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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



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  #1  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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You've hit on the advantages of an organise trip. You pay someone to deal with all the hassle and split the cost with a group of other riders.

The disadvantages are that they set the pace, decide where you can go when, where you'll stay, when you'll eat and so on. You've also got all the usual hassles of dealing with large group (there is always one rider who thinks it's a GP, another you wouldn't trust to go to a supermarket in Leeds and buy milk without some major disaster and another who'll take three hours to fill up. Sometimes you can combine all this in one rider!). Finally, you'll be treated like a tourist by the locals, they won't talk to you they'll be used to dealing with the guides and view you as trade.

I'd do a shorter organised trip first. Try a week in Morocco, it's less cash and you'll be able to make an informed decision about which advantages outweigh which disadvantages for you.

Andy
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  #2  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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I totally agree with threewheel.

For my first international trip, last year I joined an organized group that rode from china to munich. I hadn't been on a bike too much at that point and was worried about the logistics, border crossings, etc.

while i'm glad i went on the trip, i will never do an organized tour again for the reasons outlined by threewheel--it is just not for me--it was too organized and the group dynamics were a pain. for me, half the fun of taking a moto trip is where to spend the next night, and meeting new people all the time.

other people, including you, might like the structure and convenience of organized trips, and that's fine. if you have the time and money to do a long trip now, why not go to see how you like it, but you could probably also figure it out by going on a shorter trip like threewheel says.
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  #3  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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cheers for the reply's.

I really am torn about whether to do this or not. My work are re-organising this year and it seemd like the perfect time to take a trip, I just think I am running out of time to do it this year.

so much to do and so little time!!!

I need to pull my finger out and stop faffing about (which I am famed for if I have the chance to).

Any recommendations on short trips / companies is still appreciated to others reading this thread
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  #4  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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I agree with 3wb too. While there's nothing wrong with doing an organised trip, I'd far rather do it for myself: I reckon that's half the fun. It turns a holiday into an adventure!

Would thoroughly recommend Morocco. Well within the abilities of most first timers. Very little to organise in the way of paperwork (no carnet, most insurance companies will cover you on a green card, little to no language difficulties, culture set up for tourists and travellers) in fact, if you made a few calls this afternoon, you could be on your way on Saturday. There are lots and lots of great tracks to explore and the further south/east you get and into the fringes of the Sahara, the more of an adventure it feels. In your position, I would go and buy Chris Scott's 'Sahara Overland', fit your Fazer with some dual-sport style tyres and go.

Whatever you go with, have fun.

MAtt
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  #5  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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cheers Mat,

i think I can feel my arse actually getting into gear.
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  #6  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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Hi, too late I'm sure---you've already gone. But I was just going to suggest you could pick up a copy of The Book in London as you sweep by towards Dover. You could read a bit at a time each night and on longish straits ferry. Linzi.
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  #7  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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ShepEd, I think your perfect balance would to try and befriend and hook up experienced traveller or two and go for a short trip with them.

It won't cost you a thing and you will learn from them in a more 1-1 way and you will also develop your own travelling style at the same time. Theres plenty of hubbers out there who would love nothing better than show you the ropes.

Once you get going, you will probably kick yourself for worrying as its really a piece of piss and all in your mind anyway.

Check out the "travellers seeking travellers" section and join the party..
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