Where are you from?

We are both from The Netherlands.

When did you start your interest in exploration?

Our passion for exploration started in childhood. Louise loved reading stories about adventurers and exploring new places, while Doeke spent hours poring over maps and daydreaming about distant lands. Travel documentaries and books about exploration fueled our curiosity. When we met, this shared passion became the foundation of our connection, sparking a deeper wanderlust that drove us to travel and explore even more together.

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

We both grew up in small countryside towns with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, spending much of our childhood surrounded by nature and playing outdoors. Our passion for exploration inspired us to pursue international education. Louise lived in Valencia, Spain, and Doeke in Cape Town, South Africa, during our studies. Later, we completed a Double Degree Master’s program living in Newcastle, UK.

These experiences, combined with local travels and visits to nearby countries, deepened our love for adventure. After graduating, we embarked on a six-month backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. Louise also lived in the Philippines for work. After five years of demanding corporate jobs, burnout became our wake-up call. We decided it was time to rewrite our story and follow the call for adventure, choosing a life filled with exploration and purpose.

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

Before we set out, we didn’t have many specific overlanding skills, but we’ve learned a lot along the way. Fortunately, we already had first-aid training from scuba diving and completed a 4x4 circuit driving course before we left. Doeke brought basic mechanical knowledge from his hobbies and personal interest, which has been invaluable. Most importantly, our shared adaptability has been the real game-changer, helping us handle the unpredictable nature of life on the road.

Where have you explored so far?

In Europe, we’ve road-tripped through almost every country: Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Belgium.

In Asia, we’ve visited Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. We’ve also explored the USA, Egypt, and South Africa.

On our current trip, we’ve ventured extensively across South America. We started in Argentina, moved through Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Each country has become a home on wheels, offering new landscapes, cultures, and experiences that never cease to inspire.  

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

In February 2023 we shipped our Toyota Hilux with Nordstar cabin to Argentina and never looked back. Since then, our overlanding adventures have taken us from the rugged Andes to the dense Amazon jungle, and everything in between. While we loosely follow the Pan-American Highway, we often make month-long detours to explore remote areas and lesser-known countries, making sure to experience all that the continent has to offer. We love venturing into remote places where not many others go. However, we will not skip a country’s main highlights - even if they are touristy; it’s often for a reason. Every part of this journey is a discovery, and we’re savoring each moment.

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

We’re about to begin an exciting new chapter of our journey: exploring the whole of Central America up to Mexico. Our ultimate dream is to complete the Pan-American Highway all the way through the USA and Canada, finishing in Alaska.

While Doeke dreams of shipping our vehicle to Cape Town and driving through all of Africa back to the Netherlands, Louise imagines overlanding through Australia. Other dream destinations include Madagascar and New Zealand.

Where would you recommend others visit?

The Amazon rainforest. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s transformative. From its unparalleled biodiversity to the remote environments, it’s a place that forces you to slow down and appreciate life. We’ve spent 7 weeks there, immersed in the hum of nature, and it’s an experience that stays with you for a lifetime. The Amazon teaches you to appreciate nature, and its untamed beauty makes every challenge worth it. There’s no other place in the world quite like it—the dense jungle, the wild landscapes, and the incredible wildlife all come together in a way that’s impossible to match. Just be prepared for a few mosquito bites!

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

Our vehicle, named Hilla, is a 2019 Toyota Hilux with a Nordstar cabin. The Hilux came prepped for off-roading by the previous owner, featuring a winch, snorkel, metal bumpers, protective bottom shields, a long-range fuel tank and more.

The Nordstar camper was already equipped with two awnings, a central heating system, and bathroom with toilet and shower, but it wasn’t fully set up for off-grid living. We added solar panels, a DC charger to charge the batteries while driving, a 12-to-220V inverter, and a water filtration system.  

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

Recovery boards, toolbox and spare parts, camera gear and emergency peanut butter. 

What inspires you to explore more?

The stories are waiting to unfold. Each journey adds another chapter filled with awe, discovery, and unforgettable encounters. Exploration connects us to the world around us, from breathtaking landscapes and nature’s raw beauty to the thrill of witnessing wildlife and the bonds we form with strangers who become friends. 

We’re moved by moments that take our breath away and stay in our hearts forever. These cherished memories last a lifetime and fuel our dreams of what’s still to come.

Exploration truly makes us feel alive.

How do you engage with others?

We love interacting with local communities. Some of our most memorable moments include being welcomed into people's homes like family, or watching children’s eyes widen from wonder as they see our camper. It’s humbling to learn about their lives, cultures, and perspectives. The kindness we’ve received, even in places that have little, inspires us to pay it forward.

We also appreciate the overlanding community, an incredible network of people who have become our rock—ready to share advice, offer tips, or lend a helping hand. Both online as on the road, making friends who share our passions and visions adds so much depth to our journey.

Exploration is as much about people as it is about places.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

Embracing different cultures broadens your mind and heart. From seeing how people live with so little yet radiate joy to learning the importance of community in remote villages, it’s a reminder of how much we all share despite our differences. These connections enrich our lives and leave us with a deep sense of gratitude.

What are your goals when you explore?

To live intentionally, foster connections, and capture the essence of each place through stories, shared experiences and stories. We hope to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and see the world with fresh eyes.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

Overlanding comes with its fair share of challenges. There was the time we got stuck in a river in Peru, hours from civilisation and phone signal, with the water rising fast. After hours, some locals finally passed by, but none were willing to help us. We’ve also had our share of being robbed—sometimes sneakily, other times aggressively.

We’ve also dealt with an ant infestation in our water system—nothing like finding ants floating in your coffee! There have been more intense moments too, like being held at gunpoint by a heavily armed SWAT team in Brazil. Despite it all, these experiences have taught us resilience, adaptability, and reminded us of the importance of staying calm.

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

Living in the Amazon jungle. It was the hardest yet most rewarding experience, testing our adaptability. The raw beauty, the sounds of the rainforest, and the lessons in simplicity will stay with us forever.

How has exploration changed you?

It’s made us more adaptable, empathetic, and grateful. Seeing the world’s beauty—and its struggles—reminds us to value experiences over possessions. We’ve learned that the world is both bigger and smaller than we imagined.

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

Adaptability is key. No matter how much you plan, things will never go as planned. From unexpected detours to unforeseen challenges, the journey teaches us to embrace the unpredictable. It’s about learning to go with the flow and finding joy in the moments that weren’t planned. After all, it’s not just about the destination—it’s the journey that creates the memories and shapes the adventure.

Another big lesson is about simplicity. In a world full of distractions and material things, exploration has taught us that the richest experiences often come from the simplest moments—watching a sunset from a remote wildcamp, cooking dinner under the stars, or waking up to the sound of nature. It’s a reminder that we don’t need much to feel fulfilled—just the basics, good company, and an open heart.

How do you explore locally?

Home is where Hilla is, so exploration is always part of our routine! Whether hiking nearby trails, visiting small towns, or simply finding a quiet place to watch the stars, we keep our curiosity alive.

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

It’s about living with intention and curiosity, embracing new experiences, connecting with people, and constantly growing. To explore more is to live fully, to step out of your comfort zone, and to seek out the beauty in the world and in yourself. It’s about finding meaning in every moment and allowing each adventure to shape who you are.

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

Start small but dream big. Life-changing adventures don’t require grand plans: just the courage to take the first step. There will never be a perfect moment to go; there will always be something holding you back. If you wait for the ideal time, you might never go. So don’t wait, take action now, explore your dreams, and trust that the journey will unfold. Be open to challenges, as they often lead to the most rewarding experiences. And always pack a sense of humor—it’ll carry you through the toughest moments.