i want to go around and travel the world. im an ancient history buff so id lke to see so many great things like the pyramids, silk road, and great wall. but ive got no idea what to do or how to get started. i was thinking a backpack and a scooter/moped but after that i have no clue. anyone who has done this please lend me your stories.
I haven't done it myself, but there's always round the world tickets to be found. you could use a moped with backpack to start with - although depending on where you live, that might be more expensive than, say, buses, trains and planes. backpack's a good idea though, the lighter the better. for the trip I'm currently enjoying, I brought a backpack and a total of about 12kgs of stuff, and it is extremely comfortable.
Careful about culture shock. Maybe you should start with somewhere like Stonehenge or somewhere else in Northern Europe or America. Move on to Rome, Athens, Dubrovnik or Istanbul. Then go for the third world countries and see things like the pyramids or the silk road. Stonehenge, being in England would be easy because you will at least be able to understand most of what locals are talking about, and crime isn't such a big deal. There are gypsies running around, but it's not such a problem as in other countries. Places like Rome and Istanbul are more interesting from the point of view of ancient history, I think. But they are also a little farther out of the comfort zone. And not just because of the language barrier. I was in Rome with a large group from my school in Madrid. We didn't really travel around together, but went our separate ways. Me and this other guy were victims of an attempted robbing. Both of us ended up throwing our attackers to the floor and walking away, but still. This other girl lost several hundred dollars to a theif. Get down to other countries, like in Africa or Asia and things might be a bit more worrisome. Course I'm told that if you drop your wallet in Japan 5 people will bend to pick it up to give it back to you. I also highly recommend traveling with someone. Its fun to meet people from other places. But its nice to have someone to talk to that you really know. I really wish I had someone with me sometimes during my travels. Have fun. It will be expensive, but it's gotta be done.
there is a radio show i listen to over the web and the host traveled around the world witout flying. He bloged about it here also if you listen tot eh shows from that time he talks about the different places he went - you can dl the archive shows from that site also.
My advice would be to just pick a place you can afford, and start from there. Dont worry about culture shock. If you visit a place with an open mind, ready for the fact that it might be totally different to what you expected, you wont have a problem. Worrying about culture shock is pretty pointless. May as well stay home. I wouldnt recomend you do the motorbike/scooter thing though. Everywhere Ive been through out the world has had decent bus or train connections to anywhere you want to go. Admittedly, a lot of buses in poorer parts of the world arent that comfortable (they're usually over crowded, and have livestock on them), but they're a really good way to meet the locals, which is sort of the whole point in travelling. The other thing, about taking your own car or bike, is that in a lot of places, you'll be fair game for corrupt officials. I tried to take a motorbike between borders in Africa once, and in the end I just gave up: The paperwork and bribes you need to deal with to take vehicles between countries in the developing world is just not worth the hassle. Travelling with a partner or not, is a personal preference. I prefer to travel alone, since you almost ALWAYS meet new people when you're travelling and travelling alone allows you to do things on the spur of the moment whereas, when you're with someone, you have to ask them what they want to do, and that's how arguments start.... But, having said that, there have been some places Ive been where I would have loved to have had someone to share it with, rather than be there just by myself.
Most of the US lacks decent buses/trains and I don't just mean rural areas. Huge cities (like Houston) completely lack any hint of usable public transportation. But flyin' the thumb is always more fun anyway...
the world has changed a lot nowadays you cant simply travel in scooter you would be killed while crossing border so becareful and enjoy your trip
Fair call. Ive never travelled in the US, but Ive heard that's the case, which sucks. Europe and Asia etc. have great networks of public transport though. And you're right: Hitching is way more fun.
im currently in the midst of planning a RTW backpack trek. stayin in 26 countries over the course of 2 to 3 years. if anyone is seriously interested in a RTW trek and are scared money wise w.e. check out helpx.net and work your way RTW. all u would really have to pay for is bus tickets and plane ticks. good luck everyone
Yeah dude DO IT… I did a little global travel before I always made money in the states and then traveled until I ran out of money. But some people manage to keep making money as they go and continue for years. Just take a backpack and go where you think is interesting you will figure it out when you get there. Go to hostels once in a while and you can talk to other travelers and find out cool places. You probably don’t want a moped though you will have to try to deal with foreign drivers licenses or insurance, police check points and trying to drag and transport a moped would be a pain in the ass.
I agree with most of the ideas conveyed to you. I could not imagine riding a moped on any of the German streets haha. I rented one in Jamaica and it was a little nerve racking as their driving is much different than in the states. Hostles are cheep and relatively safe and I usually stay at one when I travel. Hostels.com has a large database with many to get a look at. I can not afford to travel all the time, but when I get enough money saved up I just go somewhere on my list. When I was 20 I made a list of the places I wanted to travel. When I get there I cross it off the list and move to the next one. So do whats affordable to you and have fun doing it. Whether or not to go with a friend or alone, thats up to you and your comfort level... if you stay in Hostels you will meet some interesting people! Peace
