[Shiver me Timbers]

Hi, a recent experience in Armenia, as well as Cyberhippie's Morocco trip, and -m2-'s numerous motorcycle trips has got me thinking about the pros and cons of travelling with your own vehicle.

In Armenia I hooked up with two English guys who were driving their jeep all over East Europe and the Middle East. We spent 5 days driving around the south of the country, and managed to fit in an awful lot into those five days. During that time, I thought a lot about the pros and cons of travelling this way.

Pros:

Almost 100% freedom - you come and go when and where you please (this is the major pro)
You can squeeze a lot of sight-seeing into a much shorter time
You don't have to deal with rickshaw/taxi drivers
You don't have to carry your bags all over the place - they're stored nicely in the back. Because of this, you can pack a lot more, such as a tent and stove.

Cons:

You miss the great interaction witht the locals to be had on the train or bus - this is especially relevent in a place like India, where the trains are such a central part of the experience (for me anyway)
Expense - petrol costs can add up, and some vehicles eat the stuff
Crazy drivers
Getting lost
Mechanical headaches
Customs headaches (if crossing a border)
Safety worries (will your vehicle be stolen)

Any opinions on this subject? Discuss.

[cyberhippie]

Great post Conor

I've had a few taxi/hire car expierinces...... It's been a easy way to cover ground and during the recent "trip" it was a great way to cram 7 days into a diverse view of southern Morocco.


Within India I would say go for both experiences, ride the trains, read a magizine on a bus, fend off a goat, listen to the excited, voices in a language you; don't understand.
I reckon all these modes of travel have great rewards.

A few times in India I've teamed up with other like minded mates, hired a taxi and off we go, sure you miss the experience of mass travel in India but the Dhaba stops are great, as is the scenery and the ability to roam hotels and take the best deal.
For the girls............. a toilet stop on demand!!!!!

Apart from the cross border issues, it's a great way to see another dimemsion of the country you're travelling in.


That's transport Conor;

But I suspect you're also talking about time spent in situ, this is where flying through (perhaps inherent in a trip involving "wheels") unravels a little.
The luxury of time, allows for a bit of local interaction, offers up a different view of your chosen  destination, as you slowly become a familiar face (albeit a foriegn one) Things start to change from the casual observer to....

A combination of travel modes would be my personal choice.

On a short trip, if you're looking to digest a bit of what; country A, B or C has to offer,  well a taxi trip may well help you realise your itnerary/tour a little bit easier.

If you have the luxury of time, kick back and delve.............

[cyberhippie]

A wee tip!

I've done this on two occasions over the last 5 years.

The standard deal for a taxi is roughly this.


1. Charge per kilometer = 6 Rps (going upto....16 for a bigger passenger/mode/l seater)
2. Minimum mileage charged + 200 x 8 = 1600 Rps
3. Interstate taxes can come into play (200...?)
4. Night charges, the over night expenses incurred by your driver, on a multiple day taxi trip. 200 Rps


Total, at the bottom rate, would be about  2000 Rps a day, a very very good deal however you look at it  

Yet there's a better way for the tight Scottish gits like meself

Or more seriously for those who, find themsleves on a tight budget  who haven't consedered this option, namely the  independance of four wheels.

Ask around at your hotel, ask if they know someone who likes to drive for tourists/unofficial taxis
I've found a couple of deals that were way better than the mainstream cost, wherebye We agreed to a flat rate per day, and paid for the petrol, it worked out a whole lot cheaper than 2000 Rps a day

Around the 1400 per day in our trio's recent foray around the Kumaon and to Badami and Karnataka, it came in around  1200 per day (2004)

You have to be prepared to be seen as guests of the driver at interstate borders ( no problem, it's an adventuer) cause he's probably NOT got a taxi license.......

I've done this twice with my loved one and friends, it's been a great experience each time, using local driver's, used to the road and receptive to "slow fuckin down"

We ate with the guys every night and were introduced to great places to eat  along the way............Deliciosus mutton masala, Fish Curry Rice... recommended by a Goan, We dined on said dish.......... by the river at Malvan, it was indeed a great fish curry rice!!

[iwanttogoback]

Quote

We ate with the guys every night and were introduced to great places to eat along the way............Deliciosus mutton masala, Fish Curry Rice... recommended by a Goan, We dined on said dish.......... by the river at Malvan, it was indeed a great fish curry rice!!

so where's the photo? it sounds wonderful.