Originally Posted by jaamoo (Post 472716)

I've been on the road for 2 month and I thought I'd contribute some ideas that may help travellers.
My vstrom is fitted with a top box which I use to store my day packs and other small items but to carry items clothing etc I've got an older style Ventura bag similar to the Aero Spada. I place it where the pillion passenger would sit and the quick release straps go around the pillion grab bars. It great when I arrive at my accommodation as it's just a matter of releasing the buckles and off I go. I can't comment on how it would fit on other bikes.
The only real problem I've had in my travels and that has been the smart phone I use has a mini USB connection and in my opinion this type of charging connection is just not up to the hard use it receives whilst travelling. I've been through several cables as the connection design is flawed in my opinion.
I would suggest throwing some 2cm wide Velcro ribbon in the tool box as it can be used for all sorts of fix it's.
I'm not that techno but I would never travel without my ipad or similar device.
I've been using the accommodation booking site ' Booking.com' with great success. There is a large choice of hotels/hostels and you know there will be a room and what the cost will be when you arrive. Great in countries where you don't speak the lingo.
The only thorn in my side has been navigating and that has a lot to do with my poor choice of smart/dumb phone, as in my case. So I will leave other riders to give advice in that regards.
At the risk of sounding like I'm plugging certain products I couldn't live without my Sena SMH 10. Priceless for audio directions for navigating and load up your phone with heaps of music as in my case I get sick and tired of listening to the voices in my head.
One more thing, if you have any problems, just get ready to throw money at it.
It seemed to work for my wife for many years.

Originally Posted by liammons (Post 474030)

Booking is great for finding hotels, though they often cheaper if you don't actually book it, just drop in and ask the price of a room.