Overland companies Vs DIY Trip

[robin A]

I am looking at an overland trip for up to 6 months from april 08. i have done a bit of traveling in my 110 down to Morroco for a couple of months and riden a motorbike to and round Croatia but feel a larger trip is in order.

I believe ll trip are possible with a bit of application but something tells me thinking of going with a company would be crowded, restrictive and easy.

any oppinions, anyone done both?

i see there is a london Australia trip with Odysse Overland with Pete Deverson. does anyone have any knowledge of Pete or the company?

or if anyone needs a monkey for a trip in that period give me a bell.

Robin

[Gipper]

Hi Robin,
As youve already had your own freedom in the 110 and on a bike, going on an organised trip with a fairly set itinery and a group will be a big difference

- its really up to what you enjoy - do you like working as part of a group and the dynamics of group life ?- once you start, you are stuck with those guys - which can be great -or the other end of the stick.....

Yes its easy to pay your money and hop on the organised tour truck, but you will learn more, see more and have the freedom that overlanders - be it on bikes, 4x4s or heavy trucks enjoy

- the fact that your here on the HUBB means you should use your own wheels - there no better way to travel IMO

as you already own your transport, your money will stretch further overlanding independantly - especially if you have 2+ people in your vehicle - or you ride 2 up.

just my opinions..

cheers
Grif

[cedar]

Hi Robin
I'm with Gipper, if you have been anywhere on your own, then you don't need a bus. We have met them in various places, and my wife did a trip from London to Capetown in the 80s.
They are a large group so don't meet many locals, some of the cheap trips are full of drunk yoof, and the expensive ones mostly oldies. You may meet some fantastic like minded people, but if you don't, your stuck.
If you have your own wheels then you can do as you please.
Bruce

[Chris D (Newcastle NSW)]

Robin can you remenber the first time you were allowed to go to the shops all by yourself, if you can, you will remember the hollow feeling of trepidation in your stomach all the way there. On the way home you were coming back from your own first adventure, a bigger and better person for the adventure. Today you need to go to the next country to get the same feeling....Self guided travel is risky, arduous, difficult, frustrating, sometimes hard work and may not work out the same as the plan in your head. But on the other hand it is great fun just to be your own captain and think of all the odd adventures you will have because you went down that unexpected street and met those new people.Cheers Chris

[cookey]

Hi Robin not long been back from an 8mth trip myself London to OZ. Was alot of fun with minimum stress.BUT as the last threds say if you dont get on with someone your stuck with them.Would do it again though just more on the bike first.Check out EOE : Exploratory Overland Expeditions [ home page ] Will who runs it is a great guy.

[Walkabout]

Robin,
I can see what the replies to date are saying and I agree with the sentiment overall.
But your original question appears to discount the option of riding a bike in an organised trip/group - best of both worlds perhaps?
There are quite a few around nowadays as well.