In between Side Quests

Staying Inspired Between Adventures: How Vlogs, Blogs, and Social Media Keep the Fire Burning

For many of us, adventure isn’t just something we do—it’s a way of life. But let’s be honest: we can’t always be on the road, on the trail, or exploring remote landscapes. Whether it’s work, family commitments, or simply the need to plan and recover between trips, there are times when adventure takes a temporary backseat. That’s where the world of vlogs, blogs, and social media steps in—not just as entertainment, but as fuel for the next big journey.

The Power of Storytelling in Adventure Media

My life revolves around the side quest—those intentional detours that lead to incredible stories. I live for it and so does my family. We are fortunate enough to travel on many international side quests, from pristine beaches to towering limestone cliffs, from dirt tracks cutting through conflict-ridden, landlocked countries to the smallest off-the-grid islands. Every journey has a lesson, and when I’m not in the thick of adventure, I turn to others for inspiration, knowledge, and motivation. Our niche community of like-minded adventure seekers who each bring a unique flavor to their sport or activity.

Watching others embark on epic journeys, reading about their challenges and triumphs, and soaking in their tips and insights can be incredibly motivating. Adventure vlogs bring destinations to life, blogs offer deep-dive reflections and valuable how-to guides, and social media keeps us engaged with real-time updates from explorers pushing their limits.

Even when we’re stuck at home or in transit, a good overlanding series, bikepacking vlog, or a well-written adventure travel blog can remind us why we love this lifestyle and push us to start planning our next trip. These stories are more than entertainment—they're inspiration and education rolled into one.

Where to Get Your Adventure Fix

If you’re looking for new sources of motivation between trips, here are some creators that capture the essence of adventure in different ways—whether through overlanding, bikepacking, or family travel.

Overlanding & Vehicle-Based Travel

1. Ozark Overland Adventures (YouTube, Blog)

   • I got hooked on Ozark Overland Adventures from their first river crossing I watched, and I have to admit, I was hooked on Gladiators ever since. I enjoy watching Matt’s gear reviews and discussions while on the trail. I cant help to be bias as he also brings his 4legged companion on many of his adventures as well. Matt and his wife have thorough gear reviews. His testing and real-world application have influenced several of my purchases, including my Iceco APL55 dual-zone fridge, Jetboil Genesis stove, and Ignik FireCan fire pit. His content is practical and highly useful for weekend warriors and long-term overlanders alike, and great to watch for rugged offroad inspiration.

2. Epic Family Road Trip (YouTube, Instagram)

   • I watch Epic Family Road Trip for the camaraderie I feel about family overlanding and adventure travel. They showcase how to balance adventure with family life while exploring remote locations together. An important factor since most of our adventures include my wife Shauna, our two boys, Luke an Ben, and our adventure-pup Harlow.

3. Revere Overland (YouTube, Instagram)

   • I turn to Revere Overland for motivation when planning more rugged side quests. His content highlights real-world trail conditions, tough overland routes, and practical modifications for vehicle-based travel. He gives some details about trail conditions and how his rig handles it, giving me a ballpark idea of how mine might do.

Bikepacking & Human-Powered Exploration

1. Bikepacking.com (Website, Instagram)

   • I read Bikepacking.com and their route reviews for planning larger international side quests by bike. Their deep-dive articles on gear, trip logistics, and global bikepacking routes are incredibly valuable. This is where I got the inspiration to attempt the Congo-Nile-Trail in Rwanda. If you are looking for route details, gear reviews, or some cycling inspo, Bikepacking.com is where to go.

2. Ryan Van Duzer (YouTube, Instagram)

   • A storyteller at heart, Ryan’s adventures range from long-distance bikepacking trips to cultural explorations, always with an infectious sense of enthusiasm. Watching others who like a good sufferfest keeps be humble.

3. Lael Wilcox (Instagram, Interviews, Podcasts)

   • One of the most accomplished endurance bikepackers, Lael’s journey showcases the mindset and preparation that go into long-distance cycling. Her FKTs and aroud-the-world travel are inspiration in themselves.

Family Adventures & Outdoor Lifestyle

1. Wild We Roam (YouTube, Blog)

   • A beautifully shot adventure series that follows a couple as they live and travel in their van, combining exploration with slow, intentional living. The ultimate side quest.

2. Adventure Archives (YouTube)

   • More than just hiking and backpacking, this channel is about immersing yourself in nature and making the outdoors feel accessible to everyone.

3. The Bucket List Family (YouTube, Instagram)

   • I watched The Bucket List Family to inspire my 10- and 7-year-old to try new things and be courageous. Their family-focused travel adventures show how kids can embrace new experiences and challenges around the world.

Side Quest Overland: Your Adventure, Your Story

If you enjoy these creators, you might also love Side Quest Overland—our own channel that documents overland travel, bikepacking expeditions, and international adventures. We balance full-time work, family life, and adventure, showing that incredible experiences don’t require quitting your job or selling everything to live on the road.

Our mission is to inspire fellow weekend warriors and part-time explorers to get out there, even if it’s just for a few days at a time. Whether it’s tackling remote backcountry routes, testing gear in real-world conditions, or finding ways to incorporate adventure into daily life, Side Quest Overland is about making every trip count. If that resonates with you, check out our channel and subscribe for cinematic travel stories, overlanding insights, and trip inspiration.

👉 Subscribe here and join us on the journey!

How to Make the Most of This Inspiration

If watching these adventurers makes you want to pack up and go, here are a few ways to channel that energy:

• Start Planning Your Next Trip: Use the downtime between adventures to research routes, gear, and logistics. Blogs and forums are goldmines for trip planning!

• Learn New Skills: Whether it’s off-road driving techniques, backcountry navigation, or bikepacking prep, you can use online content to refine your skillset.

• Engage with the Community: Comment on videos, join Facebook groups, or follow hashtags on Instagram. Engaging with like-minded adventurers can lead to valuable advice and connections.

• Document Your Own Adventures: If you love consuming adventure content, why not create your own? Whether through a blog, YouTube channel, or social media, sharing your journey can inspire others and build a community around your experiences.

• Get new gear: Obviously this is a personal bullet point but when I’m watching some of these adventurers, I typically have my amazon app open ready to upgrade some of my kit. Many of them have affiliate links that support both the product and the creator, and often are associated with a discount code, so don’t forget to use them.

Adventure Never Really Stops

Even when you’re not actively traveling, you’re still an adventurer. Watching, reading, and engaging with the adventure community keeps the fire alive, fuels new ideas, and prepares you for the next great expedition. Whether you’re a weekend warrior attacking side quests between deadlines, or planning a year-long overland journey, inspiration is just a click away.

So next time you're between trips, instead of feeling stuck, dive into an adventure vlog, read an inspiring story, and start plotting your next side quest. If you found some inspiratioin by reading this, please consider following us on Instagram and Youtube. Your inspiration is our greatest accomplishment.

Which of these adventure creators inspire you the most? Drop a comment below or message me on Instagram—let’s share side quest ideas!

Enjoy this list? Share it with a fellow adventurer who needs inspiration!