Noraly Schoenmaker returns in season 3 of Itchy Boots on YouTube

Unlike season one and season two, Itchy Boots is taking on Western and Northern Europe. First destination is Iceland. So, on her new-to-her Japanese motorcycle, Ronin, from Utrecht, Netherlands, through Germany, into Denmark, and then into a ferry and to Iceland you go. Don't worry, today the first episode of the third season dropped so you won't be behind (though you have all of Russia, the Stans, Asia, and South America to catch up on, season 1 and 2). Who is Noraly? 

My name is Noraly and I am a 31-year-old Dutch solo female traveller, currently riding a Royal Enfield Himalayan from India towards Malaysia and beyond. My travels really kicked off at the age of 23 when I ended up working in gold mining in Australia, became rich, and travelled solo around the world for two full years.

That's who, though now, she was back home in Utrecht, a town I lived in most of the summer of 1996, because the global Novel Coronavirus pandemic caught her in a small, rightfully afraid of ousiders, village in Peru. Thankfully, the Dutch government was able to repatriation lovely Noraly back to The Netherlands while leaving her beloved, second, Royal Enfield Himalayan named Dhanno and all her gear with a shipping company in Lima. Now, after buying a second-hand Honda CB500X with 10,000 kilometers (now, 11,000 kilometers before heading out to catch the car ferry to Iceland. Maybe this one:

A Smyril Line passenger & car ferry called the Norröna sails from Hirtshals in northern Denmark to Torshavn in the Faeroe Islands & Seydisfjördur in Iceland, roughly once a week all year round.

Now that you're all caught up, here's the first episode that launched today of season 3 of Itchy Boots by Miss Noraly Schoenmaker. Enjoy!

Comprehensive Bio Biography of Noraly Schoenmaker AKA Itchy Boots

Noraly Schoenmaker, better known as Itchy Boots, has had an adventurous journey that has captured the interest of many. Born on June 30, 1987, in Nieuwerkerk, Netherlands, Noraly is currently 36 years old. She stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches and weighs around 58 kg. Raised in a supportive family, her father operated a hardware store and her mother was a homemaker. She has a brother, though details about him are not publicly known.

Noraly's educational background is quite impressive. She attended Utrecht University, where she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Geochemistry in 2010. Initially, she started her doctorate in geochemistry but later dropped out to pursue her passion for travel. Before becoming a full-time traveler, Noraly worked in various fields, including as an exploration geologist in Perth, Australia, and with an international dredging company.

Her travel career began at the age of 23. Noraly's desire to explore the world took her to countries like Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, South America, Central America, and East Africa. In July 2018, she made a life-changing decision to sell her house and bike in the Netherlands and moved to India to start a travel blog and YouTube channel named Itchy Boots. Her channel rapidly gained popularity, reaching around 300,000 subscribers in just a year and over 1.54 million subscribers with a total of 307 million video views as of 2022.

Noraly's motorcycle journey is notable. She started with a Royal Enfield Himalayan BS3 in India and later transitioned to other bikes, including the Honda CB500X and Honda CRF 300 Rally. Her net worth, as of recent estimates, is around $550,000, with her income sources including YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

As for her personal life, Noraly is currently single and does not have children. She maintains a focus on her traveling and YouTube career, dedicating her time to exploring different locations and sharing her experiences with her audience.

Overall, Noraly Schoenmaker's life as Itchy Boots is a testament to following one's passion and the possibilities that open up when one decides to step out of the conventional path. Her adventures continue to inspire many around the globe.

Noraly Schoenmaker's recent accident, which occurred while she was on her motorcycle in South America, was a deeply challenging experience that left her seriously injured and facing a long recovery period. Though she has kept some details private, she has shared enough for fans to understand the severity of what she endured and the determination it took to recover.

The Accident: A Life-Threatening Setback

The accident happened during one of her rides in a remote part of South America. According to Noraly, the crash left her with significant injuries that required immediate medical intervention. Due to the location, medical support was difficult to access, and she endured a harrowing period of pain and uncertainty before reaching a hospital. Her injuries were serious enough that they put her entire travel career on hold, with fans concerned about her health and uncertain whether she would be able to return to riding.

Recovery and Resilience

During her recovery, Noraly documented the challenges she faced. Her rehabilitation involved both physical therapy and a mental struggle, as the accident had impacted not just her body but also her confidence on the road. Noraly spent months recovering, focusing on rebuilding her strength and relearning some of the skills necessary for long-distance motorcycle travel. Her dedication to healing and her refusal to give up on her passion for travel inspired many fans, who followed her progress and offered support.

Return to Riding: Season 8 with Renewed Caution

Despite the severity of her injuries, Noraly made a remarkable return to her motorcycle adventures in Season 8, this time riding a Yamaha Tenere 600. The choice of the Tenere reflects a strategic decision, as the bike is designed for challenging terrains and offers greater stability and control. In her initial episodes of Season 8, Noraly addresses the psychological toll the accident took on her and shares how she is taking extra precautions to ensure her safety on this new journey across Asia.

A Community of Support

The accident underscored the strong relationship Noraly has built with her fans, who expressed immense concern during her recovery. Through her social media channels and YouTube updates, she received an outpouring of support from her community. Many fans shared their own stories of recovery, offering words of encouragement and advice that helped her through the difficult period. This experience strengthened the bond between Noraly and her audience, as they supported her every step back to the road.

Lasting Impact on Her Travels

The accident has permanently shaped Noraly’s approach to travel. She now emphasizes the importance of preparation, safety gear, and the mental resilience needed for solo adventure riding. While she remains committed to exploring remote regions and challenging herself, Noraly has become more cautious and aware of the risks involved. Her resilience and courage in returning to the road after such a life-threatening event have only deepened her fans’ admiration, making her journey in Season 8 an emotional and inspiring comeback.

Through her accident and recovery, Noraly has shown the strength and determination that have made her a beloved figure in the world of adventure travel. Her journey now stands as a testament not just to exploration, but to the resilience needed to overcome even the most daunting setbacks.

New Beginnings: Season 8 with the Tenere 600

In Season 8, Noraly embarks on a bold journey through Asia on her Yamaha Tenere 600. This latest season marks a fresh start following a significant accident that temporarily halted her travels. Her choice of the Tenere 600, a rugged adventure bike designed for long-distance travel on challenging roads, demonstrates her commitment to tackling the diverse terrains of Asia.

Reflecting on Resilience and Recovery

Noraly’s recent accident has highlighted her resilience and determination. She openly shared her recovery process with fans, discussing the physical and emotional challenges she faced, and the precautions she’s taking to ensure safe travels. This openness has deepened her connection with her audience, who continue to support her through every milestone and setback.

Renewed Adventure: The Road to Asia

Season 8 promises to be her most challenging yet, with her route through Asia taking her across remote mountains, bustling cities, and cultural landmarks. As she sets off on this journey, Noraly is excited to explore places she's long dreamed of visiting, bringing viewers along on roads less traveled.

A Stronger Community Than Ever

Following her accident, Noraly's community has only grown stronger, with new subscribers eager to follow her recovery and return to the road. Her followers actively engage on YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon, forming an extended support network.

Subscriber Milestone and Online Community Growth

The Itchy Boots channel has grown significantly, with over 2 million subscribers as of 2024 and hundreds of millions of views. Noraly's community has become one of the most engaged on YouTube, with fans eagerly awaiting her uploads and actively participating in live Q&A sessions. This fanbase supports her through Patreon and merchandise sales, helping sustain her travels.

Impact on Adventure Motorcycling and Female Riders

Noraly has become an icon in the adventure motorcycling community, inspiring a new wave of solo female travelers to explore by motorcycle. She collaborates with brands to promote safe, inclusive riding experiences, and her journey has led to partnerships with companies like Honda, Rev’It! (for adventure gear), and Sena (for motorcycle communication systems).

Expanded Media Presence and Partnerships

Her popularity has grown beyond YouTube, with media appearances in travel magazines, interviews with prominent motorcycle and travel publications, and collaborations with tourism boards. Noraly’s influence as a female solo traveler has helped break stereotypes, encouraging travel enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.

Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Travel

Noraly has increasingly emphasized sustainable travel, sharing her efforts to reduce her environmental impact by staying at eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, and minimizing plastic waste. She recently partnered with organizations that promote sustainable tourism to encourage responsible travel practices.

Social Media and Digital Presence Expansion

Beyond YouTube, Noraly has grown her presence on Instagram, where she shares real-time travel updates and behind-the-scenes moments with her followers. She also engages with her audience on Facebook and has launched an Itchy Boots website that includes blogs, detailed travel routes, and exclusive content for her subscribers.

Season 1: The Start of Itchy Boots in India and Southeast Asia

Noraly began her journey in India on a Royal Enfield Himalayan, immersing herself in the bustling cities, mountains, and diverse cultures of the subcontinent. This season laid the groundwork for her channel, as she shared her experience traveling solo on a motorcycle through places like India, Nepal, and Thailand, capturing the vivid landscapes and unique challenges of Southeast Asian roads.

Season 2: The Americas from Patagonia to Alaska

Season 2 took Noraly on an epic journey through the Americas, from Patagonia at the southern tip of South America to Alaska. Known as her “From Argentina to Alaska” season, this ride pushed her endurance as she crossed deserts, jungles, and high-altitude mountain ranges. She documented every challenge along the way, including navigating snowy passes in Bolivia, the Amazon in Peru, and the wide-open spaces of the U.S. and Canada.

Season 3: Europe and Iceland

After a brief pause due to the pandemic, Noraly returned with Season 3, embarking on a route across Western and Northern Europe, starting in her home country, the Netherlands. On her Honda CB500X, she rode through Germany, Denmark, and finally Iceland, exploring Europe’s stunning landscapes and reuniting with her love for adventure riding, even in the face of new pandemic restrictions. This season also marked the first time Noraly took a ferry to reach a destination, with Iceland's rugged terrains and remote locations becoming a highlight.

Season 4: South Africa and Beyond

In Season 4, Noraly ventured to South Africa and neighboring countries, diving into southern African landscapes on a new Royal Enfield Himalayan. This season showcased everything from lush savannas to arid deserts, including Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho, bringing viewers a raw look at Africa’s diverse landscapes. Her encounters with wildlife and the unique challenges of riding in more remote areas brought a new layer of excitement to her series.

Season 5: The Middle East and Central Asia

Season 5 saw Noraly heading to Central Asia and the Middle East, beginning her ride in Pakistan on a Honda CRF 300 Rally. From the winding roads of the Karakoram Highway to the historical wonders of Iran, she experienced challenging, high-altitude roads and the warm hospitality of the locals. This season introduced her audience to the beauty of regions not often captured by travel vloggers, shining a light on cultures and landscapes that were new for many of her viewers.

Season 6: Journey through North Africa and the Sahara

In Season 6, Noraly tackled the Sahara Desert and North Africa, an adventure packed with sandy trails, ancient ruins, and encounters with nomadic communities. Her Honda CRF 300 Rally carried her across vast desert landscapes, where she battled extreme heat and navigated the shifting sands of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This season illustrated her growing technical skills and adaptability to different terrains.

Season 7: Rediscovering the Americas and Caribbean

Season 7 brought Noraly back to the Americas, where she explored regions she hadn’t fully delved into on her initial journey, focusing on the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. This time, she dived into hidden trails and off-the-beaten-path locations, revisiting areas she’d previously traveled while exploring new corners, such as the lush forests of Costa Rica and the colonial architecture of Mexico.

Season 8: The Road to Asia on the Tenere 600

Now, in Season 8, Noraly is taking on Asia with her Yamaha Tenere 600 after recovering from a serious accident. This season marks a new chapter for Itchy Boots, as Noraly is determined to reach Asia’s expansive landscapes and remote cultural hubs. Fans can expect breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and her characteristic resilience as she explores countries that are still largely uncharted in the world of solo motorcycle vlogging.

Each season reflects Noraly’s adventurous spirit, growing experience, and the evolution of her channel, taking viewers on a journey around the world in ways few other travel vloggers have done.

Comprehensive FAQ about Noraly Schoenmaker (Itchy Boots)

Q1: Who is Noraly Schoenmaker, aka Itchy Boots?
A1: Noraly Schoenmaker, known as Itchy Boots, is a Dutch travel vlogger and YouTuber. She is renowned for her solo motorcycle adventures across various continents, which she shares on her YouTube channel.

Q2: How old is Noraly Schoenmaker?
A2: Born on June 30, 1987, Noraly Schoenmaker is 36 years old as of 2023.

Q3: What is Noraly's educational background?
A3: Noraly holds a Master of Science degree in Geochemistry from Utrecht University, graduating in 2010. She initially started a doctorate but chose to travel instead.

Q4: How did Noraly start her traveling career?
A4: Noraly began traveling at the age of 23, initially working as an exploration geologist in Perth, Australia. She later started her travel blog and YouTube channel, Itchy Boots, in July 2018.

Q5: What motorcycles has Noraly used for her travels?
A5: Noraly started with a Royal Enfield Himalayan BS3 in India and later used bikes like the Honda CB500X and Honda CRF 300 Rally.

Q6: What countries has Noraly visited during her travels?
A6: Noraly has traveled to various countries across continents, including Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, South America, Central America, and East Africa.

Q7: Is Noraly Schoenmaker in a relationship?
A7: As of the latest information, Noraly is currently single and focused on her travel and vlogging career.

Q8: What is the net worth of Noraly Schoenmaker?
A8: Noraly Schoenmaker's estimated net worth is around $550,000, primarily earned through YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

Q9: How popular is Noraly's YouTube channel, Itchy Boots?
A9: As of 2022, her channel, Itchy Boots, had over 1.54 million subscribers and a total of 307 million video views.

Q10: What inspires Noraly Schoenmaker's travels?
A10: Noraly is inspired by her passion for adventure, exploration, and the desire to experience and share different cultures and landscapes around the world.

Glossary

Noraly Schoenmaker

• A Dutch solo female traveler and YouTube vlogger known as Itchy Boots, famous for her motorcycle journeys across various countries and continents.

Itchy Boots

• The brand and YouTube channel name used by Noraly Schoenmaker to document her solo motorcycle travels and adventures around the world.

Season 3 of Itchy Boots

• The third installment of Noraly's travel vlogs on YouTube, where she explores Western and Northern Europe, starting with Iceland.

Royal Enfield Himalayan

• A model of motorcycle produced by Royal Enfield, an Indian manufacturing company. It is known for its use in long-distance touring and off-road capabilities. Noraly initially used this bike during her travels in India.

Honda CB500X

• A model of motorcycle by Honda, known for its versatility as an adventure touring bike. Noraly switched to this model for her travels in Europe.

YouTube Star

• A term used to describe individuals who have gained popularity and a significant following through their content on the YouTube platform.

Adventure Travel Blogging

• A genre of blogging that focuses on traveling to adventurous locations, often involving activities like hiking, biking, and exploring remote areas.

Overlander

• An individual who travels over land, often crossing multiple countries or continents, typically using specialized vehicles or motorcycles for long distances.

Smyril Line

• A shipping company that operates ferry services, including the route from Hirtshals, Denmark, to the Faroe Islands and Seydisfjördur in Iceland, which Noraly uses in her travels.

Utrecht

• A city in the Netherlands where Noraly is from. It is mentioned as a significant location in her personal and travel narrative.

Geochemistry

• The scientific study of the chemical composition of the Earth's crust and its applications. Noraly studied this subject at Utrecht University.

Exploration Geologist

• A professional who studies the structure and composition of the earth to locate minerals and other natural resources. Noraly worked in this capacity in Perth, Australia, before becoming a full-time traveler.

Travel Vlogger

• A content creator who films and shares their travel experiences via video blogging or vlogging, typically on platforms like YouTube.

Solo Motorcycle Travel

• The act of traveling alone on a motorcycle, exploring different landscapes and cultures independently. This is the primary mode of travel for Noraly.

Dutch Travel Influencer

• A person from the Netherlands who influences others through their travel content, often shared on social media or YouTube.