What does overlanding mean to you?

Following on from a comment on another thread, I'm intrigued to see what different people think of constitutes an "overland" trip as I'm sure everyone has different thoughts - the best thing about this is that there is no right or wrong answers

For me, an overland trip is just that, a trip that takes is travelling from one place to another (or several) by means of crossing "over" the "land" (and usually involving camping out of whatever means of transport used). Nearly all of the trips I've done have been on 4 wheels and usually have been in a 4x4 but could have been done almost totally in a standard car - does that make my trip any less of an overland trip? In my eyes, no - it's about the trip itself (even the planning), where you've been, what you've seen, what you've felt whilst there and also important, the memories you take away from it

Yes, it would be great to do some of the more extreme overland travelling such as the Road of Bones or even the Canol Road but in reality, those are once in a lifetime experiences many of us will never get to do.

Hopefully I've managed to make it make a bit of sense; so come on - your turn

Well have to agree, that any trip that envolves traveling over land, not all the time offroad, would be an overland trip.
Not many places you can get to in the UK, or Europe going all ofroad.
now I feel sure someone will come up with one.

For me it's more about remote type trips, away from shops, motels and the madding crowd.
A trip that needs some serious planning

Anything else is just a holiday

no people , no phone, no laptop or electric, just nature at its best

I accept the point about 'standard cars'. Number of places I've been where out of nowhere a car will appear, and minutes earlier you had been saying to yourself "I'm glad I have a 4x4". Reading the terrain is the local's biggest asset, 'cause it certainly ain't some of the sheds they drive ... they're scary!

Even on tarmac, if you're in the right location, the rock formations or general scenery is what it's all about. Tackling natural surfaces is certainly a big bonus, but as roamingman says, off-road in the UK or a lot of Europe is getting less all the time. Glad I'm around now to enjoy what's left.

I think the access to off-road is getting less everywhere sadly. More and more roads are being closed and given over to walkers Or totally closed to everyone More areas are restricted to fuel stoves only so no nice crackling open fire on a cold evening........glad I have been able to enjoy some of it too

For me, its just getting in the Truck and driving off. I probably fall in to the catagory of Touring more than overland travel but, its good when its just Man, Music & Machine.

Turn and Burn, just keep on truckin.

TJ

Terracan Jas wrote:

For me, its just getting in the Truck and driving off. I probably fall in to the catagory of Touring more than overland travel but, its good when its just Man, Music & Machine.

Turn and Burn, just keep on truckin.

TJ

I suppose that's sort of what I'm getting at - what people's perception of Overlanding is compared to say Touring or going on Holiday.

Ive gone touring round the UK in a car and a Van but its different when you have a 4x4 because there is not much limit to were you can go.

One example is when we were in scotland, there was a nice bay roughly 1 mile away and the only way to get to it was along a rough uneven track. I was in a van following my dad in his Terrano II. Basicaly the track was very uneven and my Reault Kangoo 2wd basicly lacked the necessary articulation or traction to continue on its own. I got there in the end, the Terrano II towed my van over the worst parts.

So i suppose overlanding for me is just Touring & Camping but with the ability to go to places that might not be possible for normal vehicles.

Is this offroading, watch were is is at the beging, then wait for the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfEt43oTvM0

Thats not my type of off roading to be honest.

What abuse of a pajero , shame on him.

For me it is simple, getting away from it all.

I drive 60-80,000 miles per annum on company business, i see all the idiots, the Friday night madness as people rush to get home 1 minute earlier and cause carnage, the idiots who cannot schedule their time and rush, the numerous accidents caused mainly by idiots, the middle lane hogs, and the eco warriors driving at 40MPH on a busy motorway.

When i take a trip i drive at my pace, travel offroad as much as possible, enjoy the scenery and stop when and where i want.

Hmm, a very good question. To me, an overland trip is one to a place where I wouldn't take my own road car, covering places which are less traveled and exploring new things, to which many would consider as remote. To me, an overland trip should be be based on the road/tracks/mountains/etc and not based around campsites and hotels. But of course each to their own.

each to their own yes .. but i agree with you

just driven about 250 miles off road on tracks,,,,,no traffic,,,,only the odd donkey or herd of sheep or goats to get round,,,camp where you stop,,,wake up in a different back garden every morning,,,now thats overlanding heaven,,,, ,

tuggy wrote:

just driven about 250 miles off road on tracks,,,,,no traffic,,,,only the odd donkey or herd of sheep or goats to get round,,,camp where you stop,,,wake up in a different back garden every morning,,,now thats overlanding heaven,,,, ,

Well Tuggy your my over landing god not only are you exploring the parts other cannot reach, your doing it in Frontera Sport, I am not worthy