Overlanding with Intrepid
You wake up to the sound of a bird you have never heard before and the waves crashing on the shore. As your tent warms from the sun you crawl out to prepare breakfast from fresh ingredients you bought from the local market the day before. As the coffee percolates over the open fire you chat to your group leader about the day's journey ahead. You put on your hiking shoes, prepare the camera, and get ready for today's adventure-you have survived your first night as an overlander.
The travel style called Overlanding is not a new way to travel, but it is becoming a more popular way to see places that are considered a little more 'off the map' than most. Overlanding trips are truck based journeys that can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. Accommodations are camping, transport is 4x4 trucks, and adventure is everywhere.
These trips tend to be a bit more physically demanding as the group cooks together, sets up and tears down camp, and there are usually some long driving days. However the perks far outweigh any challenges you might face physically. A great shared traveling experience with like minded people, seeing the everyday life of locals in the countryside, and visiting places accessible only by 4x4 trucks is what this kind of travel is all about.
Getting off the beaten path and getting involved in the adventure rather than just being a passenger is the true highlight of the overland style. It is also a great way to add some spice to an extended career break, or a jumping off point for the start of your travels. No matter what order you so it in, it will add to the richness of your time abroad.
Africa, Central Asia, South and Central America, and Southeast Asia are all classic Overland destinations. All these places have vast areas to explore, and offer a landscape best explored by driving. It is also a way to get the most bang for your buck. Since your transport, accommodation, and most meals are included, overlanding is a way to travel for an extended amount of time without blowing the budget.
Through August, Intrepid Travel is offering 20% off their new Overlanding trips.
Are you an overlander? There is only one way to find out, so get those hiking boots ready and prepare yourself for an adventure you will never forget.
We are proud to have Intrepid Travel as a National Meet, Plan, Go! sponsor.
Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.