Traveling a long long distance?

Question

hi, in 2013 im guna be 20 years old and my ambition is to walk acroos europe, then across russia, then in to cannada, then down throught the U.S.A, then in to south america.

i wona do most off the traveling by walking or riding a bike. its kinda like a round the world experdition.

when i need to sleep im stayin in a tent and food and water im guna try and forige for.

wel i was just wonderin if what equipment would i need to take with me if i was to go on this experdition? any fing that would be an essential to me when traveling?

p.s the bike im taking is one of those realy cool ones that fold inhalf

Answer 1

Many people dream of doing this but few realise their dream.

The most important things you're gonna need are time, money and determination.  If you were planning on cycling the whole way then you'd need at least five years. If you were planning to walk around the world then you'd need to allow about fifteen years.

You're also gonna need a shed load of money and probably a few sponsors.  You're going to burn a tonne of calories every day and will not last long surviving on foraged food.  It's a romantic idea but completely unpractical and you wouldn't last very long.  Food will probably be your greatest expense.

I can understand your reasoning for taking a folding bicycle so that you can carry it when walking but it wouldn't last very long due to its inherent design weak spots.  It's also a very inefficient use of energy to be carrying a viable mode of transport on your back.  My advice would be to get a custom made rugged bicycle and cycle the whole way.

You should check out Alastair Humphreys and Mark Beaumont (cycling):

http://www.alastairhumphreys.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0na1JdbGp...

http://www.pedallingaround.com

And also Karl Bushby and Dave Kunst (walking):

http://goliath.mail2web.com

http://home.earthlink.net/~earthwalker1

Some tips and equipment lists:

http://www.cyclingaroundtheworld.nl/tips...

http://www.360ways.org/home/equipment

http://www.downtheroad.org/Equipment.htm

http://www.theargonauts.com/resources/ex...

My advice would be to try and cycle the coastline of the UK (11000 miles) first, to see if you have the mental, physical and emotional toughness to complete a round the world journey.

Also, forget walking it - cycle instead.  If you walk around the world then this will be the major thing in your life at the expense of many others.

If I were you I would go to uni or start a career but save money over the years, always keeping this goal in your head.  In your mid-twenties you should have saved enough money to be able to take a few years to travel every continent of the world by plane, train, and boat but completing large sections by bicycle.  It's certainly the cheapest way of travelling and the best method of seeing the culture of the countries as you pass slowly through the landscape and you'll be forced to interact with the locals.

My final piece of advice would be to tell as many people as possible about your plans.  It's harder to back down on your intentions and allow life to get in the way of your dreams if everybody you know keeps reminding you.

So, good luck, don't buy any expensive possessions, certainly don't get a mortgage, and don't get caught up in the rat race. Always keep this goal at the forefront of your mind and continuously ask yourself if this or that decision brings you closer to your goal.  Start being frugal with money now and every time you make a financial sacrifice calculate what that amount of money will pay for when you are on the road.

Also, always wear a condom:  You can't take a few years off from regular life to travel the world if you have dependents.  And don't go falling in love either unless your partner likes cycling and travel a lot.

One last tip.  Start becoming an active member of Couchsurfing.  Rack up as many points, testimonials and contacts as possible as a host before you start your epic journey.  You'll then have a warm and friendly alternative to sleeping in a tent with only a cold sandwich for company.

http://www.couchsurfing.com