When most travelers book a flight and land in Dubai within hours, Adam and Veronica chose to take the long way — the very long way. The Slovakia-born couple, now based in the Netherlands, completed a Netherlands to Dubai overland trip covering 5,500 miles across 11 countries, never once leaving the ground.
A No-Fly Philosophy Rooted in Curiosity
Their decision to skip flights is not driven purely by a fear of flying, though Adam admits he has a mild aversion to it. The real reason is simpler: they prefer road trips.
"We like the road trips more; therefore, we never consider flying," Adam explains. Traveling overland lets them witness the gradual shift from one country's landscape, culture, and character to the next — a transition that vanishes the moment you board a plane and reappear 1,000 miles away.
155 Hours, 11 Countries, Every Mode of Transport
The journey from the Netherlands to Dubai was anything but simple. Adam and Veronica relied on 12 trains, 2 buses, 4 minivans, 2 taxis, and 1 ferry over more than 155 hours of travel time to complete their 5,500-mile route.
Rather than rushing to reach the destination, the couple immersed themselves in the places and people along the way — the kind of access that slow overland travel makes possible and air travel makes impossible.
Unexpected Highlights: Transnistria and Iran
Among the most memorable stops on their overland journey was Transnistria, the unrecognised breakaway state that split from Moldova. Few travelers ever set foot there, and the couple's willingness to venture off the beaten path gave them a perspective that typical tourists rarely encounter.
A scenic railway journey through Turkey was another standout. But perhaps the most moving experience came in Iran, where a touching encounter with locals left a lasting impression on both Adam and Veronica.
What Comes Next: Dubai to Japan
Having arrived in Dubai, the couple's ambitions have only grown. Their next planned overland adventure is even more ambitious: traveling by land from Dubai to Japan. For Adam and Veronica, the route itself is the point — the path matters as much as the destination.
Through their growing social media presence, the couple hopes to inspire others to travel more deliberately and with greater respect for the planet. Slow travel, in their view, is not a compromise — it is the whole experience.
