What is a Dirt Road Tourist?

You may think of overlanding as just guys in lifted Jeeps taking their vehicles on challenge trails, but it’s actually about travel. Overlanding is about exploring the lesser-traveled corners of this world. Having an equipped vehicle is all about self-sufficiency on the road, having your shelter, food, water right there with you.

What kinds of places do you visit?

Dirt Road Tourist focuses primarily - well, entirely, thus far - on North American travel. We are based in the Carolinas, and trips frequently include visits to coastal locations and to the backroads of our mountains. Overlanding is about getting off the main roads, and seeing what’s beneath the surface, beyond the usual tourist attractions, and getting out onto forest service roads & beyond.

Do you cover travel outside the Carolinas?

We aim for at least two longer trips a year. We both maintain professional careers outside of overlanding, so our travels are PTO-limited. However, our love of overlanding has taken us to destinations such as the Florida Panhandle, the South Carolina low country, Coastal Maine & Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Can anyone Overland?

Yes! Overlanding does not necessarily require a heavily-modified 4X4 vehicle. The absolute best vehicle to get started in is the one you own now. You need some basic camping gear so that you’re not dependent on lodging, a way to carry & cook food, and a healthy sense of adventure. There is a virtually unlimited number of places to explore once you get out the door. Let your curiosity be your guide.