Friday, Mar 16, 2007 at 13:06
Hi 1Lasthurrah... all will go as expected. If you don't set out with that in mind then it could be a very long journey.
Some things that we faced, on a similar journey.. a few yars ago now.
a) Do you have the paperwork for the vehicle..i.e. dang I forget the term anywho.. similar to a "Passport" for the vehicle to enter and leave the various countries ?
b) Have you and another traveller both undergone at least St. Johns First-Aid Training and have an excellent medical kit ? You will need two. One for day to day mishaps and one for any potentially life threatening situations.
c) Do yu have a basic understanding of saying "Pleas, Thank You and I need help in the various languages you may encounter ? (locals react much better if one at least tries to talk in their language.
d) Drop any attitude you may have once you leave Australia..you will do much better if you at least try to relate to your local surroundings.
e) Surprisingly to some, you will not require much more than a major trek around Australia would require. The troopie is diesel. If it isn't, don't go. I assume you can weld, fix most mechanical blockages due to bad fuel etc.
f) Vaccinations for just about anything known to mankind. Sure some medico's will say you dont need some shots. Do it anyway. Some discomfort now could make for a greater pleasure later.
g) So many other things but one of the big ones..NEVER travel at night unless you really really have to i.e. emergency life or death. In some villages it may be the custom for a small "payment" for the protection of your vehicle and that is the police asking, never mind the local folks. :)
h) Have money in an account in the U.K. "Mad Money" just enough to airlift you out of "tight" situations if need be.
You will most likely not get a visa to pass through Afghanistan and even Burma could be interesting.
As some have already suggested.. read and re-read even make a phone call to those who have gone the same route before you. And no, you won't be the first.
The easiest trip given the politics of the world at present is ship to either Yokohama and tour Japan and then on to Vladivostock, Khabarovsk, Urhutsk, Moscow, then down through Poland, Germany, France , under the Euro Tunnel and turn left toward
Somerset and Cornwall.
Traffic in London sucks :)
Or.. Hong Kong to Ulan Baartor then on to Lake Baikal.. great place for a stay of a few weeks. If you go this route, allow at least three months.
Just my thoughts and whatever happens does.. as you say..one last hurrah, a big world and go find it.
PeterLL.
AnswerID:
227833
Follow Up By: Mike Harding - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 07:50
Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 07:50
Good post Peter.
>Or.. Hong Kong to Ulan Baartor then on to Lake Baikal.. great
>place for a stay of a few weeks. If you go this route, allow at
>least three months.
What a great idea! That route had never occurred to me, might just take a serious look at it - thanks.
Mike Harding
FollowupID:
488729
Follow Up By: peterll - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 15:45
Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 15:45
Hi Mike..
one of these days I should stop lurking.. :)
Hmmm actually it may be an easier trip through Mongolia these days, with the borders far more open and improved tracks.
From Hong Kong to Beijing it is best to hire an interprator as they sure come in handy in traffic accidents as
well as they often know folks along the road so you get to stop in and stay overnight with locals who put you on to cheaper fuel.
I should sign up and become amember as I read the site daily from here in Canada. Yes an expat who goes
home every year for his run around the bush. Starting to run out of
places now after some 30 odd years of doing it when I lived there and the returns since moving here.
Then I get to post my rig
pic. ok ok so its a Toyota Tacoma. 4x4 6 cyl. dual cab. But at least it isnt a GM or Ford huh :)
Can't get a Landcruiser here due to emissions controls and all. You can if it is 15 years old. But I want one of those new LC70 series now I could see me trundling around in one of those.
We, the little woman and I, are off again in April..
Perth to Alice to
Boulia up to the best pub meal in Australia,
Camooweal, then Roper,
Cape Leveque and then a swim in
the pool at
Broome. Nice pub that
Cable Beach. Might see you on the road.
Littel fella in rental..see we arent all from Germany lol.
PeterLL
FollowupID:
488774
Follow Up By: peterll - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 15:52
Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 15:52
Opps Footloose just reminded me.. the best part of at least $60000 or more if you get into trouble. And that was 12 or so years ago.
PeterLL
FollowupID:
488775
Follow Up By: Mike Harding - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 17:19
Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 17:19
>From Hong Kong to Beijing it is best to hire an interprator
Nah. If you speak loudly enough they all understand English :)
My understanding, also, is that Mongolia is not the major problem it was.
As for the cost aspect if things go wrong... I would be inclined to do this trip either on a motorcycle (possibly with sidecar) or an older ute or 4WD. That way if everything falls apart just leave the vehicle and most of your gear for the locals - could probably keep losses to around A$10K?
>Might see you on the road.
I, most likely, won't be in the Territory this year but it would be good to catch up at some time.
>see we arent all from Germany lol.
No comment :)
Watch out for the bears in the woods :)
Mike Harding
mike_harding@fastmail.fm
FollowupID:
488786
Follow Up By: 1LastHurrah - Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 17:46
Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 17:46
Thanks to everyone.
Look guys, we've got the basics of a route planned (see other entries).
Regarding costs; we're planning $50k on the truck including $30k for a 2004 model Troopy we got) & $50k for the trip with a reserve of $30k. We'll be seek hostels for accom when we feel the need otherwise it's living out of the truck. Food we'll buy local where we can &
cook as we go when necessary. We'll do it.
FollowupID:
491109