Irem Erdem, is a Turkey-born, Europe-based Earth citizen, who has been exploring the great outdoors for the past few years. The exploration has literally changed her life, and back in 2023, she started IREMTOUR, with the hopes of sharing these unique experiences with others, specifically those who are disillusioned by the big city life. Irem believes that life is a collection of journeys and IREMTOUR provides journeys to remote, unique places on Earth so that your life can feel more embodied, expansive and connected to the natural world.
Bio text courtesy of Eliza Lawrence.
Hi Irem! Thank you for sitting down with me. First question that I always ask. How does a regular day look like for you?
Irem: There’s not really a regular day. I usually wake up in different places. But I have my routines. Matcha in the morning, definitely a work-out or a run during the day, walking 20000 steps. I’m a dog sitter so I usually have a doggie with me that I can take on long walks. currently I’m busy with researching a lot for finalizing Iremtour´s 2025 journeys.
Growing up, What kind of kid were you, what did you enjoy doing and how did you spend your time?
Irem: I’m not a fan of my childhood. Cannot much say about it, but I was definitely an urban kid. There were not nature trips, camping weekends with family. All the connection I have with nature, I discovered myself at a later age, so it’s really really precious to me.
So in April of 2023 you start IREMTOUR. What made you want to start your own travel / guide agency?
Irem: Iremtour was always there. As Iremtour is me. It’s a nickname that my close friends used to call me, since I’m the trip organizer and location scouter of the group. Last year there were major changes in my life, and when me and my friend Eren on an island in Thailand, eating mango sticky rice at night, he finally convinced me to start the instagram page and actually go for it.
How was the transition from “regular life” to now living the adventurous nomadic life?
Irem: Housing is a big issue in Berlin, like most of the places. The transition first started by leaving my house in Berlin because I was having some problems with my landlord. The moment I stepped out of that house, I had a feeling I can’t really explain. I felt so free, and I noticed that I actually really love ´leaving´. I never had a feeling of belonging. Then I started spending my time in different places. Reducing the amount of stuff I had was also a big part of it. Minimizing the things I own as much as possible is super liberating.
With that in mind, what is your vision for the company and what has been some of the biggest obstacles with building it so far?
Irem: I actually don’t like to define it as a travel agency. I still cannot find the term for it, but as I said Iremtour is me. I’m Iremtour. This is my life and path, and I want to share this path with other Earth and exploration enthusiasts by providing unique adventures. That’s also the reason I call each tour a “journey”, because for me, they are way deeper than just being a vacation or a trip. You cannot be 100% the same person after embarking on such journeys. The biggest obstacle is the fact that I’m trying to do all of it as a migrant in Europe, who has a Turkish passport and I mean obviously I have lots of privileges compared to other people, but believe me it’s still hard.
I’m curious, what were you doing before you embarked on your current lifestyle?
Irem: I was working for a gaming company as a project/marketing manager in Berlin. But luckily it was not a conventional company. I was able to take Japanese classes instead of German, just because I wanted to. We did not really count ‘off-days’. My boss was super understanding about my nomadic situation. Shout out to him – he really changed my life.
Where do you think your fascination with the outdoors and passion for exploration comes from?
Irem: It’s not specific to me, we’re all human beings and we are curious creatures. We are able to see so many things online and we want to experience them in person. And once you see the positive effects of these explorations on yourself, you want to do it more.
Traveling as much as you do, and living the nomadic lifestyle. What drives you? And do you ever feel lonely?
Irem: What drives me is the vastness of Earth and the things and places I still have not seen. Or the places I’ve already been. I don’t feel lonely as I have my friends on the phone when I need it and I consider myself as my best friend.
With that in mind, what’s your interpretation of the concept of ‘home’?
Irem: Home is Earth and where I am at that very moment. Really, I struggled for almost 30 years to be able to say this. But now I finally know, I don’t belong to a specific place. At first I thought I had a problem and I was abnormal, by looking at the people around me, but then I embraced the situation. Maybe I will never settle, never have a home, my suitcases will still be at my friends places and I will just keep rolling with a backpack, and this is totally fine.
Can you tell me about how exploration and the nomadic life has improved or changed your life?
Irem: It all might sound fun, but it brings me so many obstacles and tiny problems in terms of practicality. It brings a lot of planning and a lot of imbalance in between. Encountering the problems made me so much more easy-going, calmer and stronger. I’m meeting a different side of myself every day and I’m not only exploring the surroundings but also exploring myself and my existence on this planet. I also learnt it is ok to ask for help sometimes. It was really hard for me to ask for help, even from my close friends.
Out of all the countries you’ve visited. Which has been your favorite(s) and why?
Irem: Nepal! Nepal has changed my life. Right after completing my first Everest Base Camp trek I decided to quit my job and make things happen with Iremtour. I went back there only 6 months after, which was quite unexpected. It’s home to a big part of Himalayas, for me one of the most beautiful formations of Planet Earth, and the people are literally the best. As a solo woman traveler, I haven’t felt this safe anywhere else. When I’m in Nepal, I feel like the time stops for me, the illusion ends and I’m with the most genuine version of Irem. That’s why Nepal will always be special to me and will be Iremtour´s regular destination for every year.
How about least favorite? And have you ever encountered any scary situations out in the wild?
Irem: There’s not a least favourite. But I felt most unsafe when I was crossing the border from Peru to Bolivia at Desaguadero. No offense, I love both countries but specifically that moment felt really alienating.
How would you describe a perfect day?
Irem: A perfect day is in the mountains, with great food and oat matcha latte ( shh I’m dreaming) and with an adventurous dog.
Anybody you look up to?
Irem: Nope. But I have so much respect for people who leave their comfort zones.
What’s next? Any future projects coming up?
Irem: Yes a lot! I’m going back to Nepal in two weeks, and this time with a close friend. I’m really excited. It will be my first time guiding someone in the Himalayas. We’re climbing Island Peak (6189m) for a good cause which I can talk about later. I will hopefully be on an epic journey in July, celebrating my 30th year on this planet – if everything goes as planned. In September and October, I’m guiding groups in Tibet and Nepal – which will be Iremtour´s first official journeys. Super stoked about it. In November, I’m attempting to summit Ama Dablam (6856m) – which is the biggest challenge of my life so far. I will organise some retreats in Europe and 2025 will be a full schedule to off-beaten places on Earth.
Alright Irem, I always ask these two questions at the end of an interview. The first is. What’s your favorite movie(s) and why?
Irem: Baraka(1992), is a masterpiece for me. It’s a documentary actually not a movie but still. Such a strong story telling through visuals. And recently Society of the Snow really really hit me.
The second is. What song(s) are you currently listening to the most right now?
Irem: I’m currently in Iceland, and listening to Biosphere all day every day who I’m a big fan of. All the tracks in almost all albums fit amazing to Icelandic landscapes. Well, he is from Tromso, Norway – so the Arctic spirit is quite matching. My favourite track is called Grand Dome.