Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 May 2011
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5
Not Planning

Hi everyone,
Well i am at present sat away with work and am planning on leaving my job next year. As i have nothing to keep me in th Uk i am hopefully going to go away on an extended trip, well as long as i can to be honest.

All my adult life i have been in a job that tells me where to be when to be there and how im going to get there and it got me to thinking how many people leave for a trip with no route planned at all just an idea of places they want to see and let the people they meet steer them in the right direction?

Some people may think i am foolish asking this and maybe i am but sometimes isn't not planning part of a good adventure or is this me being naive?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 May 2011
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Gosport
Posts: 10
Naive?

Not at all, I'm envious to be honest.

Until 2007 I was doing the same shit every day, well almost, but when I changed jobs and began working for myself I felt liberated. I can get away for a decent trip every year. Next year will be my first time on two wheels.

Just setting off with nothing more than a passport and a vague direction in mind is a fantastic ideal, if you do go ahead, best of luck.

For me, still, I still have limited time frames and as such need to plan a 'There and back again' approach.

Keep us posted!!

John Badger
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 May 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
All you need is a general direction and some basic ideas. You will meet people on the road who you will share ideas and suggestions with.. Turn up at any hostel and keep a notebook and map handy. Mine are covered in scribbles, phone numbers, addresses etc..

The only real planning you will really need is with Visas/carnets and maybe the weather and if roads are passable...

Don't be one of these people with plans in stone, tick boxes and have day to day itinerary's. Leave all that to Thomas Cook and the "Gap Yaaah" tour buses.

Do you know which continent/s you want to travel ?
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 May 2011
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5
HI JohnBadger and Touringted,
Thanks for your opinions i really am looking at traveling like this, I know that i will have to plan a little with regards to carnets and weather but i really dont want to limit myself to a list of places.

I do have a few places in mind that i would like to see and i would also like to visit some countries that i have been to with work to see how they have changed. Ted i really would like to visit Asia first as from my experience the people from some of these countries have been the friendliest i have ever met.

Im hopefully off to the ripley meet as long as im back in the UK in time so i hope ill meet a few of you and get some ideas and be able to gain some experience from other people that have done this before.
rich
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 May 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richie View Post

Im hopefully off to the ripley meet as long as im back in the UK in time so i hope ill meet a few of you and get some ideas and be able to gain some experience from other people that have done this before.
rich
If I can give you one tip for when you go to Ripley........

Ignore all the big, shiney mega bucks bikes there.. They rarely leave their central heated garages. Don't think you have to spend silly money on survival gear, fancy GPS's and mega expensive panniers...

Keep it cheap, keep it simple and spend your cash on things that matter while you're away..

Keep at least 20 metres away from the Touratech tent at all times otherwise you'l be riding home with a lazer etched titanium soap dish and a military grade solar powered toilet tent with bullet proof windows.. It's also where you're likely to find the "Stockbrokers" laughing at your ideas because you haven't done a BMW riding course or your bike isn't as big as shiney as theirs.

Go and chat with the people with odd, rattly, old bikes.. The people who most people cross over the road from..... They're the ones who can advise you properly and won't rib you not having a gps tracker, a support truck and 90kg of useless survival equipment..

Ripley is a great meeting and there are loads of fab people there who are will guide you on your way
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 May 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 198
Have you read uneasy rider? It is basically the same idea, very funny easy read, and will probably get you in the mood!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
DRC planning MikeAG sub-Saharan Africa 0 2 Mar 2010 08:14
planning a RTW.... jamie92j Route Planning 3 20 Aug 2009 15:47
Uk to Oz Planning DuncanCarwright Route Planning 13 10 Jun 2009 22:19
Planning XRM Route Planning 6 22 Mar 2005 03:03
Under/Over planning PatOnTrip Route Planning 12 2 Nov 2004 04:12

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insuranceā„¢ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:01.