In an age of convenient air travel, where crossing continents can be accomplished in mere hours, meet Adam and Veronica, a couple ditching flights for trains, ferries, taxis and buses.
Charting a different course compared to modern travel norms, this adventurous pair from Slovakia, based in the Netherlands, has embarked on a series of overland journeys, travelling the world with minimal baggage and maximal curiosity.
Their most recent expedition? A trip from Amsterdam to Dubai without ever setting foot on an aeroplane.
“We crossed 11 countries, covered 9,000 kilometres, and spent more than 155 hours in 12 trains, 2 buses, 4 minivans, 2 taxis and 1 ferry,” Adam recounted, his eyes lighting up as he described their unconventional journey.
This isn’t just travel; it is a profound exploration of landscapes, cultures, and the spaces in between that are often overlooked in the rush to reach destinations.
The destination or the journey?
The couple’s philosophy stems not from a fear of flying, although Adam did confess to his fear of flights, but also from a deep-seated desire to fully immerse themselves in the journey.
“It’s not only about the fear of flying,” he explained. “We just enjoy more travelling by land, so we don’t even think about flying somewhere.”
This approach allows them to experience the gradual transitions between countries, that are lost when soaring high at 30,000 feet.
Their overland adventures have led them to places far off the beaten tourist path. En route to Dubai, they visited Transnistria, an unrecognised breakaway state internationally considered part of Moldova.
“It’s essentially a Soviet museum as if time had stopped there,” Adam recalled. “People were surprised to see us and wanted to talk. They didn’t know English, but we know a little Russian, so we could communicate.”
These unexpected encounters and cultural exchanges form the heart of their travel experiences.
The journey through Turkey proved to be particularly memorable. “We crossed Turkey almost entirely by train and it was a very scenic ride,” they said fondly. “Eating in the restaurant car and looking out the window at the surrounding beauty of the country was a great experience.”
While the logistics of such extensive overland travel might seem daunting to some, Adam and Veronica approach their journeys with a refreshing blend of planning and spontaneity.
“Like in Europe, it’s easy for us. We don’t need to plan because it’s simple just to check on the website,” Adam explained. “But out of Europe, when we don’t know those places, then we have to do some research.”
This flexibility has led to some of their most cherished experiences. Iran as Adam described “was a huge surprise,” turning out to be a highlight of their travels.
“The reputation that the country has in the media, we found it to be quite the opposite,” he said.
“We met friendly people, an amazing country, beautiful. It was for sure the best part of our trip. That’s why we went a second time after Dubai,” he added.
Next stop – Dubai to Japan
Currently, Adam and Veronica are embarking on an even more ambitious journey – travelling from Dubai to Japan without flying. Their planned route will take them through Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Central Asia, and Mongolia before catching a ferry to Japan.
This new adventure presents fresh challenges, including visa requirements for Russia that may necessitate some creative rerouting through Europe.
Most people, when they hear of such extensive travels, often question the financial means to support it, Adam recounted numerous instances where he was asked how they have the financial means to support travelling for multiple months on end.
The couple is refreshingly candid about their financial means. They worked and saved in Amsterdam, living frugally to fund their adventures. “We just work in the Netherlands, and then don’t spend a lot of money there on going out to restaurants, bars, and stuff like this,” Adam explained. “We just save it and then we go with our savings only.”
Their typical pattern has been to work for six months, then travel for six months, alternating between earning and exploring. However, their current trip represents a more significant commitment. “Now we’re going for a bigger trip, so we worked longer, saved more money, and then quit our jobs to travel for a year,” he added.
Looking to the future, Adam and Veronica hope to turn their travels into a sustainable lifestyle through their growing online presence. “We try to work hard on all these things on the internet – our website, YouTube, and social media,” Adam said. “We hope that it will start making us money so we can keep travelling. We see that the numbers are going up.”
Their approach to packing is as minimalist as their travel style. “We have just one travel backpack,” Adam explained. “And because we work on laptops, we have one extra small backpack with the electronics like cameras and laptops.” This lean packing strategy allows them to move freely and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
Despite the potential language barriers and cultural differences they encounter, Adam and Veronica find that human connection transcends these challenges. “Sometimes you don’t even need to understand each other. You just feel it,” they reflected.
“We just laugh without even understanding a word. Sometimes it’s even more fun when you don’t understand each other,” he said.
‘Don’t overthink it’
For those inspired by their journey and considering similar adventures, Adam and Veronica’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Just go. Don’t overthink it,” Adam urged.
“People sometimes think too much about why, where, and how much money. Just make a first trip, maybe not so far away or for a long time. See how you can handle it and how much money you spend. There’s nothing really to be afraid of.”
As they continue their overland expedition towards Japan, Adam and Veronica exemplify a different way of seeing the world – one that values the journey as much as the destination.
Their adventures serve as a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding travel experiences come not from reaching a place quickly, but from savouring every step along the way.
For those who are enthused and want to keep up with the couple, they upload daily journeys on TikTok and Instagram under the account name ‘let’s go by land’.
In a world that often seems to prioritise speed and efficiency, Adam and Veronica’s story is a testament to the enduring appeal of slow travel. Their journeys aren’t just about ticking off bucket list destinations; they’re about embracing the unexpected, forging meaningful connections, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world and its diverse inhabitants.
As more travellers seek authentic experiences and ways to reduce their carbon footprint, Adam and Veronica’s overland adventures share the story of an inspiring alternative to conventional tourism.
The couple concluded with a compelling thought – sometimes the greatest discoveries lie not in the destination, but in the journey itself.
Follow us on
