“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination”
-Earl Nightingale.
Your options for exploring the world and wilderness are practically limitless.
Recently, individuals with a penchant for discovering new places have vastly preferred traveling by air as this has been considered the height of comfort and convenience in modern travel.
However, if you enjoy the outdoors and are passionate about intrepid adventure and discovery, you ought to try overlanding. Overlanding, albeit not for everyone, is an excellent way to travel as it gives you unbridled freedom to explore remote and untouched places at your own pace. More importantly, it allows you to unplug and disconnect from the busy world and develop life skills. When you overland, you strengthen your survival skills and meet others who share your love and zeal for travel, discovery, and adventure. Keep in mind that overlanding is about the journey and just as much as it is about the destination.
In this article, we will explore the world of overlanding and what makes it an enticing means of travel and discovery. Here, we will share what makes this outdoor activity so fun and popular insomuch that you may want to consider it for your next outdoor adventure.
1.) Freedom to Explore
One of the best things about overlanding is the unrestrained freedom that comes along with it. You do not require a timeline; all you need to do is have a plan, hop in your rig and go. Overlanding trips can be as short and as long as you wish them to be. Some can go on a trip for weeks, months, or even years! Keep in mind that while you can explore however you please, it is always recommended to have a rough itinerary about what you plan to do and leave it behind with family or a friend you can trust in case of an emergency.
2.) Escape the Daily grind
Everyday, we are hounded by the constant hustle and bustle of the modern world. For some, this is enough to dream about getting away from it all, and overlanding gives you the opportunity to do just that. Unfortunately, many studies have proven that excessive stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health. That said, you need a break every once in a while. So, get on the road and give yourself a chance to breathe fresh air and take nature’s bounty. Be sure to unplug from all your devices and slowly let go of the stress that comes with the daily grind as you go farther from the city.
3.) Be Self Reliant
One of the best things about overlanding trips is that you develop the skill of self-reliance. To succeed in this type of adventure travel, it is recommended to be prepared for all conditions, which entails becoming self-reliant. No matter how meticulously well you have planned your trip, there is always a chance that you will have an issue or two. This can range from the vehicle’s mechanics and the weather conditions to your gear or even all three. Ensuring you know how to resolve these situations and having the right supplies to remedy them and enact solutions is paramount for a comfortable and successful trip.
Being self-reliant means relying entirely on your own efforts and abilities. Overlanding compels you to do just that and helps you build and develop survival skills. As a result, you will have peace of mind, knowing that you are adequately prepared and can handle whatever is thrown your way.
4.) Share Adventure with Others
Another thing most overlanders love about overlanding is building relationships with like-minded individuals and adventurers. While it is certainly not an activity for everyone, you might be surprised at its popularity. In fact, there are clubs and events dedicated to overlanding. In these events, you can meet new people, share stories, and bond over your passion and love for overlanding.
5.) Slow Travel
When you overland, you travel deliberately and slowly. To illustrate, there is a marked difference between country hopping to various venues in a 2-week jaunt and an unhurried examination of an area. Overland travel is one of the best ways to facilitate “slow travel.” You do not simply hop from one spot to another. Instead, it allows you the freedom to explore places at your own pace, and it allows you to develop a better appreciation for the destination. When you travel overland, you are limited to the distance you can traverse by speed limits, fuel levels, and personal needs such as bathroom breaks. For some travelers, these frequent stops can be more of a nuisance than a luxury, but that is not the case in overland traveling. These stops are welcome opportunities to develop a closer acquaintance with the locals you are visiting or even just passing through. As a result, you can have a more unique adventure, chances for educational encounters with the locals, and an up-close view of terrain and topography.
