In an era dominated by fast-paced air travel, Adam and Veronica, a Slovakian couple living in the Netherlands, have chosen to explore the world differently. They’ve traded in flights for trains, buses, ferries, and taxis, transforming travel into a deeper journey that celebrates the landscapes and cultures often missed in the rush to reach destinations.
Their latest adventure saw them travel from Amsterdam to Dubai entirely by land, crossing 11 countries and covering over 9,000 kilometers. “We crossed 11 countries, covered 9,000 kilometers, and spent more than 155 hours in 12 trains, 2 buses, 4 minivans, 2 taxis, and 1 ferry,” Adam shared, highlighting the unique experiences that came with their unconventional route.
For Adam and Veronica, this approach isn’t about avoiding flights—although Adam admits to a fear of flying—but rather a desire to immerse themselves fully in each journey.
“It’s not only about the fear of flying. We just enjoy more travelling by land, so we don’t even think about flying somewhere,” Adam said. By avoiding planes, the couple experiences the gradual transitions between countries, a perspective often lost at 30,000 feet.
Their journey brought them to unexpected places, like Transnistria, a breakaway state from Moldova, where they felt like they had stepped back in time. “It’s essentially a Soviet museum as if time had stopped there,” Adam recalled, noting the warm, if surprised, reception they received from locals.
Another highlight was crossing Turkey by train, a journey that combined stunning scenery with memorable moments like dining in the train’s restaurant car.
“We crossed Turkey almost entirely by train and it was a very scenic ride,” the couple shared. These experiences, they believe, are the heart of their travel philosophy.
Currently, Adam and Veronica are taking on an even more ambitious journey—from Dubai to Japan, once again without flying. This route will take them through Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Central Asia, and Mongolia, before reaching Japan by ferry. Despite the challenges, including visa complexities for Russia, the couple is committed to their overland journey, hoping 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.
Their minimalist approach extends to their packing, with just one travel backpack each and an extra small one for electronics. As they traverse different cultures and languages, Adam and Veronica find that human connection often transcends words. “Sometimes you don’t even need to understand each other. You just feel it,” Adam reflected.
For those inspired by their journey, the couple’s advice is simple: “Just go. Don’t overthink it.” They believe the most rewarding experiences come not from quickly reaching a destination, but from savoring every moment of the journey. As they continue their travels, Adam and Veronica embody the essence of slow travel, offering a compelling alternative to the conventional tourism model.