How to Travel the World by Car
Define the itinerary., Be realistic., Have First Aid training., Take the traffic tolls into consideration and learn when there are times to avoid certain roads, such as during peak hour traffic, during vacation seasons, during festivals or religious...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Define the itinerary.
You will need to draw up an itinerary dependent on roads.
Since roads criss-cross much of the world it shouldn't be too hard to begin with but keep in mind the following challenges:
War-torn countries are never recommended; indeed, you may not even get into some of them.
Roads in developing countries and outlying regions of developed countries can be very poorly maintained, some may look like roads but are mere tracks, etc.
Some roads are non-existent between countries, overseas, etc., so you will need contingency plans such as boat travel with the car, or collecting another car after a boat or plane flight.
Roads are weather-dependent.
You can't drive on roads that have been iced over, washed out or flooded.
This means taking the seasons into account. -
Step 2: Be realistic.
Unless you're a millionaire or a person of few needs, you won't be traveling the entire world by car in one fell swoop.
In fact, you'd be lucky to be to achieve that in a lifetime even as a multi-billionaire.
You will need to plan for a lot of time to achieve your goal and in all reality, you should select only certain specific trips that will take you to places in the world that really matter to you.
When traveling by car, the world is a very big place. , People die on the roads in large numbers every year and the road toll in developing countries is way too high.
If you are involved in an accident, a little First Aid training might save your life or that of a passenger or others involved. ,, Every country has its own traffic rules; even some regions have specific variations.
Take time to learn about the rules online or write specific embassies for traffic codes of the countries that you want to drive in. , It is also important to be aware that in some places, this is not considered sufficient and you might need to get some other form of permit to allow driving in the country or area.
Make sure you take note of all expiry dates, etc. , Make sure to get all the clearances needed as normal for travel.
If taking your own car, you will also need to be aware of issues concerning registration.
For example, while you can drive a European country registered car through Europe, this might change when you go into surrounding regions. , You will need to think through carefully how to find the right transportation, as it will depend on many things.
Rental cars might prove easier to find/change at borders etc.
Your own car might not be permitted properly when you cross borders You might lose either car in an accident or by theft
- can you afford the costs and delay involved in either? , Some places in the world are now car-free or restrict the use of cars.
These include heritage areas, sand dunes, areas where residents live (resident-only cars), etc. , Everywhere you go, your accommodations will need to be able to cope with housing your car as well.
This can be problematic sometimes in built-up areas or areas of high auto theft.
Things you can do to help include:
Always park in well-lit areas.
Always lock the car..
Always hide valuables out of sight or take them with you Park in pay parks that are undercover.
Ask the accommodations what parking deals they offer.
Consider staying somewhere that is not near the sites you want to see, but is better for your car-parking needs and traveling by public transportation to the sites. -
Step 3: Have First Aid training.
-
Step 4: Take the traffic tolls into consideration and learn when there are times to avoid certain roads
-
Step 5: such as during peak hour traffic
-
Step 6: during vacation seasons
-
Step 7: during festivals or religious events
-
Step 8: Have good traffic knowledge.
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Step 9: Get an international driver's license.
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Step 10: Get visas
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Step 11: passports
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Step 12: vaccinations
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Step 13: Decide on what car to use.
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Step 14: Consider where a car can go.
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Step 15: Plan your accommodations.
Detailed Guide
You will need to draw up an itinerary dependent on roads.
Since roads criss-cross much of the world it shouldn't be too hard to begin with but keep in mind the following challenges:
War-torn countries are never recommended; indeed, you may not even get into some of them.
Roads in developing countries and outlying regions of developed countries can be very poorly maintained, some may look like roads but are mere tracks, etc.
Some roads are non-existent between countries, overseas, etc., so you will need contingency plans such as boat travel with the car, or collecting another car after a boat or plane flight.
Roads are weather-dependent.
You can't drive on roads that have been iced over, washed out or flooded.
This means taking the seasons into account.
Unless you're a millionaire or a person of few needs, you won't be traveling the entire world by car in one fell swoop.
In fact, you'd be lucky to be to achieve that in a lifetime even as a multi-billionaire.
You will need to plan for a lot of time to achieve your goal and in all reality, you should select only certain specific trips that will take you to places in the world that really matter to you.
When traveling by car, the world is a very big place. , People die on the roads in large numbers every year and the road toll in developing countries is way too high.
If you are involved in an accident, a little First Aid training might save your life or that of a passenger or others involved. ,, Every country has its own traffic rules; even some regions have specific variations.
Take time to learn about the rules online or write specific embassies for traffic codes of the countries that you want to drive in. , It is also important to be aware that in some places, this is not considered sufficient and you might need to get some other form of permit to allow driving in the country or area.
Make sure you take note of all expiry dates, etc. , Make sure to get all the clearances needed as normal for travel.
If taking your own car, you will also need to be aware of issues concerning registration.
For example, while you can drive a European country registered car through Europe, this might change when you go into surrounding regions. , You will need to think through carefully how to find the right transportation, as it will depend on many things.
Rental cars might prove easier to find/change at borders etc.
Your own car might not be permitted properly when you cross borders You might lose either car in an accident or by theft
- can you afford the costs and delay involved in either? , Some places in the world are now car-free or restrict the use of cars.
These include heritage areas, sand dunes, areas where residents live (resident-only cars), etc. , Everywhere you go, your accommodations will need to be able to cope with housing your car as well.
This can be problematic sometimes in built-up areas or areas of high auto theft.
Things you can do to help include:
Always park in well-lit areas.
Always lock the car..
Always hide valuables out of sight or take them with you Park in pay parks that are undercover.
Ask the accommodations what parking deals they offer.
Consider staying somewhere that is not near the sites you want to see, but is better for your car-parking needs and traveling by public transportation to the sites.
About the Author
Marie Cruz
A passionate writer with expertise in pet care topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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