The dream of circling the globe in a private car often seems like a pipe dream, only accessible to professional expedition racers or millionaires. However, every year the number of independent travelers who have decided to take this step is growing, turning a global trip from madness into a complex but completely feasible logistics project. The modern world has become more open, information barriers have collapsed, and the technical condition of roads in many developing countries allows you to drive a regular crossover where previously a full-fledged all-terrain vehicle was required.
The main fear that stops most enthusiasts is the unknown and the apparent complexity of bureaucratic procedures. In fact, main job is performed long before the engine is started for the first time at the start of the expedition. You'll have to navigate a labyrinth of visa requirements, take out specific insurance, and perhaps even obtain a carnet de passages, an international document for the temporary import of a vehicle that is critical for countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Don't forget that traveling by car around the world isn't just about the romance of a sunset in the Sahara Desert or the misty mountains of Patagonia. This is a daily routine, finding a camp, cooking food, repairing punctured tires and constantly calculating the budget. Psychological readiness to monotony and unpredictable situations is often more important than having a winch or expeditionary roof rack. In this article we will analyze all aspects of preparation so that your dream does not break into harsh reality.
Selecting a vehicle and its preparation
The first and most important question: what to ride? Many people mistakenly believe that to circumnavigate the world you need a new Toyota Land Cruiser or Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Of course, these machines have established themselves as standards of reliability, but statistics show that successful expeditions were carried out even on old VAZ-2101 or converted school buses. The key factor is not the brand, but simplicity of design and global parts availability.
If you plan to transit through difficult regions of Asia and Africa, ground clearance and the ability to fit large off-road tires become a priority. A diesel engine is preferable to a gasoline engine due to lower fuel consumption and better availability of diesel fuel in remote corners of the planet. However, for a route exclusively in America and Europe, almost any serviceable car with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive will do.
⚠️ Warning: Never rely solely on the car's electronics. In remote regions of Africa and South America, diagnostics are only possible mechanically, so complex systems like air suspension can become a headache rather than an assistant.
Preparation of the body and protection of units requires a special approach. Standard crankcase protection is often not enough, so many travelers order reinforced options made of aluminum or steel. It is also critically important to check the condition of the wiring and waterproofing, since humidity in the tropics and salt on the sea coasts can quickly damage even new contacts.
Routing and travel geography
Building a route is a balance between what is desirable and what is possible. The classic route “around the world by car” most often involves moving from west to east or vice versa, skirting the equator or passing through mid-latitudes. The most popular route passes through Europe, Turkey, Iran (given the current political situation, this requires separate verification), Central Asian countries, China, Southeast Asia, then a flight or transfer across the ocean to North or South America.
Particular attention should be paid to the “white spots” on the map, where travel by personal car is impossible or extremely difficult. For example, crossing some borders in Africa requires transporting your car by ferry or even in a container, which has a significant impact on budget and time. Logistics gaps between continents is an inevitability that must be accepted at the planning stage.
When planning your route, use not only digital maps, but also reports from other travelers over the past year. The road situation is changing rapidly: the bridge may be washed away during the rainy season, and a new dirt road will be laid through the jungle. Offline maps are ideal for navigation in the wilderness OsmAnd or Maps.methat work without the Internet.
- 🌍 Eurasian corridor: The classic route through Russia, Kazakhstan and China, which allows Russian citizens to avoid visa difficulties in Western countries, but requires careful preparation for the cold.
- 🌵 Pan American Highway: The legendary route from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, interrupted only by the Darien_gap between Panama and Colombia, where you will have to send the car by sea.
- 🏜️ African Safari: A route from Morocco to South Africa offering an incredible variety of landscapes but requiring Carnet de Passages and vaccinations.
Don't try to grasp the immensity at once. The optimal speed for full perception is no more than 200-300 kilometers per day. Trying to drive more will turn the journey into a race where you will only see the side of the road and gas stations.
Documents, visas and legal aspects
Bureaucracy is the main enemy of the auto traveler. A basic set of documents includes a national license, an international driver's license (IDP), a technical passport (PTS or STS) and a power of attorney with the right to travel abroad if the car does not belong to you. Many countries will require Carnet de Passages, which acts as a customs guarantee.
The visa regime requires a separate strategy. While some countries are open to visa-free entry or require visas on arrival, others require permits to be issued in advance, sometimes months in advance. The situation is constantly changing, so you cannot rely on information from three years ago. Always check the latest requirements on the official websites of consulates or specialized forums.
| Region | Difficulty of visas | Need Carnet | Average processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe (Schengen) | High | No | 2-4 weeks |
| Central Asia | Low/Medium | No | 1-7 days |
| Africa | High | Often | 1-3 weeks |
| South America | Low | No (often) | Upon arrival |
⚠️ Attention: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected end date of your trip. Otherwise, you may not even be allowed on board the plane or stopped at the first border.
Car insurance is another critical issue. A standard OSAGO or CASCO policy is not valid abroad. You will need a Green Card for a number of countries and local insurance, which is purchased at the border. For long-distance travel, there are specialized travel insurance products that cover evacuation and medical expenses.
What is Carnet de Passages?
The Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) is a customs document that allows you to temporarily import a car into the country without paying duties. It acts as a guarantee for customs that you will not sell the car in the host country. You can get it at the national automobile club (in Russia this is AANI), making a deposit (usually 100-200% of the cost of the car) or providing a bank guarantee.
Finance: Travel Budgeting
The question is "how much money do you need?" does not have a clear answer, since everyone’s travel style is different. You can sleep in a tent and cook over a fire, spending $20 a day, or you can live in motels and eat in restaurants, increasing your budget to $100-200 per person. The average budget for a comfortable but economical trip for two is about $1,500-2,000 per month, excluding the cost of ocean crossings.
The largest expenses are fuel, food and crossings between continents. Fuel costs differently in different countries: in Venezuela it is practically free, but in remote areas of the Arctic or island states the price can be triple. Reserve fund should be at least 30% of the total budget in case of breakdown or force majeure.
It is better to store money in a distributed manner: cash currency (new US dollars, euros), bank cards of different payment systems and cryptocurrency (as a backup option, although it may not be accepted everywhere). Carrying only cards is risky due to possible blocking or technical failures in local networks.
- 💰 Cash: Dollars and euros must be in perfect condition, without stamps or tears, otherwise they may not be accepted at exchange offices.
- 💳 Maps: Be sure to have cards from different banks (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay), as sanctions or technical work may block access to the account.
- 📱 Digital assets: Cryptocurrency wallets can be useful in countries with hyperinflation or complex banking systems.
A financial safety net is more important than expensive equipment. It is better to sleep in the car, but have money for urgent engine repairs or evacuation.
Life, equipment and life on the road
Living in a car or tent requires minimalism and discipline. You will need a reliable off-grid power supply system, such as a solar panel and an additional AGM or LiFePO4 battery. This will allow you to charge gadgets, laptops and power the refrigerator, which is critical for the safety of food.
Organizing space in a car is an art. All things must have their place and be secured so that when moving over rough terrain they do not turn into projectiles. Backpacks essentials (first aid kit, documents, money, warm clothes) should always be at hand and not buried under the rest of your belongings.
Hygiene and health are the number one priority. As you travel around the world, you will encounter various bacteria and viruses to which the local population has immunity but you do not. Therefore, thorough water filtration, hand washing and an extensive first aid kit are mandatory. Do not neglect safety rules, even if the environment seems calm.
☑️ Basic set for life in a car
Security and communications in remote regions
Travel safety consists of many factors: from driving to interaction with the local population. In most cases people are friendly and helpful, but there is a risk of theft and fraud, especially in large cities and tourist areas. "Don't shine" rule works flawlessly: do not put expensive equipment on display and do not park in dark places.
The connection is your umbilical cord to the outside world. In addition to local SIM cards, which often have better coverage, it is worth considering using satellite trackers or phones. Device type Garmin inReach or Zoleo allow you to send messages and coordinates even where there is no cellular coverage, which can save lives in an emergency.
⚠️ Warning: In some countries, using satellite phones or GPS trackers without special permission may be considered spying. Always check the laws of your host country regarding radio-electronic equipment.
The political environment is also changing rapidly. Before entering a new region, be sure to check the latest news and recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Avoid conflict zones, even if they appear as small dots on the map. A traveler's intuition is an important tool: if a place seems dangerous, most likely it is, and it is better not to take risks.
Install an app that allows you to share your location in real time with your loved ones. This will give them peace of mind and give you a feeling of support.
Psychology of a long journey
A long journey is a marathon, not a sprint. The first weeks are filled with euphoria and delight, but then a phase of fatigue sets in, when the novelty wears off and everyday difficulties begin to irritate. This is a normal stage that you just need to survive by stopping in one place for several days or changing your route.
Relationships in a couple or team are being seriously tested. Being in the confined space of a car 24/7 requires patience and the ability to negotiate. It is important to give each other personal space and time to relax separately from each other, even if it is just a walk around the city in different directions.
Returning home (“reverse culture shock”) can be even more difficult than the trip itself. Ordinary life seems boring, and your friends don’t understand your stories. Knowing that the journey will end someday and planning for life after it makes it easier to adapt to reality.
Do you need to know English to travel around the world?
English makes life much easier, especially in Asia and Africa, where it often serves as the lingua franca between peoples. However, in Latin America and many parts of Europe and the Middle East, you can travel successfully using your phone translator and sign language. A basic set of phrases and the ability to smile work wonders.
What to do if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere?
The main thing is not to panic. Evaluate the possibility of self-repair. If this is not possible, use satellite communications to call for help. In most cases, local residents are ready to help with evacuation or repairs, sometimes even for free, for which they should be thanked with gifts from their stock.
What to do with work while traveling?
Many modern travelers combine a trip with remote work. This requires stable Internet (often through signal amplifiers) and discipline. However, it is worth discussing a flexible schedule with your employer in advance, since in some time zones the time difference can be significant.
Is it possible to travel around the world in an electric car?
Theoretically yes, but in practice it is extremely difficult due to the underdeveloped charging infrastructure in Africa, Asia and South America. The route will have to be built very carefully, and travel time will increase significantly due to long stops for charging. For now, the internal combustion engine remains the more reliable choice for global expeditions.