Overland Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Overland Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

The information below is intended to give the curious an overview of Overland Travel. Feel free to add questions if you need further clarification.

What is "Overland Travel"?

From the Overlanding page on Wikipedia:

Overlanding is the self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Typically, but not exclusively, accommodated by mechanized off-road capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping; often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and spanning international boundaries.

So it's all about traveling through countries "on the land", with some kind of vehicle. Exactly where you go, what vehicle you take and how long you go for are all up to you!

Wait, you can drive around the world?

Yes, absolutely. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of people out there this very minute driving and riding motorbikes around the world.

Woah, that's pretty cool.

Yep, it sure is. That's why WikiOverland exists, so that everyone out there can get the information they need to head out on the trip of a lifetime.

What about all those Oceans?

Good question, I can see you're no dummy. That's where ocean freight comes in. Drive your vehicle into a shipping container, get it loaded onto a container ship and meet it on the next continent. Overlanders with motorbikes often use regular commercial airplanes to move their bikes around. It's not nearly as difficult or expensive as you think. See the [Vehicle Shipping] page for more information.

Surely Overlanding is a difficult thing to do?

As with all amazing journeys, the reward is in the challenge, and Overlanding has some interesting challenges, that's for sure!

Why bother? You could just jump on a tourist bus like everybody else

Exactly. Like. Every. Body. Else. Overlanding is about getting off the beaten path, whether a bus does or not. Overlanding is about connecting to the land and the local people. Overlanding is about a sense of self-reliant achievement. Overlanding is an enormously exciting and rewarding way to travel.

Sounds dangerous. Is It?

As with any kind of travel, it's up to you which countries you visit and where in those countries you choose to spend time. With some thought and planning, there is no reason for Overlanding to be dangerous.

How long does it take for border crossings?

Every country is different, but for the most part it's painless. For example, it's simple enough to drive from Alaska to Argentina, through some 16 countries without any pre-organized agreements or paperwork. Simply show up at the border, fill out a few forms, purchase insurance when required, and you are on your way into the next country.

You mentioned insurance, tell me more

Some countries require the vehicle to be covered with local insurance for the duration of the stay. This is often inexpensive and easy to purchase. See the detailed [List Of Countries] for specific information on each country.