Where are you from?

We are both from The Netherlands.

When did you start your interest in exploration?

Our passion for exploration by car started in 2019 when we embarked on our first 4x4 adventure. We rented a 4x4 with a rooftop tent in Namibia and set off on a self-drive tour, discovering the country's breathtaking landscapes. Before that, we had traveled as backpackers through Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Guatemala, and Belize, but the freedom of having our own vehicle—without relying on public transport—really impressed us. 

On our next trip we rented a 4x4 in Iceland, where we had our first spark of inspiration to purchase an overland vehicle. At a campsite, we spotted a fully equipped overland rig and immediately looked at each other, thinking, "This is so cool." It also meant our dog, Lewie, could join us on our adventures, making it the perfect situation for us.

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

Our background story begins with Patrick, who runs his own physical therapy practice, and Orla, a digital strategist working at an agency. While we both enjoyed our careers, we found ourselves craving more adventure and a break from the daily routine. To satisfy this, we started taking as many short overland trips as possible.  

Along the way, we discovered a new passion—documenting and filming our journeys. With no prior experience in photography or filmmaking, we dove in headfirst, learning through trial and error. What started as a way to capture memories quickly became an exciting creative outlet that added a whole new dimension to our adventures.

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

We don’t have any formal training in mechanical work, navigation, or medical skills, but we rely on good common sense and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Every trip teaches us something new, and we’ve learned a lot simply by doing—whether it’s figuring out vehicle maintenance on the go, improving our navigation skills, or adapting to unexpected challenges. Our willingness to learn and adapt has been one of our greatest strengths in exploration.

Where have you explored so far?

Corsica, Ireland, Morocco, Alps, Pyrenees, Balkans, Tunisia, Greece, Turkiye, Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

So far, our adventures have taken us on multiple short overland trips, ranging from 1-2 weeks, to destinations like Corsica, Ireland, Morocco, the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Balkans, and Tunisia. 

Our biggest adventure to date was an epic overland expedition from the Netherlands all the way to the border of China, following the legendary Silk Route.

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

Right now, we’re on the legendary Paris-Dakar route, and we’re especially excited to explore the vast deserts of Mauritania, with its golden sands and remote landscapes, as well as the stunning national parks and beaches of Senegal.  

Another region high on our list is the Middle East. We’ve heard incredible stories and seen breathtaking images, and we’re eager to experience its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes firsthand.  

Our third dream destination is North America. Overlanding through Canada and the United States would be an adventure of a lifetime. We’ve been fascinated by this region since childhood, and after hearing so many great stories from other overlanders we can't wait to go there one day.

Where would you recommend others visit?

Without hesitation, we would recommend Mangystau in Kazakhstan. Before visiting, we had never even heard of it, but it quickly became one of our favorite places on earth. The landscapes are out of this world, offering endless opportunities for multi-day expeditions. The people are incredibly welcoming, and we’ve completely fallen in love with Kazakhstan—especially this breathtaking region. If you’re looking for a truly unique and remote adventure, Mangystau is a must-visit!

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

We started our overland adventures with a 2004 Land Rover Defender 90 equipped with a rooftop tent. However, we recently made the switch to a 2020 Toyota Hilux with a camper, which has completely transformed our travel experience.  

Our top three modifications are:  

1. The Camper – This has been the biggest game changer, giving us an indoor living space after years of using a rooftop tent.  
2. Upgraded Suspension – Essential for handling the added weight of the camper while maintaining off-road capability.  
3. Electronics Setup – Our entire power system is automated, meaning we no longer have to manually manage charging, making life on the road much easier.

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

Five pieces of equipment we always take with us:  

1. Camera Gear – Capturing our adventures has become a huge part of our travels.  
2. Board/Card Game – Perfect for winding down after a day of adventure.
3. Dutch Oven – A must-have for cooking delicious meals over the fire.  
4. Spray Water Bottle – Ideal for quick and refreshing showers on the go.  
5. Fairy Lights – They add a cozy atmosphere to our setup.  

What inspires you to explore more?

What inspires us to explore more is the incredible freedom our 4x4 Hilux and camper give us: we have the perfect setup to go anywhere we want. The world is literally at our feet!

How do you engage with others?

We never expected that our passion for overlanding would lead to so many incredible friendships, but it has been one of the most rewarding parts of our journey. On the road, we’ve met amazing people who have become close friends, and we stay in touch with them regularly.  

Sharing challenging and adventurous tracks with others, helping each other out when we get stuck, creates a strong bond in such a short time. These shared experiences make the overlanding community truly special, and we love connecting with like-minded explorers along the way.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

Embracing global cultures is important because it broadens our perspective, helps us appreciate different ways of life. Traveling has shown us that, despite cultural differences, kindness and hospitality exist everywhere. Through our journeys to places like Türkiye, the Balkans, Georgia, and Uzbekistan, we’ve had the privilege of experiencing incredible traditions and meeting welcoming locals. One thing that has stood out to us is how even Lewie has been welcomed everywhere we’ve gone. Whether in remote villages or bustling cities, people have shown him just as much kindness as they have to us.

What are your goals when you explore?

Our primary goal when we explore is simple: to keep having fun. Adventure can be challenging and tough at times, but no matter what, we want to end the day (by the campfire) looking back on an amazing experience.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

We’ve faced plenty of challenges on the road, from broken shock absorbers to getting stuck in the mud and even almost tipping over on an off-road route. We’ve also lost gear along the way, which can be frustrating at the moment. But looking back, these obstacles always turn out to be minor in the grand scheme of things. They become part of the adventure and the stories we tell. Each challenge has taught us to try to stay calm, problem-solve, and keep moving forward.

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

It’s hard to pick just one moment, but getting engaged in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco has definitely been one of the most meaningful experiences of our journey. Being surrounded by such breathtaking landscapes, in the middle of an adventure we love, made it an unforgettable and special moment that we’ll cherish forever.

How has exploration changed you?

Exploration has completely changed our perspective on the world and the small bubble we come from. It’s easy to get caught up in the monotony of daily life and forget that there’s so much more out there. Traveling has opened our eyes to different cultures, ways of life, and the endless possibilities beyond routine: it’s a constant reminder to live with curiosity and appreciation for the world around us.

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

The number one lesson we’ve learned through our explorations is that every problem has a solution. We’ve faced countless challenges, both big and small, but no matter how difficult they seemed in the moment, we always found a way through. Overlanding has taught us to adapt and trust that things will work out in the end.

How do you explore locally?

When we’re home, we love getting out into nature with our dog, Lewie. In the Netherlands, we wouldn’t necessarily call it "hiking", but we enjoy going on long walks, exploring forests, dunes, and other beautiful landscapes.

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

To us, the Explmore mantra is all about embracing adventure, pushing boundaries, and staying curious about the world. It’s also a reminder to enjoy the journey. It isn’t just about covering kilometers: it’s about the people we meet, the lessons we learn, and the memories we create along the way.

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

Our biggest advice is simple: just start. You don’t need the biggest or most expensive setup to begin your adventure. Start with what you have, get out there, and learn as you go. Over time, you’ll figure out what works for you and can adjust or upgrade along the way. The most important thing is to take that first step: because the real adventure begins when you do.