How far ahead do you plan?>
 

I am hoping to travel the world (The world being Earth -America) around about the year 2010 for several reasons. 1 my insurance premiums will drop considerably as I will be 26 by then, 2 it gives me time to save up some cash and get some miles behind me 3... 2010 is a nice round number.

Anyway I was wondering how early did you start planning for your trip/s was it a last minute thing or was it months in the making and is there anyone out there who has many years to wait till it is practical and is making plans already even though they know they wont follow them?

McGowan

I would say never put off till tomorrow something that you can do today. This is especially true of travelling.

If you are serious about traveling by bike then get a bike that only needs basic 3rd party insurance dont wait until you can afford to travel.

Traveling with little money teaches you to economise and brings you closer to the people you meet and you get a better experince.

You would be surprise how far you can get on $1000US in Africa or the Asia.

Travel while you are young and strong, it makes the hardships easier and the bones heal quicker. Dont wait until you are tied down with work ,debt, partners or kids get out there and do it.

I did and have never looked back.

Charlie

Hi, I agree with braindead, he who hesitates is often lost. Pick a place you want to go, maybe not to far to start with, and GO. I save and plan for a year or two depending on the trip, but any current information will be out of date in six months or less, so that's the most you need.
Happy trails
Bruce



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The problem with long range planning is that as pointed out your info is always at least 6 months out of date if you use travel guides and boarders close countries have wars etc. That negates all your carful planning.

I gather by your t post that you live in the US that means you have fantasic traveling oppurunties on you doorstep (almost). What about 3 weeks riding trails in Montana, or a visit to the Baja or a journey to Alaska etc or even just down the road. Dont plan and wait get some adventures in and some experince traveling in your own country, then spread your wings fartehr afeild. If you are looking for culture shock go to Mexico or Central America.

Charlie

For me, my long-range planning for Los Angeles-Mexico-Central America is likely 3-4 years ahead of time. Aside from the difficulties involved in getting away from my spouse, children, business, mortgage, etc., and slowly doing mods/adding accessories on my new KLR650, there are other reasons:

1. need to become a much better mechanic, which I'm not
2. need to become a much better Spanish speaker, which I'm not
3. need to become a much better navigator (GPS, etc.), which I'm not
4. need to become a much better dirt rider, which I'm not
5. need to become physically stronger to handle a KLR 650, which I'm not

Of course, the word "need" is relative, and could just as easily be changed to "want". This is why planning can take years for this kind of trip. I'm not in a hurry, as I intend to take several shorter trips to build up the above skills (Alaska, Baja, Death Valley, etc.), and I'm really enjoying the buildup to the main event.

[This message has been edited by hava98 (edited 04 November 2004).]