XT Adventures - Around the world on a motorcycle
Three years, two motorcycles, one trip around the world: XT Adventures have traveled half the world - and learned that 99 percent of people are good. A conversation about courage, renunciation, encounters and the art of finding the essentials on the road.
We talk to people who live their lives differently - consciously, courageously, sometimes radically. Not to impress. But to inspire, to question and to show: There is another way. And that's okay.
This is not about empty phrases. Not about gloss. It's about real answers - to the questions you ask yourself around the campfire when no one is making small talk anymore. Because when you're on the road, you have a lot to tell. And often more to give than you think.
"Two motorcycles, a shared dream - and the world as home." - A conversation with XT Adventures
XT Adventures - that's Xenia and Tinu. A team since 2012, traveling the world since 2017: For over three years, they rode their motorcycles around the globe - until the pandemic stopped them in Ethiopia in 2020. They now live in Switzerland again, but are already planning their next lecture and new film projects.
In this interview, they talk about the art of traveling as a couple, about encounters that change world views - and about why unpaved roads often offer better lessons than any classroom.
About you and your journey
Tell us briefly about yourself: Who are you? Where are you/living right now? And what's next for you?
We've been a team since 2012 - but we didn't fall in love in Switzerland, but in Cusco, Peru. A fitting place for two people who have always been bitten by the travel bug.
After many trips together to the Balkans, Oman, Iceland, the Philippines, Indonesia, Morocco and Tanzania, we decided it was time for a bigger adventure. So we started planning our trip around the world on motorcycles.
We started in Switzerland in February 2017 and traveled around the globe for over three years - without returning home even once. It was only the global pandemic that stopped us in Ethiopia in March 2020. We had to fly our motorcycles and ourselves back to Switzerland. Since then, we've been living here again - but the desire to travel has remained, and we still love being on the road, with or without motorcycles.
Do you remember the moment when you felt it for the first time? I want to get out. I want more out of life?
Xenia: The desire to travel has actually always been there for me. When I was 18, I went backpacking in Egypt on my own for the first time. Shortly afterwards, at 19, I traveled to Australia and Southeast Asia for a year. After that, I always wanted to see more of the world. This was followed by another year in Central and South America and many other trips in the years that followed.
Tinu: That came a little later for me. In my mid-twenties, I lived and worked in the USA for a year and a half. After that, I really wanted to see more of the world - so I went on a motorcycle tour through South America with a friend for six months.
What was your everyday life like on the road - or did it not exist at all?
Xenia: We're back from our long trip, but we made a video of our everyday life during the long trip.
"It takes courage to give up a secure job and your home. But you often think too much. If you're flexible, you'll always find your way back."
"School of life. Travel is the best investment for getting to know yourself, broadening your horizons and exploring your own limits."
What was the most beautiful place you stayed longer on your trip - and why?
Our absolute favorite country so far is Kyrgyzstan. We spent two months there. It's a really great adventure country for people who like wild nature and unpaved roads. The people are friendly and unobtrusive and you can pitch your tent anywhere.
That's why we particularly liked Namibia. In general, we like to go anywhere where there is a lot of untouched nature, where we can explore the area on unpaved roads or off-road. That's why Mongolia is still very high up on our list.
"The most important lesson of our travels: 99% of all people in this world are good. No matter what religion, skin color or culture - everyone has the same needs, dreams and worries."
Were there moments during your trip when you wanted to give up everything?
Yes, there definitely were. Not because we didn't enjoy traveling, but you always reach your mental and physical limits. Such trips have nothing to do with a vacation. Sure, there are those "vacation moments", but you usually have to organize a lot, often don't know where you're going to sleep in the evening or end up in uncomfortable situations. Especially when you're on a budget, you have to do without a lot and are constantly living outside your comfort zone. But that's exactly what we're looking for - so we don't want to complain.
If you could give your former self one piece of advice before you set off - what would it be?
Take a little more time to just stay in one place and focus more on the here and now.
The question everyone is asking:
How did you finance your trip? And how did you deal with the uncertainty that came with it?
We simply saved rigorously and set ourselves a budget. As Swiss people, we're lucky that if we discipline ourselves, we can put a bit more money aside than in other countries. So we were able to save around CHF 1000 per person per month. But there wasn't much in it - so no after-work beers, eating out or going to the movies. We did this for two years and were able to save enough together, especially as we both already had some savings on the side.
We also listed exactly how much we spent on what on our website. We also held back during the trip and spent the money on experiences and not on comforts. In Australia, we were also able to help out a few times and earn some money or room and board.
It certainly takes some courage to give up a well-paid, secure job and quit your apartment. But people often think too much. If you're flexible, you can always find your way again.
"Hospitality in Iran, Pakistan and Australia has shown us how nice it is to be open with strangers. Today, we live by this principle at home too."
Being on the road as a life principle:
What has traveling meant to you - beyond postcard motifs and bucket lists?
School of life. It's definitely the best investment you can make to get to know yourself better, broaden your horizons and get to know your limits. It also helps you a lot in your professional and private life. We already noticed this during our first long stays abroad, so it was certainly a little easier for us to set off again.
Has your view of the world changed as a result of the long trip?
You learn a lot about yourself and the world on a trip like this. The most important lesson we have learned from our many trips is certainly that 99% of all people in this world are good. No matter what religion, skin color or culture: everyone has the same needs, dreams and worries.
Were there any encounters that had a particular impact on you or changed you - one that you will never forget?
Every encounter has probably shaped us in some way, some more and some less. In particular, the hospitality in Iran, Pakistan and Australia showed us once again how nice it is to be open with strangers. We try to apply this principle here at home too.
What role does "home" play for you - and where would you say today: I'm staying here?
Precisely because we have traveled so much, we really appreciate our life in Switzerland. We have a high standard of living here, which cannot be taken for granted. We will always enjoy traveling a lot, but Switzerland is definitely our home base for the time being. However, we could imagine emigrating when we retire.
"Such trips have nothing to do with vacations. Sure, there are those moments - but mostly you're constantly living outside your comfort zone. That's exactly what we're looking for."
Meaning & traces:
What do you want to leave behind - not in the sand, but with the people you meet?
Openness, tolerance and the courage to pursue your dreams. That's why we really enjoy giving our talks.
What keeps you going when things get tough?
The thought that we have it damn good and that we shouldn't complain - whether during the trip or now at home. We've seen how things are in other places in the world, how small the chances of a good life are, how hard it can be to get through the day at all. So it's easier for us to always look on the bright side.
What else do you dream of - personally, honestly?
Health into old age, so that we can still travel a lot - and a world that still allows it.
"We've seen how difficult it can be elsewhere to even get through the day. That makes it easier to always see the positive."
Finally, is there anything you would like to share?
We now have a bit more time to work on our video and photo material and would like to get as far as Africa with our videos this winter. You can find our channel on YouTube and our website has already helped some people with their travel planning. Next year we will also finally have our Africa presentation ready.
Follow XT Adventures here:
Website: xtadventures .ch
YouTube: XT Adventures
Social Media: @xtadventures
"Openness, tolerance and the courage to pursue your dreams - that's what we want to leave behind."