First things first.

What do you expect from this blog – and what can you actually expect?

Can you imagine
– driving once around the world – in your car, in a bus, on a bike, or simply whatever you feel comfy with,
– rarely planning your trips in advance, only prepping for the essentials to cross the next border,
– and diving into an environment often totally new to you?

Would you mind
– catching your breath on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro,
– sleeping in Kyrgyzstan’s yurts at 4,000 meters,
– crossing a Chinese army training zone at night in Western Tibet,
– ignoring the car’s transmission problems for 3,500 km on the way to Vladivostok,
– feeling shocked by overtourism’s impact at Machu Picchu,
– sneaking around with penguins on the shores of Antarctica,
– and discovering how petty-bourgeois dictator Ceaușescu’s home feels in Bucharest?

Fascinated? Do you feel that itch of jealousy? Still, a bit more inspiration and information would be incredibly helpful before you pack your bag and head off on your own dream trip?

Then this is the blog for you.

But before you dive in – a quick word about what this blog isn’t.

Don’t be frustrated: it’s not a how-to guide for visiting specific places. You won’t find things like “57½ reasons to visit the Taj Mahal,” or tips on where to find McDonald’s in Timbuktu. And we’re not about recommending luxury spas in Rio Verde de Mato Grosso – how the hell should we know your taste in food or comfort anyway? And how could we keep this kind of information updated?

So, the blog is not here to teach clueless backpackies how to survive in their hostel bubble, or to help overorganized all-inclusive travelers perfect their next 10-day “around the world” ultimate once-in-a-lifetime chillout trip.

This blog is meant to inspire and motivate you to learn a bit more about the world – not just about other tourists in your sleepery or resort. It’s for travelers ready to step outside the usual package-tourist or backpacky bubble.

It’s here to show that you can still explore most of the world on your own – especially with your own car. That meticulous planning isn’t a real necessity, just a social habit. And that hostel tours to every “must-see” are really just another form of package tourism, not a real experience in your dream destination.

So, let the photos, the useful bits, and the nonsense stories inspire you.
And maybe, instead of being jealous and just dreaming of an amazing trip – you’ll finally go for it.

Enjoy the blog.

Monika´n´Martin