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:)
Senegal Travel Guide: Dakar and the Southern Coast
What’s it like to travel in Senegal? Is it safe for solo female travelers? And what is a sept-place, anyway? Read on, for advice on traveling independently by public transport from Dakar and along the beaches of the Petite Côte.
Peshawar and Swat Valley Travel Guide: itinerary and tips
People often wonder if it’s safe to travel to Peshawar and Swat Valley. Both of these places turned out to be among the highlights of Pakistan, for us. Here’s our guide to getting there and around, and some information on costs, transport and things to do along the way.
Traveling Ladakh by public transport: Leh and the Nubra Valley
It’s easy and cheap to travel around Ladakh by public transport. This is a guide to travelling independently around Leh and the Nubra Valley by bus and shared jeep.
Noble silence: a three day meditation retreat in Ladakh
What could be better than three days of total quiet? Here’s my take on what it’s like to attend a three-day silent meditation retreat in Ladakh, plus info on where to sign up, accommodation, costs and transportation.
Once upon a time in India
India never fails to surprise me – it’s good that way. This time, with the magical Himalayan former Kingdom of Ladakh. If you’re in India during the monsoon, head on up. There’s plenty to do, and little rain.
How to Cross the Border from China to Pakistan
Here’s what you need to know to cross the border from China to Pakistan on the Karakoram Highway, at Khunjerab Pass – the highest border crossing in the world.
How to Cross the Irkeshtam Border from Kyrgyzstan to China
Here’s what you need to know to cross the border from Kyrgyzstan to China, and to make it from Osh to Kashgar in one day.
Goodbye Pakistan…Hello India
‘Orderly’ and ‘dull’: two adjectives that have probably never before been applied to India, and never will be again. But, we’d just come from Pakistan…
Lahore: Mughals and Madness (and the Best French Toast Ever)
Lahore is lovely, but sometimes you have to look hard – at first glance you might see only the nearly constant chaos. Just keep looking, it’s worth it.