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.
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)
Two weeks of 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: 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
1. Trust people; trust officers. This, and 6 more tips on surviving police checks on the road.
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 Far East (Russia)
Hop in the Land Cruiser, buckle up and enjoy the windshield views of Russia’s Far East as if you are behind the wheel or riding shotgun. Can you feel the energy of the trusty diesel coming to life at the turning of the key? Enjoy the ride – we have some 2,000 kilometers to go.
Inaugurating the Taiga Pitch Overlanders’ Campsite (Where are We – Russia 2)
A new overlanders’ campsite on the crossroad of the overlanders’ route in East Russia, Ulan Ude: The Taiga Pitch Offroading Camp.
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 & 4Friendee Auto Workshop (Where are We – Japan 4)
We hoped for magic things in our Land Cruiser’s country of birth, Japan, but this is beyond expectation. A look into 4Friendee Auto Workshop.
Why Hike the Baekdu-Daegan? (South Korea)
“To walk nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” ~Mary Davis
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.
9 of South America’s Most Legit Road Trip Routes
Ship your vehicle (or rent a car) and explore some of the best road trips in South America. Here are our 9 favorites.
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.
13 Places in South America Where You Will be Dwarfed by Nature
From glaciers to deserts, from the Amazon Rainforest to vast wetlands, and from waterfalls to salt flats, South America has a number of places where you feel how insignificant we, … Read more
Why Drive the Pan American Highway?
What’s the lure of the Pan Americana? I asked a number of overlanders what made them drive (parts of) the Pan American Highway that links Alaska with Ushuaia.
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
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.
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.
Venezuela, Third Impressions: The Gran Sabana
Our #1 destination in Venezuela: the Gran Sabana. Lots of space, tranquility, off-road and rough camp opportunities.
Venezuela, Second Impressions: The Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains: stunning, friendly, clean, and pleasant temperatures. What’s there not to like?
Venezuela, First Impressions: Los Llanos
Staying with indigenous people, welcomed in a workshop, invited to visit hatos and being part of one of the country’s biggest festivals. Yes, we like Venezuela.
5 Awesome Off-the-Beaten-Track Road Trips in Colombia
Colombia has a zillion opportunities to drive away from the Pan Americana and explore the countryside. Here are our favorite road trips.
Signboards in China – The Funniest Translations
Maybe it’s not fair to laugh. We all make mistakes, especially in languages that aren’t our first. On the other hand, there’s no reason to take life too seriously either … Read more
Taking Risks? – A Trip to Colombia’s Chocó Region
When we were in Medellín we originally had the idea to directly return to Bogotá. Until we studied the map. “Why not take this loop via Ciudad de Bolívar to Quibdó … Read more
Having Fun on the Road – The Amagá Railroad Bridge (Colombia)
Hey there, do you like this post? Consider supporting us on Patreon so we can continue sharing great content with you. Enjoy the ride! A photo somewhere on the Internet … Read more
Signboards in Pakistan
Enjoy an impression of Pakistan through road signs, bill boards and other texts found along the way.
Boating to and around La Selva Eco Lodge in Ecuador
The treasure of La Selva Eco Lodge in Ecuador is that you can only reach it by boat, plus watching animal life around the lodge is done by boat as well.
Signboards in Iran – Religious & Western Influences
Signboards in Iran are intriguing: the influence of Khomeini is visible, what do all those birds mean, and what about western penetration?
Reasons to visit Cali, Colombia
Cali is a city in Colombia known for its salsa and night life. We didn’t see any of this but enjoyed our stay for many other reasons.
A World of Oil and Indigenous People (Ecuador)
The 120-km-long Vía Auca goes deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon. We indadvertedly leave the main road and meet the Huoarani indigenous people.
The Border Crossing of San Miguel (Ecuador – Colombia)
We crossed the little-used border crossing of San Miguel between Ecuador and Colombia, and drove across Putumayo to Mocoa.
From Landcruising to Seacruising – The Galápagos Islands
We swap our landcruising adventure for a Galápagos cruise and to see whether seacruising would for us.
Off-roading and Rough Camping at the Páramo of Zuleta
We off-road to the wilderness and rough camp at the protected páramo of the Zuleta community in the Andes Mountains at 4,000 meters.
Road Travel in Peru, Part 2 – Paracas, Lima, Cordillera Blanca, Huanchaco, Cajamarca
Road Travel in Peru continues with photos on and along the road from Arequipa to Lima via Paracas, plus the Cordillera Blanca and Cajamarca region.
Road Travel Peru (Part 1) – Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Arequipa
Photos and impressions of Landcruising Adventure from the Bolivian border to the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Arequipa.
Natural Beauty – National Parks in Ecuador
Driving from south to north we traverse a couple of national parks in Ecuador. Hiking around volcanoes and crater lakes, and the visit of a deer and fox.
The Three Kings Celebration in Saraguro, Ecuador
Saraguro is the center of an indigenous community in Ecuador. It’s known for its Sunday Market and we returned on January 6 for its annual Three Kings Celebration.
First Impressions of Ecuador – Destruction & Hope
Our first impressions of Ecuador give reason for despair as well as hope. Who to blame for all the deforestation and can the damage be undone?
