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What is overlanding.

G-Wagens in Uganda

Overlanding  describes self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal. Typically, but not exclusively, accommodated by mechanized off-highway capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping; often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and often spanning international boundaries. While expedition is defined as a journey with a purpose, overlanding sees the journey as the purpose.

Overlanding is about exploration, rather than conquering obstacles. While the roads and trails we travel might be rough or technically challenging, they are the means to an end, not the goal itself. The goal is to see and learn about our world, whether on a weekend trip 100 miles from home or a 10,000-mile expedition across another continent. The vehicle and equipment can be simple or extravagant - they, too, are simply means to an end. History, wildlife, culture, scenery, self-sufficiency - these are the rewards of overlanding.

Terminology

Car camping.

Traveling in a vehicle to an established campground. If there is a picnic table there, it is probably car camping.

Back Country Adventure or 4x4 Touring

A one-day or multi-day off-highway trip on an adventure motorcycle or in a 4WD vehicle.

Overland(ing)

Vehicle-supported, self-reliant adventure travel, typically exploring remote locations and interacting with other cultures.

Vehicle-Dependent Expedition

An organized, vehicle-dependent journey with a defined purpose, often geographic or scientific in nature.

Expedition Vehicle

A 4WD vehicle or adventure motorcycle prepared for self-reliant travel over long distances, through unpredictable weather and over variable terrain.

Differences

Technical terrain can be encountered throughout the journey, and the travelers may even seek out the most challenging route to a destination as part of their experience, but overland travel is not the same as recreational "fourwheeling", where the primary objective is overcoming challenging obstacles. The critical point to the term overland travel is that the purpose is to include at least two or more of the following: 1. Remote locations, 2. Cultures other than your own, 3. Under-explored or under-documented regions, 4. Self-reliance in unfamiliar territories for multiple days, weeks or months. That is to say, an overnight trip to the local mountains on a well-documented route, staying in an established campground with full-hookups, is not an overland adventure, it is a backcountry trip or at the very least, car camping.

  • Primary purpose:  Exploration and adventure travel
  • Duration:  Typically a week to many years. Can be only a few days if the route is particularly remote, challenging, or infrequently traveled. 
  • Logistics:  Detailed planning is required for environmental, geographic, and geopolitical contingencies.
  • Route Finding:  Navigation is easy, typically on known routes that are well documented
  • Camping:  Remote or established campgrounds
  • International Borders:  Rarely includes crossing of international borders
  • Risk:  Low risk to personnel, moderate risk to equipment on more challenging tracks.
  • Terrain:  Backcountry travel often includes challenging trails as part of the adventure, with trails like the Dusy Ershim and longer routes in Moab, Utah being an example.

Note: Page updated 4/16/2020 to include the embeded podcast and add 4x4 Touring

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Home » Budget Travel » The ULTIMATE Guide to Overland Travel (2024)

The ULTIMATE Guide to Overland Travel (2024)

It is absolutely without question that my best travel journeys to date have been overland.

Some were on motorbike, others were by way of a cardboard sign on the side of the road, and I have visions of future journeys that involve a big old school bus traversing the lands between Europe and Asia.

Overland travel is inspiring, and it is undoubtedly the best way to hit the road, especially as a backpacker looking to save money and dig deep into countries and cultures. While social media may have you thinking that you need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a tricked out 4×4 to become an overlander, I’m here to completely dispel that myth.

Sure, van life and Land Rover Defenders are certainly a type of overlanding, but they’re not the end all be all.

Overland travel can be as simple as sticking out your thumb and hitchhiking, or using trains and shared taxis to get from one place to another. But regardless of the rig you choose, I guarantee you the experience of coasting along wide open plains at your own pace, sharing meals of yak yogurt with nomads, and getting to pitch your tent (or park your ride) just about anywhere will be absolutely worth it.

But still, I totally understand that it can all be intimidating. So let’s set the record straight with this ultimate guide to overland travel – where you’ll see that this is very much a “do as you like” adventure.

man with two backapacking backpacks getting ready to hitchhike in iran in winter while travelling overland

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What is Overland Travel?

While you most likely already know the literal definition – traveling by land AKA avoiding flights – there’s a lot more to overland travel than just what’s in the name.

Overland travel – whether it be by foot, by bicycle, by rail, by van or whatever method you choose – is an art in and of itself. Closely intertwined with my other favorite form of budget backpacking – slow travel – overlanding allows you to get to know the places you visit far more deeply than a bunch of flights ever could.

a girl hitchhiking in a blue pickup truck while overland traveling in the mountains of pakistan

Overlanding is TRULY where the journey matters even more than even the destinations themselves. It’s what gave me some of the best moments of my life, something I know virtually all of my favorite adventurers would agree on when reflecting upon their own journeys. 

And once you get started, I promise you you’ll only want to dig deeper and deeper into what it means to become an overlander…

Why YOU Should Overland

Before we REALLY get into this, I want to make something clear.

Overland travel doesn’t HAVE to be an odyssey. While it is for many travellers – like my journey from the UK to Papua New Guinea – you can travel overland without crossing a single international border.

The thing is, there are no rules to this type of travel. There’s no right or wrong way to become an overlander. You don’t need a tricked-out Land Rover Defender, you don’t need a van, you don’t need a bicycle. Hell, plenty of inspiring adventurers have embarked on incredible journeys with nothing but their backpack, a sign, and a stuck-up thumb.

So that, my friends, is one of the reasons WHY you should try overland travel: it’s truly for everyone and anyone.

man standing in front of a sunflower field next to a rainbow psychedelic colored rickshaw

But beyond that, in all my years on the road, it’s this type of travel that’s kept me addicted to life on the road. It’s absolutely not the most comfortable, but it will teach you the most about the world, and about yourself too. 

Overland travel will push you to your limits, and really make you work for each and every view and experience you attain.

For some – like cyclists – that work may be physical. For others, it may be mental: such as moving past introverted tendencies to get around by hitchhiking or dealing with driving in brand-new countries with insane motorists.

It allows you to experience life on the ground to the fullest: minute by minute, mile by mile.

Ways to Travel Overland

This is no one-size-fits-all all method of travel, as there are so many ways to overland. I’ve even seen people do it completely by foot or on something as crazy as a unicycle.

But the following are the most common, and popular, ways to get around on the ground: 

While I am not a cycling fan myself, those who have done it have nothing but incredible things to say about bikepacking – which is essentially overlanding with a bicycle strapped with a whole lot of stuff. Travelling by bicycle gives you the chance to slow down and see more than virtually any other way of overlanding.

couple cycling overland on a dirt road in tajikistan with fully loaded bikes

For one your speed (most cyclists don’t do more than 70km per day, depending on the terrain) will allow you to take in just about every village and turn – you’ll get to camp in places far off the tourist trail and meet an incredible lot of locals.

But moreover, cycling is as simple as it is cheap: you don’t need to worry about fuel or engine oil, it’s significantly easier to repair issues, and spare parts don’t tend to weigh that much. It’s also a hell of an accomplishment: unlike all the other forms of overland travel aside from walking, you’ll be physically putting in work every single day.

By Motorbike

As much as I love hitchhiking, traveling by motorbike truly ignites a passion that I have rarely found in other methods of exploring. The feeling of crisp mountain wind on my face as I coast through surreal scenery is one that just doesn’t get old, and it’s certainly something I’d like to try out for longer periods.

man sitting on a motorbike with a mountain behind him and a fully loaded backpack while traveling overland in pakistan

The one thing to keep in mind though is that start-up costs will not be cheap. Good bikes that can actually make it across continents are not cheap, and you’ll also need to buy extra tires, tons of fluids, and other parts that likely will not be available in the places you intend to ride.

But still: it’s worth it. You get the benefits of cycling without the intense struggle, and you’ll be able to maneuver in places where cars cannot. You’ll be able to carry a lot more than a bicycle could, and it will still be cheaper than any van or 4×4.

By Van/Your Own Vehicle

Perhaps the most OG form of overland travel is with your own car: whether it be a van, a 4×4 or an old ambulance, I’ve seen adventurous souls carving their own paths in virtually every type of rig you could imagine.

man sitting in an old white converted campervan while travelling overland

With the popularity of vanlife these days, I’m sure you’ve thought about or at least heard about this craze. I mean, the upsides are many. Your home is with you at all times, you can carry so much more stuff, and you can design your ride exactly as you like. For many, the process of building their house on wheels is just as special as the trip itself.

But there are negatives too: many countries require a carnet de passage that often requires a hefty deposit, repairs can be super expensive, and it’s a whole lot of responsibility. But if you’re determined to make it happen, this is undoubtedly the most comfortable and adventurous way to travel overland, as you can go just about anywhere and won’t be as limited by weather.

By Hitchhiking

My overland hitching journey from UK to Papua New Guinea may not have been completed, but it certainly brought me some incredible (and life-changing) travel memories that I’ll hold on to forever.

man making a cardboard sign to overland travel by hitchhiking

Exploring overland by way of the thumb is not for the faint of heart, or for those lacking patience. But it will bring you closer to strangers and teach you more about the world than any other type of travel. When you’re in a vehicle of any kind (even a bicycle) it somewhat separates you from locals: you’re self-sufficient, right?

But when you’re relying on the kindness of random folks to help you see the world, it opens up doors you didn’t even know were in sight. It leads to unexpected family dinners in local homes, to long chats alongside crackling fires, and to hours spent in random places you would have never visited otherwise. Hitchhiking will change you for the better if you let it, and all you need to get started is a smile, a sign and a stuck-up thumb.

Overland Travel Tips

My top travel tips for making your adventure as smooth as it can be…

1. Do your visa research 

While most Westerners are privileged to be able to enter many countries without a visa, you can’t just roll up everywhere. Places like Pakistan, Vietnam, India, and Azerbaijan still require e-visas in advance, and China (often a pain for a lot of overlanders) has a set of very specific rules that usually requires applying for a sticker visa from your home country.

will riding a motorbike in pakistan

Make sure you read up on every destination you plan to overland through to ensure you don’t find yourself caught out in no man’s land. Sometimes visa rules can change abruptly too, so it’s key to stay on top of them.

2. Bring a LOT of Spare Parts 

I cannot stress this enough: if you’re travelling by way of ANY vehicle, it is absolutely essential that you have a good amount of spare parts in tow. Many of the best places to overland are NOT known for their equipment, which means you could potentially be caught out far, far away from civilization.

Spruce up your rig before heading out into super remote areas, and prepare for the unplanned. It’s far better to be a bit overloaded but have everything you need for a mishap than to travel light and become stranded.

3. Don’t forget the little things

You won’t realize how much you need a laundry bag, an eye mask or a good headlamp until you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with none of the above to be found.

man starting a fire with sticks while overlanding

For little things like these, it’s definitely worth it to double up on your supply. You never know when something can get lost or break on the road. 

4. Bring a first aid kit 

Whether you’re walking, cycling, or traveling in a jacked-out 4×4, the need for a first aid kit remains. You never know when you might need it, but when that time comes, you’ll be incredibly happy you added it to your packing list.

While these honestly aren’t that cheap these days, it’s worth it to splurge on a large, well-stocked one that will actually last you a decent amount of time. If you have any favorite OTC medicines, I highly recommend hoarding them before you head out: pharmacies out in the wild leave much to be desired. 

5. Go slow 

The art of slow travel goes hand in hand with overlanding, but sometimes it can be easy to fixate on the destination rather than the journey.

girl in blue traditional dress sitting with two older women in a traditional house in southern pakistan

But unless you have a hard deadline to meet, take it easy out there. The whole point of overlanding is to experience the route, not just each individual destination.

Take some rest days where you do nothing but take it all in. Perhaps dive into some journaling, or park yourself at a nice lake or even a beach. The road has infinite pleasures to indulge in. 

6. Download Maps in Advance

Even if you’re well prepared with a local SIM card, there will undoubtedly be places without service somewhere along your journey.

Unless you have a paper map like the kind I used to travel with back in the day, get all your necessary navigation downloaded and ready for use when you find yourself with a solid data or Wi-Fi connection.

7. Use Google Translate or Dictionaries 

While English speakers are pretty privileged in that we can get by in most of the world, most does not mean everywhere. Take Central Asia for example where Russian rules – you’re going to need some assistance.

While learning a bit of the language in advance is certainly helpful, Google Translate’s offline abilities have truly saved me many times, and it’s a free app you should definitely download. The old-school dictionary method is useful too, especially if you plan to spend time in one place or region for a while. 

Overland Travel Packing List

While your specific adventure packing list may look different depending on your method of overlanding, these are a few universal expedition items that anyone will need on the road.

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Osprey Aether 70

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what does overland travel mean

ORIA Combination Lock

  • Features: 2 pack : set includes 2 zinc alloy 4-digit re-settable combination travel locks >
  • > Offers 10,000 combinations
  • > Small volume, light weight, fit through the holes of a lot of suitcases

Power Adapter

World Travel Adapter

  • Features: Input socket: Euro, USA / Japan, Australia / China, United Kingdom (UK version not in Switzerland) >
  • > Retractable plugs: Euro, UK, USA / Japan, Australia / China
  • > Charge a laptop and two usb devices at once

kindle amazing gift idea for Hikers and Adventurers

  • Features: Higher resolution display (300 ppi) – with twice as many pixels >
  • > Built-in adjustable light – read day and night
  • > A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours

Macbook Pro

MacBook Pro

  • Features: 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz >
  • > 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory
  • > 128GB SSD storage

Where to Start Overland Travel

You can certainly overland anywhere: from somewhere as simple your home state/province to any country that calls to you, but overall I’d say these are the best places for a truly epic overland travel journey.

Central Asia

The 5 Stans are some of the most adventurous places left on this planet, and they’re home to some of the most mesmerizing roads at that. As of 2023, it’s easy for Western passport holders to travel through all of them (save Turkmenistan), and each one (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan) has something incredible to offer.

hiker standing on top of a hill with a huge white mountain in the background

Public transport is also expensive and lacking in most of these locales, which makes overlanding that much more valuable.

All four Stans are all interconnected, safe, and essentially a big old playground for overlanders. Do not underestimate the size of this region though: I’d recommend blocking out at least 3 months to get a real feel for what it has to offer.

South/Southeast Asia

man hitchhiking on top of a van in nepal

Ah, South and Southeast Asia . Home to some of my favourite countries in the world that have made the most indelible marks on my travels and my life.

India, Pakistan, Nepal and the infamous Banana Pancake trail (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) are perfect places to give overland exploring a try.

Public transport is widespread, and you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to cross borders. But of course, having your own vehicle will make things even more accessible and give you access to rural areas most do not get to see.

When I rode a rickshaw around India , I found myself incredibly off trail in places that had never even seen foreigners before.

Every year, thousands of Europeans head East to Asia in their own cycles, 4x4s or by way of hitchhiking. And while the journey from Europe to Asia is absolutely epic, you can also opt to travel within the continent too.

With so many countries to check out, it may be the easiest (though certainly not the cheapest) place in the world to overland. Border crossings are simple, and so many countries are interconnected, that it’s a breeze to spend months moving about.

For Brits, Americans and other non-EU nationals, it’s key to be aware of the 90-day visa rule within the European Union. Luckily, there are some fantastic countries out East that you can visit once your time is up.

Many van lifers take to the wide open roads of the United States , with 49 to choose from (discounting Hawaii) and the ability to head north into Canada, I can see why this massive country has become so popular in the world of overland adventuring.

The Perfect RV for a California Road Trip

Personally, the USA is not at the top of my bucket list for many reasons, but if you’re already living there and want to get a feel for overland travel, incredible landscapes and opportunities await. Just note that public transportation and hitchhiking are definitely not recommended, as the former barely exists and the latter is not safe .

So van lifers, this is your time to shine. I know many folks who have fixed up relatively cheap vans and set out to see virtually all the states in the Union. If you have limited time or money, definitely focus your energy on the West Coast . That’s where you’ll find all the national parks and the scenery that makes the country worth exploring.

Getting Insured BEFORE Hitting the Road

Regardless of where or how you plan to overland, you should definitely sort some solid travel insurance before leaving home.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

what does overland travel mean

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on Overland Travel

I hope I’ve now convinced you that your next trip should be an overland one. Ditching flights and committing to crossing borders and provinces on your own wheels (or by way of hitchhiking) will take your travels to entirely new heights.

You’ll have experiences that aren’t possible if you’re jetting about between places, and you’ll get to know each country and region like never before.

With so many ways to make it happen, from cycling to van life to even public buses, overland travel is something that is truly for everyone and anyone.

So what are you waiting for – get to planning and get the hell out there.

Will Hatton enjoys an epic view in Pakistan from his motorbike

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Will Hatton

Will Hatton

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Will is a freaking trooper!!! I retained great advises from this articles like: Little things we dont think about, hoard your otc in advances, travel by train, buses, mini vans, bike, download your map is a great one when you out of wifi!! Visas if we go to china or india, google translate a must have and to talk t locals and meet people on the journey, enjoy the journey more than the destination, and to buy a kindle to read if no internet, i myself always have been wanted to explore asia and reading this give me ideas on how to get there cheaper and to see the best of all places.

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What Is Overlanding?

  • March 2, 2022

Depending on who’s slinging the term, “overlanding” has taken on a variety of different meanings in recent years. Not to be confused with car camping, four-wheeling, or #vanlife, overlanding is self-sufficient vehicle travel where the journey itself is the goal.

At its simplest, overlanding is about exploration. Whether traveling by truck or motorcycle, it is about riding the road less traveled and immersing yourself in the environment and culture. Of course, like the aforementioned car camping, there will be plenty of campsites. There will sometimes be off-road obstacles to navigate, “wheeling.” And, like van life, you will most likely go through some sort of process of reassessing life’s priorities (and perhaps beef up your Instagram feed in the meantime) while overlanding.

what does overland travel mean

That said, overlanding is steeped in history and is far more than just the buzzword it has become. A few key things separate overland travel from other vehicle-centric recreation.

The vehicle is the vessel for the adventure: Your overland vehicle doesn’t have to be fancy, but a capable vehicle that can withstand the rigors of extended exploration is a prerequisite.

Self-reliance is essential: Overlanders are self-propelled and self-sufficient; pitching your own tent and patching your own tires are part of the process.

Exploration is key: In overlanding, the journey is the goal; the detours and deviations will be your waypoints, rather than making a beeline for a particular destination.

Aim for uncharted territory and extended travel time: Set your sights on remote or unique regions where the environment or culture is unfamiliar; shoot to be out long enough to ease into the rhythm of the road. 

READ MORE: How to Find Overland Trails

The truth of the matter is that you don’t need to be the Van Buren sisters and ride across an unknown continent to be an overlander. You don’t have to quit your job and pack your worldly possessions into a Land Cruiser for a decade either. But to be sure that you’re overlanding, set your sights on the road less traveled, fill your toolkit with the skills to get you through the tough stuff, and push the limits of distance to the point that you’re truly exploring terra incognita. 

Overlanding History

The term “overlanding” was originally coined in Australia with reference to moving livestock over long distances. Generally equated with Alfred Canning’s “Canning Stock Route” and Len Beadell’s Australian road construction in the mid-1900s, the early concept of overlanding was primarily utilitarian. Whether for moving cattle to market or traversing remote stretches of the Outback, the legacy of these routes laid proper tracks for modern overland travel.

what does overland travel mean

In its current form, overlanding casts off the utilitarian nature of the early surveyors and doubles down on exploration and recreation. In the early 1900s, with the proliferation of motorized travel, the earliest overlanders set out on far-flung journeys in some seriously rudimentary vehicles and motorcycles. In the 1930s, Max Reisch rode from Vienna to Mumbai on a 250cc Puch across largely unmapped swaths of Asia. Ralph Alger Bagnold crossed the Libyan Desert in a Model A and pioneered the earliest sand driving techniques, including airing down his tires and launching his Ford across the dunes at speed. 

what does overland travel mean

Overlanding, as we know it today, truly took hold in the mid-1900s with the proliferation of commercial tours and equipment. Motorized African safaris, the introduction of the Toyota Land Cruiser, slide-in truck campers made their debut, and, with newfound interest in outdoor recreation in 1950s and 1960s, overlanding history was ushered into the present day.

The Overlanding Vehicle

Whether you live and breathe Land Rover or spend your days farkeling out your KLR650, overlanding is inseparable from the vehicles that make it possible. From the Defenders to the FJs to the Transalps, overland vehicles are a diverse lot, but the common thread between them is steadfast durability.

what does overland travel mean

The classic overland rigs, such as the Willys Jeep (the first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive vehicle) and the BMW R 80 G/S (the motorcycle that marked the start of modern adventure riding), laid the foundation for the Wranglers and GSs of today. Overland vehicles are marked by their ability to withstand the rigors of the road with capabilities that stand the test of time. 

what does overland travel mean

I’m of the mindset that the best overland vehicle is the one parked in your driveway right now. That is, you don’t need some fancy rig to head out on an adventure. Though I hate to dissuade your dreams of traveling the world in a Yugo, there are better choices out there because the key feature of a good overland vehicle is durability. Starting with a reliable foundation is one of the keys to successful adventuring.

READ MORE: Editors’ Choice: Best Overlanding Tents

Whether you’re putting a rooftop tent (RTT) on your hot-off-the-lot Land Cruiser or adding armor to your 1999 Vitara (has anyone ever?), having a vehicle that will go the distance and not leave you stranded is far more important than the accessories you add to it. That said, there are a few key additions to consider when outfitting for a proper overland trip.

what does overland travel mean

Outfitting for Overlanding

There are a handful of components that you’ll want to consider customizing or upgrading based on the intended use of your vehicle. Remember, the goal here is to build a rig that works for your individual needs, and not every modification, addition, or conversion is essential for everyone. Here are a few aspects of your vehicle that are worth putting an eye on and, perhaps, a few dollars into.

what does overland travel mean

Tires, Wheels, and Suspension : The connection between your vehicle and the ground beneath you will make or break your overland journey. Investing in quality tires is one of the best and most basic things you can do to any vehicle to prepare for overlanding. For more serious off-road ventures or carrying capacity, you may consider upgrading your suspension and wheels if heading deep into the hinterland happens on a regular basis.  

Bumpers, Armor, and Recovery Gear : Your choice of vehicle protection should be determined by the level of challenge you choose to tackle. Or, perhaps conversely, the level of challenge should be determined by the armor on your rig. Additionally, having a basic recovery kit for getting yourself out of sticky situations is important, but arming yourself with the knowledge to use it is absolutely essential.

Navigation and Communications : Figuring out where to go is one of the best parts of overlanding and being in touch when you need it most is crucial for safety. We’re going off the beaten path here, so having navigation and communication systems for finding your way in uncharted terrain is very useful, even if it’s as simple as an updated atlas and a knowledge of cell coverage where you’re traveling. 

READ MORE: What Is an Overlanding Vehicle?

Lighting and Power : Illuminating your journey and generating your own power give you the ability to travel further afield and for longer periods of time. At the very least, keep a headlamp for your evening camp chores or a trip to the privy. You may also consider adding auxiliary lights, solar, or a generator for longer-term traveling.

Racks, Storage, and Trailers : Remember that overlanding is not car camping, and the goal here is extended travel. That means you’ll need to store and transport your gear for the long haul. Whether you invest in some upgraded milk crates, add a bed storage system to your truck, or go all in pulling a capable trailer, having a system to safely travel with cargo is key.

Tents and Awnings : Being out on the range truly starts to feel like home when you get a good night’s sleep and have shelter from the storm. Whether you’re tenting on the ground and stretching out a shade tarp or going full tilt with a rooftop tent and 180-degree awning, being well-rested and protected from the elements keeps you fueled for the journey ahead.

Kitchen Gear : Speaking of keeping fueled, who doesn’t love cooking and eating outdoors? Whether your camp kitchen is a Coleman stove on the tailgate or a fully-equipped slide-out system, food always tastes better when you’re dining under the stars. Also, don’t forget to factor in your water storage, as staying hydrated while overlanding requires more water than you might realize.

what does overland travel mean

We all develop a special bond with our vehicles. You come to know your rig inside and out, be it through the trials and tribulations of travel, the flat tires and roadside repairs, or the glory moments of adventuring. Over time, as you get your system dialed to perfection, you’ll find yourself wanting to travel more and exploring further afield. 

Out of all the accessories, the most important one is often the most overlooked. Having the skills and self-confidence to get out there comes from training and experience. I can’t stress enough the combination of learning from the pros and honing your skills before getting in over your head. Whether you head to an Overland Expo event or seek training from a professional outfit, it’s always a good idea to test out your skills and systems on One-Tank Adventures before overlanding into the deep backcountry.

what does overland travel mean

At the end of the day, overlanding is about the experience and the environment around you. Please don’t let a lack of fancy gear or accouterments  keep you shackled to the driveway. Perhaps you don’t have the skills to take on the Camel Trophy (yet), but you can certainly set your sights on that forest road you haven’t driven before. It might not be possible to head out on a round the world (RTW) tour for a year, but you can definitely eke out a long weekend here and there.

Overlanding is about the journey, and as the old adage goes, the journey begins with a single step.

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What is overlanding and how does it work?

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Overlanding is a type of tourism that has grown in popularity in recent years. Perfect for the adventurous tourist seeking an experiential travel experience who wants to embrace slow tourism , overlanding is a more ethical form of travel than many other tourism types. But what is overlanding and how does it work? Read on to find out….

What is overlanding?

Overlanding definition, who can go overlanding, how much does overlanding cost, what gear do you need to travel overland, why choose overlanding, the advantages of overlanding, the disadvantages of overlanding, overlanding in the pyrenees, overlanding in africa, overlanding in cape town to victoria falls, overlanding in india, overlanding in jordan, further reading.

What is overlanding?

There are so many different types of travel and tourism – so many different ways to experience new places and new cultures. Overlanding is simply another type of travel. It is one where the journey is the most important part of it all, rather than the destination. Overlanding involves travelling over/on land, and being self-reliant while doing so.

Overlanding often involves the use of large group trucks (for group tours) or recreational vehicles, such as campervans. Overlanding is typically a form of slow tourism , meaning that you travel slowly, taking in everything that the destination has to offer. This often has less negative environmental, economic and social impacts and is more responsible than other forms of tourism, which is great!

Firstly, the Cambridge dictionary defines ‘overland’ as any form of travel or transportation that occurs on land rather than via air or sea. So ‘overlanding’ as a verb is literal movement across land, generally in a vehicle.

Outside Online have “ defined it as “ backpacking out of a vehicle .” That is to say: you’ll be going on an adventure through remote places and relying on the gear you carry with you. Only, with a truck, motorcycle, or car, you’ll be able to travel much farther, and it’ll be a lot easier to bring items like good food, quality booze, and a comfortable sleep system and shelter along.

What makes overlanding different from simply going off-road, or taking a car-camping trip, is the emphasis on travel over exploring the technical limits of your vehicle. An ideal overlanding trip should involve exploring new places.

Does the definition of overlanding seem a little vague and open-ended? That’s on purpose. What’s new and exciting for you will be different from what’s new and exciting, or even possible, for others. The key here is to get out of your comfort zone and test yourself within the realm of your other interests, your tolerance for risk or discomfort, your level of experience, and the capabilities of your vehicle and other gear. ”

Anyone can go overlanding!

Obviously someone in your travel party needs to have a license for the vehicle you choose to use, but it is an accessible and often quite affordable way to travel, and if you don’t want to do the driving yourself, you can always hire a driver or join a group tour with a driver included.

What is overlanding?

If you travel by car, for example, and keep a tent in your roof box, you can often find somewhere to camp for free meaning this is a real budget way of exploring somewhere new. You eliminate the cost of hotels or apartments, which can often add up especially if you are wanting to see a large area during your trip.

When it comes to the costs of overlanding, these can be quite minimal, but they can also be quite expensive!

If you already own a campervan, for example, you can do this kind of trip for fairly cheap – especially in your own country. You could get the ferry to a nearby country also, something that can be quite affordable, and start your overlanding holiday there. For someone based in the UK doing an overlanding holiday in Spain, for example, the costs (or things you need to pay for) would be as follows… This is based on someone who owns and is travelling in a campervan or caravan that they will be sleeping in.

  • Ferry crossing
  • Site fees if you are using an official campsite
  • Spending money

As you can see, there are not too many costs involved in this trip. You may be adding in entrance fees to certain tourist attractions, and you may well choose to spend one night in a hotel as a treat – but generally, it can be affordable. Added costs can come with having to hire a campervan or car, of course. Or you might choose to travel by motorcycle, in which case you are likely to need accommodation.

What is overlanding?

On the other hand, if you choose to join a group tour, then the costs can add up quickly. There are many overlanding tours available, many of which are offered by mainstream tour operators as well as niche tourism operators. These organisations are usually for-profit businesses and their profit margins are pretty healthy! This means that whilst you do get the benefit of a pre-planned itinerary and a group of like-minded people to travel with, you will often pay a premium for the privilege. This is particularly common with long overlanding tours, such as trips across Africa or Asia.

In terms of what you need to go overlanding, it isn’t actually a lot. Obviously you need a vehicle – and really, this is the only thing you *need* for overlanding. It would definitely be more expensive, but you could simply drive cross-country and stay in hotels along the way! Below you’ll find a list of other things that can prove useful for a typical overlanding holiday…

  • Car/campervan/caravan/motorcycle
  • Sleeping bag
  • Portable cooker/BBQ
  • First aid kit
  • Breakdown contingency bag
  • Warm clothes
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hiking equipment
  • Map/offline GPS system
  • Fold-away table and chairs
  • Long-lasting food items and spare fuel if you are planning to be in a more remote area such as the desert for an extended period of time

There are so many reasons as to why you might choose overlanding for your next holiday. One is that, as mentioned, it can be done on a budget especially if you can use a vehicle you already own. If you are able to spend a long period of time travelling, this is definitely a more affordable option than booking into various hotels and apartments throughout your chosen country! This means you can make the most of any travel time you have available.

what does overland travel mean

Another reason is that overlanding allows you to see so much of a place. If you are on a typical holiday, you can be limited to your immediate location. For example if you have flown to the Costa Brava in Spain and want to visit Barcelona, you are limited to getting the train one morning and returning that evening to your accommodation. Whereas with an overland trip, you can spend a few nights camping in the Costa Brava area then drive to the outskirts of the city, ready to explore before heading back to your vehicle to sleep. Not seen enough of the capital? Simply stay another day!

You also get to head off the beaten track when you are overlanding. Having your own mode of transport means you are not constrained by local public transport options. This means freedom! You can choose exactly where you want to go and when, meaning it’s a much more flexible travel option.

As I mentioned previously, overlanding is often viewed as a more sustainable form of tourism than other tourism types. This is because it doesn’t usually include flying (although there may be a flight to/from the destination), so it causes less CO2 emissions than many other holidays. Because it is a form of slow travel, it encourages people to spend more time in smaller, local communities- this limits economic leakage and promotes cultural tourism .

Overlanding also allows tourists to travel off-the-beaten path and exploring further and deeper. Tourists can have unique experiences away from the mass tourism crowds and local communities can reap the rewards economically and socially. Tourists can save money too, especially of they have their own capervan or recreational vehicle that they can sleep in.

Whilst this type of niche tourism is generally viewed as more positive than many tourism types, there are still some disadvantages that are worth noting. To begin, whichever vehicle is used with omit some emissions, even electric vehicles need to be powered and this power all too often comes from coal. Furthermore, if responsible tourism is not undertaken, there may be unsustainable tourism development that occurs and unethical tourism behaviour, which is never a good thing.

Overlanding destinations

So, where can you go overlanding? The answer is pretty much anywhere there’s land! Obviously there are personal limitations – like if you’re based in the UK and want to use your own vehicle, you won’t be able to overland travel in America or China (like I did when I travelled along the Silk Road )… there would be nothing stopping you flying over there, however, and renting a vehicle. This comes highly recommended by so many people.

Finding the perfect overlanding destination for you is all a matter of preference. Do you want somewhere in Europe or somewhere in South America , for example – do you want hot, cold or something in between? How rural and remote do you want to go? Below you’ll find some great overlanding destinations to get you thinking…

what does overland travel mean

Taking you from France through to Spain, you can do a 3-4 day route through the Pyrenees. This stunning mountain range will provide breathtaking scenery, and there are plenty of hiking trails along this route. Park up, go for a hike, then come back and star-gaze from the comfort of your campervan or tent. Don’t forget the blankets, though, because it gets cold at night!

There are some awesome overlanding trips through Africa. Whilst most people tend to book onto an organised trip when overlanding in Africa due to safety concerns, it is also possible to it yourself- you can see a great example of that here .

Overlanding in Africa often involves travelling through multiple countries, which is really exciting! However, it can be a little more complicated when you need to arrange multiple visas etc. Tanzania is a destination that is included on most Africa overlanding itineraries and fortunately you can get an eVisa Tanzania by visiting   https://tanzanianvisa.com , which certainly makes life a bit easier!

This is a much longer route. Covering around 5000km, this overlanding trip will last you three-four weeks: definitely one to do if you’ve got plenty of time on your hands. You’ll drive through four countries (South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana) and see so much beautiful wildlife along the way! This is definitely a caravan or campervan trip, I’d say, rather than one to do in a car or on a motorbike. But that’s not to say it can’t be done!

This might seem vague, but India as a whole is just a gorgeous country to overland through. Jump in your van and get driving! With so much diversity, nature, culture , colour, food and more, you won’t regret it. Whether you spend a week or a year overlanding through India, there is so much to see and so many places to visit.

Jordan is a breathtaking location – and one where overlanding is highly recommended. A road trip from Amman to the Dead Sea , passing through Wadi Rum and Petra, will give you a lifetime of memories. There are so many beautiful nature zones, alongside archaeological sites and historic monuments, clear open skies for watching the stars and so much more! You can do this in around 7-10 days but if you fall in love with a particular area, there’s nothing stopping you staying put for a little longer. You can also take detours – all part of the beauty of overlanding!

I have done plenty of overlanding trips in my time, you can read about some of them here!

  • Overlanding in Jordan- 7-day Jordan itinerary
  • Overlanding in Mexico- 2-week Mexico road trip 
  • Overlanding in China- Silk Road tour
  • Overlanding in Inner Mongolia- Inner Mongolia itinerary
  • Overlanding in Egypt- the perfect Egypt itinerary

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Overlandsite

What is Overlanding?

Overlanding is booming in popularity, largely because people yearn for knowledge and adventure. Perhaps more folks are wanting to get away from the city madness!

Whatever the reason, overlanding gives you an opportunity to explore the world and learn from it. But what is overlanding?

We are enthusiasts of overlanding, and we want to share the humble knowledge we have gained on this subject.

It is our hope by so doing we can help you explore the world and learn from it. What is overlanding and where is it coming from?

What is Overlanding? – The Definition

Overlanding is vehicle-dependent travel, where the main goal is the journey itself, not the destination.

It often involves off-road capable vehicles where travelers can discover remote trails and areas that are less frequently visited.

Overlanders usually enjoy off-grid camping and try to be self-sustained for an extended period of time.

Do you agree with this definition of what overlanding is? Comment below!

In this article series , we highlight the origins and history of overlanding, bucket list-worthy routes, basic gear, and skill requirements.

We hope, over time, to accumulate and share knowledge on every aspect of this awesome way of travel and adventure.

What Is Overlanding And Where Did It Originate

If we would like to define Overlanding, we need to look at the different types of vehicle-assisted travel.

overlanding vs offroading

Off-roading vs. Overlanding

Overlanding vs Off-Roading

Overlanding is often confused with off-roading. Off-roading is a type of adventure that takes place on un-surfaced roads or no roads at all. It is different from overlanding where the type of road is not an issue.

Overlanding often takes you through rough terrains and off-road trails, but tackling a steep hill that resembles a wall is not a primary objective when overlanding. Overlanding can go straight through cities as well.

Overlanding vs Road-Tripping

You might say then, that overland travel is just another word for a road trip. Well, the main difference is that a road trip has a destination, whereas overlanding is about the journey itself. Besides that, the primary mode of accommodation for overlanders is camping with all of its fun and challenge.

As we’ve mentioned, Overlanding is definitely a growing trend. This style of self-reliant travel entails using usually an off-road vehicle or a van to cover a long distance, typically in a remote area.

Click here for the German version of this article (Deutsche fassung: Was ist Overlanding?)

More emphasis is placed on the journey and taking in the landscape rather than any destination. It opens up a world of opportunities for those who love to discover the planet on their terms and at their own pace.

Overlanding may not be for everyone, however, the opportunity to make unforgettable memories are unrivaled.

overlanding vs camping

Overlanding vs Camping

Overlanding and camping are often used interchangeably with one another, and while there are many similarities between the two, the main difference is that camping focuses on the destination whereas overlanding is about the journey itself.

Further differences are the level of planning and the gear that one needs to take on the trip. Overlanding often involves crossing state or international borders, therefore usually a lot more preparation is needed.

Overlanders, in addition to their camping gear, need to prepare their vehicles for tougher use, perhaps in remote areas. Recovery and repair gear is essential for an overland lifestyle. This is where overlanding differs the most from a camping trip. Overlanders often choose rooftop tents , as they might find themselves camping in rugged areas where using a ground tent would prove to be difficult.

Car camping and overlanding are both amazing ways to discover the great outdoors and to spend quality time with friends and family. A line doesn’t need to be drawn in between the two to create exact definitions. They definitely have overlapping attributes.

reasons why mongolia is perfect for overlanding

Who is Overlanding For?

The term Overlanding seems to have originated in Australia and referred to driving cattle long distances across the Outback. Later, road construction crews used it as they opened up the vast landscapes that characterize the Australian wilderness. More on this later…

define road trip

Today, serious overlanders, armed with some serious gear have taken this concept to an entirely new level. It is quite common to have people overlanding for weeks, months or even years in some remote regions of the world.

One of the most common misconceptions about overlanding is that you have to be young, child-free, and in the sort of peak physical shape of a mountain climber.

Best Books On Overlanding

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This is, in fact, not true; overlanding can be a family adventure for people of any age or almost any fitness level .

Provided you are willing to occasionally dig your vehicle out of a hole, and you of course probably need to have at least a mild attraction to the great outdoors. There are quite a few things to learn if you want to start overlanding , but you can do it gradually by gaining experience on every trip.

overland lifestyle

Additionally, some people may think that overlanding means they will have to disconnect from their electronic devices and be forced to live like a nomad for weeks.

If you genuinely require your tools for work while overlanding, it’s become easier to utilize your devices whilst on the road. With advances in battery technology, you can bring enough juice with you to power your devices.

However, overlanding doesn’t need to be defined in a rigid way. The most important part is that you make a decision to get out there and start exploring!

Read Part II of this article series: History of Overlanding >>>

Please let us know what do you think by adding a comment below and perhaps check out the Infographic

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23 thoughts on “What is Overlanding?”

Definitely sounds interesting, spontaneous and fun!

Lindsey I totally agree. There is a lot of spontaneity in the fact that when you’re overlanding, you’re totally independent and can decide on the road where you’re headed. No specific plans are needed!

I’m just coming in contact with overlanding,I know I have undertaken journeys like this but I didn’t just know the name. overlanding was well detailed here.

So have you started overlanding yet?

I want to experience this thing. It sounds fun

You just have to start it. It doesn’t matter what you drive, you can use your daily driver, just get out there and start it.

Wow!!…I have never heard of overlanding before but i like the sound of it…it looks dangerous though but its a way to have fun and experience some new places and create new memories..

You need to be careful, but just with anything else. If you take the necessary precautions and you’re prepared, it’s not more dangerous than a walk in the park.

Thanks – This makes me curious and at the same time thirst for an adventure.

What was the best adventure you’ve ever done?

Sounds like an adventure. I would love to experience this even just once.

This sounds like a lot of fun. I will definitely add overlanding to my bucket list.

Make sure you do. Overlanding is very addictive! But in a good way.

Overlanding is one of those expensive hobbies to have. That notwithstanding I think it’s much more fun than most of the other hobbies out there.

How expensive it is will depend on you. We know a family who’s been travelling since 2006 on $600 a month! I would say that’s very cheap.

Australia is the perfect country for this kind of activity. The terrain there is very dynamic and vast!

Oliver I totally agree. I’ve done two major road trips in Australia before, but have yet to do a proper overlanding trip around the country. I can’t wait!

Some of the vehicles ideal for overlanding look so strong and tough. I would bet they don’t come cheap!

Some of them don’t, but as I mentioned, it doesn’t matter what you drive. You need to get out there, discover it yourself, what works best for you. You don’t need to spend too much money upfront. Buy your gear and equip your vehicle step-by-step for overlanding.

This hobby seems very much like what we used to call a “camping trip”. It seems like it is for guys who just wanted to build their vehicles to look a certain way, so the fad began.

Thank you for your comment but I have to disagree. Overlanding is a lot more complex with problem solving, technical skills and challenging situations both with the vehicle or for example border crossings, water management, budget, off-roading routes, etc. the list goes on and on. If you’re driving from Alaska to Argentina, you wouldn’t say to your friend’s “I’m just going camping”, would you?

I’ve only been overlanding for about a year and a half before the pandemic. And this makes me think that I’m still such a newbie when it comes to the most effective customization. But I guess it really does depend on what type of overlanding you usually do that determines what type of vehicle you’d be using.

Awesome, in-depth article! I love that you touch on how the growth of technology and remote work has accelerated the overland trend.

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A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Overlanding

what does overland travel mean

If you don’t already know, Tread is your place to learn.

Interested in traversing the unknown, traveling self-sustained or tricking out a 4×4 vehicle to tackle rough terrain? Overlanding might just be for you. It’s become more and more popular in recent years in many different forms on various social media platforms – if you’ve seen the viral #vanlife on TikTok , think of overlanding as its more rugged cousin. Comfort is not the goal of overlanders, and neither is reaching a set destination (sometimes, we even think getting lost is the best part).

what does overland travel mean

Some Key Terms

Overlanding : self-sustained travel dependent on a vehicle on off-road terrain with the goal of experiencing nature and enjoying the journey

Rig : a popular term for the vehicles used for overlanding

Terrain : varies depending on where you live and what you have access to; can be anything from desert to snow. Overlanders intentionally seek out the wildest.

Backcountry : where most overlanding occurs. Don’t think ecotourism – think untamed nature at its most challenging.

Trail : a tool overlanders use to get to the good stuff; we tend to think all the best adventures happen once you leave it. Also, it can mean a connected series of popular locations for overlanding or a preplanned, more lengthy overland journey.

Where did it come from?

As popular as overlanding has become here in the U.S. in recent years, it’s actually a widespread international phenomenon. The roots of the word trace back to early Australian cattle drivers who traveled and lived “over land” with their livestock away from civilization for extended periods of time.

There are overlanders all over the world, including not only the U.S. and Australia but also Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. In the U.S., it’s most popular on the West Coast and in the Rockies, though there are plenty of areas on the East Coast as well. Utah, Idaho, Washington, Colorado and Montana are the top five states with the most interest in overlanding.

Know Before You Go

The limit to what you can do when overlanding is your imagination, but there are some rules. Being conservation-minded is among the most important of those, since the preservation of nature is necessary to the continued enjoyment of overlanding. If we don’t take actions to protect the beauty of nature while we’re adventuring, what’s the point?

Additionally, being prepared is a critical element of overlanding, since most overlanders want to travel as off-grid and independently as they can. Safety is important, but so is fun; a willingness to take risks is necessary to be part of the amazing and supportive overlanding community.

We believe that overlanding starts as a mindset, with an emphasis on self-reliance and getting your hands dirty.

You’ve got to research. Read a lot before you head out. Read about overlanding, make lists of everything you think you’ll need, study maps of the terrain you’re planning on tackling and read (yes, actually read ) your vehicle’s user manual.

Planning takes time and effort, but if you’re going to be successful, you need to be ready to invest. What you see and experience as you explore the natural world around you will pay you back in ways you could never imagine.

The Bare Necessities of Overlanding: Vehicles

Almost every overlander has a different kit based on their personal preferences, but there are some things most would agree you definitely need before you hit the trail.

The number one thing you need is grit. That’s all – grit, that internally made force that drives us all to survive. Grit is a central tenet of overlanding philosophy, and everything builds upon it. The right attitude is everything when problems arise on the trail (and we promise, they will).

Beyond that, there are obviously some physical items you’ll need, too, for both your vehicle and yourself.

For your vehicle, the first thing you’ll need is to make sure it is in good working order and is equipped with all of the safety features you’ll need to keep you going throughout your journey. After that, you’ll need to be sure you have enough gas for your trip – plus extra.

Good recovery gear is an important tool for tackling off-road terrain, as are a vehicle repair kit and full-size spare tire. On top of that, you’ll want a compass, GPS, maps and other navigational tools.

More important than those things, though, is the knowledge of how to use them all. Having a car jack and a tire iron is great, but they’re no use if you don’t know how to change a tire.

Overlanding Personal Needs

Part of being self-sufficient is making sure you have everything you need for yourself as well as your vehicle. You’ll need all the basics of camping gear, including a tent, clothes, toiletries, food, water and places to store all of those. You’re going to need to stay warm or cool, depending on where you are geographically, so you need gear that will help you there. You’ll also want protection from the elements when it comes to rain, snow, and other precipitation as well.

That’s the basics: the bare necessities of survival on the road (or off, for that matter). Once you have everything you need to survive, it’s totally up to you to choose additions, modifications and extras to build the rig of your dreams.

Building Your Overlanding Vehicle

Having a rig you love makes overlanding all the more fun. Popular vehicles to start on here in the U.S. include Toyota 4Runners, Tacomas and Land Cruisers, and Jeeps, as well as GMC, Dodge and Ford trucks. The new Bronco models have been hitting the trail lately, too. We’ve also seen people overlanding in 3-wheeled vehicles and Porsches, though, so what you drive is your choice.

The key is that your vehicle needs to be reliable, consistent and able to handle the terrain you’re on. If you enjoy rock-crawling, then a Porsche might not work for you, but if you’re taking it easy and enjoying the journey, then a little luxury on the trail might be exactly what you want.

Since self-sustained vehicle-dependent travel of all kinds has become popular on social media, we’ve seen huge diversification in the world of overlanding. Vanlifers and bus living communities have popped up across the country. Modified CUVs are gradually starting to make an appearance as well. RVs and pop-up campers are always a staple in camping culture, too, though they might not be able to handle some of the tougher trails.

Where To Next?

A huge part of the fun of overlanding for many is the gear. We love that while it’s easy to pour tons of funding into your overlanding vehicle, it’s by no means necessary. At their core, most overlanders are DIYers. We’re willing to put plenty of sweat, elbow grease and time into building a vehicle that’s perfect for adventuring.

Keeping that in mind, the sky’s the limit. For most, the first addition is wheels: a bump up in size, tread and durability can quite literally be a lifesaver off-road. In that same vein, new shocks or even a lift, depending on the vehicle, are also popular modifications.

Working with what you’ve already got on your vehicle is a great way to stay under budget; on the other hand, aftermarket upgrades are a fun way to maintain your vehicle’s integrity without hurting your bank account too badly. Many overlanders start by leveling up their vehicles’ lighting or navigation systems to improve performance.

Roof top tents (RTTs) are all the rage right now. They’re easy to set up and break down, and, since they’re stored on the roof, they don’t take up as much storage elsewhere in or on a vehicle.

You can also add LED light bars, snorkels, fridges, running water, awnings – anything that increases not only your vehicle’s utility but also your enjoyment of it is fair game.

Hitting the Dirt

Once you’ve got your overlanding vehicle and gear all ready to go, all you’ve got to do is decide where to go first. All of the trails we suggest below are well-traveled and suitable for stock 4×4 vehicles (with smart drivers, of course). What we really reccommend, though, is using those smarts to get off the trail and explore something new. As long as you’re staying safe and having fun, pushing the boundaries is the best thing you can do while you’re getting the hang of overlanding.

Here are some of the most popular (and our favorite) overlanding locations for beginners here in the U.S. by region:

Easier: Moab , Utah

what does overland travel mean

Arches National Park, one of the two National Parks accessible from Moab. From discovermoab.com.

Riding through Moab National Park, you’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery the U.S. has to offer. While there is plenty of more advanced terrain to be found, it’s easy to ride around the park and get off the blacktop without needing a ton of technical skill. A base camp in Moab gives you access to two national parks: Arches and Canyonlands.

Tougher: Mojave Road , California

View looking north on Barber Peak Loop Trail

Mojave National Preserve desert trail views. From nps.gov.

You’ll absolutely encounter some obstacles on the Mojave Road, but it’s a great place to learn how to handle them. The Mojave Road is one of the country’s most well-traveled overlanding destinations, so you’ll definitely be in good company if you need advice.

Down Sout h:

Easier: South Core Banks , North Carolina

South Core Banks -- beach camping area

Tire tracks on the South Core Banks beach. From recreation.gov.

South Core Banks is a destination for photographers –  you’re going to love the stunning and unobstructed beach views. You won’t find any obstacles but sand and water on the banks; there, you can get your feet wet (literally and metaphorically) as an overlander and try out your vehicle on softer terrain.

Tougher: Forest Service Road 333 , Georgia

Frank Gross Recreation Area Stream

North Georgia water crossing. From n-georgia.com.

Depending on the time of year and recent weather, this northern Georgia mountain terrain can be difficult for a beginner trail. You’ll definitely face at least one water crossing and most likely lots of mud, but it’s nothing a stock 4×4 can’t handle as long as it’s got some ground clearance to it.

In the Northeast:

Easier: Trans-New Hampshire Overland Adventure Route , New Hampshire to New York

Trans New Hampshire Expedition - Self Guided - ExploringNH

Trails get deep and muddy on the Trans-New Hampshire Overland Adventure Trail. From explorenh.com

This Trans-New Hampshire overland trail is a great first step into covering a lot of ground self-sufficiently. It’s fairly remote, but the route brings you close to gas stations and grocery stores when you need them. You’ll spend part of the journey on paved roads, then get onto some off-road terrain later in the journey.

Tougher: Rock Run Recreation Area , Pennsylvania

what does overland travel mean

UTVs, ATVs and motorcross vehicles wait to hit the trail at Rock Run. By Brittney Lybarger from rockrunrecreation.com

Rock Run is open to overlanders with all kinds of vehicles: cars, trucks and atvs included. According to AllTrails , the route usually takes about 15 hours to complete, so it’s ideal for weekend trips. Their website is incredibly helpful for planning ahead. It’s packed with tons of information and everything you need to know before you head out.

Through the Midwest: 

Easier: Trans-Wisconsin Adventure Trail , Wisconsin

No photo description available.

The natural beauty of the Trans-Wisconsin Adventure Trail shines through in this photo by Ben Wicklund.

This adventure trail boasts over 600 miles of off-roading terrain and primitive camping areas. If you’re wanting to test out overlanding on some easy trails or tackle traveling long-distance for the first time, the scenic route through Wisconsin is for you. The trails are mostly gravel, though some are pavement. Deep sand is likely one of the only obstacles you’ll face.

Tougher: Engineer Pass Road , Colorado

Engineer Pass sign, Colorado

The elevation of Engineer Pass Road is cleary marked on this sign. Photo by Larry Lamsa for uncovercolorado.com

The elevation of Engineer Pass Road makes it both beautiful and dangerous. Snow can block the trails to the summit as early as October, but the views from 12,800 feet are spectacular during the warmer months. The paths are often rocky and can be narrow. We recommend a slightly higher ground clearance if you’re going to tackle this intermediate Colorado terrain.

what does overland travel mean

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Overlanding vs Off-Roading: What’s the Difference, Anyway?

The line between overlanding and off-roading is blurrier than ever, but they aren’t the same thing. Let the experts explain.

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Back in 2020, we were all faced with a choice: stay inside or get outdoors, far away from everyone else. Many chose the latter, and lo, the overlanding craze boomed as a result. It continues to erupt as new off-road-capable trucks and SUVs debut every other week with cheers from drivers and the aftermarket. The barrier to entry is lower than ever because of that—but what does this explosion of interest and access mean for overlanding in the traditional sense?

It's tricky. You might have noticed that "overlanding" has almost become synonymous with "off-roading" in the casual 4x4 lexicon lately. The two terms are often used interchangeably, which misrepresents both as something they're really not—or rather, something they aren't entirely. Off-roading is a part of it, but the larger definition of overlanding has just as much to do with navigating , overnighting, and generally experiencing the world as it does with trail driving. I know that could sound like gatekeeping, but by no means do you need a $150,000 rig and the latest gear to overland—it's all about the spirit.

Take it from Clay and Rachelle Croft, who recently wrapped up a long-term Nordic journey across the Scandinavian Peninsula. They've spent more than a decade turning Expedition Overland into a brand with its own streaming service and 350,000 YouTube subscribers. They've managed this while also transversing the globe for the sake of adventure, living life across North America , South America , Europe , and Australia , almost always behind the wheel of a Toyota.

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In doing so, they've built a career around helping define what overlanding is in the 21st century for a huge swath of people. The three of us spoke about this culture shift that has transformed a previously tiny niche into the next big thing for automakers , gear companies, and yes, content creators.

"Overlanding is the mountaineering of the vehicle-based adventure world, which is why it's so cool because it has all these different skill sets built in," Clay said. "So when I go out and do a trail run for the day, I'm just honing in that part of the skill set that I need for the greater objective of overlanding when I want to do a big trip. So they're all valuable things.

"Camping—running the camp well, being efficient—very important on a big overlanding trip. People have kind of latched the bigger word to smaller things like camping, and I can understand why they'd do that, but really the term 'overlanding' and 'overland travel' is much more aspirational than a single skill set."

Cars 101 photo

"And in the earlier definitions [of overlanding], there's always an international component to that," Rachelle continued. "Because you want to cross that border, you want to interact with a new culture around you. There's such a difference between flying in, hopping on a tour bus, and going on a guided tour as driving your own vehicle through that country or even flying in to rent a vehicle and then driving through that country. Because then you're getting gas, you're buying groceries, everything's different—and you have to figure it out and problem solve. At the end of the day, that's really the bones, the foundation, and the mission of why we do what we do.

"We believe travel—especially international travel—will make you a better person. It's really hard to have those experiences and do that problem solving without growing as a person, having empathy for other people."

Again, no one is assuming every person has the option or ability to travel abroad. I'll be the first to tell you that spending days on end in a truck with my wife and two young kids would be rough, and that's before a breath is breathed about the budget it requires. This is strictly referencing the origins of the hobby and how they inform it still today. In other words, to use the term accurately, overlanding generally requires going a bit farther than a backcountry fire road 20 minutes from your house.

Ultimately, this is a semantic debate. What matters most to people like Clay and Rachelle is that however you experience the outdoors, the land is being respected . And that's another division they've noticed.

"You have overlanders that, from their roots, came from a place of going and traveling to see the world out of respect for the world," he said. "And [they] want to float through it sight unseen and experience it." Clay went on to draw a distinction between that and the "off-road trail guy that would throw his beer can out the side of the Jeep." And even outside that kind of disregard for nature, the object of off-roading—finish the trail, get from A to B—creates a very different mindset.

"These are two opposite mentalities," Clay added. "Overlanding has now turned into the new phrase for off-roader, which isn't really the case, which is why we've always stayed away from that [label]."

Now, cinematography has been the Crofts' gig even longer than overlanding has, and they first started this project in 2010 before everyone and their brother became an influencer. This much is clear when you see how crisp and clean their videos are. If you've watched them, you know they're less run-and-gun and more slow drama than your typical four-wheeling channel.

"What people don't realize is when we started, YouTube only allowed two-minute videos," Clay explained. "We could only put our content on Vimeo because that's what allowed for long-form. And if you wanted it to go anywhere to be seen as long-form content, you pretty much had to go to TV."

"Our goal when we started... we were hoping for it to land on Discovery," Rachelle added. "That's the caliber we were aiming for. So we didn't stumble into filming a show and putting it on YouTube. We started with the intentionality, like Clay said, coming from cinematography, we wanted to film these shows and make good-quality TV. We didn't like the reality TV that was on Discovery at the time, so we felt like there's a way to do it differently."

Nowadays it seems strange to think about overlanding without some sort of public documentation of your trip. That's what social media has done to the hobby, sometimes for better and other times for worse. Whether you go on a trek with a 4K camera or a Polaroid, though, enjoying the journey ought to be the focus. I'd argue Clay and Rachelle nail that; what they do is almost like an ultra-HD, dynamic version of the 48-hour prints that used to be so common. The form of media is different, but the memories are still at the center.

Cars 101 photo

There are obviously good 4x4 enthusiasts who go off-roading and not overlanding. I'd like to consider myself one, as I don't venture outside my native Ozarks much. But each term carries with it a certain association that, rightly deserved or not, impacts the people who enjoy the hobbies respectfully.

You can be on either side and enjoy it, but division is nasty no matter if you poke fun at the rednecks in their small block Chevy-powered Jeeps or the clean-cut dude in his $80,000 built Toyota Tacoma. Just make sure you're respectful of others and the terrain you both inhabit. We've only got one Earth and we're meant to be good stewards of it. Let's not mess that up even more.

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Overlanding 101: What Is Overlanding & How to Get Started

Smittybilt-Overlanding-tent

Overlanding is a fusion of camping and off-roading, combining elements of each to form a distinct automotive/outdoor hobby.

It has its origins in the Australian outback, where early overland routes were formed to facilitate intracontinental travel and trade. It evolved first from horseback and then to rail, before it was finally mechanized for motorcyles and automobiles.

What is Overlanding?

Nowadays, overlanding is done more for recreation than necessity.

Yes, overlanding is sometimes referred to as “car camping,” but it goes much deeper than that.

Overlanding is built upon the spirit of adventure and self-reliance—the idea of travelling into the wilderness, carrying only the essential gear for whatever you expect to encounter.

We’re posting a handful of articles that really dive into overlanding details like cargo racks, tools, vehicle recovery, radio communications, tents, packing checklists, and more. Check out our Overlanding Essentials series.

An overland trip might be a simple off-the-grid weekend, or a months-long excursion to a remote destination.

But perhaps what truly separates overlanding from camping, is the role your transportation plays in the adventure.

Hannibal had his elephants, Lewis and Clark had their canoes, and NASA had its Saturn V .

In the same vein, overlanders rely on trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs—even full-size vans are quite popular as overlanding rigs.

The proper overlanding vehicle must be equipped to traverse an almost infinite combination of terrain and weather. To compound the complexity, the vehicle must be able to transport water, food, shelter, tools, and other essential sundries.

what does overland travel mean

How to Get Started in Overlanding

For starters, your mindset is far more important than your gear and equipment.

Make no mistake: overlanding is hard work, and you’re often faced with extreme temperatures and all-manner of Mother Nature’s curious critters.

But, for overlanding enthusiasts, that’s the entire point.

U-joints shear, tires rupture , and paint gets scratched—you’re the one that has to deal with it.

You can go days without a shower, and your evening meals might consist of black coffee and whatever you could fish out of the nearest river.

If that sounds like fun, read on.

What’s the Best Overlanding Vehicle?

BMW-and-KLR-Motorcycles

As mentioned above, overlanding vehicles can be trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, custom-built rigs, and beyond. Seemingly any vehicle originally built with some off-road intent can be adapted into a solid overlanding ride.

Popular choices include trucks and SUVs like the Toyota Tacoma and Land Cruiser; Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee XJ; the Chevy Colorado; and Nissan Xterra.

There are a lot of motorcyclists who are into overlanding as well. So much so that an entire market segment has been established to support them. These “adventure bikes,” as the industry defines them, combine the qualities of both dirt bikes and street motorcycles. Common adventure bikes include BMW’s GS series, the Honda Africa Twin, and the Kawasaki KLR 650 . (A sidecar-equipped Ural is a good choice for two-wheeled overlanding with a companion.)

Truth is, many vehicles can be made into competent overlanders. Better yet, the overlanding community is about as welcoming as you can get.

There are dozens of online forums where questions are always welcome and you shouldn’t fear any snobbery from fellow overlanders.

Perhaps more important than the vehicle year/make/model, is how you chose to outfit it for your adventure. (More on that in a second.)

What Do You Need for Overlanding?

First, let’s be clear, ‘need’ is a relative term.

Second, OnAllCylinders is an automotive blog, so we’re not going to focus on the camping facet (sleeping bags, backpacks, boots, etc.) of overlanding—you can dig up plenty of information on camping gear with a simple internet search.

Instead, we’ll explore (pun intended) some popular overlanding vehicle upgrades and accessories.

While folks may disagree about how necessary some of these are, they do represent a good sample of the aftermarket offerings available to overlanders.

Note: This is by no means a complete list, but rather a good starting point. Do your own research for the particular environment you plan to explore, and pack accordingly.

Tools  – Things will break. You need to fix them. Assess what tools your vehicle will need and assemble a tool kit to keep them all together. A tire patch kit is a smart investment.

Roof Racks – One thing practically all overlanding rigs have in common is a quality luggage rack, also known as a “safari rack” or “safari basket.” Available from well-known brands like Thule and Curt , the right rack can greatly increase your cargo capacity.

Tent – While it may make sense to sleep in your vehicle cabin, the reality is that it’ll likely be loaded with gear. A bed tent or roof-mounted tent is a smart choice. Many can be deployed quickly with minimal setup/take-down time.

Mattress – If you’re overlanding in a pickup truck, then you may be able to easily stuff an air mattress in the back.

Cargo Storage – You’ll need to carry many things. Storage solutions like DECKED ‘s in-bed cargo drawers and NANUK protective cases can come in handy.

Food Storage/Prep – ARB makes portable refrigerators that run off of vehicle power. Add a nice camp stove , and you can eat pretty darn well off the grid.

Fluid Transport – While the ubiquitous “ jerry can ” is an always-popular choice, Daystar’s got a modern alternative called “ Cam Cans .” The system includes a unique set of mounts and can be optioned with various utility jugs and tool cases.

Decked-In-Bed-Storage

Off-Road Vehicle Gear – Honestly, we could devote a 5,000-word article to this one subject, but we don’t want to lose focus here. Since the type of off-road gear you’ll need can vary greatly by the type of terrain you’re covering, we’ll simply say that off-roading gear (like a winch , suspension upgrades, auxiliary lights , and off-road tires) is an essential part of a competent overlanding rig.

First Aid Kit – Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but not having one is downright foolish.

Bike Rack – Though not an ‘essential,’ a mountain bike can be a handy asset if you’ve set up a base camp and want to scout nearby areas.

Portable Generator – Again, not an ‘essential,’ but if you’ve got the room, a generator can be an invaluable asset for powering electrical gear.

Other Cool Overlanding Stuff – Mr. Heater’s got a fan/light combo  that can be hung from the roof of your tent/trailer. Portable shower systems can be an easy-to-haul luxury. Satellite-based GPS units  work even when you’re outside of mobile phone coverage.

Tread Lightly

Any time you take a vehicle off-road, you risk having a negative impact on your environment. Make sure you’re travelling only in areas where you’re allowed to go and be aware of your surroundings. This protects both the environment and you. Stories abound of off-roaders getting stuck or venturing into harm’s way. Be mindful of your campsite, properly extinguishing any campfires and cleaning up any litter before leaving.   Here’s a good website to learn more about what you can do to mitigate any harmful effects of trekking off-trail.

Paul is the editor of OnAllCylinders. When he's not writing, you'll probably find him fixing oil leaks in a Jeep CJ-5 or roof leaks in an old Corvette ragtop. Thanks to a penchant for vintage Honda motorcycles, he spends the rest of his time fiddling with carburetors and cleaning chain lube off his left pant leg.

38 responses to “Overlanding 101: What Is Overlanding & How to Get Started”

[…] Overlanding is getting more popular in the United States. […]

I love this post and we love overlanding!

I’m just starting the process of researching options to spread the word of our overlanding adventure rental business, Overland Discovery, based in Colorado. We have a fleet of Jeep vehicles all equipped with roof top tents and decked out in other great gear for exploring the backcountry. The business was founded and runs on our passion for adventure and kickass vehicles! I feel we have many shared values in this department and I would love any advice you can offer to help us spread our mission: to get more people off the grid and into adventure!

We’d be happy to submit expert advice on building out a Jeep for overlanding but are also open to other ideas as you see fit.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Cara Russell Overland Discovery

[…] Guide Series Dual Fuel is best for serious winter campers. It also works well for expeditions or overlanding. That said, most traditional car campers are better off with one of the propane stoves on our […]

This is about as new to the USA and the car is. It’s been done for as far back as I can remember, and with the smallest amount of research you can find people doing it back before color film. From all I can find it originated in North America. When you start out an article with a false preposition, the rest of the article lacks any credibility.

I completely agree with you Cal. This article had by biscuits steamed before I started reading, and it just got worse. Sounds like the person that wrote it is about 12 years old. I remember watching Neal Armstrong step foot on the moon on 20 July 1969 and the next day leaving with my dad and brothers for a 2 week long camping trip from Dallas, Texas to Silverton, Colorado in our old Ford Galaxy 500 Station Wagon, “Overlanding” Camping the entire time. I still go back there and I’m always amazed how far off-road we got with that old car with no lift, no mud tires, no winch, and had a complete blast with lasting memories. Call it what you like, Overlanding in not new……

[…] overlanding is, in short, a combination of camping and off-roading with a uniquely configured vehicle. It was once done as a necessity to discover new land but today […]

Thank you for the description! Been doing this for years & had no idea it had a name until this summer. I drive a Honda Pilot. And, yes. . . As a single female feel safer in this outdoor community than any hotel.

[…] this type of exploration is not new by any means, it is gaining popularity in America. It first began in the Australian outback as a way to make intracontinental travel and trade […]

[…] designed for traversing the backwoods and venturing off the beaten path. Great for boondocking and overlanding (self-reliant) adventures beyond the […]

[…] new in the U.S., overlanding combines elements of camping and off-roading into a single outdoor hobby built upon the spirit of adventure and self-reliance. True overlanding […]

Awesome post! We love Overlanding and it is surprising how many people have no idea what Overlanding is. You did a great job describing Overlanding. So glad you mentioned to have the proper mindset as well.

[…] Mercedes Beast Mode 4×4 is used as an overlanding van. If you’re not familiar with the term, overlanding  refers to the act of exploring chosen […]

[…] Mercedes Beast Mode 4×4 is used as an overlanding van. If you’re not familiar with the term, overlanding  refers to the act of exploring chosen […]

Great post! Very good overview and general definition. Sometimes it can be tough to explain this one but you nailed it. Well done.

Great article! It may be helpful to talk more about recovery gear, as it is some of the most important gear to have. There is always a possibility of getting stuck and you need to be able to get yourself out, especially if you are in the remote backcountry far away from any helpful strangers.

Check out my article on the best recovery gear, could be a great link for this article!!

Hey Kyle, thanks for the idea on recovery gear. We’re posting an Overlanding Essentials series, and we’ve dedicated and entire post to recovery gear. CLICK HERE to read it.

Awesome, Paul. I will check it out!

I guess people have been doing overlanding a lot without them even knowing that the kind of ‘camping’ they’re doing has its own name. And I’m no different haha.

[…] you know someone who’s into overlanding or spends an awful lot of time in their car, truck, or SUV, here are some gift ideas that […]

[…] Nevada backcountry, camping overnight in tents. If you’ve not heard the term before, “overlanding” is the latest word for car camping, except that it connotes car-camping away from established […]

I used to think that offroading and overlanding were pretty much the same thing until I saw some kind of expo or convention for people with their personal vehicle builds.

[…] Not sure what overlanding is? Read this. […]

[…] Not sure what overlanding is? Read this. […]

Good article! i’m also a fan of camping, especially in winter, with snowfall and my family’s RAM pickup truck which is awesome

[…] Overlanding 101: What It Is and How to Get Started […]

Nice read! I am not sure if I missed it — But you did not mention shovels. Shovels are also a must-have when it comes to Overlanding!

Hey Chris, thanks for the compliment! And yeah, we kept this overview article a bit brief, but you can check out this Overlanding Tools Checklist we made that’ll fill in some gaps. Thanks again for reading!

I just found this article and it hits exactly on your point, Overlanding shovels lol!

This is really good info on the history of Overlanding, we get so caught up in cool guy gear on youtube it’s fun to just sit down and read about this stuff.

[…] of all, your mindset is the most important motor you will need. You have to be prepared for flat tires, going days without a shower, and your meals getting […]

[…] Several years ago, Matt Maier really got into overlanding. […]

how do you think a stock 2003 mitsubishi outlander XLS would do

Hey Bryson, you may want to listen to Matt Maier’s comments in this podcast . He basically stresses that it’s more about your attitude than your vehicle. … That said, even though it’s based on the Lancer compact, the Outlander still has room for some overlanding gear, like a safari rack, off road lights, and maybe even a mattress in the back. Click here to see some potential overlanding gear ideas. You didn’t mention if you have the FWD or AWD version, but it’s likely not going to do well with any serious off-roading trails, though that doesn’t mean you can’t take it a national park campground or into a field for some off-grid camping. Just get out there and have fun!

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What is Overlanding? And Why It’s an Amazing Form of Travel in 2023

what does overland travel mean

Travel can focus heavily on the destination, after all, you are traveling to that place for a reason! But there’s a form of travel that focuses on the journey, rather than the destination that’s recently made waves: Overlanding .

Here is our guide to overlanding, and why it’s an amazing form of travel in 2023:

What does “Overlanding” mean? 

what does overland travel mean

The term “ overlanding ” is used to describe self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. It usually involves off road trucks and cars, camping, extends for months or even years, and goes internationally. The ideal form of travel for off-the-grid enthusiasts or offroading enthusiasts. 

The term started in Australia and it originally meant the droving of livestock over very long distances to open up new country or to take livestock to market far from grazing grounds.

In the middle of the 20th Century, overlanding grew popular with the release of commercially available trucks with four-wheel-drive, including the Mercedes Benz G class, Unimog, Jeep, and Land Rover. 

However, there were earlier adventurers who traveled in offroading vehicles too. A solid example of overlanding can be remembered through John Weston and his family.

what does overland travel mean

In the 1920s, they drove from Britain to Greece in a converted US-built Commerce truck. They returned to their homeland of South Africa and set out again in this truck in 1931. This time they drove from the south-western tip of Africa to Cairo and then on to Britain. 

In 1975, following renovation, the legendary vehicle was featured in the International Veteran and Vintage Car Rally from Durban to Cape Town. Following the rally, the car was donated to the Winterton Museum, in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. You can still see it today! 

Following the Westons, there were several journeys across several countries for both groups and private journeys. 

A few terms you should know

Overlanding is vehicle-supported, self-reliant adventure travel, typically exploring remote locations and interacting with other cultures. To be considered an overlanding trip, the traveller is usually on a quest for something greater, and characteristics often include self-reliance, adventure, survival, and discovery. 

Car camping refers to traveling in a vehicle to an established campground.

A Back Country Adventure or 4×4 Touring is an off-highway trip on an adventure motorcycle or in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

A Vehicle-dependent expedition is an organized, vehicle-dependent journey with a defined purpose, often geographic or scientific in nature.

An expedition vehicle is a four-wheel-drive vehicle or adventure motorcycle prepared for self-reliant travel over long distances, through unpredictable weather and terrain.

How is it different from offroading? 

The objectives of overlanding and offroading or “four-wheeling” are different. The primary objective of offroading is overcoming challenging obstacles, whereas, challenging obstacles might be a part of the overlanding journey. However, they are not necessary.

Overlanding emphasizes the journey and includes at least two of the following: Remote locations, cultures other than your own, under-explored or under-documented regions, and self-reliance in unfamiliar territories for an extended period of time. 

How to plan an overlanding trip

what does overland travel mean

Self-evaluate

First things first, you need to evaluate if overlanding is something you really want to do and that you’ll gain from. Overlanding is not for a quick weekend trip. Overlanding is a form of adventure for long-haulers and those that have a curious mind and a problem-solving attitude. Are you curious and do you like solving problems? 

Going the extra mile

An overlander might undergo a more intense skill set preparation or training. For instance, they might learn a new language or have a better understanding of mechanical engineering or even medical engineering.

In addition, a long-term overlander spends time on administrative preparations , such as organizing border crossing paperwork, international travel documentation, and insurance.

Preparing a budget

Just like any kind of long-term travel, a budget is needed. An overlander prepares a budget ahead of time or is prepared of bringing in the budget while traveling. 

Get ready to camp

what does overland travel mean

While basic camping skills will be helpful, you will continue to grow and expand on them the longer you go camping. Remember you must think about security, safety, navigation, and location on your overlanding trip. 

The vehicle

An overlanding trip is possible on any budget, because so many vehicles can be made into overlanding vehicles. Vehicle preparation is more extensive than it would be on a regular road trip or any kind of travel for that matter. You will be putting work and effort into your vehicle (essentially your moving accommodation) so keep that in mind. 

The vehicle is only one part of the overlanding trip, you’ll need gear, equipment, food , water, tools, camping items, and a first-aid-kit. However, you will most likely be packing light and not overpacking. 

Driving and Repairs

what does overland travel mean

As you’ll be spending so much time in the car, it’s important that you understand your vehicle well and are prepared for the chance of any damage or repairs needed while on the road.

Also, be sure you’re ready to drive for extended periods of time or have a plan to switch on and off with other passengers. If you don’t like driving, this may not be the kind of travel for you! 

It’s important to have tires, good suspension, a two strap, Maxtrax, snatch strap, and a basic tool set. Practice changing a tire on your car. Make sure items are strapped down before you drive, so that in the event of an accident, tools and items do not go flying and potentially cause injury to you. 

what does overland travel mean

There are lots of things to think about when preparing for an overlanding trip, and there are plenty of overland routes for you to explore! Here are a few popular overland routes and areas in North America:

• Moab, Utah

• The Mojave Road, California 

• Rubicon Trail, California

• Black Bear Pass, Colorado

• The Dalton Highway, Alaska 

• The Continental Divide, from Canada to Mexico

• The Pan-American Highway

Now that you know all about overlanding, are you ready to plan a trip? Leave us a comment below! 

2 Responses

If we search the word “overlanding” in the dictionary, we would find that the word has not been formally entered yet–hence the need for quotation marks.

That’s very interesting, Carl!

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What Is Overland Travel

  • February 1, 2022
  • One Comment

What Is Overland Travel // Adventure Bound

Table of Contents

So you’re ready to hit the road? Kudos and bon voyage – but before you go, there are a few things worth knowing about this whole long-distance travel business. What is overland travel in the first place, how do you go about it, and it is worth it?

As overlanders who have been living on the road and mucking about for years, we’ve gone through multiple phases of the thing. Both Lennart and I started overlanding on motorcycles, me covering some crazy miles across South America, Lennart exploring Europe.

What Is Overland Travel // Adventure Bound

Then, we kept aiming for new destinations and threw amateur rally racing into the mix, and our newest project is the overland rig journey from Andalusia to Alice Springs.

Over the years, the way we travel has changed, our MO has changed, and even the number of wheels we roll on is changing. What remains constant, however, is our love for overlanding – by any means.

In this post, we’re going to chat about what is overland travel in the first place, how to get started, and why in the world would you want to do this.

History of Overland Travel

Overland travel, in many ways, is as old as… us humans. We started out as nomads, not settlers, and for hundreds of thousands of years, our ancestors happily roamed the earth following animal herds and seasons. Constantly being on the move and exploring the land was a way of life before we began farming and building fences, and in some places around the world, indigenous people still live a nomadic or a semi-nomadic life.

what does overland travel mean

The term “overlanding”, however, cropped up in the Australian Outback at the turn of the twentieth century. “Overland” meant droving large herds of livestock over long distances, either to the market or to new grazing land; in the 50’s and 60’s, overlanding took its more modern meaning.

In dictionary terms, “overland travel” means long-distance journeys in your own vehicle. But it’s not just about eating up the miles: overland also encompasses elements of self-reliance (think camping, cooking your own meals, and repairing your truck or bike), remote destinations, off-roading, and crossing international borders.

What Is Overland Travel // Adventure Bound

In other words, a weekend camping trip to a national park is a fun adventure, but it’s not overland travel. Driving your truck or riding your bike from, say, Alaska to Ushuaia or from Europe to Asia, on the other hand, is.

Modern overland travel started out way back in 1920’s and 1930’s. Between 1924 and 1931, a Brit named John Weston and his family drove their truck from Great Britain to South Africa, then carried on to Egypt and back to the UK overland. When it comes to motorcycle overland expeditions, the first recorded round-the-world bike journey was that of Carl Stearns Clancy who rode his Henderson motorcycle from Dublin to New York in 1912.

round the world motorcycle

In other words, overland travel has been around for a while.

What Is Overland Travel Today

These days, overland travel is gaining traction again. From round-the-world motorcycle expeditions to driving overland rigs over long distances, this is the one mode of traveling that still holds the essence of adventure.

Instead of jumping on a plane and going on a holiday, you’re covering some serious miles on your own, crossing multiple international borders, looking after your bike or truck, surviving in remote places, and relying on your own skills to get to your destination. There are no travel agents, no packaged vacation offers, and no standard itineraries to rely on: it’s up to you how far you’re willing to go, and where.

What Is Overland Travel // Adventure Bound

Overland travel is all about the spirit of exploration, the sense of adventure, and independent travel. You design your own route and decide how long you’re going to stay on the road. Some overlanders aim to circumnavigate the world in a year, others spend six months traveling from Lisbon to Vladivostok or Cape Town to Nordkap, and others still spend years traveling the world at their own pace.

What Is Overland Travel // Adventure Bound

Determining what is overland travel to you is also your own decision. Some people will tell you overland travel is only kosher if you mostly stick to off-road routes, aim for the most remote places on the planet, camp and cook your own food all the way, repair your own vehicle, and circumnavigate the world.

Others will tell you overland travel isn’t about the bare-bones expedition to the most faraway corners of the earth but rather, simply a way of traveling slower, on land, and for as long as you like, regardless of whether you’re always camping in the bush or staying at AirBnBs every once in a while. There isn’t a one-fits-all formula for overland travel, and it’s up to you to design your own journey.

Cycling, Motorcycling, or Driving? Overland Rig Rundown

Wherever you go, overland travel means you’ll need some sort of transport. A bicycle is probably the most economical means of travel, and if you’re made of tough stuff, cycling around the world is an incredible experience.

I’m made of slightly less tough stuff, so for me, a motorcycle was a better option. Lennart and I have been traveling on motorcycles for a while now, our combined routes covering the Americas, some of the Caribbean, and Europe.

What Is Overland Travel // Adventure Bound

A motorcycle is a fantastic overland vehicle: it’s lightweight, fuel-efficient, cheap to ship across oceans, and it gives you a sense of freedom that four wheels just can’t offer. If you’re looking for overland motorcycle travel inspiration, check out the Piki Piki Overland blog : South Africans Michnus and Elsebie have been overlanding on their bikes for nearly a decade now, and they’ve got tons of great information on their website.

If you’re not sure how to get started, check out these articles on motorcycle adventures:

How to Fund a Motorcycle Trip from Zero

What nobody tells you about adventure motorcycle travel.

The only disadvantage of overlanding by motorcycle is that you’re essentially homeless, always having to camp or find shelter. This is a part of why we’re now building our own overland vehicle : we want to have our own space, our own little office, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and bike garage on wheels. This way, we can be completely self-sufficient and independent, and this is what overland travel is for us: freedom.

What Is Overland Travel // Adventure Bound

When you travel overland in an expedition vehicle, you can hit some truly remote places and have sufficient energy, water, and food resources for weeks, easily cover long distances, and park the thing wherever you please. The moment you close the doors, you’re home, even if you happen to be in the middle of the Gobi Desert or the Serengeti.

How to Start Overlanding

Whatever means of transport you choose, you’ll need to start somewhere. If it’s a motorcycle, forums like Horizons Unlimited and ADV Rider are great resources for information on routes, international borders, paperwork, and shipping. If you’re driving a car, a camper, or a truck, Expedition Portal is a fantastic place to start.

First off, you’ll need to decide on a route. It doesn’t have to be exact, and sometimes, it’s more of a general direction rather than a precise destination. Whichever way you go, it’s usually a good idea to pick an overland route with no vehicle shipping involved, for example:

Europe to Africa

Europe to asia, us or canada to south america.

Vehicle shipping isn’t as big of a hassle as most people think (I’ve shipped my bike from Chile to Poland with zero issues and a small budget), but if you’re driving a huge truck, the costs can add up quickly.

Next, it’s worth doing a little trial run. Before you go off into the sunset to spend months or years roaming the world, go for a ten-day or a two-week trip in your own country. This is a great way to test out your rig and your gear, troubleshoot some issues, and sort out your luggage and set up before you leave for the big journey.

What Is Overland Travel // Adventure Bound

Finally, get your paperwork in order. Some countries require a carnet de passage (a sort of a vehicle passport), others do not; for some places, you may need malaria or yellow fever shots; insurance is always important, and some countries require you to obtain a visa before entering. Do a little bit of research and prep – it’ll pay off in the long run.

Why Travel Overland?

By now, you know overland travel is a tad more involved than booking a flight or a holiday. It’s impossible to plan for every eventuality when you travel this way. Stuff will break, some border officials will be grumpy, there will be road closures, flat tires, bad weather, and unexpected delays; you may need to repair your bike or truck under sketchy conditions, get creative with your routes, and find a way to get unstuck when you hit a patch of deep sand or mud.

what does overland travel mean

You’ll need to think on your feet, be resilient, solve problems on the fly, and be open to whatever comes along. Overland travel isn’t about comfort, it’s about adventure.

And sometimes, adventure may test you.

But that is the beauty of the whole thing.

We live in a world so strictly regulated, so predictable, and so comfortable that we’ve long forgotten what it’s like to simply roll under the stars, destination vague or unknown, exploring the land as it unfurls in front of you, meeting different people along the way, and not quite knowing where you’re going to sleep that night.

What Is Overland Travel // Adventure Bound

Overland travel is an expedition into the world and into yourself, opening your mind to new horizons, new ways of life, and new people. It’s about immersing yourself fully in the moment and in the culture, overcoming obstacles, and staying curious. The sense of wonder is rarer and rarer in our air-conditioned offices and our urban environments, and yes, overland travel may sound scary – but it’s also what makes you feel alive.

So don’t let the potential pitfalls stop you: they’ll only make you more resilient. Jump on your bike, start the engine of your truck, and hit that open road.

Adventure is waiting, and a big wild world is out there.

Stay adventure-bound,

Egle & Lennart

Adventure Bound

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The Crazy Outdoor Mama

What is Overlanding? Get Ready to Go Overland Camping!

“Adventure begins at the end of the roads you know.”

Adventure is at the heart of overland camping. Overlanding is essentially an adventure-seeking road trip that combines elements of off-roading and camping into one freaking awesome expedition. 

So if you like…

  • Exploring new places
  • Going off the beaten path
  • Camping in the wild
  • And occasionally getting lost

…then overlanding is for you!

So what exactly is overlanding and overland camping? Can I just go on a road trip in my minivan and call it overlanding? What do you need for your first true overland camping trip?

And most importantly… why should YOU try it? 

what is overlanding

Table of Contents

What Is Overlanding and Overland Camping?

The Overland Journal gives an amazing definition of modern-day “overlanding”. 

“Overlanding describes self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal.” – The Overland Journal

“Overlanding” as a term actually originated in Australia and had to do with driving livestock over long distances. (Don’t worry, modern-day overlanding doesn’t involve any cattle-herding!)

If you think about it, many adventure explorers from centuries past could be considered overlanders – like Admundsen heading to the south pole or the pioneers overlanding across North America in their covered wagons. (Can’t you just imagine the pioneer off-roading enthusiasts showing off their modified wagons with a 6-inch lift kit and all-terrain wagon wheels!)

The term “overland camping” is slightly more specific and refers more to how you live while overlanding. Since you’re carrying everything in your vehicle, you’ll end up using a lot of the same gear you might take on a normal camping trip.

Overlanding vs. Off-Roading? Similar, but Different

Off-roading is more about conquering obstacles. Overlanding is more about the journey as a whole – the rough roads are just a means to an end.

An overland camping trip might involve a few challenging off-road sections where a 4×4 vehicle with high ground clearance is necessary, but the majority of an overlanding trip could actually be on paved roads. 

overlanding vs off roading

An off-roading trip, not really an overlanding trip.

Overlanding Vehicles vs. True Off-Roaders

True off-roading vehicles are built and modified more for short trips and specific tasks, like rock crawling. But you probably wouldn’t want to drive a heavily modified off-roader on a 5,000-mile international road trip. 

On the other hand, an overlanding vehicle needs to be able to reliably handle a variety of terrains while carrying all the necessary gear that lets you be completely self-reliant. 

Is Overland Camping the Same as Car Camping?

If by car camping you mean pulling into a campground with electric hookups, picnic tables, and free WIFI – then no. 

If by car camping you mean sleeping in your car while on a month-long 2,000-mile road trip to explore remote locations – then sure, they’re the same.

When Does a Road Trip Become Overlanding?

So does all this mean that overlanding is essentially just a road trip on some dirt roads?

Some overlanding purists say that for you to be a 100% true overlander, you have to be crossing international borders. On the other end of the spectrum, some say that a weekend trip to explore remote mountain roads is overlanding.

what kind of trip is considered overlanding

Regarding what separates overland travel from simple road or backcountry trips, the Overland Journal makes it super clear.

“The critical point to the term overland travel is that the purpose is to include at least two or more of the following: 1. Remote locations, 2. Cultures other than your own, 3. Under-explored or under-documented regions, 4. Self-reliance in unfamiliar territories for multiple days, weeks or months.”

A week-long road trip you take on some dirt roads to the same place every year while staying in established campgrounds and cabins every night isn’t really overland camping.

But a week-long road trip where the majority of the time you’re away from civilization, relying only on the supplies you have in your vehicle and exploring remote areas you’ve never been before – now that’s overlanding!

What Do I Need to Start Overland Camping? 

So is your adventure itch starting to bother you? Wanna try and scratch it with an overland camping trip? Here’s what you’ll need.

*Overlanding rigs and gear can range from expensive luxury overland campers like EarthRoamers or an old Geo Metro and a tent. Find what works for you, where you want to go, and what you can do with your budget.

The first thing you should consider is your vehicle.

The Best Overlanding Vehicle Is…

A reliable one. 

Whatever vehicle you decide to use – a truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, bicycle, or Ferrari – make sure you can depend on it.

A big off-road SUV with a lift, all-terrain tires, and a winch won’t be a good overland camping vehicle if it breaks down every few miles. Remember, part of overlanding is exploring remote locations, locations where you probably won’t have cell service and can’t just wait ‘till someone else drives by to help you out. 

best type of overlanding vehicle

So if your limited budget means you’ll have to choose between off-road ability and reliability, choose reliability. The reality is that most vehicles with average ground clearance and half-decent tires can go 95% of places you might want to go. Check out these unlikely overlanding vehicles .

Still think you need some ginormous 4×4 truck to start overlanding? Ever heard of the Mongol Rally ? It’s a 10,000-mile adventure race that has to be done in a compact car with a 1-liter or smaller engine. (For reference, in the US most Ford Fiestas have a 1.6-liter engine.)

The best overlanding vehicles are ones that combine both off-road ability and reliability. That’s why some of the most popular overland vehicles are vehicles like…

  • Toyota Land Cruisers
  • Toyota Pickups
  • Toyota 4Runners
  • Land Rover Defenders
  • Jeep Wranglers

best overlanding vehicles that have off road durability and are reliable toyota land cruisers land rover defender

Check out some more good choices for budget overland vehicles .

In addition to your vehicle, you’ll also need…

A Place to Sleep

Self-reliant adventure travel means most nights you won’t be staying in hotels. So you need a place to sleep. While overland camping, you’ve got three options…

  • On your vehicle
  • In your car
  • Near your car

where to sleep while overlanding

On your vehicle: Roof top or car top tents are one of the most popular options for overlanders. They get you up off the ground and give you an extra level of security, especially from curious creatures. Plus they give you a little more flexibility regarding where you can camp. 

Rocky ground as far as the eye can see? Just find a relatively level place to park your vehicle and you’ve got a place to camp.

iKamper has some of the best options for rooftop tents .

In your vehicle: If you’re in an SUV with seats that fold down or a pickup truck with a long bed, chances are you can throw down some sleeping mats or an air mattress inside and you’ve got a place to sleep.

Near your vehicle: Just bring along your trusty camping tent and pitch it near your vehicle. It takes a little longer to set up and take down but it’s a great budget option for getting started.

Basic Overland Camping Gear

Here’s a list with some of the other basic gear you’ll need to go on your first overlanding camping trip.

  • A place to sleep (see above)
  • Something to cook on. It could be a regular camp stove or an all-in-one outdoor kitchen system .
  • Basic camping essentials (lighter, flashlights, sleeping bag, etc.)
  • A way to keep food cold 
  • A way to navigate
  • A way to communicate
  • First aid kit
  • Basic vehicle repair kit
  • Vehicle recovery kit (especially, if you’re going on really rough roads and are unsure of road conditions)
  • A way to store water
  • A way to power and charge your devices or other electronic equipment

Like I mentioned before, depending on your budget and needs, you can get really elaborate with your setup or just keep it simple. You can even find cool overlanding equipment like overlanding campers, truck campers, trailers, tent heating systems, and more!

Don’t miss some of my overland camping articles to get some good ideas that’ll make your overlanding adventures even better! (COMING SOON!)

And the Last Thing Every Overlander Needs Is… A Sense of Adventure

Overlanding is more about the journey and less about the destination. So embrace the journey. 

Embrace the fact that the road you’re traveling isn’t on google maps.

Embrace the fact that you don’t know exactly where you’ll be sleeping tonight. 

Embrace the fact that you might be a little lost. 

Embrace the time away from social media and emails.

Embrace the amazing views.

Embrace the adventure.

what does overland travel mean

Ready to Try Overlanding? 

An overland camping trip is one of those trips that changes you. It expands your horizons, teaches you about yourself, and helps you learn to rely on the loved ones you’re traveling with. 

So whether you’re gonna head out to explore new places in an EarthRoamer or an old VW Beetle , get out there and try overlanding! There’s no better way to scratch your adventure itch while becoming a sort-of modern-day explorer.

And for a little help planning your first overland camping trip, don’t forget to check out my other overlanding articles.

WHAT YOU NEED TO START OVERLAND CAMPING +GEAR LIST! (COMING SOON!)

TOP OVERLAND CAMPING TENTS (COMING SOON!)

GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR FIRST OVERLAND CAMPING TRIP (COMING SOON!)

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1 thought on “What is Overlanding? Get Ready to Go Overland Camping!”

I’m delighted you mentioned that overlanding would be a fantastic thing to try out if you enjoy traveling to different locations and camping in the outdoors. Considering how much my brother has always enjoyed being outside, I believe it would be wise to give this a shot. If he shows any interest in sturdy overland trailers, I will definitely look into them for him.

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I'm the voice behind the website, and I hope you've found what you needed! I'm an outdoorsy married mother of three from Wyoming, and I LOVE creating resources that make camping and other outdoor activities easier!

what does overland travel mean

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What is Overlanding?

To put it simply, Overlanding is vehicle-based, on-road and off-road, adventure travel with a focus on self-reliance, resilience, and enjoyment of the journey. Since the dawn of four-wheel drive vehicles, modern overlanding has captured the imagination of eager adventurers worldwide.

While truly an international movement, here in the U.S.A overlanding has taken on a life of it’s own with regional and national gatherings and various expos that feature training, vendors and expansive outdoor venues.

At the heart of overlanding is a love of the great outdoors, camping culture, and exploring new places. There is also a core obsession with vehicle mechanics, customization, and building out a unique rig that suits the personality and needs of the specific overlander.

The most appealing aspect of overlanding is - anyone can do it. There are great resources available for learning about: trip planning , off-roading, navigation , communications , vehicle repair and other aspects of overlanding. You can start small or go big - often it starts with a weekend here or there and then becomes more serious over time as the love for overlanding grows. It is habit forming and it could change your life forever.

We are so passionate about this form of adventure travel that we design and craft rugged storage solutions , modular organizers and other gear to make your overlanding journey more enjoyable and more organized. Spend more time focused on what you love - exploring the world, and seeking new horizons.

Equip. Organize. Explore.

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3 Things to Know About “Overland” Trips

Posted by smart traveler | Travel News & Information | 5

3 Things to Know About “Overland” Trips

If you’ve been researching vacations and tour groups, you’ve probably come across the term “overland trip.” But what does it mean? What kind of experience does it offer?

romanenko-22611-unsplash-450x338

Here are just a few things to know about overland journeys.

1. They have a loose definition.

Like the name suggests, overland vacations are ones that are taken over the land. You don’t fly on a plane or sail on a boat; you take ground transportation of some kind, and you travel across fields, plains, mountains, rivers, beaches, deserts and forest trails with an eye-level view. Other than this, however, the definition of “overland” is pretty varied. It’s up to you whether you drive a car, take a train or ride around in a jeep. Any kind of ground transportation is considered overland.

2. You can have many different experiences on an overland trip.

Some people like to take overland holidays with nothing more than their vehicles and some basic camping gear. They enjoy the freedom of driving at their own pace and in whatever direction that they’d like. Other people prefer a more structured experience; they’ll take an “overland tour” with other people that lasts anywhere from days to weeks, and they might sleep in hotels or cook at campfires together when they’re not on the road.

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3. You can take an overland trip just about anywhere.

Do you love the beauty and history of Asian temples? Enjoy an overland trip across the Silk Road. Have you always dreamed of taking a good old-fashioned road trip with paper maps and open car windows that toss your hair around? Consider the TransAmerica Trail, a trail that stretches thousands of miles across several major cities in the US. You can find overland experiences everywhere from Africa to Australia, so it’s just a matter of choosing a destination that calls to you.

There’s more to overland trips than simply packing up a jeep and hitting the open road. If you’re serious about having a fun, fulfilling overland experience, use this article as a starting point for further research.

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Visi Cooler

Thanks for informative blog

Sarah Smith

Amazing And Interesting Content Ever. I Am Fan Of your Blog And I Redad every of Latest Post First. Please Keep Sharing Such Type Of Helpful And Informative Content.

David

Can’t wait to be able to travel again!

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Hi thank you very much for sharing this article with us. It was really enjoyable. I love overland trips. They make me fresh. Every trip is a new and unique adventure. Thanks

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Thankyou for sharing your experience

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what does overland travel mean

Rep The Wild

What Does Overlanding Mean?

Offroading in Big Bear, CA - Copyright Rep The Wild

If you’re a relatively new adventure enthusiast, you’ve probably not heard of overlanding, or you’ve come across it and wondered what exactly it is.

Considering the many meanings that have been associated with the term over the years, “overlanding” means many different things to many different people, ranging from “#vanlife” to “car camping.”

What does it actually mean, though? Here’s all you need to know about this style of adventuring.

The Meaning of Overlanding

offroad vehicle driving in mud

Overlanding is a type of travel, whether in a motorcycle, car, or truck, that is all about exploring spots off the beaten track, imbuing all the culture and the way of life that these spots have to offer, and being self-sufficient while doing all this—you know, sort of like Nomadland ’s Fern.

This type of travel combines off-roading, camping, and non-commercial, remote travel. At the core of overlanding lies a passion for the journey, a love of exploring new places, the great outdoors, and in the most cliche-but-apt words possible, finding oneself.

Here are some other features of overlanding:

  • Involves traveling over long distances to remote/offbeat locations that have been hitherto mostly unexplored.
  • Could involve the discovery of new places and spots in remote areas that are unfrequented or haven’t been discovered at all yet.
  • Involves elements of going off the grid and surviving efficiently in the wild, a sense of adventure, and much self-reliance.
  • Can involve physically demanding activities such as boulder-crawling, traversing deep water bodies and muddy sites, and making your way through rough and tough natural terrain.
  • Is typical of a long duration, usually undertaken for weeks or even years at a stretch.
  • Requires some amount of knowledge in vehicle repairs and mechanics, outfitting the vehicle suitably, and customizing it as required.

Overlanding also demands skill in off-roading, planning ahead in your travels to some extent, and navigating well.

Additionally, just because it’s usually a long-term trip, it doesn’t mean that your very first overlanding trip has to last months—you can start small, with a weekend, and eventually, as your love for overlanding and your experience in it grow, you’ll find yourself comfortably pulling off year-long trips through the hinterlands.

How and Where Did Overlanding Originate?

Though overlanding is a global phenomenon today, it can be traced back to 20th-century Australia, a continent/country with extensive Outback landscapes and wilderness in between cities.

Overlanding started as a means of trading, with farmers traversing these paths on foot, to transport agricultural produce and livestock. Over the years, though, with the advent of vehicles and machines and through Leonard “Len” Beadell’s efforts, overlanding transitioned from being utilitarian and came to take on a new meaning, seeing a major revival in the 40s.

Today, overlanding sheds its utilitarian nature and prioritizes recreation and exploration but is still about seeing faraway destinations. Famous examples of overlanding include Max Reisch’s motorcycle trip from Vienna to Mumbai in the 30s, a far-flung destination to much of the West at that point in time, and Ralph Bagnold’s traversal of the Libyan Desert in his Ford.

Now, with a boom in the resources and commercial tour options out there, overlanding exists in some or other form across the world and is more accessible than ever before.

What Do You Need to Overland?

yellow suv on hilltop

Apart from oodles of self-reliance, a love for the journey and exploration instead of an obsession with the destination, and a yearning for seeing uncharted territory on long trips, you need one important element—a reliable vehicle that can be your magic carpet in your overlanding journey.

Choosing Your Overlanding Vehicle

The vehicle is an integral part of overlanding, whether you’re driving a truck or your Ford. Whichever vehicle you choose, though, it’s highly important that the vehicle is durable and reliable.

It’s common knowledge that some vehicles are better built for durability and reliability, from the classic BMW motorcycles and Willys Jeeps to today’s Wranglers and Kawasakis.

However, it’s not just about the big names, especially in the initial days—the vehicle in your driveway is as good as any to start your overlanding journey.

What’s vital is that the vehicle doesn’t give up on you halfway through the journey, especially in a remote part of the world that doesn’t see too many passersby.

A few accessories can help you in this regard.

Equipping Your Overlanding Vehicle

4runner in the wilderness

Equipping your vehicle with the gear that strikes the balance between your needs and technical efficiency can go a long way in overlanding. Here are some accessories and modifications you can consider:

  • Communication and Navigation Systems: While getting lost is one of the best ways to explore an area, and it pays to have a good navigation and communication system to get you un-lost and find you help in a potentially unsafe situation. This doesn’t necessarily mean high-end GPS trackers and radios; it could be as simple as an updated atlas and a cell service with excellent coverage.
  • Kitchen Equipment: Since you’ll be cooking for yourself, it’s necessary to have the right kitchen equipment. This also includes sufficient water and a way to safely store extra water.
  • Awnings: Speaking of kitchen and cooking for yourself, you’re sure to have more than one meal under the stars. It helps to have an awning to protect you from any bad or intense weather while still letting you enjoy your meal outdoors.
  • Tents: If you’re not traveling in a truck, you’ll need a good tent to spend the nights in. The awning will also provide your tent with extra protection from the elements.
  • Protective Gear for Your Vehicle: This includes armor and bumpers, as well as recovery gear for you, should you need it. The armor and bumpers are not a necessity unless the terrain you’re traveling to demands it.
  • Good Wheels and Tires: When you’re traveling long distances, and the point is to enjoy these miles (as it is in overlanding), it doesn’t do to get fatigued by the traveling. Good wheels are a basic necessity and offer efficient suspension, reducing your fatigue to a great extent, especially on uneven terrain.

You can also consider equipping your vehicle with its own power-generating facilities, but even if you don’t, carry sufficient torches and headlamps so you’re not restricted by the dark (and it can get pretty dark pretty quickly in the hinterlands).

Apart from these, trailers, racks, and other storage facilities, especially for extended travel, can be quite helpful.

Final Thoughts

The absolute beauty of overlanding is that everyone can do it, as long as you have the right mindset, equip yourself with the right skills, and develop the self-confidence to be completely on your own—these are more important than the right gear and vehicle.

And no, you don’t need to renounce the world and live out of your car because everyone has their own starting points and journeys, which means that you can start as small as you want or as big as you want. At the end of the day, it’s about seeing the best of the world and its hidden gems, losing yourself in it at your own pace and in your own time, and learning to enjoy your own company through a wonderful journey.

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Definition of overland

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of overland  (Entry 2 of 2)

Examples of overland in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overland.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

12th century, in the meaning defined above

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near overland

Cite this entry.

“Overland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overland. Accessed 2 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

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Grounded Life Travel

The Overland Train: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Riding

Wendy Edwards

The Overland train has been a fixture in Australia almost since its inception. Connecting the fabulous cities of Adelaide and Melbourne, this train acts not only as a mode of transportation but a fun way to see the rolling hills, the green and yellow wheat-filled plains and the riparian environments that present themselves across the countryside of South Australia.

what does overland travel mean

  • 1 Is The Overland Train still operating?
  • 2 What is the history of the Overland Train?
  • 3 How fast does the Overland Train go?
  • 4 Is there First Class seating on The Overland train?
  • 5 Does The Overland train have sleepers carriages?
  • 6 How long does the Overland Train take?
  • 7 How much does it cost for a ticket on The Overland train?
  • 8 What cities does the Overland Train travel through?
  • 9.0.1 Adelaide
  • 9.0.2 Murray Bridge
  • 9.0.3 Melbourne
  • 10 Is The Overland train worth it?

Is The Overland Train still operating?

Yes, The Overland Train is still operating and has been in service since 1887. For over 135 years, The Overland train has been taking passengers from the beautiful coastal city of Melbourne to the clean azure waters of Adelaide.

What is the history of the Overland Train?

The history of The Overland Train goes back to the turn of the 19th century. It was originally named, “The Intercolonial Express”. Later, the name was changed to “The Adelaide Express” or “The Melbourne Express”, depending on which city you originated. Ornate, Mann Boudoir sleeping cars were a part of the experience in those days on an overnight trek to each of the sought after cities. Today, sleeper carriages are not part of the trip, yet comfortable seating is just as relaxing and enjoyable.

How fast does the Overland Train go?

The Overland Train is one of the more leisurely trains with an average speed of around 70 M.P.H. This allows the traveler to enjoy the sights along the way, having a better chance for photography and video opportunities.

Is there First Class seating on The Overland train?

There is First Class seating on the Overland train. First Class on the Overland train is called Red Premium and features fantastic amenities for its passengers.

Red Premium seating offers travelers who choose this class an all-inclusive breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. The Red Premium carriage only allows 36 seats which affords its passengers great space for legroom between seats and an ample area for belongings that aren’t stored. There is also access to the dining car, Café 828, for those in-between snacks. You can also choose to sit at your seat and have your meals brought to you, so you don’t miss that great view. Bring anything you want with a weight limit of 88 pounds per checked bag and 22 pounds for carry-ons. Paying extra for the Red Premium Class is well worth it and will add the extra luxuries that make train trips so special.

Does The Overland train have sleepers carriages?

No, The Overland train does not have sleeper carriages. In the earlier years, The Overland offered sleeper cabins and was even the first train in the world to feature showers in their sleeper cabins. Due to the increasing popularity of air travel, sleeper cabins slowly decreased in demand and went out of service, completely, on The Overland train in 2008. Today, you will find sleeper carriages on multi-day trips and transcontinental treks on other lines available throughout the country.

How long does the Overland Train take?

The Overland train takes about 10.5 hours from its departure in Adelaide to is destination of Melbourne, which gives you just enough time to really have a fantastic rail traveling experience.

How much does it cost for a ticket on The Overland train?

A ticket on The Overland Train for a Red Service Class fare costs $175 and a ticket for the Red Premium Service is $285.

What cities does the Overland Train travel through?

The Overland train begins in Adelaide and makes stops in Murray Bridge, Bordertown, Nhill, Dimboola, Horsham, Stawell, Ararat, North Shore, terminating in Melbourne. You can not get off and then back on the train, but you can get off and take excursions and see the sights at any of these cities at your leisure.

What are some of the best things to do along The Overland train route?

There are fabulous places to visit and fantastic things to do along the route from Adelaide to Melbourne. Here is a compilation of some of our favorite places that you should consider putting on your itinerary.

Whether you have a wine connoisseur in your group or you just enjoy wine tasting, Adelaide is a great stop for checking out all of the beautiful wineries in South Australia. Take a scenic ride into the Adelaide Hills and the various topographies that give this region such a robust selection of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. For fans of the Red varietals there are Shiraz and Pinot to choose from.

Take the foodies in your group to the Adelaide Central Market and sample all the fine cheeses, gourmet pastries and fine produce you can stand. This is a great place to assemble your own charcuterie board to impress your friends as you shop to the live music that plays on weekends.

If you need a chance to get up close to Australia’s natives that live in the canopies of the continent, then visit Cleland Conservation Park and ogle at a koala, watch the kangaroos box or see how fast the emu can really run. This park is not only interesting but has a gorgeous waterfall and Australian flora and fauna native to the area.

Murray Bridge

Murray Bridge is a great stop for families and couples, alike. With the Murray River meandering through this picturesque city, ample activities are provided for recreation as well as relaxation. Take a breather along the river at one of the many parks in Murray Bridge.

Sturt Reserve is a quiet walk to the riverfront where you can enjoy picnicking by the river, or even taking a boat or kayak out to see your natural surroundings up close.

If the kids want to see some local celebrities in the form of kangeroos, indigenous lizards and cuddly koalas, take them to Monarto Safari Park and spend an afternoon getting acquainted with the more than 50 native and exotic animals that are featured in this exciting place to visit in Murray Bridge.

Adults will like a tour of the Murrayland area by boat with a dinner cruise on the Captain Proud Paddle Boat Cruise. Learn about local heritage and flora and fauna on an open air deck, then retire to your table and experience delicious cuisine and drink.

From its coffee, to its street art,

to its endless laneways of shopping, Melbourne is a world class city that has drawn millions of people to this picturesque, sought out town. Start out with some shopping at the popular Chapel Street area for that special gift that just screams, “Australia”!

Then you can pick from one of over 2,000 cafés that serve what has been said as the best coffee in the world. Line up at Patricia Coffee Brewers and order your personal favorite and then vote for what most have said is the best coffee on the planet.

The underground art scene is strong in Melbourne, which is evident by all the street art covering the laneways and walls of the city. Take a guided tour of the area and get a deeper understanding of the meaning and beauty that covers the city, adding to this already colorful and vibrant town.

Is The Overland train worth it?

The Overland Train is worth it, whether you are using it merely as a mode of transportation or you are looking for the journey to be a part of your destination. The Overland train is an excellent way to get acquainted with South Australia and all the wonderful things it has to offer.

Wendy Edwards

Wendy Edwards

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After traveling with Overland Travel, you'll have thousands of stories to tell. Because those who see a lot, have a lot to say. Our trips are not about who gets from A to B the fastest, but about what you see, do and experience.

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Want to enjoy your next adventure without worry and in comfort? Leave the construction, modification, transport, servicing and maintenance of expedition vehicles to our experts.

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Through our years of travel experience we know better than anyone what equipment you need during an expedition. We have selected the best products with an optimal price-quality ratio for you. Everything for a safe and carefree journey.

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At Overland Travel, we don't do comfort zones. We'll take you from A to Best places in the world. We like to travel (far) off the beaten track to the most special places on earth. Think again before you clean your car or truck and park it in the garage. After all, a clean vehicle tells no story.

Join the group of pleasure seekers and adventurers. Pack your bags and join us for an adventure. Push boundaries and make memories. After traveling with Overland Travel, you'll have thousands of stories to tell. Because those who see a lot, have a lot to say. The travel program up to 2025 is already waiting for you. The anticipation is just as important.

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Overland Travel

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Texas fires map: Track wildfires as Smokehouse Creek blaze engulfs 500,000 acres

Texas a&m previously told usa today that dry conditions are contributing to the fires' growth. the state saw record heat on monday when smokehouse creek, the largest fire, was discovered..

what does overland travel mean

The second-largest wildfire in Texas history,  Smokehouse Creek , has engulfed around 500,000 acres of land as dry conditions contribute to fires all around the state.

The fires have prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to issue a disaster declaration for 60 counties, which enables critical resources to be deployed to impacted areas.

According to Texas A&M Forest Service , as off midday Wednesday, there were six active wildfires, two controlled fires and 23 contained fires. Five of the active fires are located on the Texas panhandle, north of Amarillo.

Follow along here for live updates: Texas wildfire becomes 2nd largest in state history, grows to 500,000 acres

Where are the Texas wildfires?

The active fires are as follows, according to Texas A&M Forest Service as of midday Wednesday:

  • Smokehouse Creek — Hutchinson County, 500,000 acres, 0% contained
  • Windy Deuce   Fire  — Moore County, 40,000 acres, 20% containment
  • Grape Vine Creek Fire  — Gray County, 30,000 acres, 60% containment
  • Magenta  — Oldham County, 2,000 acres, 40% containment
  • 687 Reamer  — Hutchinson County, 2,000 acres, 10% containment
  • Mills Creek  — Fannin County, 75 acres, 0% containment

Map of Texas Wildfires:

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture.

You can follow her on  X, formerly known as Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok : @juliamariegz.

Which big employers have the largest and smallest gender pay gaps? New data reveals all

The difference between what men and women are paid at the biggest employers in Australia has been revealed for the first time: from brewers and builders to banks and bakers.

Data divulged under new laws show massive gender pay gaps at some of our most well-known businesses, including many where women are their key customers.

At brewer Lion, maker of XXXX, Tooheys and Four Pillars gin, the median base pay gender gap is just 1.4 per cent.

It is higher (8.4 per cent) if you include all forms of remuneration such as bonuses and penalties, but still far below the national average of 14.5 per cent and a sliver of those at some of Australia's biggest household names.

Sarah Abbott, a human resources executive at the brewery group, understands the challenge.

"There are a number of colleagues in other organisations who are very nervous for these announcements. And my advice would be start now: The sooner you start, the sooner you're going to be able to create change," she says.

That might be too late.

More than 5 million workers get to judge if what their employer says about gender equality — and does — match up.

The median gender pay gap at airline Jetstar is 53.5 per cent, meaning that for every $1 a male worker makes at the company, women earn, on average, 46.5 cents.

It's scarcely better at Virgin (41.7 per cent), Qantas (39.3 per cent), the Commonwealth Bank (29.8 per cent), Westpac (27 per cent), insurer IAG (27.5 per cent) or Suncorp (20.5 per cent).

The figures in this article are based on "base pay". If you use a "total remuneration" figure that takes in penalties and bonuses, some gaps change. Jetstar's gap decreases to 43.7 per cent. Commonwealth Bank's increases to 29.9 per cent.

Companies have been submitting their data to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for almost a decade, which created anonymised industry-by-industry reports and told companies where they sat in their sector.

Despite opposition from some business groups, the Labor government changed the law and led to this moment of radical transparency: the publication of the gender pay gaps at every company in Australia with more than 100 employees. 

See below for the gaps at companies including supermarkets, football clubs, schools, healthcare providers, law firms and more — or your employer.

Power giant AGL acknowledges it has work to do. It's one of many companies with a base salary pay gap (30.3 per cent) more than double the national average. 

Sarah Gilbert 1

With a decade in the job — and distinctive rainbow-flecked hair — everyone at the Loy Yang power station in Victoria's Latrobe Valley seems to know Sarah Gilbert.

"I found that AGL in particular, there's always been a respect for people as they are rather than necessarily your gender or your cultural background," she says.

"It's always been about respect for the person."

The head of risk and assurance, she helps the company to comply with laws that govern the coal mine and power station.

Historically it has been a male-dominated field, but she's never felt uncomfortable. 

"And I've never had to queue for the toilet," she says, laughing.

Sarah Gilbert 2

As the company tries to close the gender pay gap, it includes people like Ms Gilbert in leadership programs, attracting more female apprentices to the well-paid field, and having a commitment from the CEO down to changing the company.

"In the engineering space, we're seeing more females coming through. Certainly, in terms of our operators, we're seeing more females, literally at the coalface," she says.

"There's a really clear indication that, yeah, they're serious about it."

Complex gap

The gender pay gap — the difference between what men and women are paid in the same organisation — is a  persistent problem .

WGEA, which collates the information, describes it like this:

"Gender pay gaps … show the difference between the average or median pay of women and men across organisations, industries and the workforce as a whole."

As Qantas notes in a statement, the figures show what's happening across the whole organisation: 

From Qantas Group chief people officer Catherine Walsh: "This does not mean women are paid less than men to do the same jobs at Qantas and Jetstar, but shows there is a significant under-representation of women in highly paid roles like pilots and engineers across airlines globally."

It is not about "equal pay for equal work".

Not equal pay

The fact that men and women should be paid the same for the same work has been enshrined in law for decades.

Any employer not doing that is breaking the law.

Woman holding hand of bronze statue of woman with sign saying 'no more male and female rates, one rate only'

The gender pay gap is more complex and comes about through factors such as gender-dominated or previously segregated industries.

For example, teaching and "caring" professions have typically been dominated by women and paid much less than male-dominated fields such as construction.

Women are also more likely to have time out of the workforce to raise children or care for elderly relatives. Additionally, there is a history of gender discrimination against women and historic barriers to better wages and financial security, such as making up a higher proportion of part-time roles.

It's for these reasons that companies that are reducing their gaps have tended to do similar things: increasing the proportion of women in management roles, turning maternity leave provisions to "paternity leave" (and encouraging men to use it), and auditing where the lowest-paid roles in a company are. 

'Significant step'

In a statement ahead of the release, WGEA chief executive Mary Wooldridge said workers being able to see inside their own companies was a "significant step forward" for accountability.

Mary Wooldridge sits at a desk with a computer in the background.

The figures will now be released annually, meaning the public will be able to see any improvement.

"We'll be able to see if the commitments they make and articulate in relation to their understanding of the gaps and what they're going to do about them translates into the outcome of reducing their gender pay gap," she says.

The public pressure from workers inside companies — and media coverage of the data — is part of the plan. 

And it's worked elsewhere. 

Worked in the UK

The UK government first published the information in 2017, prompting an explosive response as high-profile companies were forced to defend and fix large gaps between what they paid their male and female staff.

Airline RyanAir (a 72 per cent gap) and bank Barclays (44 per cent) were among the biggest. The data made a substantial impact  in reducing the gap in future years.

UK gender pay gap data

Since publishing the broad data (2010) and the specific company-by-company information (2017), the gender pay gap has fallen by almost a quarter for all employees.

The reason?

Companies must submit their internal data to WGEA, with the submission signed off by a chief executive or person at a similar level.

At the same time, companies are invited to provide an "employer statement" to give context to their results.

For example, one of the reasons the airlines have large gaps is that the intake of pilots remains overwhelmingly male. Their well-paid jobs contrast with customer-facing staff at airlines who tend to be female and lower-paid. 

As Virgin Australia notes in its statement:

"The 2023 median gender pay gap … of 41.7 per cent is driven by the demographic profile of our organisation. We have a larger proportion of men occupying higher paying roles, such as pilots and aircraft engineering roles … we are focused on improving the demographic profile of key roles across our organisation over time."

Insurer IAG makes similar points about its 8,400 staff.

"While IAG has a greater representation of women than men across our workforce, there are fewer women than men at senior career levels where role pay is typically higher, and fewer women than men in higher-paying roles," its statement reads.

"While recognising we have further work to do to achieve gender pay equity … we welcome the increased focus and transparency through WGEA publishing these important metrics and look forward to reporting on our progress in future years."

It is not compulsory for companies to provide the contextual information. Much of it has  just been released and will be added to this article when it is made available. Companies mentioned in this article have been contacted for comment before publication.

The gap remains broad, even at companies that champion women.

Women undercut

Some of the most popular brands in Australia that sell goods largely to women have substantial gender pay gaps.

For every $1 a man makes working at the following companies, this is what a woman makes, on average:

  • At retailer City Chic Collective, owner of City Chic and Avenue:  42.3 cents (gap is 57.7 per cent) 
  • At retailer Fast Future Brands, owner of TEMT and Valleygirl:  47.9 cents (gap is 52.1 per cent) 
  • At clothes chain Forever New:  49.9 cents (gap of 50.1 per cent) 
  • At jeweller Pandora:  52.8 cents (gap is 47.2 per cent) 
  • At swimwear retailer Seafolly:  55.5 cents (gap is 44.5 per cent) 
  • At active-wear retailer Lorna Jane:  63.7 cents (gap is 36.3 per cent) 
  • At clothing retailer Sussan:  73.1 cents (gap is 26.9 per cent) 
  • At accessory giant Lovisa:  73.6 cents (gap is 26.4 per cent) 
  • At chain store Decjuba:  79.1 cents (gap is 20.9 per cent) 

All of these companies were contacted for comment.

Forever New pointed out the implications of having a 1,436-strong workforce where the vast majority were women working in retail stores, many in entry-level positions. There are just 65 male employees in the organisation, but 62 of them work in the head office which has larger salaries.

In a statement, it defended its result.

"As a brand, Forever New has policies in place to ensure equal remuneration between women and men and offers flexible work arrangements for females to continue to progress in their careers."

Further, it says 84 per cent of the best-paid quarter of its workforce are female "and women occupy 89 per cent of manager level roles".

The front of a women's clothing store with the words Forever New lit up. Mannequins and clothing racks line the store.

Decjuba has a similar-sized workforce and an even starker gender split: it's 99 per cent female.

"The pay gap at Decjuba is skewed due to the small number of male team members, many of whom are in head office roles," the company said in a statement that listed policies on parental leave, flexible work and visa sponsorship.

"We are proud to have a balanced gender representation in our executive leadership team."

City Chic says three-quarters of general manager and operational manager roles are held by women, but it doesn't employ many men in its stores because of the nature of the product.

"City Chic is committed to gender equality in remuneration and, where appropriate, gender diversity in its employment practices. Given the nature of City Chic's business (plus size women's fashion), a limited number of roles are appropriately open to gender diversity, with the majority of its personnel being in customer-facing sales roles."

Shortly before publication, lawyers for Lorna Jane sent a letter threatening legal action if the reporting of its average total remuneration gender pay gap (37.1 per cent, higher than its base salary gap) did not place the figure "in proper context".

The letter from HopwoodGanim lawyers notes that at the time the data was taken, Lorna Jane employed 1,382 women and 47 men, with women making up 97 per cent of the workforce and the entire staff of its 101 stores.

"As part of Lorna Jane’s commitment to providing flexible employment conditions for its valued team, a very large number of its female staff enjoy being able to work in casual and part-time capacities. In contrast, the vast majority of Lorna Jane’s male employees work in full-time, non-retail roles."

As the gender pay gap reflects the difference in average earnings between women and men in the workforce, the tiny proportion of men working in Lorna Jane — all in roles outside of retail service — would grow the overall gap.

Brands including 2XU, Jenny Craig, Tupperware Australia and The Body Shop were published on a list of "non-compliant" employers which did not submit a report on time.

Consumers will choose

Silvia Salazar, a senior research fellow at the Bankwest-Curtin Economics Centre at Curtin University, cites the examples of FairTrade coffee and Rainforest Alliance certification for products as she thinks about the potential impact on some of the brands listed.

"If you are somebody that cares about gender equality, you are probably going to shop elsewhere if you see that the company that you really like is offering really low pay for women, has no women in management and so forth," she says.

Dr Silvia Salazar

It comes down to values: what a company talks about and what it does.

"You expect that a company that mostly caters for women will care also to have these women enjoy equality within their companies."

Dr Salazar describes it as akin to the issue of " greenwashing " — where companies market products or services as environmentally sustainable when they're not. 

"You can have the same thing with this gender equality. I guess this publicly available data will show whether companies are actually doing what they said. Or not," she says.

Brewing change

A 2016 audit at brewer Lion exposed big gaps in how men and women were paid — and prompted action.

"We gave people changes to their base pay to say: 'What you're currently on isn't right. And we want you to be paid fairly for your role and your level'," says Ms Abbott, who runs the diversity, equity and inclusion function at Lion.

Sarah Abbott 1

"That was done on the roles, positions that we recognised needed to be fixed.

"We needed to right the wrongs, draw a line in the sand and say: 'This is not okay on our watch'."

But the changes went further. The company banned discussion of previous salaries during job interviews and paid people according to the position they held.

"We don't want to bring on a poor behaviour that's replicated over (other) organisations into our own. So we pay for the level and the role, not for what the person was paid for before," she says.

Beer kegs on shelving at XXXX brewery in Brisbane.

With a gender pay gap now at 1.4 per cent, Lion is an example of both the work required inside companies that want to tackle the issue — and the change possible.

"We really welcome the opportunity for organisations to share their gender pay gap," Ms Abbott says. 

"It's just basic equity. It's black and white. To me, I don't think there's any question around why and why not we should be doing it."

Froth and bubble

"What's not to love about brewing?" laughs Celsa Wilton, the brewing manager for Castlemaine Perkins, the iconic home of XXXX near the banks of the Brisbane River.

Celsa Wilton 2

With a background in science, Ms Wilton was drawn in by the technical challenge of the process and now helps brew millions of litres of beer every year. 

When she started 30 years ago she was the "first and only female at the table" but now has a team with a 50:50 gender split. Acknowledging that it hadn't been easy, Ms Wilton says it's now a point of pride that incoming staff don't experience a work environment dominated by one gender.

Celsa Wilton 1

"There are so many advantages to trying to close that gender gap. Not because we've got a box to tick or a quota to meet, but you want that diversity in thinking in the brewery," she says.

"We can offer a different way of problem-solving, a different way of coming up with solutions," she says.

"There are so many benefits to having that diversity within any team."

A long list

Figures reveal the gender pay gap at some of Australia's biggest brands. Here are a few of the base pay gender gap provided to the government agency WGEA and published on Tuesday:

  • Supermarket Woolworths:  5.7 per cent
  • Rival Coles:  6 per cent
  • Smaller rival Aldi : 5.3 per cent
  • Department store Myer: 2.8 per cent
  • Retailer JB HiFi: 1.9 per cent
  • Parent company of carb-pusher Bakers Delight: 35 per cent
  • Burger chain Grill'd: 12.5 per cent
  • Optometrists Specsavers: 7.4 per cent
  • Travel agents Flight Centre: 16.8 per cent
  • Telco Optus: 13.5 per cent

Big banks, insurers

There's a substantial gap among the so-called "Big Four".

  • Commonwealth Bank:  29.8 per cent
  • Westpac: 27 per cent
  • ANZ: 22.7 per cent
  • NAB: 16.4 per cent

In a statement, the nation's biggest lender says the Commonwealth Bank has "a long history of promoting gender equality and working to improve the position of women in our workplace, and society more broadly" and has set clear public goals around its commitment.

"On an aggregate level, CBA has achieved gender pay equity on a 'like for like basis' – that is, men and women are paid equally for performing the same or comparable work. CBA's median pay gap calculated by WGEA reflects many factors influencing the gender pay gap more broadly, including the types of roles performed by women, the seniority of those roles and the composition of the workforce."

Women make up more than half (54 per cent) of the bank's workforce but 71 per cent of the lower-paid customer service roles in branches and call centres. 

Westpac also pointed to its leadership in gender equality and its desire to pay people fairly.

"Our gender pay gap is heavily influenced by the shape of our organisation, with many women being employed in roles in contact centres, operations and our large retail branch network," a spokesperson said in a statement.

"Our focus is on improving the gender pay gap by increasing participation of women in senior roles as well as specialist areas such as institutional banking and technology."

  • Bendigo and Adelaide Bank:  24 per cent
  • Goldman Sachs:  32.7 per cent
  • Barrenjoey: 33.8 per cent
  • IAG: 27.5 per cent
  • QBE: 24 per cent
  • Bupa:  33.8 per cent 
  • Medibank: 17.8 per cent

Sporting clubs and associations

  • Collingwood Football Club:  42 per cent
  • Adelaide Football Club: 30 per cent
  • Port Adelaide Football Club: 9.8 per cent
  • Fremantle Football Club: 32 per cent
  • Essendon Football Club:  23.1 per cent
  • Richmond Football Club:  16 per cent
  • North Melbourne Football Club: 2.9 per cent
  • Wests Tigers Football Club:  4.8 per cent
  • SANFL: 4.7 per cent
  • Football Australia: 0 per cent
  • AFL: 0 per cent
  • Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology:  11 per cent
  • Australian Red Cross Society: 10.4 per cent
  • St Vincents Hospital (Melbourne):  6.6 per cent
  • RSL Care RDNS: 0.9 per cent
  • St John of God Health Care: -2.9 per cent

Miners, services

Rio Tinto has a negative gender pay gap, meaning women are, on average, paid more across the organisation.

  • BHP Group: 18.9 per cent
  • Rio Tinto:  -2.3 per cent
  • Hancock Prospecting:  25 per cent
  • Inpex Australia: 24.5 per cent
  • Woodside Energy:  16.1 per cent
  • Thiess: 8.7 per cent
  • GHD: 26 per cent

Consulting firms, law firms

  • PwC:  4 per cent
  • KPMG:  12.9 per cent
  • Deloitte:  16.7 per cent
  • EY:  15.9 per cent
  • Accenture: 15.8 per cent
  • Boston Consulting Group: 27.2 per cent
  • McKinsey Pacific Rim: 33.4 per cent
  • Maurice Blackburn: 31.7 per cent
  • Shine Lawyers: 25.5 per cent
  • MinterEllison: 22.2 per cent
  • Allens: 9.8 per cent
  • Herbert Smith Freehills: 17.3 per cent
  • Clayton Utz: 18.9 per cent
  • Watpac Construction: 41.6 per cent
  • Built Management Services: 35.6 per cent
  • Schindler Lifts: 34.9 per cent
  • Henley (Arch Unit Trust):  33.3 per cent
  • Simonds Group: 29.7 per cent
  • Hansen Yuncken:  28.6 per cent
  • Lendlease: 24.7 per cent

Education and training

  • South Coast Baptist College WA:  42.4 per cent
  • Central Queensland University: 20.7 per cent
  • Catholic Education WA:  16.7 per cent
  • Methodist Ladies College WA:  33.1 per cent
  • University of Technology Sydney:  11.9 per cent
  • Australian National University: 7.9 per cent
  • University of Melbourne: 7.4 per cent

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Overland Travel Tips

What does it mean to travel overland, introduction:.

Traveling overland is a mode of exploration that allows individuals to connect with the world in a unique and immersive way. It involves journeying across the Earth’s surface using primarily land-based modes of transportation, such as cars, buses, trains, bicycles, or even on foot, rather than relying on air or water travel. Overland travel offers a slower, more deliberate approach to exploring diverse landscapes, cultures, and communities, and it often emphasizes adventure, sustainability, and cultural immersion. In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into the various aspects of traveling overland, including its history, motivations, challenges, and the diverse experiences it offers to travelers.

what-does-it-mean-to-travel-overland

Section 1: The Essence of Overland Travel

1.1. The Concept of Overland Travel

At its core, overland travel represents a journey that prioritizes land-based modes of transportation. This form of exploration enables travelers to connect with the land, people, and cultures they encounter along the way. Unlike air travel, which quickly transports passengers from one destination to another, overland travel emphasizes the journey itself. It encourages a slower pace, allowing travelers to savor the experiences, sights, and challenges that come with traversing the Earth’s surface.

1.2. Key Characteristics of Overland Travel

Overland travel is characterized by several key features:

  • Land-Based Transport : Overland travel primarily relies on terrestrial modes of transportation, including cars, buses, trains, bicycles, motorcycles, and even walking.
  • Diverse Routes : Travelers have the flexibility to choose their routes, whether it’s following established road networks, venturing onto off-road paths, taking scenic detours, or adapting their journeys based on their interests and goals.
  • Exploration and Adventure : Overland travel often goes hand in hand with exploration and adventure. It allows travelers to discover new places, experience diverse cultures, and immerse themselves in the landscapes and communities they encounter.
  • Slower Pace : Compared to air travel, overland journeys progress at a slower pace. This slower tempo enables travelers to engage more deeply with the places they visit, interact with locals, and appreciate the evolving scenery.
  • Sustainability : Overland travel is often considered a more environmentally sustainable mode of transportation, as it generally has a lower carbon footprint compared to air travel. Additionally, it can contribute to local economies and communities by utilizing local services and accommodations.
  • Flexibility : Overland travel offers greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and itinerary adjustments. Travelers can decide when and where to stop, extend their stays in interesting locations, and deviate from their original plans as needed.
  • Cultural Immersion : Traveling overland provides opportunities for cultural immersion, as travelers have the chance to interact with locals, sample traditional foods, and gain insights into the customs and traditions of the regions they pass through.

1.3. Motivations for Overland Travel

Overland travel appeals to a diverse range of individuals and adventurers, each with their own motivations and reasons for choosing this mode of exploration:

  • Adventure and Exploration : Many travelers seek the thrill of adventure and the opportunity to explore remote or less-visited areas. The unpredictability and challenges of overland travel add an element of excitement.
  • Slow Travel : Overland travel is a form of “slow travel,” which allows people to disconnect from the fast-paced modern world, embrace a simpler lifestyle, and savor the journey rather than rushing to a destination.
  • Cultural Connection : Those interested in connecting with diverse cultures and communities often choose overland travel. It provides an authentic and immersive cultural experience.
  • Environmental Awareness : Travelers concerned about their environmental impact appreciate the lower carbon footprint associated with overland travel, especially when compared to air travel.
  • Personal Growth : Overland travel can be a transformative experience that fosters personal growth, self-discovery, and resilience. It challenges travelers to adapt to new situations and overcome obstacles.
  • Photography and Documentation : Overland journeys offer countless opportunities for photographers, writers, and documentarians to capture unique scenes, stories, and landscapes.

Section 2: Modes of Overland Travel

2.1. Road Trips

Road trips are a quintessential form of overland travel. They involve embarking on journeys by car or camper, often along highways and scenic routes. Road trippers have the freedom to stop at attractions, natural wonders, and charming towns along the way. Iconic road trips include the Route 66 adventure across the United States, the Great Ocean Road in Australia, and the Silk Road in Central Asia.

2.2. Train Travel

Train travel is another popular mode of overland exploration. Train journeys can cover vast distances, offering passengers the opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery while traversing diverse landscapes. Notable examples include the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia, the Orient Express in Europe, and the Ghan in Australia.

2.3. Cycling Expeditions

Cycling expeditions involve long-distance bike journeys across countries or continents. Cyclists carry their gear and supplies, embracing a sense of self-sufficiency. Famous cycling routes include the Pan-American Highway, EuroVelo network in Europe, and the Silk Road by bike.

2.4. Hiking and Trekking

Hiking and trekking overland allow travelers to explore landscapes on foot. These journeys can range from multi-day hikes along well-established trails, such as the Appalachian Trail in the United States, to remote and challenging treks in places like the Himalayas or the Andes.

2.5. Motorcycle Adventures

Motorcycle adventures offer a unique blend of freedom and thrill. Riders explore diverse terrains, from deserts to mountain passes, on two wheels. The Pan-American Highway and the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Southeast Asia are popular routes for motorcycle enthusiasts.

2.6. Overland Expeditions

Overland expeditions involve using specially equipped vehicles, often 4×4 trucks or SUVs, to traverse rugged terrains, including deserts, jungles, and remote wilderness areas. These journeys are often organized with a focus on self-sufficiency and may last for weeks or months.

Section 3: The Historical Significance of Overland Travel

3.1. Early Exploration

Overland travel has played a significant role throughout history, shaping the course of human exploration and cultural exchange. Early explorers and traders, such as Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta, embarked on overland journeys that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of ideas, goods, and cultures.

3.2. Silk Road

The Silk Road, a vast network of trade routes, is one of the most iconic examples of overland travel in history. It connected Europe, Asia, and Africa, fostering trade in silk, spices, precious metals, and ideas. The Silk Road facilitated cultural exchanges between East and West, influencing art, religion, and technology.

3.3. Age of Discovery

During the Age of Discovery, explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Vasco da Gama undertook overland and sea voyages to explore the New World and establish maritime trade routes. These journeys transformed the global map and reshaped world history.

3.4. Transcontinental Railways

The construction of transcontinental railways, such as the First Transcontinental Railroad in the United States and the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia, revolutionized overland travel and trade. These railways connected distant regions, facilitated economic growth, and made travel more accessible.

Section 4: Challenges and Considerations

4.1. Navigating Unfamiliar Terrain

One of the challenges of overland travel is navigating unfamiliar terrain, which can include rough roads, remote wilderness, or areas with limited infrastructure. Travelers must be prepared for changing conditions and unexpected obstacles.

4.2. Border Crossings and Documentation

Overland travelers often encounter multiple border crossings when journeying across international boundaries. Navigating visa requirements, customs procedures, and border regulations can be complex and time-consuming.

4.3. Logistics and Supplies

Overland journeys require careful planning regarding supplies, including food, water, fuel, and camping gear. Travelers must consider their self-sufficiency and access to essential resources along the route.

4.4. Cultural Sensitivity

Overland travelers have the opportunity to interact with diverse cultures and communities. Being culturally sensitive, respectful, and aware of local customs and traditions is essential to fostering positive interactions.

4.5. Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability and responsible travel are important considerations for overland travelers. Minimizing environmental impact, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and supporting eco-friendly practices contribute to the preservation of natural landscapes.

Section 5: Experiences and Benefits of Overland Travel

5.1. Deep Connection with Places

Overland travel offers a profound connection with the places visited. Travelers have the time to immerse themselves in the local culture, engage with communities, and gain a deeper understanding of the environment.

5.2. Enhanced Cultural Understanding

Interactions with locals and exposure to diverse cultures enrich travelers’ cultural awareness. These experiences foster empathy, tolerance, and an appreciation for global diversity.

5.3. Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Overland travel often challenges individuals to adapt to new situations, overcome obstacles, and develop resilience. These experiences can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.

5.4. Unforgettable Landscapes and Sights

Overland travelers have the privilege of witnessing breathtaking landscapes, natural wonders, and unique sights that may not be accessible through other forms of travel.

5.5. Unique Stories and Memories

Overland journeys create a wealth of unique stories and memories that become cherished tales to share with friends and family. These experiences shape the traveler’s narrative.

Section 6: Sustainability and Responsible Overland Travel

6.1. Reducing Environmental Impact

Overland travelers can reduce their environmental impact by choosing eco-friendly vehicles, minimizing waste, practicing responsible camping, and supporting conservation efforts in the areas they visit.

6.2. Supporting Local Economies

Overland travel contributes to local economies by utilizing local accommodations, services, and markets. Travelers can support small businesses and communities along their route.

6.3. Cultural Respect and Responsibility

Responsible overland travelers respect local customs, traditions, and cultural norms. They seek to have a positive and mutually beneficial impact on the communities they encounter.

6.4. Leave No Trace Principles

Travelers should adhere to Leave No Trace principles, which emphasize minimizing human impact on the environment, preserving natural spaces, and leaving landscapes as they were found.

Section 7: Iconic Overland Journeys

7.1. Pan-American Highway

The Pan-American Highway is one of the world’s longest road networks, stretching from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina. It offers a diverse range of landscapes, climates, and cultures as it traverses the Americas.

7.2. Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway is a legendary train journey that spans the breadth of Russia, from Moscow to Vladivostok. It is renowned for its stunning scenery, including Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake.

7.3. Great Silk Road

The Great Silk Road was a historic network of trade routes that connected East and West, from China to Europe. Travelers can explore remnants of this ancient route, visiting cities like Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and Bukhara, which were once vibrant Silk Road trading centers.

7.4. Sahara Desert Crossing

Crossing the Sahara Desert is an epic overland adventure that challenges travelers with extreme temperatures, vast sand dunes, and remote oases. It offers a glimpse into the stark beauty and harsh conditions of this iconic desert.

Section 8: Conclusion

Traveling overland is a timeless and enriching mode of exploration that connects people with the world’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and communities. It fosters a sense of adventure, cultural awareness, and environmental responsibility. Whether embarking on a cross-country road trip, a transcontinental train journey, or an epic cycling expedition, overland travel offers a unique opportunity to savor the journey and create lasting memories. While it comes with challenges, the rewards of overland travel are immeasurable, making it a cherished and enduring form of exploration for adventurers and wanderers alike.

Overland Travel Tips for Africa

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Frugal Traveler

To Protect Your Miles, Be Careful How You Book

American Airlines recently announced new restrictions on point allocation based on how you book a flight. What does that mean for loyalty members?

A commercial airplane with red and blue stripes on its tail and the word "American" in large blue letters on the side of the aircraft, takes off from an airport runway.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

Earlier this month, American Airlines announced that beginning May 1, it will require travelers to book directly with the airline, partner airlines or “preferred travel agencies” in order to receive points in its loyalty program.

The unprecedented move confused many travelers eager to protect their mileage currency, prompting posts like this one on X: “@AmericanAir your news about earning miles/loyalty points is a bit concerning — we’re loyal to you no matter who we book through!”

In an email, a representative of the airline said that the approved list of travel agencies would not be published until April.

While there is much to be determined about the new policy, a battle for customers between the airline and third-party ticket sellers, which includes online travel agencies like Orbitz, has emerged. Here’s what travelers should know before booking their next flight.

What are the new points rules at American?

Currently, the biggest domestic carriers — including Delta Air Lines , United Airlines , Southwest Airlines and American — award points and miles to members of their loyalty programs on most tickets regardless of where they are sold.

American’s new rules state that in order to receive miles and points, travelers must book through its website, a Oneworld partner airline or approved travel agencies (with exceptions for those enrolled in its business program, which targets small companies, or with a corporate contract).

Also beginning May 1, fliers booking basic economy fares, the airline’s cheapest fares, may only earn points by booking through American’s website or its airline partners.

What’s behind the switch?

According to analysts, this is largely a behind-the-scenes fight over technology.

Travel agencies have long used distribution systems like Sabre and Amadeus to sell airline tickets. But many airlines are interested in using an emerging channel developed by the International Air Transport Association called New Distribution Capability . It offers airlines a more direct means of communicating with passengers, whom they can target with personalized fares or bundled offers not available in the traditional systems, providing opportunities to sell more services.

The “preferred” agencies that American said it will announce in April will be those making a substantial number of bookings on the new platform.

“American is dead set on being a more efficient airline and reducing its cost of sales, so they have issued this new edict and travel agents who choose not to follow along will find themselves on the losing end of the battle,” said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and the founder of the Atmosphere Research Group.

Many travel agents object to the speed of adopting a technology they say still has bugs. In a recent letter to the 18,000 member agencies of the American Society of Travel Advisors , the president and chief executive of the trade organization Zane Kerby called it “an underdeveloped technology,” with “basic servicing” issues that include problems with cancellations, booking multiple people on the same itinerary and rebooking.

Mr. Kerby cited a heightened risk to most business travelers using external agencies to make their bookings. “It feels like American Airlines is disenfranchising or willing to disenfranchise its most profitable and lucrative segment, which is the frequent business traveler,” he said.

In American’s new requirement that basic economy fliers book directly with the airline to earn miles, Brian Sumers, who writes the Airline Observer newsletter, sees a play for greater loyalty from thrifty travelers at a time when many airlines have abandoned them. Delta , for instance, no longer awards points to its basic economy passengers. United restricts basic economy fliers to one personal item carried aboard when flying domestically.

American wants those basic economy passengers, Mr. Sumers said. “The end goal is to get people so excited about having AAdvantage points and using them all the time, because that’s where they’re making money.”

How should I book to ensure I’m awarded miles for American flights?

If you are accustomed to booking online with the airline directly, earning miles is not endangered.

If you use a travel agency, including online sites like Expedia or Orbitz, check the list of approved agencies when it is published in April.

But even for travelers who are accustomed to D.I.Y. bookings, the new American policy poses some threat to earning miles. If you use a travel agent to plan a more complicated trip — say, an African safari or a trek to Machu Picchu in Peru — make sure the agent is approved by American or be prepared to make the booking yourself to earn miles.

“American is counting on the fact that travelers engaged with AAdvantage will want to remain engaged, so that if their travel agent is not onboard, the customer will find a different travel agent or opt to book directly,” Mr. Harteveldt said.

Will other airlines follow suit?

Experts say commercial aviation is a copycat industry; if a policy is successful, others are likely to follow. But it may not happen quickly in this case.

“There are some very expensive tickets that go through using the older system,” Mr. Sumers said, describing other airlines as “taking a watch-and-wait approach” to see if any defections from former American customers boost their business.

“By no means has this play reached its conclusions,” Mr. Harteveldt said. “We are in the first part of the first act.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Condé Nast Traveler

What Does the Phrase “Slow Travel” Actually Mean?

F or about a decade, Paul Salopek, a Pulitzer-winning journalist, has been walking. By that, I don’t mean he’s consistently hit his 10,000 steps on daily constitutionals. In 2013, Salopek set out on the  Out of Eden Walk , a project to follow the 80,000-year-old footsteps of our forebears, following the 24,000-mile route of human migration from Ethiopia to the southern tip of South America —all on foot just as they had done. Salopek’s still-unfolding, extraordinary journey might be considered the ultimate experiment in so-called “slow travel,” a term that is being used more and more frequently to describe everything from backcountry bikepacking expeditions to mega-ship cruises. But when I reach Salopek on Zoom to ask him about it, he is in the Chinese province of Shaanxi and is audibly confused about what the term even means. “There’s been no other way  but  ‘slow travel’ for 99 percent of our history,” he says. “I guess in today’s world to premise anything on going slowly is revolutionary.”

It’s hard to pinpoint its exact beginnings but the slow travel revolution—an intentional move towards more mindful, more environmentally responsible, less purely convenient modes of getting around—organically emerged from another revolution. In 1986, a journalist named Carlo Petrini, in the most Italian protest ever conducted, handed out bowls of penne pasta to passersby and demonstrators who yelled, “We don’t want fast food. We want slow food!” The target? A McDonald’s, the first in Italy , set to open at the foot of the Spanish Steps in Rome. The McDonald’s did indeed open, and is still there, but by actively resisting the very concept of fast food, Petrini started what became known as the slow food movement, a culinary practice that emphasizes natural ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and long, languorous meals where food is relished rather than treated as fuel.

Slow travel means tamping down our own built-in, conditioned obsessions with time and allowing the world to move just a little slower so that we can actually notice it.

If slow food is defined, at least partially, by what it’s not, then the same can be said for slow travel. Slow travel can be best understood as a collective reaction to our post-industrial obsession with convenience, where time, and using as little of it as possible, is the biggest priority in getting from point A to point B. Some have tried to give slow travel a more concrete definition. In 2010, for example, a decade before the coronavirus pandemic saw  skyrocketing interest in  trekking, cycling, and domestic trips, two tourism researchers out of the UK, Janet Dickinson and Les Lumsdown,  wrote that slow travel was “an emerging conceptual framework which offers an alternative to air and car travel, where people travel to destinations more slowly overland, stay longer and travel less.” Seems simple enough. Take a train, a bike, kayak, or your own two feet instead of a plane and car and just like that, you’ve taken your vow of mindfulness; welcome to the church of slow travel? 

Of course, like any trend that starts with a kind of radical thoughtfulness, the definition of slow travel gets slippery with the more questions you ask. What if, on that train ride, you do nothing but scroll on TikTok? What if the place and the people you really want to get to know and learn from are just too difficult to reach without getting on a plane, because of other obligations, money, or a disability? Does that disqualify you? Run a Google search of slow travel and you won’t need to scroll long before you’re accosted with shiny images of beautiful people on pristine beaches and “must-have” checklists for worthwhile “slow travel” experiences.  What if you can’t afford the five-digit price tags associated with the two-week yacht trips, luxury train rides, and wilderness resorts that market themselves as the ultimate in slow travel indulgences? 

What emerges then is a far more complex definition of what it means to travel slowly. Traveling slowly can mean exploring your own backyard, avoiding environmentally damaging transportation when possible, spending a lot of time in one place instead of a little time in many—but it also is an internal process. It means tamping down our own built-in, conditioned obsessions with time and allowing the world to move just a little slower so that we can actually notice it. Slow travel is a mindset: you don’t need three weeks of vacation to slow down. A day spent strolling through an unfamiliar neighborhood without a crammed to-do list or exploring a state park with nothing but a route map and a bag of snacks could fall under the umbrella of slow travel. It comes down to how you engage with the world as you move through it.  

“It’s about taking the time to make a connection—to the land and each other,” says Chyanne Trenholm

“If slow travel is about stopping and taking the time to properly connect with a place and its people, then yes, it’s something I’m all for,” says Chyanne Trenholm, a member of the Homalco First Nation, and the assistant general manager of Vancouver Island-based  Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours . The Indigenous-owned company organizes visits to local communities, and Bute Inlet wildlife excursions. Trenholm says the idea of taking it slow and being present has been ingrained in her culture as a steward of the land. “Slow tourism is not the term we’ve used much, because it’s not just how we think of our brand—it’s who we are,” she says. She feels a certain sense of responsibility in instilling that kind of thinking in visitors who might arrive looking to get that one shot of a grizzly bear with a fish in its mouth and then leave. “It’s about taking the time to make a connection—to the land and each other,” she says. “I think humans in general can learn a lot from the act of making those connections.” 

Monisha Rajesh , the author of three books on long-distance train travel, thinks that moving slower gives our brains the time it needs to process our experiences. “On a plane, you lift out of one place and drop into the next without any awareness of the in-betweenness,” she says. “On a train, the journey starts the second you get on board. I don’t know who is going to enter my story and the surroundings are part of the adventure.” Instead of the time it takes to get from origin to destination being a kind of blank nothingness—a necessary, if somewhat annoying, component of travel—suddenly, it teems with possibility. 

When people hear about long, slow journeys—a cross-country  bike trip , a paddle down the Mississippi, a 10-year-and-counting walk in the footsteps of early Homo sapiens—the reaction is usually a mix of “you-did- what?”  shock and “I-could-never” envy. It’s a strange reaction considering our history as a species. Salopek tells me that he’s noticed something almost primeval about entering a community that is not your own by foot. “They see you coming from a distance. By the time you walk up to them and say hello there’s this ritual of greeting that you’re both prepared for,” he says. “We’ve been walking into each other’s viewsheds for 300,000 years and that’s why it feels so good.”

What Does the Phrase “Slow Travel” Actually Mean? 

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. What Is Overlanding? Off-Road In-Vehicle Camping Explained

    What Is Overlanding 101. Overlanding is a combination of remote travel, off-roading, and camping. Overlanding's origins date back to the early 1900s when Australia began to establish routes for ...

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    Overlanding describes self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal. Typically, but not exclusively, accommodated by mechanized off-highway capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping; often lasting for extended lengths of time.

  3. The ULTIMATE Guide to Overland Travel (2024)

    Overland travel - whether it be by foot, by bicycle, by rail, by van or whatever method you choose - is an art in and of itself. Closely intertwined with my other favorite form of budget backpacking - slow travel - overlanding allows you to get to know the places you visit far more deeply than a bunch of flights ever could.

  4. What Is Overlanding?

    Overlanding History. The term "overlanding" was originally coined in Australia with reference to moving livestock over long distances. Generally equated with Alfred Canning's "Canning Stock Route" and Len Beadell's Australian road construction in the mid-1900s, the early concept of overlanding was primarily utilitarian.

  5. What Is Overlanding And How Does It Work?

    Overlanding is simply another type of travel. It is one where the journey is the most important part of it all, rather than the destination. Overlanding involves travelling over/on land, and being self-reliant while doing so. Overlanding often involves the use of large group trucks (for group tours) or recreational vehicles, such as campervans.

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    Overlanding is vehicle-dependent travel, where the main goal is the journey itself, not the destination. It often involves off-road capable vehicles where travelers can discover remote trails and areas that are less frequently visited. Overlanders usually enjoy off-grid camping and try to be self-sustained for an extended period of time.

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    Some Key Terms. Overlanding: self-sustained travel dependent on a vehicle on off-road terrain with the goal of experiencing nature and enjoying the journey. Rig: a popular term for the vehicles used for overlanding. Terrain: varies depending on where you live and what you have access to; can be anything from desert to snow.Overlanders intentionally seek out the wildest.

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    Overlanding or 4WD Touring is self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Typically, but not exclusively, it is accomplished with mechanized off-road capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping, often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and spanning international boundaries.

  10. Overlanding

    Overlanding is often described as a journey of self-reliant vehicle travel into unexplored lands. Meaning a journey far down unpaved roads, deep into the backcountry. Overlanding is discovery. Expedition. Raw, unplugged and wild. The premise of this type of travel is to focus on the journey. On the experience of traveling through challenging ...

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    Off-roading is a part of it, but the larger definition of overlanding has just as much to do with navigating, overnighting, and generally experiencing the world as it does with trail driving. I ...

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    Overlanding is a fusion of camping and off-roading, combining elements of each to form a distinct automotive/outdoor hobby. It has its origins in the Australian outback, where early overland routes were formed to facilitate intracontinental travel and trade. It evolved first from horseback and then to rail, before it was finally mechanized for ...

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    What does "Overlanding" mean? The term "overlanding" is used to describe self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. It usually involves off road trucks and cars, camping, extends for months or even years, and goes internationally. The ideal form of travel for off-the-grid enthusiasts or ...

  14. What Is Overland Travel // Adventure Bound

    Overland travel is an expedition into the world and into yourself, opening your mind to new horizons, new ways of life, and new people. It's about immersing yourself fully in the moment and in the culture, overcoming obstacles, and staying curious. The sense of wonder is rarer and rarer in our air-conditioned offices and our urban ...

  15. What is Overlanding? Get Ready to Go Overland Camping!

    Similar, but Different. Off-roading is more about conquering obstacles. Overlanding is more about the journey as a whole - the rough roads are just a means to an end. An overland camping trip might involve a few challenging off-road sections where a 4×4 vehicle with high ground clearance is necessary, but the majority of an overlanding trip ...

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    To put it simply, Overlanding is vehicle-based, on-road and off-road, adventure travel with a focus on self-reliance, resilience, and enjoyment of the journey. Since the dawn of four-wheel drive vehicles, modern overlanding has captured the imagination of eager adventurers worldwide. While truly an international movement, here in the U.S.A ...

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    Like the name suggests, overland vacations are ones that are taken over the land. You don't fly on a plane or sail on a boat; you take ground transportation of some kind, and you travel across fields, plains, mountains, rivers, beaches, deserts and forest trails with an eye-level view. Other than this, however, the definition of "overland ...

  18. What Does Overlanding Mean?

    The Meaning of Overlanding. Overlanding is a type of travel, whether in a motorcycle, car, or truck, that is all about exploring spots off the beaten track, imbuing all the culture and the way of life that these spots have to offer, and being self-sufficient while doing all this—you know, sort of like Nomadland 's Fern.

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    Overlanders: Embracing the Adventure of Overland Travel. Introduction: Overlanding is a unique form of travel that involves journeying across vast distances, often traversing diverse landscapes and terrains, with self-reliant vehicles.

  20. Overland Definition & Meaning

    overland: [adjective] going or accomplished over the land instead of by sea.

  21. The Overland Train: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Riding

    The Overland train has been a fixture in Australia almost since its inception. Connecting the fabulous cities of Adelaide and Melbourne, this train acts not only as a mode of transportation but a fun way to see the rolling hills, the green and yellow wheat-filled plains and the riparian environments that present themselves across the countryside of South Australia.

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    What does it mean to travel overland? Introduction: Traveling overland is a mode of exploration that allows individuals to connect with the world in a unique and immersive way. It involves journeying across the Earth's surface using primarily land-based modes of transportation, such as cars, buses, trains, bicycles, or even on foot, rather ...

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