10 Experiences You Can Only Have in the Guianas
Rocket launches, sloths, winti rituals, gold mines and car rallies are among the experiences that make traveling to the Guianas unique.
Hiking on Yakushima Island (Where Are We – Japan 5)
Time to get out of the car and do some walking. Hiking on Yakushima Island, in south Japan and a UNESCO Biopshere Reserve.
11 Ultimate rough camps for overlanders in Argentina
Argentina has many campgrounds but the beauty is that you don’t depend on them. Boondocking is allowed and very common indeed. Many magnificent camping spots are in the back of … Read more
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.
Why Hike the Baekdu-Daegan? (South Korea)
The magic of the trail found in its landscape, culture, fog and sun, the spiritual and history are all reasons to thru-hike the Baekdu-Daegan.
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.
Thank You South Korea!
When writing our last newsletter (Yes, I want to receive it too!) I was reminiscing about our 6-month stay in South Korea and started thanking people whom had helped us in … Read more
Hiking the Baekdu-daegan Mountain Ridge (Where Are We – South Korea 9)
700+kms of hiking the Baekdu-daegan in South Korea, may be the most challenging yet inspiring way to travel here.
A Visa Run to Tsushima Island (Where Are We – Japan 1)
How a quick visa run to Tsushima Island, Japan, turns into a 24-hour, challenging trip due to bad weather, until you meet that angel.
4 Places in Northeast Brazil You Have Never Heard Of
The GPS is clueless; we trust the instructions of farmers. We have swapped the white beaches of the Atlantic Ocean lined with palm trees for the little-explored Sertão, as the … Read more
Sightseeing Seoul (Where Are We – South Korea 8)
One week of sightseeing Seoul: the Olympic Park, the Bongeunsa Temple, Royal Tombs, Korea’s National Museum and the Korean War Memorial.
Hiking in Jirisan National Park (Where Are We – South Korea 7)
4 days of hiking in Jirisan National Park were followed by an additional 7 further north. It ws the start of the Baegdu Daegan Trail.
Hiking in Seoraksan National Park (Where Are We – South Korea 6)
July 11, 2016: A 3-day hike in Seoraksan National Park had us blown away. The views, the trails, the sites along the way, the meetings with Koreans all contributed to a new passion: hiking.
10 Under-the-radar Spots to Check Out in Western Brazil
Visit a Brazil few travelers have seen and check out these 10 under-the-radar spots for sightseeing and outdoor adventure.
Visiting the Demilitarized Zone (Where Are We – South Korea 5)
Visiting the DMZ zone in the east of South Korea: the Eilji Observatory and the 4th tunnel, both near Yanggu.
9 Dramatic Mountain Passes in South America
With the Andes Mountains stretching from the far north of Venezuela all the way down to South America’s southernmost point in Argentina, covering seven countries and 4,300 miles in the … Read more
Visiting Seoul (Where Are We – South Korea 4)
Starting our Landcruising Adventure on a new continent, South Korea has the honor of being our first step in the Far East.
New Continent, New Country: South Korea
When traveling from one country to the next, let alone to another continent, it’s hard not to compare. And while doing that, we tend to focus on what we like about the … Read more
Exploring the South Coast (Where Are We? – South Korea 3)
Where are we – South Korea 3: Landcruising through the southern part of South Korea: cherry blossom, temples, food, hiking, camping, people.
The Philippines by Boat
Beach, snorkeling, sunsets, outrigged boats, lazing, reading a book and more while exploring the Philippines by boat.
The Philippines on Foot and by Bike, Bus, Jeepney and Tricycle
Mountain runs, hanging coffins, rice terraces, and old colonial towns.
Backpacking the Philippines – a Reflection
Why we prefer overlanding over backpacking – a reflection on backpacking in the Philippines.
Overlanding in Guyana – Tips on Where to Go
“Guyana? Where is that?” “Guy… what?” “Is that an island in the Pacific?” Clearly, Guyana is not the best-known country in the world, and even among South Americans you’ll find many … Read more
Owru Yari in Suriname – Blasting Away Evil Spirits
Suriname’s Owru Yari in photos, a unique event in the world.
Impressions of Georgetown (Guyana)
Architecture, transportation, food and people: there’s enough to see, watch and admire here.
Meet the Venezuelans!
One of things that makes any journey to Venezuela unique is its incredibly kind, helpful and hospitable people…
Where The Road Ends (Venezuela)
When studying the map of Venezuela my eye was constantly drawn to one particular corner: that of the Orinoco Delta. The drawback for an overlander: there are no roads or … Read more
Overlanding in Venezuela
Overlanding in Venezuela: making new friends and becoming part of Destinos Inteligentes for a weekend.
Where to Go in Argentina – Our Favorite Places and Activities
Our journey in Argentina took about a year. Here we share a number of stories on our trip.
The Ultimate Road Trip in Venezuela
For those who love off-roading to the back of beyond, add Pauji to your list of road trips in Venezuela.
