Where are you from?

We are from Germany, more precisely from the west of the country.

When did you start your interest in exploration?

In 2019, we made Nina's father's old motorcycle, a 1986 Honda VFR 750, which had been standing for 8 years, roadworthy again and prepared it for our first motorcycle trip. At that point Marco already had a touring motorcycle - that's how it all started and we tasted blood. We drove through the Alps and South Tirol for a week. It was a completely new experience for us, because in previous years we were both still in apprenticeship or studying and had no money for travel. 

In the following two years we also traveled by motorcycle. Traveling starts to become an obsession and you're always looking forward to setting off again.

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

10 years ago, in 2014, we met through our shared hobby, motorcycling, and got married in 2021. We used to ride our motorbikes a lot and explore the immediate vicinity of our home region.

Marco is a trained plumber and has been working in the profession for many years. Nina studied sports science and worked in a permanent position for a few years after graduating. We have already renovated and modernized two houses together, it never gets boring with us. We don't like standing still!

Due to some strokes of fate in Nina's family in recent years, we have repeatedly become aware of how quickly everything can be over. From one day to the next, your entire life can change and nothing is the same as it was. Then you ask yourself the question: Have I made the most of my life so far or do you think: If only I had... It made us rethink the entrenched structures. We want to break out of the supposedly "normal" life that is often dictated by society. It can't be the meaning of life to work a 9-to-5 job and have relatively little time left for your own interests, personal development and your own life and, conversely, to look forward to the 6 weeks of vacation a year.

In 2022, Olaf moved in with us. The energetic and funny Australian Shepherd always keeps us on our toes. Especially because he is in the middle of puberty during our current trip! A year later, Lilly, a young Chihuahua, stumbled into our lives. We took her in through an inheritance and since then she has become a true "adventure mouse"! We believe she is the only Chihuahua to discover the world in an off-road camper!

After our Balkan trip at the beginning of 2024, we decided to completely turn our lives upside down and travel for at least a year!

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

Marco is an excellent driver and learned to drive in the woods. His technical background means he is good at troubleshooting when something isn't working. His understanding and knowledge of electricity and vehicle mechanics regularly saves us a lot of money.

The general organization of everything is Nina's responsibility. She is our office and takes care of all the bureaucratic stuff in the background, route navigation and finding POIs. When we overcome difficult off-road passages, her voice is also on the other end of the radio. She also takes care of communicating with locals.

And when we do something for the first time, we teach ourselves and learn - that's how we always did it in the past.

Where have you explored so far?

In recent years we have mainly travelled in Europe: the classic Italian, French and Swiss Alps, followed by Corsica, Normandy, the Belgian Ardennes and, above all, our trips this year! We explored the Balkans (Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia and northern Greece. We are currently on a year-long trip through Europe and Africa. So far our route has taken us through northern Spain and Portugal. We are currently travelling to Morocco and are spending this year's winter there!

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

As mentioned before, we have traveled and explored many parts of Germany and especially the regions around our hometown by motorbike. Traveling by motorbike is something completely different than traveling by car. You are more free and experience much more of your surroundings, be it smells, sounds or even the weather. With a car you have many more options and advantages, such as refrigerating food and having sufficient water and electricity supplies.

We love both: exploring the area by motorbike and by car!

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

During our current trip we definitely want to go back to Greece, especially to the Peloponnese. We really liked the north and are excited about the diversity that this country has to offer.

Turkey and Georgia also appeal to us a lot. We have already heard and seen a lot about these countries, their cultures and landscapes from other travelers, which has made us very curious.

Basically, we want to see as much of the world as possible! Our bucket list of countries we still have to visit is quite long.

Where would you recommend others visit?

Definitely Montenegro! In our opinion, Montenegro has a lot to offer for the size of the country. From breathtaking landscapes to enviable cuisine to very warm and open-minded people.

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

We travel with "Shifty", a Jeep Wrangler JKU from 2017, which we bought in 2020 in a completely standard condition. At the time, we had no plans to convert it so extensively. We thought the Jeep Wrangler was just cool, especially because of the Willys Jeep - the Jeep Wrangler is based on the military vehicle of the time! With our dogs, longer trips by motorcycle are no longer an option, which is why we converted and modified the car step by step according to our ideas. The main focus was: fit two people and two dogs with everything they need in a Jeep Wrangler! We never thought about buying another vehicle.

Our three main modifications are:

- The interior conversion with the power, water and cooling system (100Ah battery with 130 Wp solar panel, 50L water tank and a side-extendable fridge) - this means we can be self-sufficient for several days, the dogs have a place to sleep and we can sleep in the car if necessary.

- The hard-shell roof tent and the 270 degree awning including LED lighting with side walls - the robustness and quick assembly were the criteria for us. We are also optimally protected from the weather, because our life only takes place outside!

- Everything needs a good base: Due to the permanently increased weight (the entire conversion plus heavy American steel), the 4-inch lift and larger tires were unavoidable. In addition, we never have to worry about whether we can drive an off-road track. The ground clearance and articulation of the car makes everything seem very simple and unproblematic. No matter whether deep mud, sand or gravel, we have never gotten stuck!

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

Our camera equipment is a must - Marco has really taken a liking to photography lately. No morning without coffee! We unpack our little espresso machine every morning. Our medipack is also important. Everyone should always have a basic set of medication and first aid supplies with them. A compressor is a must, especially when driving off-road on a regular basis! And we definitely always have a dog toy for our dogs.

What inspires you to explore more?

Before we die, we want to see as much of the world as possible. Our thirst for adventure drives us to discover foreign cultures, other people and fascinating landscapes.

How do you engage with others?

We are very active on social media during our travels. For the current trip, we have also started a blog on our website where family, friends and everyone else can find out about our trip.

When it comes to communicating on site, Nina speaks English or French with locals. Alternatively, there is a translation app for communicating with hands and feet. But basically: just approach others openly and ask!

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

We are one world and should live in peace with one another. In order to better understand other cultures and learn from each other, it is important to accept and respect each other's culture.

What are your goals when you explore?

See, experience and feel a lot of the country, the culture and the people. We are always looking for beautiful camping spots in nature. With an off-road vehicle you can of course get to even the most remote places.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

Basically, the biggest challenge was being able to do our current trip full-time. Everything had to be sorted out somehow, quitting jobs, renting out the apartment, storing our stuff  etc. But with a lot of calm, patience and structure, we managed to sort out everything we needed.

In terms of the vehicle, there has been one big challenge so far:

One week after we set off on our current tour, we had a problem with our Jeep. Since we couldn't get help in France, the car was brought home by the ADAC and we took the train from the South of France to Germany (with two dogs!). Ultimately, it was all down to a faulty sensor and the whole odyssey took us six weeks.

Everything happens for a reason - we've been going through life like this for many years. Even if it's sometimes difficult to understand, it's good for something. You grow with every challenge!

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

There are many beautiful moments that we have had so far. But the most meaningful one was not that long ago. In Morocco we were standing at a free spot for several days. One day a fisherman suddenly came up to us and invited us for tea and a meal. He didn't have much with him, two bags, a fishing rod and a parasol. He was so hospitable and so we spent the whole morning together, drinking tea, eating bread and olives and talking a lot.

It was a very nice experience and showed us once again: you don't need much to live and be happy. On our travels so far we have always met hospitable people and we always try to give something back.

How has exploration changed you?

Traveling has changed us in many ways and continues to do so. We have become much more relaxed in all aspects, which is good for us! Germans are also said to be very stressed and have to schedule everything. Yes, we know that, but we prefer the more chilled side of us! Our views on consumption have also changed. You don't need a lot to live - no closet full of clothes, no fully equipped kitchen and no huge apartment with all kinds of gadgets. And last but not least: getting upset about things just wastes time and puts you in a bad mood. It is better to either accept it or look for ways to change it.

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

Be open-minded, don't have any prejudices and don't stigmatize! You can only form an opinion when you have experienced it yourself or seen it with your own eyes. And: if you ever have a problem, there's always someone who will help you.

How do you explore locally?

We always go to new places with our dogs and explore the surroundings on foot. Otherwise, we love riding through the countryside on our motorbikes.

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

Do your best to see and experience as much of the world as possible.

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

Life is too short to wait for the perfect moment. You can discover the world even without a vehicle or with little money. You just have to want it!

If not now, then when?