Drive around the world?

[DiscoMick]

Loved the piece on the home page about the pommy lawyer who chucked it in one day and set off to drive around the world.
The older I get the more I feel like doing it. Of course, there are considerations, such as money, but even so the idea is growing on me. And we already have the Disco and camper so we're set up with the perfect vehicle to do it.
I lived in the camper and Disco for eight months when I moved to Bundaberg a while back to start a new job and I loved the feeling of life being stripped back to the minimum needs.
Anyone else feel like that? Anyone done it? If not, why not?
Where would you like to go?
In my case, I'd like to start in Jakarta and head north, although a few countries could be a bit dodgy I imagine, particularly Burma.
China appeals, also Russia (in summer), Siberia, Japan, Europe, could check out the rels in England, then across to Alaska and down the Americas...

Dreaming, dreaming I know, but why not?

[broonski]

mate, sounds like a great idea!!!

but i don't think i'd go the whole world, too many logistical problems and unfriendly countries...

i know exactly what you mean though, it's very tempting!!! (and i'm only 20!!!)

i'd mainly like to do all round Australia, and i'd love to travel around the mother country too!!! (England) i absolutely love getting back to basics for a while, which is why i love camping so much!!!

but mate, i know exactly where you're coming from!

cheers,
bryce

[spudboy]

I have always wanted to drive from Cape Town to London and then on to Moscow. Spent 3 years living in Kenya, and just loved Africa.

Costs are pretty high though. Freight to South Africa $3000, then you need your airfares too. You have to leave a deposit to take you car out of Australia (Carnet du Passage) which I think is equal to the value of the cars. Then there are all the visa costs, fuel, bribes, sightseeing, etc etc.

It woudl be good to go with another vehicle, but no-one I know is the slightest bit interested in doing such a trip. I read through this site and it inspired me to think seriously about how I could do the same:
http://www.url.co.nz/african_trip/

When you get to where you are going, you still have to ship the car back to Australia, so there goes another $3000 + flights.

The main issue though (for me anyway) would be getting time off from work obligations. Think you would need a year. Being self employed, it would be hard when I get back to just pick up again and get my old clients back again.

I'm 44 now, so I better get onto it in the next 4-5 years or I'll be too old!

[akitda]

How about finding Land Rover to sponser the trip? I am not sure but I have seen quite alot on the discovery channel

[Jamo]

Originally posted by akitda
How about finding Land Rover to sponser the trip? I am not sure but I have seen quite alot on the discovery channel

They've already got G4 so they mght not come at it. You could try Australia Geographic or National Geographic. AG sponsored a couple who took their Defender though China.

[DiscoMick]

I think I read their online diary a while back - it was great!
I'm reading the one recommended above and it is also great. I'm currently with them in Uganda, after they survived Kenya 8O

[CraigE]

Would be awesome, but to do it properly a fair amount of cash would be needed.
Have not done the world thing, but when I was 22 me and my wife (girlfriend at the time), my brother and his girlfriend, my mum and dad (with little brother) and my Nanna took off for an around Australia trip. Sold my Duplex paid off the Nissan MK at the time bought a pop top and off. Best thing we ever did. Would have liked longer and more money, but it was fantastic. Sold the van when we got back and bought a block of land. Would love to do it right now, itchy feet. But have to think of the kids futures as well.

[timberwolf_302]

Hey, lets all get together and do the Amazon Camel Trophy trail...during the wet season!

Got a Shovel?

[DiscoMick]

Malaysian Rainforest Challenge?

Or we could just meet in Kuala Lumpur and head north. Might need guards in Burma but what a great trip.

It was interesting with that pommy couple on that link that they had all sorts of fears about Africa but they got robbed in Spain before they'd even left Europe. 8O The most dangerous places are not necessarily the first ones you think of.

Actually, Tennant Creek felt about the most dangerous place I've visited in recent years - I feel safer in Bangkok than in Sydney. :?

[tombraider]

U want scary...

Try Pt Headland or Wilcannia.

I didnt feel safe fueling up at Willcania 8O

Cheers
Mike