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Of course, it’s a single landmass.
Although it has gotten more difficult recently with the two key countries along the route (Russia and Iran) making it more difficult to cross. There are still options though, including crossing the Caspian Sea by ferry into Azerbaijan from Turkmenistan or Kazakhstan.
Easier, sure. But that’s not really the point. There’s that old adage that it’s not about the destination itself, but the journey. It’s the things you learn, people you meet, and the stories you collect which brings more fulfillment than finally ticking a goal off your list.
I could board a plane and twenty-four hours later I could be in Europe. I’d land in a busy airport and check into a hotel in a city centre. But I’d miss out on scenic drives, meals with strangers, and experiencing life in all of the locations in between.
The slow version is the whole appeal.
Yeah. Most countries allow you to bring your car across the border, with varying levels of rules and regulations, provided that it's for a temporary period. If you plan on bringing the car into the country permanently, it can be more difficult.
Generally speaking, there are two options. The first option is to get a Carnet du Passage, which is basically a passport for your car. Essentially, it's a customs bond document, that allows the country to claim the customs fees if you don't leave the country with the car. For some countries it's mandatory, others will accept it if you have it, and others don't recognise it all.
For other countries, you can organise a Temporary Import Permit for the vehicle. This is a country specific fee, to bring the vehicle into the country. The vehicle is tied to your passport, and you cannot leave the country without the vehicle, or you will be stopped and forced to pay the import duties.
I’d like to think so. I’ve travelled to over seventy countries and in my experience, most people are friendly and kind. There are plenty of positive stories of travellers being welcomed as they journey throughout the region.
Sadly, our media tends to focus on the negative events, and this can influence our beliefs and create bias. When I travelled throughout the USA and Mexico, Americans were concerned when I explained I was driving to Mexico. However, I had far more hair raising encounters in the USA than I ever did south of the border.
The approach is simple; exercise normal precautions, make sensible decisions and follow the advice of the locals.
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Probably a sizeable amount. Certainly more than I think it will, but less than I would be prepared to spend on an adventure of this scale.
Travel is often positioned as an expense. Others will focus on the money spent on the car, the camper, visas, permits and fuel. And that's certainly a big chunk of cash that could be spent on other things.
I instead like to think of it as an investment. An investment in experiences, memories, my education and my health. Instead of considering travel as a cost or money that we don't get back, we should think about what can be gained from seeing the world.
Probably AUD60,000. At least.
AUD30,000 for a good car. AUD10,000 for a camper on the back. AUD4,000 to ship the vehicle and AUD6,000 in permits and insurance for the year.
That leaves AUD10,000 for food and fuel to stay within budget.
But obviously, the car and camper can be sold at the end of this trip, so it's not a total loss.
