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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Nov 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: England
Posts: 277
Silly, unanswerable question#1

We are two 21 year old men/boys, who have handed in our notices with our respective jobs and girlfriends, and for the next few years we are planning on working and sleeping with that sexy little lady called the road.

We will both have a fair chunk of cash by the time we are free enough to set off and we don't have to be back for anything here for a couple of years at least.

I ride a DRZ, but keep thinking that I would like something smaller to be less obtrusive. I would take any tips on that. We both have a little experience of Western and Eastern Europe, a bit in Northern Africa, and I have worked extensively in the Middle East...

Now comes the silly bit.

We don't know where to go. Not even which way to turn out of my yard! Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America - we just don't know! I personally want to visit everywhere and once and do everything all at the same time. The world is so damn big, that whole global village thing is a total fallacy.

So in conclusion, that rambling mess was appealing to all you experienced travellers to point us in the right direction. Which continent makes most sense for a pair of virgin adventurers to attack first? Where are the borders easiest and the travel best etc etc? You know the kinds of things.

I know I should just let the sense of adventure drive me, spin a globe and point to something - but it can't be a bad thing to get a few experts on the case.

Ps...another important one - where are the drinks cheap and cold and the ladies free and warm?

Thanks.

Happy Riding.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Great post!
I have been thinking of a similar question for a little while but you put it much more eloquently - this should raise a lot of good, intelligent replies.

I would add, which continent has the cheapest travel costs?
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
Posts: 373
Steal Borrow or Beg a World Glode, close your eyes spin it and where it stops visit there see it's not hard to do. It's not the destination your aiming for it's the JOURNEY to get there, hopefully that makes it clearer.

I'm just wandering around pretty aimless at the moment but so far in the last 3 months of being on the road it's the best way I've found to find new places and meet nice people. I see a sign and follow it might be a local sign might be a sing to the next major town or city BUT I bet you 99% of the time at the end of the road there will be someone who is happy to say hi to you, even if you do smell a bit.

Go explore and don't forget to write a blog so we know that your safe and well, and having the BEST time of your life.

Lee @ f650ridetheworld.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Chris D (Newcastle NSW)'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Newcastle NSW AU
Posts: 153
Heading for the Sunrise or Sunset

Joel,

Heading off will be a blast. The journey to anywhere is always the best part, just so long as you go slow enough to enjoy the jems along the way and take the side tracks that take you to undreamed of places.

Good luck and happy travels.
Chris
__________________
Chris
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Chris D (Newcastle NSW)'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Newcastle NSW AU
Posts: 153
Diversity v Homogeneity

Joel,

Lots of border crossings mean greater cultural diversity on your ride, so don't let border crossings deter you. Through Africa there are as many border crossings as you like.

If you like wide open spaces without too many countries try Moscow to Vladivostok, then across Canada.

Chris
__________________
Chris
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by Birdy View Post
So in conclusion, that rambling mess was appealing to all you experienced travellers to point us in the right direction. Which continent makes most sense for a pair of virgin adventurers to attack first? Where are the borders easiest and the travel best etc etc? You know the kinds of things.
I hear South America as no visas or carnets are required and you're already on the continent anyways...but haven't been there. West and North Africa is definitely a challenge and worth it, later on your trip!


Quote:
Originally Posted by Birdy View Post
Ps...another important one - where are the drinks cheap and cold and the ladies free and warm?
South America again...I hear quite often!

Sadly enough, the route I choose didn't have such 'amenities'...speakking of the hot ladies that is...until I got to Russia and Korea...did I forget about Italy?!?! But Italy wasn't cheap either...

Damn...I might just join you guys...considering the MO...
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
Keep the sun to your back and follow the weather!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 56
Quote:
Originally Posted by Birdy View Post
. Which continent makes most sense for a pair of virgin adventurers to attack first? Where are the borders easiest and the travel best etc etc? You know the kinds of things.
That's pretty easy if you're currently based in the UK: Europe and Scandinavia. Its got it all - except maybe big desert in terms of terrain and more history than you can dream of. Border formalities are not a problem, health care is good. Most of the continent is cheaper than the UK and the far east is very cheap.

Once you've had a good look at the edges you can slip over into Africa and Asia without much more by the way of shipping than a simple RoRo ferry.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 12
Looks like this will turn into a great thread! As a virgin adventurer I have just come from Australia to Denmark via Japan, Russia, Mongolia, Russia, Finland, Sweden. It's an awesome ride and I didn't find it all that difficult, just the right sort of challenge for a first timer like me. Gives you a good chance to run the bike in (or maybe wear it out!?) and there's not too many borders to worry about. Just never say that you will be in a certin place at a certin time and really enjoy the way. I'm now thinking I did it way too quick and about all the stuff I must have missed. No regrets though!
Scandinavia has the hottest girls but prices are stupid. Mongolia has the cheapest vodka and best pickpockets...And Australia has almost every riding condition you can think of and no borders!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: England
Posts: 277
Ask a silly question...

...get loads of well meaning and educated replies! Who said the age old adage was correct.

'I'm just wandering around pretty aimless at the moment but so far in the last 3 months of being on the road it's the best way I've found to find new places and meet nice people.'

I totally agree with you Lee, there is no more effective way of getting something done than not knowing what you were doing in the first place. Stops you trying too hard and frustrating the outcome! Good advice.

'That's pretty easy if you're currently based in the UK: Europe and Scandinavia. Its got it all - except maybe big desert in terms of terrain and more history than you can dream of. Border formalities are not a problem, health care is good. Most of the continent is cheaper than the UK and the far east is very cheap.'

Being based in the UK does make continental Europe very easy to reach. I know it often gets dismissed by a lot of Brits, but it is so culturally rich that we really should pay a little bit more than lip service to our continental friends. Even if they do all hate us. Damn their continued jealousy over the empire we lost decades ago! Scandanavia would hammer our budget though, with their food/petrol/alcohol prices - we would have to get lean, go dry, and push our bikes everywhere! Maybe it is worth it for their famous ladies though? Hehehe.

'Damn...I might just join you guys...considering the MO...'

It's a big party and everyone is welcome.

'Lots of border crossings mean greater cultural diversity on your ride, so don't let border crossings deter you. Through Africa there are as many border crossings as you like. '

Good point, well made. When you look at it like that it makes a lot of sense. Plus you get to use up more spaces in your passport, so you can get kudos with those silly girls who take Lonely Planet as gospel and are always asking everyone on the road for weed. Seriously though, I have a bit of border fear. Because I have only ever crossed European borders, or flown into countries then back out of the same one - I have never had the experience. I am sure once you get into them, it's pretty simple - but all the visa del douane export customs carnet de laissez faire stuff is quite confusing for a newbie!

Thanks for the continued assistance and all the nice things said. You make me want to meet people like you on the road.

Happy Riding.

Joel
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 4 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Munich
Posts: 50
I'm hoping there's more info coming out of this thread too. I'm in pretty much the same boat as you guys, not knowing where I want to go. I keep looking at my MAHUSIVE map on the wall and getting confused as to which way to go. I think if I manage to find a riding partner who has at lease a loose idea about where he wants to go then that mightn't be a bad idea! Otherwise I'll be the one on the XT660 doing laps of the M25 looking rather confused... though all the people in the service stations are so friendly...
I lived in Asia for 3.5 years (India and Thailand) working as a motorcycke designer, so know I love it there. What's the Middle East like? Where were you? I have friends in Dubai and Oman so was tempted to head there, but I know very little about it. Perhaps that's a good reason to go... Then could hop across the Gulf of Oman to Iran or Pakistan and hit Asia...

So many choices!

Nick

(Sorry for the lack of tangible input chaps!)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 4 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
Don't write Scandinavia off, it can be done on a budget. I just checked my last trip. 17 days, channel crossing then up to the Puttgarden ferry. 12 full days in Scandinavia and back via bergan. Food and fuel £395. Cash £210, ferries: Channel £37, Germany-denmark £25, Malmo bridge £13, Bergan-UK £200. Total £880. Door to door £52 per day. I camped most of the time but had 5 nights in cabins (£25 - £35 per night). I had 2 or 3 tins a night. Guinness is £2.60 a 500ml can. Other stuff about the same. If you want a piss up speak to the locals. You can get a pint for 50p in Bergen during happy hour. Reverts to £7 after 6pm though !! Unleaded £1 a litre. Norway is worth every penny.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Nov 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: England
Posts: 277
'I keep looking at my MAHUSIVE map on the wall and getting confused as to which way to go.'

That's exactly the situation we were in! Tom (the other half of this idiotic plan) had the map on the wall, and we have stared at it for years. We would look at any random bit of it and say 'I wish we were going there.' It's taken us since we were about 14 years old to actually get this far. We had a 'planning meeting' last night, where lots of wine got drank and lots of wish list pins got joined up with a wiggly line on his map.

'Otherwise I'll be the one on the XT660 doing laps of the M25 looking rather confused'

If we see you we'll pull over, we'll be the blokes on a yellow DRZ and a green KLR, looking confused and doing anticlockwise laps looking for the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal and the Heart of Africa.

'What's the Middle East like?'

Warm. Sandy. Sometimes beautiful, sometimes dangerous. I really like the Arab people and their way of life, and there are a lot of really really amazing sights to see. The best bit is without a doubt the people though, most of the time, the scenery can be very dull - desert...desert...desert, ooh it's rained and now it's a bogging filthy swamp..desert. And so on. I've only worked extensively in Iraq, but I have also spent time in Kuwait and Qatar.

'I lived in Asia for 3.5 years (India and Thailand) working as a motorcycke designer.'

Cool job, working somewhere has got to be the best way to find out about places. I also suppose that you are pretty much guarenteed a job when you return from your travels, which is nice. I don't have such a definite or marketable skill set, so it could be a little more awkward for me. My travelling partner is in CAD, so he's probably going to walk straight in to a decent job when he gets back too. BarSteward.

'Don't write Scandinavia off, it can be done on a budget'

Good work, I'm impressed, and it sounds like you had a decent time - there may have to be some Scandinavian action (is it me or does that sound naughty?) on our little jaunt.

'you want a piss up speak to the locals. You can get a pint for 50p in Bergen during happy hour. Reverts to £7 after 6pm though '

Seven quid for a pint! That's enough to make a man sober. Although first time I read that I read 'Perverts' for £7, I thought 'how refreshingly open minded and thoroughly continental!'

Happy riding.

Joel.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 4 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Berlin, Germany
Posts: 109
Hi, I've been asked to give my opinion here cause I "have expressed a strong wish to go to one particular location". I want to go to South America, for different reasons (language, culture, scenery, friends etc.). Actually it's not the question where in the world I'll go on the bike but how I'll get around in South America...
Is there no place you always wanted to go to?
My suggestion would be - surprise! - South America (maybe starting in the US), although our reasons may not be entirely the same.
The Dollar is cheap, so you can travel there from the US without spending a fortune (much cheaper than Western/Northern Europe). You are English so the American girls will love you for your accent, even if you are from the north, you'd be "oh my gawd, like sooo sophisticated" ;-) And they have a reputation for being easy.
Also I think the US would be an easy way to get used to travelling on the bike, everything you'll need will be available. Once you reach Central America, you'll have the experience of thousands of miles on the road.
South America is dead cheap, people (at least the ones I've met) are very laid back, welcoming and they love their fiestas. I haven't been to a place where it was so easy to have a good time. The language is easy to pick up and, if you go to Brazil, so are the ladies (at least that's what I've been told). Argentines may be a challenge, but well worth it (I couldn't believe my eyes when I was there). Not sure about the other countries though.
Not that I would be even remotely interested in these things, as I said language, culture and scenery are my motivation ;-)
Also I should add that I haven't done this before, some of the above is just my theory...
As for difficult border crossings: You'll be travelling for months, what difference does a day or two at the border make?
There it is, my two cents.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
7 quid a pint!!!!!!!!!!!!

spain is cheap...... 2 euros a pint most places unless its on the costas
inland its quiet, cheap and great roads and scenery.

as for where to go, try this trick.....

ring up 10 random people that you dont know ( use the phone book and be polite, say you are doing a survey) and ask them, if they had the opportunity to do what you are planning to do, where would they go?
then see if more than one person picks the same place....

if so its popular......... which means it will be crowded

avoid it....... ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
Silly details Redne.Dab Bike Swap or Rent 2 8 Apr 2007 08:33
Seeing in the Rain - Turbo rain visor (it looks silly, but does it work?) Shells Equipment Reviews 16 26 Dec 2006 19:48
probably a silly question but! davidR South America 2 11 Sep 2006 21:47
(Maybe silly ) Question on tyres maria41 Equipment Reviews 11 9 Apr 2006 12:12
india (silly question) martync West and South Asia 4 28 Nov 2004 20:07

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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 03:20.