Travel round-the-world by car

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the entire planet from behind the wheel? A round-the-world road trip offers adventure seekers the ultimate journey – combining freedom, challenge, and unforgettable experiences across continents. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to turn this dream into reality.

Why Choose a Car for Global Travel?

Travel around the world by car offers an experience unlike any other. While hot air balloons might provide more dramatic views, nothing matches the accessibility, flexibility, and immersive experience of a road trip. From winding mountain passes to coastal highways, a global drive allows you to:

Experience gradual cultural transitions between neighboring regions
Explore remote areas inaccessible to typical tourists
Set your own pace and change plans spontaneously
Develop a genuine connection with the landscapes you traverse
Transport your belongings comfortably without constant packing/unpacking

Time Requirements: How Long Does It Take?

Planning a round-the-world journey requires significant time commitment beyond standard vacation allowances:

Minimum timeframe: 3 months (very tight, rushed schedule)
Recommended timeframe: 6-12 months for a more relaxed pace
Ideal scenario: 1+ years to truly immerse in different regions

Remember that weather seasons vary globally – what might be perfect driving conditions in one hemisphere could be monsoon season in another. Building flexibility into your timeline is essential.

The Planning Process: Preparation is Key

The planning phase is equally time-consuming as the journey itself. Key preparation elements include:

Researching visa requirements for each country (some require applications months in advance)
Investigating driving permit requirements and international driving license needs
Planning routes with consideration for seasonal weather patterns
Researching border crossings and vehicle import regulations
Scheduling vehicle shipping between continents
Arranging travel insurance with appropriate coverage
Researching regional security situations and travel advisories
Creating detailed itineraries with flexibility built in

Consider working with specialized travel agencies that focus on round-the-world trips if you’re overwhelmed by the planning complexity.

Budget Considerations: What to Expect

Global road trips are significant financial investments. Prepare for these major expense categories:

Vehicle costs: Purchase/preparation or rental fees
Shipping expenses: Transporting your vehicle between continents
Fuel costs: Vary dramatically by country
Accommodation: Hotels, camping, homestays
Food and dining: Daily meals across various countries
Visas and permits: Entry fees for each country
Insurance: Vehicle, health, and travel
Emergency fund: For unexpected repairs or situations

Minimum budget recommendation: $30,000 for a basic round-the-world trip (significantly more than the outdated $10,000 mentioned in the original article)

Crossing Continents: Logistics and Transportation

One of the most challenging aspects is moving your vehicle between continents:

Shipping options: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), container shipping, or air freight
Typical waiting periods: 2-4 weeks between continents
Documentation: Carnet de Passage or temporary import permits required in many countries
Customs clearance: Often requires personal presence and patience

During vehicle transit periods, consider:

Exploring the departure city thoroughly
Taking side trips via public transportation
Catching up on journey documentation and sharing
Performing vehicle maintenance and preparing for the next leg

Sample Global Route: A World Circuit

Here’s an updated version of the suggested route, starting from Spain:

Europe to Africa: Cross Gibraltar into Morocco
North African Exploration: Morocco and Western Sahara
Trans-Atlantic Crossing: Ship vehicle to Brazil
South American Journey: Brazil, Argentina, Chile
North American Adventure: USA and Canada
Pacific Crossing: Ship from Los Angeles to Shanghai
Asian Expedition: China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan
Russian Traverse: Through Moscow to St. Petersburg
Scandinavian Loop: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark
Return to Spain: Transit through Western Europe

This route balances driving accessibility with cultural diversity while minimizing shipping segments.

Choosing the Right Vehicle: Your Home on Wheels

Your vehicle selection is perhaps the most critical decision for the entire journey:

Key characteristics to prioritize:

Reliability: Choose widely available brands with global service networks
Fuel efficiency: Fuel costs vary dramatically worldwide
Ground clearance: For variable road conditions
Parts availability: Common models have easier access to spare parts globally
Comfort: You’ll spend countless hours in this vehicle
Storage: Sufficient for all your needs without being unwieldy

Expert recommendations:

Toyota Land Cruiser or Hilux (exceptional reliability and global parts network)
Volkswagen Transporter (balance of efficiency and space)
Land Rover Defender (capability but requires mechanical knowledge)
Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero (good reliability-to-cost ratio)

Most experienced global drivers strongly recommend vehicles under 5 years old to minimize breakdown risks in remote areas.

Accommodation Strategies: Where to Rest

Your accommodation approach significantly impacts both budget and experience:

Recommended options:

Camping: Most economical, requires proper equipment
Hostels/Budget hotels: Balance of comfort and affordability
Homestays/Couchsurfing: Cultural immersion and cost savings
Vehicle camping: With appropriate setup (roof tent, camper conversion)
Occasional splurges: Strategic luxury stays for recovery

Important considerations:

Prioritize secure parking above all else
Avoid isolated villages without established accommodations
Balance urban and rural stays for different experiences
Consider dedicated overlander hostels and campsites that cater to vehicle travelers
Pre-book accommodations in high-season areas

Travel Companions: Solo or Together?

Deciding whether to travel alone or with companions significantly impacts your journey:

Solo advantages:

Complete freedom in decision-making
Easier to connect with locals and other travelers
Simpler logistics and planning

Group advantages:

Shared driving responsibilities
Enhanced safety in some regions
Cost sharing for major expenses

If considering picking up travelers along the way, exercise caution:

Trust your instincts about new companions
Establish clear expectations about contributions and responsibilities
Consider shorter trial periods before committing to longer stretches together
Have a system for vetting potential travel partners

Food and Dining: Culinary Adventures

Navigating global cuisine presents both challenges and delights:

Dining approaches:

Local eateries: Most authentic but requires language skills
Self-catering: Most economical with proper equipment
International chains: Predictable but misses local flavors
Street food: Often excellent but requires caution in some regions

Regional highlights:

Mediterranean countries offer excellent value and quality
Southeast Asian street food provides incredible variety and value
Latin American markets offer fresh, inexpensive produce
Be prepared for food deserts in remote regions

Regional-Specific Travel Tips

Latin America:

Consider rental vehicles in countries with security concerns
Prepare for significant altitude changes in Andean regions
Research border crossings thoroughly as requirements change frequently

Africa:

Carnet de Passage is essential for vehicle entry in many countries
Fuel quality varies dramatically – carry filters and additives
Consider joining caravans for remote desert crossings

Asia:

Driving regulations vary dramatically between countries
Language barriers can be significant – prepare translation tools
Vehicle import procedures can be complex and time-consuming

Documenting Your Journey: Creating Lasting Memories

Modern technology offers numerous ways to preserve your experiences:

Documentation options:

Photography: Invest in quality weather-resistant equipment
Video: Consider dashcams for driving footage plus handheld for experiences
Journaling: Digital or physical journals to capture daily reflections
Blogging/Social Media: Share experiences and connect with fellow travelers
GPS tracking: Record your exact route for future reference

Practical tips:

Back up media regularly to multiple sources
Consider satellite communication for remote area sharing
Balance documentation with being present in the moment
Create a sustainable sharing schedule that doesn’t dominate your journey

The Freedom of Independent Travel

The greatest advantage of round-the-world driving is the unparalleled freedom:

Adjust your pace based on your interests and energy
Extend stays in favorite locations indefinitely
Take detours to unexpected discoveries
Create a journey that perfectly matches your personal interests
Build relationships with locals beyond tourist interactions

This flexibility allows you to transform from tourist to traveler, developing a deeper connection with each place you visit.

Safety Considerations and Risk Management

A global road trip inevitably involves risks that require preparation:

Major considerations:

Health: International insurance, vaccinations, basic medical training
Vehicle security: Appropriate locks, security systems, safe parking
Personal safety: Research regional safety situations, avoid high-risk areas
Natural hazards: Weather awareness, route planning around seasons
Navigation: Multiple backup systems (physical maps, GPS, smartphone)

Minimize risks by:

Researching thoroughly before entering new regions
Connecting with experienced travelers for current information
Registering with embassies in less stable regions
Maintaining regular communication with home contacts
Trusting your instincts when situations feel unsafe

Conclusion: The Journey of a Lifetime

A round-the-world car journey represents the ultimate adventure for those seeking genuine global exploration. While the challenges are significant, the rewards are immeasurable:

Cultural immersion impossible with conventional travel
Lifelong memories and stories unlike any other
Personal growth through overcoming challenges
A unique perspective on our interconnected world
Friendships formed across continents

The most important requirements aren’t financial or logistical but personal: curiosity, adaptability, patience, and determination will carry you further than any vehicle.

Before embarking on your global adventure, ensure you have: