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:)
Bangladesh by boat: riding the Rocket
Travelling in Bangladesh will inevitably involve a river-journey or two. An iconic trip: cruising on the Rocket, an early 20th century paddlewheel steamer.
It’s not you: 9 things to expect when you travel in Bangladesh
Bangladesh: really? What should you expect? Here are some surprises and random quirks you will just have to get used to, when you travel in South Asia’s forgotten country.
Trains, buses, and a boat: to Bangladesh and back again
By train, or bus, or boat, or rickshaw – it’s rare that we’ve not been able to get somewhere we want to go. Except the time India wouldn’t let us in in the first place. However, once we’re inside the country we’ll find a ride one way or another. And keep in mind, India is huge. Bangladesh, on the other hand, is tiny. But it doesn’t always feel so tiny, when you’re traveling by public transport.
Crowds, inner peace, and a biopsy: comfort-zoning out in India
When we reached the Wagah border in Pakistan, we’d been on the road for almost seven months. Starting all the way back in Cameroon, we’d seen some wild places and done some amazing things. Still, we were looking forward to a bit of a break someplace restful and chill – like…India?
Warm welcomes, a wedding, and the Wagah border
It’s true that Pakistani hospitality is legendary amongst travelers. We’ve been here before and have always been met with kindness and generosity. On the other hand, some people are so keen to help us I get the feeling that they think we are nearly helpless, if left to ourselves.
Letting your guard down, or trying to: travels in southern Pakistan
We’ve been to Pakistan before. It felt familiar and comfortable. But I was too quick to let my guard down. Literally. The immigration officer reappeared and informed us that it wasn’t safe for us to travel alone to Peshawar. As foreigners we wouldn’t be allowed to spend the night there, either. And so we found ourselves in the back of another taxi, this time riding through Khyber Pass with an armed guard in the front seat.
How to cross the border from Kenya to Tanzania
A travel guide to crossing the border from Kenya to Tanzania. How to reach the border near the Kenyan coast; cross it; and get to Tanga, Tanzania.
Traveling the Kenyan coast: inspiration from north to south
The coast of Kenya: Swahili culture and history, perfect Indian Ocean beaches and the Lamu Archipelago. If you need some inspiration or a few ideas before you set off beach-hopping along the Kenyan coast, then read on.
Traveling the Tanzanian coast: by road from north to south
It’s easy to get off-the-beaten-path in Tanzania – just travel along the coast by road. From top to bottom – Kenya to Mozambique – here’s our route.