On the blog...
Here on the blog you’ll find (at least some of) our stories from the road, plus itineraries and plenty of first-hand advice that we like to think is useful.
Obvious exceptions like Turkmenistan or Bhutan aside, we travel on our own, sorting out the details as we go. Which works most of the time. Story, guide, or trip-report-hybrid, I write about what really happens to us as a direct result of this kind of independent travel. What we do, the people we meet, and everything else that rolls up together to make a great trip (…or not. But mostly great).
Since we travel by road (or rail, or sea) most of the time, there’s a lot of exactly that here – getting around on local transport in one form or another. And for some of our best self-driving adventures, I’ve laid out our itineraries and how to plan a similar road trip for yourself.
This type of travel inevitably involves more than a few border-crossings. So you’ll find plenty of posts explaining the ins-and-outs of some of the more complicated borders we’ve come across.
If you’re irresistibly drawn to the endless adventures and challenges that come with overland travel, then have a look below. Happy travels:)
One Week in Lebanon
Lebanon is tiny, and easy to explore. Base yourself in Beirut and day trip to wineries, ancient cities and incredible ruins. And, make sure to eat as much as possible.

Then This Happened: Robbery in Abkhazia
Nothing like this has ever happened to me before in all my years of travel – I hope it never does again. Here’s my story about getting robbed in Abkhazia.

Abkhazia: The Country That Never Was
Getting into Abkhazia is one thing. After that – what to do in a country that doesn’t really exist. And maybe something not to do, also.

Retracing Steps: Feeling Sentimental in Georgia
Travels in Georgia: lots of wine and food. More wine. A soak and scrub at a Tbilisi bathhouse and a visit to Josef Stalin’s own hometown.

Plan B: Taking a Cargo Ferry Across the Caspian Sea
In case you’re curious about taking the cargo ferry across the Caspian Sea from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan – it takes a lot of patience and some vodka doesn’t hurt either.

Three Days at the Ends of the Earth, Also Known as Nukus
Exploring ruins in Uzbekistan’s desert – from the fortresses of ancient Khorezm, to the modern-day ship graveyard at Moynaq, where the Aral Sea used to be.

Silk Road Tripping in Uzbekistan
Following the Silk Road through Uzbekistan to three central Asian stunners – Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

And That’s Travel in Kyrgyzstan
Horse-trekking gone awry; men who hunt with eagles; remote and beautiful places; and somewhat suspicious food. More thoughts on travel in Kyrgyzstan.

A Nomadic Feeling in Kyrgyzstan
Hiking, horses, and hotsprings. Amazing views, mountain homestays and yurt camps. Life’s good when you’re nomading in Krygyzstan.