Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > Welcome to HU
Welcome to HU New to the HUBB and Horizons Unlimited? Introduce yourself here! Get to know the denizens.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree8Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 19 Mar 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
Balance and compromise.

Apply these terms to be able to stay more or less within the boundaries of this society, but living your life the way you like it (applicable to traveling, riding or chasing butterflies in Guyana).
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 19 Mar 2012
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Some places, such as India or Vietnam, are much cheaper than other areas. You can rent a small 125-150cc bike in Asia for maybe $15/day. On the other hand, you could easily spend $15 for lunch in a Western country.

If you look at some of the other threads, the daily cost estimates for lengthy RTW tours ranged from $50 US to $100 US per day. That doesn't include the cost of air transport or shipping motorcycles. At the $50 end riders were tenting it every day, doing most of their own cooking, having to make hard choices as to paying park entry fees, extra-curricular activities, etc. The folks spending $100/day, on the other hand, were staying in cheap hotels, eating local food, and able to afford extra fun activities.

The longest trip I have ever done was a month touring in Australia. My costs were about $100/day to rent a motorcycle plus fuel/oil, another $1500 for a round-trip plane ticket, and then maybe $50/day for food, camping, etc. I camped out most days but was reasonably comfortable, and had money to enter parks and take tours.

I guess just make an estimate of what you think you will spend, and start saving... :|
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 19 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: yorkshire
Posts: 362
It depends on how much you want to do it ....

You can have a new car and a conservatory or spend the same amount on a year and half tour around the world

Dazzer
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 19 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Coromandel, New Zealand
Posts: 56
How do you do it

Well 44 is a youngster

I am 63 and just about to leave for a four month solo Morocco, turkey trip. Last year did 21000 km through Europe, followed by a 2000km mountain bike ride in Laos , Vietnam and Cambodia.

I am no superman - far from it - but I just take it easy, have rest days , sniff the roses and try and eat well and enjoy a . I schedule an hour a day for myself when I walk, ride my bike or go for a swim.

I spent 40 years in the corporate world and this is now my time. My wife fully endorses my travels and joins me at different locations. We are not wealthy but we have established our priorities and leaving money to highly educated and comfortable family is not a prime motivator.

As an aside I am a volunteer fireman/paramedic in my community. In the last week I have attended two fatal heart attacks - both younger than me and that provides all the motivation I need to get out and do it. Rather kark it in the saddle than on the Lazyboy

Moral: You are never too old - but also you don't know what is on the slate for you
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 20 Mar 2012
BlackBeast's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ontario, CANADA
Posts: 313
We decided to take a break in our careers, go traveling and come back and start afresh. As many as said, enjoying one's life is more impt. than sticking in a job that you dislike and aiming to go when you retire. On average, we found it cheaper to live on the road than it was living at home - we lived in Vancouver, not the cheapest city to live in. Again it comes down to priorities, save, save, save and take some time off. Your career will always be there or you will find a new passion when you return.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 20 Mar 2012
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Quote:
Originally Posted by brads View Post
How do you jack it all in and travel?
Where does the cash come from, how do you live without an income,? how is it feasable?
What do you have to do in advance before feking off on the TRIP??

Can you be too old too old do it at 44,? How do you explain to them all that your off??

How do I live on the road??
Actually it's quite simple: you save up and leave your job.

Everything else is just details. If you're not prepared to make this commitment, don't go.

Matt

PS - You don't even have to save up. I paid for half my big trip in 2006 on a credit card and worked it off when I got home. Just make sure you get a good deal on interest rates!
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 21 Mar 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I have come to the maybe cynical realisation that there really isn't anything worth seriously working towards, career and job wise in the U.K now. Everything seems to be very fragile and shallow. It's impossible for me to buy property or start a business in my position.

So I just work whatever job I can find for 1-2 years then leave and travel again for as long as possible. Pretty much, until my savings run out and I only have enough left to fly home.

I'm lucky as I have family spare room to live in while home and a large workshop/garage built onto the side of the house. My living costs at home are very low indeed.

I see many people slave and work themselves to death for years and years in a soulless job with absolutely nothing to show for it apart from spiralling debts and increasing living costs.

Make the world your home.... Your neighbours will definitely be friendlier
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 21 Mar 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I'm lucky as I have family spare room to live in while home and a large workshop/garage built onto the side of the house. My living costs at home are very low indeed.
I think you are actually luckier than many, since you can live reasonably in peacewith your family and they still accept your commitment to travelling.

In some cases, you would say "no way" to live with them or they would say "go way" to live that way with them, so that's a positive thing, more than many others.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 21 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I have come to the maybe cynical realisation that there really isn't anything worth seriously working towards, career and job wise in the U.K now. Everything seems to be very fragile and shallow. It's impossible for me to buy property or start a business in my position.

So I just work whatever job I can find for 1-2 years then leave and travel again for as long as possible. Pretty much, when my savings run out and I only have enough left to fly home.

I'm lucky as I have family spare room to live in while home and a large workshop/garage built onto the side of the house. My living costs at home are very low indeed.

I see many people work, slave and work themselves to death for years with absolutely nothing to show for it apart from spiralling debts and increasing living costs.

Make the world your home.... Your neighbours will definitely be friendlier
Sound reasoning indeed, though sad, that a motivated and intelligent chap such as yourself feels there is no future in the UK. With your background, Ted, could you not start a motorcycle dealership for a niche market, scooters and other fuel efficient bikes, perhaps?
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 21 Mar 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by Docsherlock View Post
Sound reasoning indeed, though sad, that a motivated and intelligent chap such as yourself feels there is no future in the UK. With your background, Ted, could you not start a motorcycle dealership for a niche market, scooters and other fuel efficient bikes, perhaps?
That's still a potential plan..

But around me, all the bike shops are closing... Not opening. The motorcycle industry is struggling right now...


My biggest hurdle will be financing and commiting to such a venture. I'd really just find myself off on holiday instead of working for myself. Id be the nightmare employee
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 21 Mar 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by estebangc View Post
I think you are actually luckier than many, since you can live reasonably in peacewith your family and they still accept your commitment to travelling.

In some cases, you would say "no way" to live with them or they would say "go way" to live that way with them, so that's a positive thing, more than many others.
It's no good thing to be living 'at home' in your 30's.... trust me !! I'm just also lucky that my misses has her own place too so I'm not quite living as a teenager lol.

It's a mutual relationship though. I do all the maintenance, gardening and most the chores (which is a lot) for part of my 'keep'...

At my family home that is
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 22 Mar 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
The 2 off us both work, one persons salary covers all our out goings while in the UK (morgage, food, bills etc) and the other persons salary is saved.
After 2 years of that there is always a friend who need a house to rent for a year and disco we're off on our travels.
Simple as really, the only things we buy during the saving period is gear we worn out/broken on the last trip and full rebuild of the bikes which I do myself.

Cheers
Pete
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
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


 
 

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 13:52.