Category: Presentations

They wanted to see New-Zealand, but they're not big adventurers. They are 2 daddy's with toddlers aged 2 and 5, in their own camper. Yet they still dared to take the jump. How? A good planning and preparation were essential. Without compromising flexibility in their itinerary. And what about unexpected events? Even those were prepared for. The result was a very relaxing journey through New Zealand, despite some obstacles on the way.

Besides a view into their approach you'll also be treated to great anecdotes and beautiful images of New Zealand. What to do when your camper has a breakdown after only 2 weeks? How about school during such a trip? How to stay in touch with your 90 year old grandmother? You'll learn that their approach also works in other contexts. So who knows: you might even pick up some ideas on how to realise your own dream.

Bert was a physics researcher, a software designer and marketing manager. After ten years he took the opportunity to radically change course. This started with a trip through New-Zealand. Now he is Flanders's first travel coach, helping people find the courage to make their travel dream come true.

During the Discover Overland meeting you will also have the opportunity to try out a free travel coaching session yourself.

"Why do we leave this loveliest country in the world? What urges us to go east on desert roads?" wrote Annemarie Schwarzenbach in 1939 before she left Switzerland and headed for Afganistan.

Throughout history, women have travelled the world, each for their own reasons and from very different backgrounds. They crossed deserts, climbed mountains, dressed in men's clothes, kicked off prejudices at home and on their way, led expeditions, became monks. From some we know hardly anything, others left archives and books behind and became world-famous - although sometimes posthumously. Throughout time, women have always travelled. Even now we find women in the most impossible corners of the world, as a doctor, photographer or motor traveller.

What kicks women into the world? What drove them back then, what drives them now? What awaits women when they have the guts, like men, to stick their noses into some strange continent? And does it actually make a difference, that thing called gender?

Gaea Schoeters (author, playwright, director, journalist) and Trui Hanoulle (graphic designer, photographer) travelled together and separately, long and short, in a variety of ways. They share a lot, including motorbikes and a special interest in ex-Soviet and Islamic countries. One of their longest travels was turned into the colourful travel book 'Meisjes, Moslims en Motoren' (Girls, Muslims & Motorcycles).

Gaea and Trui give their own personal views on travelling and womanhood, both in the world of their predecessors and nowadays.

Leonie Sinnige and Peter Scheltens quit their jobs, rented out the house and left for what would become a 3-year motorcycle trip around the world. Riding their two trusty Honda CRF250L’s over 112,000 km on 5 continents through 56 countries.

During the presentation they will give you a seat on their bikes to ride around the world together. Exploring Africa and telling you about the amazing hospitality in Libya, the Hippo’s next to our tent in Kenya. Riding the America’s from the most southern tip of the world all the way up to snowy Canada. Zigzagging Asia using motorcycle highways in Malaysia, making new friends in Pakistan and riding on top of the world in the Himalayas. All of this off course with lots and lots of pictures! An amazing journey, they want to share with you!

Between 2013 and this year in just over 1000 days Margriet en Jan travelled 125,000 km in their Toyota LandCruiser “Dappere Dodo” (Brave Dodo) through 43 countries in Europe, Middle East, Africa and South America. They will tell about how they selected their vehicle, how they prepared car, route, paperwork, inventory and themselves and how they organized practicalities like cooking, washing, communication, navigation and money. They then will take you on the trip and share experiences and anecdotes about the great moments and the challenges: what did they like, what did not go so well, what would they do differently next time and what did they learn.

Website: De Einder voorbij in English
Youtube: Channel of Jan van Bekkum