Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree16Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 8 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by jordan325ic View Post
A GPS isn't a safety device unless you plan on doing any serious trans-saharan routes.

A big downside of a GPS (or a hard-mounted smartphone) is that it's one more expensive-looking thing that must be removed and secured at every stop.

I have never used a GPS or smart-phone for navigation while travelling. This is more difficult but much more fullfilling. You are forced to rely on and interact with the local culture dozens of times each day. All my memories around the world... almost none of them would have happened if I had any sort of navigation. Being lost is a good thing.

So whatever you choose, I encourage you to turn it off from time to time. Insert worn out travel cliche here.
You saved me from having to write the same.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 8 Jan 2017
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arma View Post
I'm with those who have said bring both, the dedicated motorcycle GPS units are tough, waterproof, glove operable, and reliably sunlight readable.
I would say get a old car Garmin for 100 Euro from Ebay insted of buying an expensive iPhone. It does not have to be waterproof just put it in your tank bag if its raining...
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 8 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Quote:
Originally Posted by schmookeeg View Post
Let's you and I be "bothered" together then. I have roads in my notes, particularly in Abidjan, which were depicted on maps.me which do not actually exist. How can I report these roads so that they are removed for future travellers?
I've been 'bothered' for some time
https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/Warin61

Over 3,700 edits .. so far, some bigger than others.

Quote:
Originally Posted by schmookeeg View Post
I would love to help correct these. Show me how.
Too easy ..
Join Join the community - OpenStreetMap Wiki

Edit Beginners Guide 1.3 - OpenStreetMap Wiki

On deleting those 'roads' ... if you simply delete them ... someone else might just simply add them again .. thus the problem persists! I have taken the step of altering the 'tag' (the way in which things are described) .. a road will have a tag highway=something ... (something could be unclassified, track, motorway etc) ... I simply change the tag to, say, nonexistant:highway=something (keep what ever the something is) ... in this way the information is very obvious to anyone who looks .. yes it generates error messages for various people .. don't let that bother you .. as long as what you put in is correct and the description is obvious. Most OSM people are very good about things that don't quite follow some 'rule'. People who produce maps from OSM data use the official tags to do produce their map .. things that don't fit just get lets out of their maps - thus your retagged road won't appear.

Oh and to the OSM community ... I have mapped in UK, Africa, India, Vietnam and Australia. Generally before I go somewhere I look at the OSM map and compare it to other maps ... then look to make the OSM one better ... if I do that some 3 months before I go I get a better map when I am there ... and once I return I can improve it further. Sometimes there is not much I can add before the trip due to copyright reasons.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 8 Jan 2017
andyredz's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Oxford, England
Posts: 10
Whatever you choose, also make sure you have a good compass and paper maps - and are confident in using them. Much more adventurous looking at a map and tracking your progress than relying on electrickery gizmos

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
__________________
Adventure before dementia
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 8 Jan 2017
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
One of reasons I only ride night is that it allows me to do celestial navigation. I also never leave the house without my sextant.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 8 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Try one of these Chris





Works with any Sun Compass and just plugs into the cigarette lighter.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 9 Jan 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 2
Have you tried Here Maps. I usually take a gps unit (garmin ) and my phone as a backup, and last year, on my trip to Marrocos it was a life saver. My garmin died and i had to rely on my phone (worked fine). I installed two apps: Maps.me and Here maps, both free and with offline maps installed. For me, Here Maps was a little more accurate, complete and up-to-date.

I always (try to) take a dedicated gps unit because is much easier to use on the go. In my phone, with the wp cover is almost impossible to interact with the device without stopping.

I recently bougt a new garmin zumo 340 for this year adventure (aka trip somewhere) and it works fine. You can always spend much less and buy a car unit that costs 1/4 and does the same. If it rains you can always put it inside your tank bag or buy a cover (or even take some plastic bags and ties).

I also take a paper map with me everytime i leave home. Nothing replaces a true map when you have to plan or find a place, or if you get lost.

Hope it helps.


Enviado do meu SM-T580 através de Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 9 Jan 2017
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,344
Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris View Post
One of reasons I only ride night is that it allows me to do celestial navigation. I also never leave the house without my sextant.
Have you got the Touratech mount part number handy for your sextant Chris?
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 9 Jan 2017
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
Have you got the Touratech mount part number handy for your sextant Chris?
Funny you should ask Bertrand, yes I do: 4r5374Lk1nG
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 9 Jan 2017
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,344
Talking

Tobias will along in a minute with a description on how to make one for 16cents I'm still looking for that place in Thailand where he managed to rent a motorcycle with insurance for 10 dollars... Tobias any info please?
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 9 Jan 2017
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
for 10 dollars... Tobias any info please?
Not 10 just 5 dollars per day thats the normal price if you rent a local bike in Asia for a week or longer. Nothing special...thousends of tourists rent there every day. Just ask the locals they know the places. There are hundreds of plaes side by side in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Luang prabang, Pakse and Phnom meng etc etc etc renting out bikes to tourists. Same in Goa, India (with black numberplate) etc. Only on the islands in Thailand its a little more expensive...

http://schoene-motorradreisen.de/?re..._hong_son_loop
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 9 Jan 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Jakarta
Posts: 10


I still believe in GPS than just using a smartphone app. The good thing about GPS is the offline map, better sat signal, and better power management compared to smartphones. I used a Sony android phone to open Googlemap once in a while when entering cities because the chance of getting better phone signals and more updated maps compared to GPS. But my primary navigator is a cheap yet waterproof Garmin Nuvi 550.

At some part of this world having both is still the wiser option. Can't rely too much on maps especially when it is written in local letters like in India or Thailand. And relying on road signs also could make you travel to places beyond your plan, simply because you don't understand the language and very difficult to use Google translator like what I've experienced during my travel to Thailand.

Cheers!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 10 Jan 2017
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
GPS

That's like saying is toilet paper necessary !!! They are handy but shit loads of alternatives !!!

Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 10 Jan 2017
Nuff Said's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 258
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulD View Post
That's like saying is toilet paper necessary !!! They are handy but shit loads of alternatives !!!

Cheers
Paul

bi er
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 10 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Quote:
Originally Posted by rendra-hertiadhi View Post

I still believe in GPS than just using a smartphone app. The good thing about GPS is the offline map, better sat signal, and better power management compared to smartphones. I used a Sony android phone to open Googlemap once in a while when entering cities because the chance of getting better phone signals and more updated maps compared to GPS. But my primary navigator is a cheap yet waterproof Garmin Nuvi 550.
This is no longer true and hasn't been for a while now.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
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
Sauerkraut&Tofuwurst:Chapter II - a dog and a vegan dude on a sidecar across South Am SauerkrautandTofuwurst Ride Tales 73 1 Nov 2016 16:23
Free Maps For Garmin GPS Devices deelip Route Planning 3 12 Mar 2016 15:10
GPS Cartography for Morocco: OSM vs. Garmin City Navigator PanEuropean Morocco 6 15 May 2015 15:46
Expert gps LD Hack Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 10 21 Jan 2015 18:44
Is my GPS draining my battery? Lonesome George Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 7 24 Aug 2013 01:22

 
 

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 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

 
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 12:15.