First Time Trip Advice

[Chester Copperpot]

Hi all

For some time been dreaming of overland adventures but always seemed impossible what with everyday life getting in the way and all that. In recent times my wife and I have made the positive decision to live differently and do something big, so I guess we are 50% there already!

Anyway, reading this site for last few months and read Chris Scott's book so I'm starting to build up a little knowledge having started with zero, but gaining bucket loads of inspiration at the same time.
We basically want to do the Americas, Africa, Europe to the far East, Australasia on 4 wheels.

What I can’t decide is (a) what order to do everything in and (b) is it better to buy one vehicle in the UK, invest time and money on bringing it up to a good spec and then shipping from place to place etc, carnets, or buy & sell vehicles as we go.

As a bit of background I have little or no mechanical knowledge. I intend to go on a basic mechanical course before we leave but I’m a realist and know that unless any faults that develop are easy to diagnose and fix I’m dependent on access to proper mechanics. Budget wise, we aren’t rich but both have good jobs and no dependents so if we need to save more to buy a better vehicle, we just have to work a bit longer to save a bit more dough before we go.

I am swaying towards the following – do Oz and NZ first, buying and selling vehicles in their native countries thus avoiding carnet issues and shipping. Then going to the states or Canada, buying a vehicle there that will get us round a nice big loop down to the bottom of south America and back up, to sell the vehicle back in its native country. Then get to South Africa, buy a Troopy or similar to head north up to Europe and if we have enough left in the coffers, head east. Only problem is then disposing of the vehicle – I doubt I could import it back to UK? Might have to ship back to SA and sell there. The reasoning behind the order of the countries here is to start off where driving conditions and security are relatively good, to get experience, before moving on to the trickier challenges of South America and Africa.

Apologies for the rambling post! Every time I think about these issues I come up with a different conclusion. Any thoughts from those of you with real and practical experience would be greatly appreciated.