Coen Wubbels lived a life defined by curiosity, creativity, and an unwavering belief that the world was meant to be explored—not rushed through. Best known as Landcruising Adventure, Coen and his partner, Karin-Marijke Vis, left the Netherlands in 2003 in a LWB 45-Series Toyota Land Cruiser, setting out on what was meant to be a two-year journey. Instead, it became a way of life and an inspiration to countless travelers worldwide.
While you may (or may not) have met Coen, you likely read about the harrowing BJ45 rebuilds in Bolivia and Kyrgyzstan, over two decades of slow and mindful overland travel, long-distance hikes in Jordan and South Korea, and tales of trail running that continued well after his brain tumor diagnosis. Coen and Karin didn’t have to share these moments of their life with us, but we’re all better for it.
A photographer, designer, mechanic, storyteller, and adventurer, Coen documented a world rich in humanity and wonder, encouraging others to step beyond fear, simplify their lives, and follow their own paths. We’re fortunate to have worked with Coen as a regular Overland Journal and Expedition Portal contributor, where his photography is accompanied by Karin-Marijke’s words—we’re grateful for every mile shared.
Enjoy Landcruising Adventure’s Stories on Expedition Portal:
The Last Drive: Twenty-one Years of Landcruising Adventure
Overland Routes: Southeastern Kazakhstan
Man and Machine in Nature’s Remotest Landscapes :: Rock Crawling Georgia
Overland Routes: Chile’s Atacama Desert
Traversing the Georgian Arctic
Crossing Kyrgyzstan’s Terek Pass
Five Reasons Japan Should be on Your Overland Bucket List
How to Ship an Overland Vehicle
In Search of Solitude: Heading into the Mountains of Uzbekistan
Five Reasons to Overland Central Asia
Across the Deserts in Kazakhstan
Five Reasons to Make Siberia Your Next Destination
How We Began Our Overland Journey and What We Learned
Beyond the Truck: Hiking 465 Miles of the Baekdu Daegan Trail, South Korea
The Celebration of Life page is a tribute to the adventurers, explorers, and members of the overlanding community who have passed. Here, we share their stories, memories, and the impact they made on us as humans and as overlanders.
Who can be honored?
- Those who were active overlanders or former travelers limited by life circumstances such as illness, accessibility, or disability.
- Cornerstones of the overlanding community, including business owners, manufacturers, and people with impact.
To send us a tribute, please include a photograph of the individual, a 225-word biography, and the person’s birth and death dates. Overlanders’ extended family members do not qualify for this memoriam.
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