Meryem: Defying expectations on two wheels

Meryem has not only endured extreme weather, challenging terrain, and four bouts of malaria on her incredible pedal-powered journey around Africa, but also unrelenting societal expectations about her traveling alone as a woman. Just as she actively pushes back against these assumptions with her voice, she always pushes on with her legs too, continually breaking stereotypes about what women can achieve. And Meryem’s inspirational spirit never fails to shine, whether facing border-crossing challenges between the Central African Republic and the Congo or when presenting to young girls at a school in Luanda. She's found profound joy in connecting with fellow African women, sharing meals with families, finding beauty in the everyday moments of life on the road, and proving that determination knows no gender. Through it all, her humor and down-to-earth approach make her adventures utterly captivating.

Trip to date: 837 days, 47,578km, 29 countries (and counting)

Marijke: Embracing life after loss

Marijke is proof that you can take charge of your own life and carve your own path. After losing someone close to her, she realized life couldn't wait to be lived — so she changed everything. She hopped on a flight to Colombia, purchased a motorbike, and is now 44,000km into her journey around South America. Whether navigating the perilous Ruta de la Muerte in Bolivia, crossing the salt flats of Uyuni, or winding through Patagonia's harsh winds, she's been consistently pushed beyond her comfort zone. Through these challenges, she's discovered an incredible network of support — from Argentinian families welcoming her with maté tea and asados, to Brazilian motorcycle clubs guiding her through remote regions of the Amazon. Marijke shows that the greatest adventures often begin with a leap of faith. Through her lens, we see South America not just as a collection of destinations, but as a tapestry of warm hearts and open doors.

Trip to date: 728 days, 113,440km, 16 countries (and counting)

Ilse: Finding simplicity in a complex world

Ilse is on a journey of self-discovery across Europe and North Africa. If you’ve ever questioned hustle culture, get ready to be inspired. Through her lens, we see someone deliberately stepping away from social media pressure to find what truly matters. In her own words: "Taking pictures and making content can be fun, but it often makes you less present." Rather than putting all her efforts into curating the perfect feed, she's found meaning in the undocumented moments — renovating an old Swedish farmhouse, caring for shelter dogs in Bulgaria, and working breakfast shifts at a Turkish hostel. Despite initially feeling pressure to "edit reels every night because it's 'the thing to do'," she's discovered what genuinely brings her joy: volunteering in nature, living simply, and using her photography to help small businesses rather than build a social media career. After 250 days of solo travel, she's found clarity in an unforeseen direction — choosing solitude and self-growth over the constant movement of typical travel influencer life. By stepping away from "living for the future, never in the moment," she's learning what happiness means to her — and it looks nothing like what she initially imagined.

Trip to date: 323 days, 33,040km, 13 countries (and counting)

Leoni: Cycling the world with purpose and passion

Leoni describes herself as “on a mission to connect, learn, and share across the globe” — and what a joy it is to watch her do just that. From her hometown of Hannover, Leoni has cycled her way across continents, transforming from a local cyclist into what she calls a "cyclonaut". Through the sweltering 46°C heat of Iran, the thin air of Nepal's high passes, and the battle scars of 11 stitches in Turkey, she's proven her physical endurance. But the magic of Leoni's journey lies in the unexpected moments and universal language of human kindness. Through every border crossing and remote mountain highway, Leoni shows us that sustainable travel isn't just about reducing carbon footprints — “For me, bike travel isn’t just a way to get around; it’s the ultimate path to connection. It pushes me out of my comfort zone and redefines what ‘home’ means. It’s sustainable, minimalist, and each day teaches me more about what it truly means to live on this planet.”

Trip: 872 days, 37,924km, 29 countries

Tessa: Trusting the road and the people she meets

Tessa, the ultimate hitchhiker, made her way from France to Australia using nothing but her thumb and an unshakable belief in human kindness. She’s overcome occasional safety concerns, language barriers (with the help of Google Translate), and cultural differences, transforming such challenges into opportunities for connection. And as a result, Tessa has found incredible joy in places she never imagined — from participating in Buddhist temple prayers in Pakse, Laos to sharing meals with welcoming families in Cambodia, and bonding with Georgian hosts over traditional music and dancing in Vanadzor. Her journey proves that vulnerability can be a strength, opening doors to authentic experiences and meaningful relationships. A free-spirited soul, she puts people at the heart of her journey, trusting the process, the universe, and the goodness of those she meets. 

Trip: 621 days, 51,815km, 24 countries

These amazing women have dared to go, to see, to experience — on their own terms. They chase adventure, embrace the unknown, and remind us that although the world has its dangers, it is also vast, welcoming, and full of possibilities. 

Feeling inspired? Follow their journeys on the Polarsteps app. Better yet, start planning a trip to create your own story.

Cover image: Everst/Shutterstock