Where are you from?

We are both from The Netherlands.

When did you start your interest in exploration?

From a very young age Marit has traveled a lot. Jeffrey went camping with his parents and was always outside.

What is a brief understanding of your background story up until you started seeking adventure?

Marit was born in Oman and lived there for 4 years, as a child she has been to Thailand, New Zealand, Jordan, UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

We have been together since 2008 and since then we have been on the road as much as possible. 

First together on 1 motorcycle, then with 2 motorcycles. After 12 years of motorcycling, we switched to a 4x4 car.

What special skills do you have to help with your explorations?

Jeffrey is a marine diesel mechanic by trade. He knows a lot about the car and if something is broken, he can fix it. But he has a Toyota, so he does not have a lot of work to do on the road;)

Marit has built the inside of de Troopy; she knows everything from the water to the 12v system. 

Where have you explored so far?

On motorbikes we traveled through Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicilia, France, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Morocco.

With the troopy so far, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Austria, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Georgia (and currently writing this in) Turkiye.

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

The first 12 years we traveled on motorbikes, so we are very used to travelling minimalistic.

We sold the motorbikes and started traveling in our Land Cruiser. That is a real luxury for us. For the first time we had a fridge and we could bring our climbing and hiking gear. We love going in the mountains, rock climbing and going for multi day hikes. This is a good way to explore countries and find the best places in nature. By doing this we travel much slower than we did before.

What are the top three destinations you hope to explore next, and why?

Middle East, as Marit wants to go back to Oman because she was born there. It is a dream to drive from Holland to Oman.

The ''Stans'.' We had a little taste of the big mountains in Georgia. But we were there in late fall and it was already so cold.

Pan-American, one day.

Where would you recommend others visit?

Morocco, Bosnia, Turkiye and Georgia. Friendly people, great nature and lots of off-road routes.

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

Toyota Land Cruiser HJZ78 from 2000. When we bought it the suspension needed an upgrade and we mounted an ARB bull bar with a Warn winch. By far the best modification is the 12v Boiler. Hot showers in the winter next to the car.  

What are five pieces of equipment that you always travel with?

Olight Obulb Pro: We call it ''Bolletje''. Magnatic light with every color of light and even a disco function.

Lifesaver Jerrycan: for filtering water if we use it to fill our water tank where there is no tap.

Climbing gear (Harnesses, 15 quickdraws, 70mtr rope, helmets and shoes)

Cumulus Down Jackets

Our ebooks

What inspires you to explore more?

Go to the best climbing areas, go for hikes in the mountains and 4x4 driving everywhere it's possible. Just go and see where you end up and who you will meet.

How do you engage with others?

Invite them for tea, go to somebody and just say "hi". Sometimes via instagram we meet fellow travellers and sometimes you will just meet lovely people on a camp spot.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

By going to countries overland you experienced the similarities and differences. We can learn from each other.

What are your goals when you explore?

We went on this big trip; to travel for more than a year. On this trip in 2023 we came to another idea. Instead of going on one big trip spending all our savings, it is much better to go "half year on- half year off" this is the second year. This way we hope to travel for many more years.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

Getting stuck downhill in the only wet mud part on a track somewhere in Spain. It took us 3 hours to dig and winch ourselves out. It turned out to be a famous area on pottery clay of which they made all kinds of ceramic pottery. The beer afterwards tasted really good!

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

In Georgia we drove somewhere on a mountain to look for a road that was no longer there. A shepherd on his horse galloped towards us. We thought at first that he would be angry because we might be riding on his land. But he indicated that we had to follow him. He showed us the right way and let Marit ride his horse.

How has exploration changed you?

Traveling has only shown us more and more that you don't need a lot of things. We don't value a home as much as we did before. 

What is the number one lesson that you have learnt through your exploration?

Everything will be alright.

People are almost all friendly, willing to help. You don't have to be afraid of people!

How do you explore locally?

We often go to the beach or go for a walk in a forest and a lot of micro camping adventures. Climbing in the Netherlands is only possible in the climbing gyms, you know why;)

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

Explore as much as you can, for the longest, and the best you can.

What advice would you give to others who are seeking life changing adventure?

Don't wait too long, you never know what the future brings. Better go now than later!