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:)
Into the Next Unknown: Crossing the Border from Liberia to Ivory Coast
Crossing the border from Liberia to the Ivory Coast. Two motorcycles, two minibuses, countless checkpoints and ten hours. Plus one cold bucket-shower.

The Road to Robertsport
Robertsport is a beautiful little fishing village with fantastic beaches, and not too far from Monrovia. Just catch a share-taxi like we did, and go.

Liberia: Nothing’s Permanent
Exploring the abandoned Ducor Hotel in Monrovia, Liberia. Once one of Africa’s finest luxury hotels, it fell into ruin during the country’s civil war.

Petra: One for the Bucket List
Two days fly by when you’re exploring the incredible ancient city of Petra. Just make sure to save time for a drink in the 2000 year old tomb/bar.

As It Turns Out, Jordan’s Got More Than Just Petra
Snorkeling in the Red Sea one day; off-roading in the desert the next. We were all ready for Petra, but there’s just so much more to Jordan.
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.