7Likes
-
4
Post By kentfallen
-
3
Post By danielsprague
|
24 Jan 2014
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
|
|
Found a BRILLIANT link - Traveling the world
I have just found THE most fantastic little website of great use to many of us hard-core two wheel travelers -
Backpacking: Budget Independent Travel - Advice, guide & packing help
I can't praise this site enough.
Thought I'd pass it's details on to all my two wheel HUBB brothers (and sisters).
I have booked my flights to Bangkok for my BIG Thailand tour - a full month starting 22 February 2014. I found this website hugely helpful in respect of planning what I need to take and where to go.
I'd be interested in learning what YOU think of it.
May the force be with you all.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
|
26 Jan 2014
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
|
|
Thanks Pongo.
A lone voice.
I saw this link, took the time to read it's content and thought it was one of THE best travel sites I have ever seen. Some really great advice on it.....
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
|
26 Jan 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Birmingham UK
Posts: 9
|
|
Excellent site
|
22 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 16
|
|
I suggest this thread gets a sticky. That site is amazing.
|
22 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
|
|
It is nice, but just browsing through for a few minutes I notice a fair bit that I would not agree with, and lots of inaccuracies. Whilst the author's intentions are good, I think he / she / they often over-extend themselves and write about areas they have not actually visited, or just regurgitate apocryphal and out of date information. For example, calling the Taftan - Quetta road in Pakistan safe (it was until the last couple of years), and calling Sindh 'off-limits' to travellers, which it has not been since the 1990s.
Another major issue is that, as it openly admits, the site is very much aimed at backpackers, and consistently rates places down based on the inherent restrictions of backpacking. Impressions of each country also seem to be rather skin-deep.
As someone with their own transport, I would be wary of forming any opinion of a country from this site, e.g. giving Russia 5.5/10 is absurd.
The freedom we have by endeavouring to import our own vehicles is a real privilege, and gives us freedom far in excess of that which backpackers have. Add camping anywhere and it often evens out countries with sparse budget accommodation. Don't be blinkered by information aimed at people who have no autonomy.
The country overviews are good for pre-departure information (when it's accurate), but I would skip their destination recommendations. I like to explore every country in great depth, and just looking at a map, Google Earth, and speaking to locals, is in my opinion a far better way to research a destination.
|
22 Feb 2014
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: on the Road, at the moment somewhere else
Posts: 289
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by danielsprague
It is nice, but just browsing through for a few minutes I notice a fair bit that I would not agree with, and lots of inaccuracies. Whilst the author's intentions are good, I think he / she / they often over-extend themselves and write about areas they have not actually visited, or just regurgitate apocryphal and out of date information. For example, calling the Taftan - Quetta road in Pakistan safe (it was until the last couple of years), and calling Sindh 'off-limits' to travellers, which it has not been since the 1990s.
Another major issue is that, as it openly admits, the site is very much aimed at backpackers, and consistently rates places down based on the inherent restrictions of backpacking. Impressions of each country also seem to be rather skin-deep.
As someone with their own transport, I would be wary of forming any opinion of a country from this site, e.g. giving Russia 5.5/10 is absurd.
The freedom we have by endeavouring to import our own vehicles is a real privilege, and gives us freedom far in excess of that which backpackers have. Add camping anywhere and it often evens out countries with sparse budget accommodation. Don't be blinkered by information aimed at people who have no autonomy.
The country overviews are good for pre-departure information (when it's accurate), but I would skip their destination recommendations. I like to explore every country in great depth, and just looking at a map, Google Earth, and speaking to locals, is in my opinion a far better way to research a destination.
|
True, had a quick check as well. A lot of information, maybe too much.
"Laos:
Crossing into Cambodia:
The overland border between Laos and Cambodia - long closed is now open. For years this border attracted a lot of attention from elite type backpackers. Original info was to go to Don Det island, (south from Don Khong) then to the Friendship cafe (or something else like that). At the boat landing you can organize a boat to the road then a truck down to the Laos border. At the border you must pay to get stamped out of Laos. Some guest houses in Kratie may try to sell you the ticket for US$50. The border crossing is in the middle of forest and there is pretty much nothing else there than a few customs officials and a bad road in Laos side. You may not find any transportation at the border and what you do find is likely overpriced. At the Cambodian border, pay again. This crossing is now much easier and frequently used - but there is still no visa on arrival."
We got an visa on arrival, no problem at all, a stamp and thats it for 4 weeks... took 5 minutes. "Any transportation..." it´s good we have it always with us.
It´s hard to keep all this updated, on the other hand it´s just another source of information...
|
23 Feb 2014
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
|
|
Brilliant.
Thanks for sharing.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
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
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-14
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
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)
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|