26Likes

15 Jul 2017
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 985
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 6Strings
Hi Folks,
Realize this posting might draw a variety of responses/reactions. Will try to clarify my question.
Background: I like motorcycling. I've ridden across/around North America several times, Western Europe, and Northern Thailand.
However, a RTW trip by motorcycle seems to add complexity and expense.
Yes, you will need some money to do a RTW trip, though it need not be super expensive.
Am thinking mainly of the extra paperwork (carnets) in the planning phase and border crossings during execution.
Carnet is a kind of one-off cost. Visas will cost you money. And shipping between continents. Very few borders require payment in my experience
Motorcycle travel limits when I can visit certain areas based on weather/temperature/road conditions.
Yes, motorcycles are not the most practical RTW vehicles, but you should be able to plan round the northern winter and the odd rainy season. Maybe you need to do more research on this.
Also the risk of breakdowns, accidents, and theft.
Yep, just like pretty much anywhere (including home) and with any mode of travel.
Am curious to know how folks who've done RTW trips by motorcycle have dealt with these issues, particularly the additional paperwork and expense.
Planning and money
BTW - the alternative would be for me to fly to each continent and travel between towns via bus, train, etc.
You cannot compare the two experiences, they are totally different ways to travel. I would never go back to backpacking, I can't think back to a single advantage other than being able to fly out of a place if I needed to. Not that it ever happened. Public transport sucks after the freedom to roam across continents with your own vehicle and your own place to sleep wherever you are.
Backpacking is not necessarily much cheaper; you still need visas and usual living costs plus money for arious means of travel. Certainly if you want to see a country in-depth and not just blat through it, you usually pay more without your own vehicle as you'll need to hire taxis / 4x4s to get to the most interesting places. Even worse is having to join mini tours with bunches of random other tourists.
|
TBH this is a bit of an odd question. It feels like you're putting up barriers which aren't really there. This is a good site to research people's trips, I suggest you look through some blogs and threads on here and see if a RTW trip is really what you want to do.
Unless you're really strapped for cash and want to go RTW on a shoestring, I would take a vehicle.
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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.
"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)

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
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.
|
|
|