Summer Overlanding Adventures: Alone Time and Socializing on the Trail

Summer is here and the outdoors is calling. Where will you adventure to? Will you try to get out further off grid to avoid the crowds? Will you join up with large groups to camp together? Or will most of your trips be to overland events?

I’ve always enjoyed roadtrips and driving. Exploring new places and trying new things intrigued me more than going to the same place year after year. Gravitating towards the hobby of overlanding seems to be an appropriate match. For me, what I like is exploring new places every day, along with the balance between alone time and social time.

I find it interesting that the overlanding community is filled with so many solo travelers and also adventurers who like to travel in packs, such as myself. And we all seem to find joy in meeting up at big events to socialize and share stories. I’m finding as I get older, I appreciate the company of others, but just not too many other people. Heading out on overlanding trips with a small group of friends seems to be the perfect combination of alone time and socializing. While driving in my vehicle, I get my alone time to listen to what I want, whether it be music, a podcast or an audio book, or I can simply be alone with my thoughts. After we reach camp and get settled in, I can get in my people time and socialize around the campfire or while dinner is cooking. A perfect balance, in my opinion.

I envy families who travel together. Kids are confined to their own car and family rules when on the trail, but they are able to be free when they reach camp and can jump out to play with their friends. I’ve even seen some kids get to switch vehicles for a bit so they can ride with their friends. Oh, how I wish I had that opportunity as a kid.

As summer approaches, I’m longing for a longer trip where we cover lots of miles on dirt, stopping at a new campsite each night, and truly exploring new areas. I can’t help but reminisce about a trip through Nevada where I was with a group of 7 vehicles that covered over 900 miles on dirt. What an experience! For me, it’s more fun with the company of others to share in exploration. Just like the kids who get to swap vehicles to ride with their friends, adventure is more fun with buddies. Who’s with me?

Happy trails,
Kelly Nomura
Editor & Brand Manager

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD July/August 2023.