Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > TRAVEL Hints and Tips
TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
Photo by Stephan Hahnel, Kradwanderer, in Northern Argentina

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Stephan Hahnel,
www.krad-wanderer.de,
in Northern Argentina



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Posts: 4
To those that say leave your guitar at home....

Ha!



Admittedly, this was my second guitar in a series of five for this trip.

People say never take an instrument on the road, but I think those people don't really play instruments to begin with, so don't understand the benefits. I went a total of three weeks with out a Guitar before my fingers started to itch. The guitar you see above was the best $20 Pesos I have spent, at least for the couple of weeks it remained in-tact. Bits of this guitar still litter highway number 2 in Baja.

Travelling often requires a serious amount of downtime, and an instrument is a great way of forgetting some of the stress of the road. A guitar is perfect for a party, or just sitting around the campfire playing to yourself. I wrote some great tunes when I was floating around the Americas for a few months. Travelling with an instrument, and some ability to play it, breaks the ice, allows you to meet some of the most fascinating locals, gets you invited to all the best shindigs, lets you experience a side of a culture you wouldn't have knowen existed.


If the bulk worries you, there are a number of small, light, instruments that can be packed. A mouth organ instantly springs to mind, a triangle, a shaker, two bits of wood that make a nice sound when banged together, a dead badger... use your imagination.

So, yes, it can be done. It goes completely against the mantra of packing light, but for me the benefits outweighed the bulk. Just thought i'd share


Peace,
Jonno

P.s. Hi Patrick! I've been meaning to email, will do soon.

Last edited by Toaster; 27 Mar 2008 at 02:49.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Mar 2008
Indoors's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Leicester, UK
Posts: 102
Badly tuned Beemers make a nice rhythmic knocking noise I believe.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Mar 2008
Donmanolo's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mainly Slovenia
Posts: 371
Mr Vespa...

Just in order to show how important a guitar can be....

This is Giorgio Bettinelli, a guy who is strangely unknown, considering the extent of his travels, and the 4 books he has published (only in Italian) so far...
He did a RTW a few years ago, starting from Tierra del fuego, finishing up in Tasmania four years later which means that he crossed asia (twice) and Africa (up one side and up the other) ....On a little Vespa!

Oh yes...and obviously he had his guitar with him all the time

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Mar 2008
lorraine's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Definitely Nomadic
Posts: 523
I took a tin whistle with my while crossing the Libyan Desert by camel, and it was great fun. A LOT of idle time sitting on top of one of those beasts for a month... ;-) Great icebreaker, great way to mix with people if you don't speak much of the local language.

Lorrraine
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Mar 2008
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
When in Bolivia....

...buy a Charanga! Mine cost about $40 for a nice handmade 10 stringed wooden charanga. It was just the right length not to break it's neck when the bike went over, plus as it was in a different tuning to a standard guitar, learning the new chords certainly whiled away the hours waiting for the bloody boat from Colombia to Panama!

__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

Last edited by MikeS; 14 Feb 2011 at 20:28.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 16
guitar is a must

Hi everyone,

I have hauled my Taylor 714 around the world, because without it I start playing on my arm after a few days. Music breaks the ice, gets you welcomingly close to locals and sometimes it gets you a free meal. My guitar once survived a topple over on a busy intersection in Croatia. I am going to Ghana from Berlin by the end of the year...of course with my guitar...

Harti
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Apr 2008
smitty's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Bayou Vista, Texas, u.s.a.
Posts: 90
Arlo would agree with you!

I don't want a pickle, Just wanna ride my motor-sical
and I don't want a tickle
I'd rather ride my motor-sical
and I don't wanna die e ee e e!
Just want to ride my motor- sighhhh............kullll.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
A guy at one of the Elefant Treffens had a proper rack for his 'axe'...

Elefant Treffen June 2005
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: RTW
Posts: 139
so timely

Brilliant post,
me and the wife set off on our RTW in the middle of May and I had already decided to take a guitar with me,
everybody has tried to talk me out of this,hey if it gets broke it gets gets broke, I aint taking my Guild, a 3\4 size guitar is £30 at a shop in Stockport, thanks for confirming my decision
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Apr 2008
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
I gotta say it sounds way-more-mellow (had to stop myself typing ....Man, there) to be talking about taking a guitar on a bike rather than discussing GPS, Laptops, etc
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Jul 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: london
Posts: 19
SOLD....and best ever 'road song' vote

Thats me then, the girl and the 'gat' are comin' with me...
nothin' like bangin' out a few dylan tunes on the road...man

dylan

Is there a thread for best 'ride song' of all time, or should we just start one now?? Of the top of my head, I'll start with: Hendrix - Ezy Rider. Great listening accross the Himalaya...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Jul 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: london
Posts: 19
SOLD....and best ever 'road song' vote

Thats me then, the girl and the 'gat' are comin' with me...
nothin' like bangin' out a few dylan tunes on the road...man

dylan

Is there a thread for best 'ride song' of all time, or should we just start one now?? Of the top of my head, I'll start with: Hendrix - Ezy Rider. Great listening accross the Himalaya...
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 9 Feb 2011
Keith46's Avatar
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Kilkenny, Ireland
Posts: 17
Steppenwolf?

Good idea but the first person to mention Steppenwolf gets shot with balls of their own sh*** . For me it's Rory Gallagher - Cradle Rock. God bless those mutton chops.
YouTube - rory gallagher "cradle rock"
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 13 Feb 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London
Posts: 65
Great thread!! We are off on a trip on Monday and are taking our ukuleles! We are going by car so a bit more room lol but we wouldn't leave home without them. Should be quite good to have a bit of fun with the locals and also pass some time around the campfire.
You can get some pretty small ukes these days, might be a good option for the bike, and they are so fun and easy to play!
__________________
Ness | two turkeys and a rope | www.greenturkey.co.nz
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 13 Feb 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
It seems taking an instrument can even inspire people to sing about their bikes! YouTube - Team Going The Distance Meet Austin Vince & Lois Pryce
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
Documents you wouldn't leave home without! Erek4 Trip Paperwork 14 18 Feb 2008 08:37
What would you not leave home without? bmbiker TRAVEL Hints and Tips 35 4 Nov 2007 15:03
40 Reasons NOT to Leave Home Without... XT GIRL TRAVEL Hints and Tips 2 10 Oct 2007 06:39
Don't Leave Home Without It Norman Rahman West and South Asia 1 7 Jan 2007 09:46
Leave lap home? Matt595 Communications 6 21 Jul 2005 20:37

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 Insurance™ 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 10:20.