Exploring The Globe By Land: Is It Possible?

Travelling the world by land is an ambitious and challenging feat. While it is not possible to drive around the world without using a boat or plane, it is feasible to circumnavigate the globe primarily by land. This method of travel, known as overlanding, has gained popularity since the 1960s, offering a unique and immersive journey. Overlanding typically involves a combination of road, rail, and sea travel, excluding air transport. The minimum requirements for such a trip include ample time, good health, and a substantial budget.

The Pacific Ocean poses a significant obstacle, with limited options for crossing by land or sea. Additionally, political instability and safety concerns in certain regions, such as the Middle East, can create challenges and no-go zones. Nevertheless, with careful planning and a sense of adventure, it is possible to explore the world primarily by land, following in the footsteps of famous explorers like Marco Polo and Jules Verne.

The easiest way to travel the world by land is via an overland tour company

Travelling the world by land is an ambitious and challenging endeavour. While it is possible to plan such a trip independently, the easiest way to achieve this feat is by booking with an overland tour company. Overland tour companies provide a converted or purpose-built truck or bus, a tour leader, and sometimes even a provided vehicle.

Overland tours are often quite long, such as six weeks from Kenya to South Africa, and can be quite expensive, with prices starting at USD 15,000. However, they offer the benefit of a pre-planned itinerary, taking the stress out of planning such a complex trip. Additionally, travelling with a group can provide added security and peace of mind when visiting remote or potentially dangerous areas.

There are several reputable overland tour companies to choose from, each offering unique experiences and destinations. Here are some of the top companies to consider:

• Oasis Overland: Specialises in long overland journeys, with trips ranging from 13 days to 293 days. Their longest offering is a 293-day trip from the UK to Cairo via an anticlockwise loop along the African coast, including highlights like the Sahara Desert and the Giza Pyramids.
• Madventures Travel: Specialises in true expeditions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for adventurous travellers.
• Infinite Adventures: Offers small group tours that take travellers to the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Acacia Adventure Holidays: Offers expertly crafted itineraries to remote and incredible corners of the planet, guaranteeing a life-changing experience.
• Dragoman: Provides a range of epic overland expeditions and small group adventure tours to Africa, South America, Asia, Iceland, the Far East, and the Middle East.
• African Overland Tours: Specialises in African tours, offering unique adventures that change you forever. Their tours include game drives, river cruises, camping under the stars, and cultural experiences.

When choosing an overland tour company, it's important to consider your budget, the length of the trip, the destinations you want to visit, and the level of comfort and accommodation you prefer. Be sure to read reviews and compare different companies to find the best fit for your needs and expectations.

Overland tours provide an incredible opportunity to explore the world, connect with travellers from all over the globe, and create lifelong memories. By choosing a reputable overland tour company, you can rest assured that your journey will be well-organised, safe, and filled with unforgettable experiences.

It's possible to travel the world by yacht

It is possible to travel the world by yacht, and it can be an incredible adventure. However, it requires careful planning, sailing experience, and a significant time commitment. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of travelling the world by yacht:

Planning and Preparation:

Before embarking on your journey, it is crucial to invest time in planning and preparation. This includes taking sailing classes, learning about the oceans, weather patterns, and different types of boats. It is also essential to familiarise yourself with the latest nautical technology, such as meteorology stations, advanced GPS systems, and environmentally friendly motors.

Flexibility:

Even with the best-laid plans, unexpected situations will arise when travelling by yacht. It is important to be flexible and adaptable. Be prepared to deviate from a strict timeline, overpack, and have backup options for essential gear. Give yourself and your crew time to find a good rhythm and be ready to make adjustments as needed.

Time Commitment:

Travelling the world by yacht is not a quick endeavour. A typical around-the-world voyage can take several months or even years, depending on your route and pace. Ensure you have the necessary time available to commit to such a journey.

Costs and Budgeting:

Travelling by yacht can vary in cost depending on your choices. While it may be possible to find volunteer opportunities or share costs with other travellers, you will still need to budget for expenses such as yacht rental or purchase, maintenance, fuel, port fees, and provisions.

Safety and Comfort:

Sailing around the world comes with inherent risks and challenges. Ensure you have the necessary safety equipment, emergency supplies, and backup plans in case of unforeseen events such as rough seas, electrical failures, or piracy.

Community and Connections:

Building connections with other sailors and the yachting community can be incredibly beneficial. Consider joining sailing clubs, online forums, or networking events to gain insights, exchange information, and seek advice from more experienced sailors.

Legal and Documentation:

Familiarise yourself with the legal requirements and documentation needed for international travel by yacht. This includes understanding the regulations for different countries, obtaining the necessary visas, and ensuring your yacht meets the required standards and has the proper registration and insurance.

By thoroughly preparing, staying flexible, and embracing the unique challenges and adventures that come with yacht travel, you can make your dream of travelling the world by yacht a reality. It is a journey that will create unforgettable memories and provide a deep connection with the ocean and the world.

A combination of sea, rail and road travel is required to circumnavigate the globe

It is not possible to travel around the world using land alone. As 80% of the world is water, you will need to use a combination of sea, rail and road travel to circumnavigate the globe.

The biggest challenge for those seeking to travel the world by land is crossing the oceans. It is difficult to find boats that will take passengers and their vehicles across the sea. While it is possible to cross the Atlantic by freighter or cruise ship, the Pacific Ocean is a much greater obstacle. There are no ferries between Indonesia or New Zealand and Australia, nor are there regular services from Asia or Australia to Polynesia.

In addition, there are some land routes that are difficult to cross without flying. For example, the Darien Gap is a stretch of dense, marshy jungle with guerrilla fighters that separates Panama and Colombia. There are no roads or ferries between Central and South America at this point. Similarly, the Bering Strait between Russia and Alaska has no scheduled traffic, and there are no roads on either side.

The most practical way to travel the world by land is to combine rail, road, and sea travel with some air travel. This is generally necessary due to the cost of crossing oceans by boat and for political reasons in some parts of the world.

If you are determined to avoid air travel, it is theoretically possible to circumnavigate the globe by land and sea in around four months. However, this will require significant time, good health, and tens of thousands of US dollars.

The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the longest overland journeys, taking 7 days to reach Vladivostok from Moscow

The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the longest overland journeys in the world, spanning over 9,000 kilometres (approximately 5,700 miles) from Moscow to Vladivostok. This journey can be completed in around seven days, passing through seven time zones and covering nearly a third of the Earth's circumference.

The Trans-Siberian Railway, also known as the Great Siberian Route or Transsib, is a massive railway system connecting European Russia to the Russian Far East. The construction of this railway began in 1891 and was completed in 1916 under the supervision of government ministers appointed by Tsar Alexander III and his son, Nicholas II. Today, the Trans-Siberian Railway remains a vital transportation link, offering both passenger and freight services.

The main route of the Trans-Siberian Railway begins in Moscow at the Yaroslavsky Vokzal station and travels through several major cities, including Yaroslavl, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita, and Khabarovsk, before reaching Vladivostok. This route spans eight time zones and covers a distance of 9,289 kilometres (5,772 miles).

In addition to the main route, there are two other primary routes: the Trans-Manchurian and the Trans-Mongolian Railway. The Trans-Manchurian route coincides with the Trans-Siberian east of Chita and heads southeast towards Harbin in China's Northeastern provinces. The Trans-Mongolian Railway, on the other hand, coincides with the Trans-Siberian as far as Ulan-Ude on the eastern shore of Lake Baikal before heading south to Ulaanbaatar and then southeast to Beijing.

The Trans-Siberian Railway holds historical significance, having been constructed during the Russian Empire to facilitate the development of Siberia and improve transportation links within the region. Today, it continues to be an important transportation artery, offering a unique and unforgettable travel experience through diverse landscapes and cultures.

The Darien Gap is a dangerous stretch of dense marshy jungle between Panama and Colombia

The Darién Gap is a dangerous stretch of dense marshy jungle between Panama and Colombia. This 106km (66-mile) stretch of roadless swampland and mountains is one of the most inhospitable regions in the world. It is the only land bridge between North and South America and has served as a major route for both humans and wildlife. The Colombian side is dominated by the Atrato River delta, which creates a flat marshland, while the Panamanian side is a mountainous rainforest. The area is home to the indigenous Embera-Wounaan and Guna peoples, as well as dangerous wildlife, including fer-de-lance pit vipers, Brazilian wandering spiders, scorpions, and crocodiles.

The Darién Gap is known for its remoteness, difficult terrain, and extreme environment. The region has a reputation for criminal activity, including human and drug trafficking. There are no roads or even primitive paths crossing the Gap, and the dense rainforest and mountains make it a challenging and dangerous journey. The Pan-American Highway, which runs through North, Central, and South America, is interrupted by the Darién Gap, with the road terminating on either side.

Despite the dangers and lack of infrastructure, the Darién Gap has become a heavy migration route, with hundreds of thousands of migrants, mainly Haitians and Venezuelans, travelling north to the Mexico-United States border. The journey is demanding and hazardous, with frequent flash floods, deadly wildlife, tropical diseases, and the presence of armed groups and criminals.

In recent years, there have been attempts to improve transportation across the Darién Gap, including ferry services and a proposed rail link. However, the environmental impact, cost, and logistical challenges have hindered these efforts. The Darién Gap remains a formidable and perilous barrier for those seeking to travel between Panama and Colombia by land.

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