I was lucky enough yesterday to receive the visit of Al Podell, a New Yorker and veteran traveler who has visited 178 out of 192 countries in the world. Back in the mid-1960s, Al and his friend Harold Stephens circumnavigated the world in a Toyota Land Cruiser. They drove across 42,000 miles and crossed more than 30 countries at a time where it wasprobably more difficult than today. They wrote a book when they came back, which I bought few years ago. It was a major inspiration for my trip, and I was incredibly surprised when Al, through a common acquaintance, agreed to meet with me. He was doubtful I could succeed in my journey, but he gave me valuable advice about my safety, and finally offered to recruit and pay thewages of a 3-women-with-machine-gun team who would protect me through Colombia. I had to decline, but the fact that he cared went straight to my heart. Al, you are the best.
I recommend the book “Who Needs a Road?” which describes their trip, and hope I will prove the authors wrong when they they asserted, back in the nineties that “it was a motor trip that cannot be repeated in our modern day and age.”
Yesterday was my last day at work, and now, I really should work full time on the car and on packing up my apartment. I will post more updates soon.
Here’s a link to the book:
Who Needs a Road?: The Story of the Longest and Last Motor Journey Around the World
Hi,
If I were in Guatemala when you drive thru I would invite you to stay at our home along the Pan American Highway before entering Guatemala City.
Do not drive after dark in Guatemala and you will want to drive through the city either very early in the morning ( 5:00 ) AM or you may get into heavy traffic and stop and go driving.
God’s Blessings,
Wendell
Ohio and Guatemala
I am not only rooting for you.. I am counting on you! I am anxious to recieve your tweets and read your posts… I am sure there will be many times you will be out of touch… and during those times and until you make contact with the outside world many people will be worried especially your Mama! Tweet as often as possible please… I am following you by phone… When I signed on to your twitter there were about 300 followers… I will bet you get thousands.. When I travel abroad food is my biggest worry. You must try the thousand year old egg if you get the opportunity… with Beer chaser… But I ate stew in an egyptians home and it was among the best most memorable meals I have ever had… I can only imagine how excited you must be! I guess someone is going to send you care packages to towns along the route? Nice to have an American Twinkie once in a while! Happy Trails… Kim From Maryland
I am really curious the reasons why Al Podell thought you could not do it. I would think it would be ‘easier’ these days with GPS, cell phones, etc.
3-women-with-machine-gun team – you’ve got to expand on that!
Are you planning of videoing your trip?
I am fascinated with this journey you have ahead of you. I look forward to your blog posts and tweets. Good luck and stay safe!
I told my husband about your adventure & he questioned why you are bringing a car and not traveling via other means. It’s got to be cheaper to fly where you need to, hire a driver in most locations & rent a car for your needs. Especially considering what you are spending to ship the car each time it’s needed! Is it so that you can see the unseen parts of these foreign lands? Either way, I’ll be following along on your wild ride! I’m a fellow international traveling freak (heading to Morocco in ~ 17 days), but not via a car!
I wish you all the best on your trip. I know it must be very exciting. I am now on twitter so that i will be able to follow you. Safe travels.
May you have fair winds, following seas and peaceful roads.
Why not to got through Russia instead of Middle East? You can get fairly safely to Vladivostok and then sail from there directly to Japan (maybe?) and then to Seattle or SF and drive back home.
On another thought – that would be less countries to visit, yes…
Nicolas, I wish you the very best and look forward to reading about your adventures, but I strongly recommend you find someone who looks like Al (i.e. like a pirate who would bite your right ear off if you crossed him – no offense to Al) to travel with you! I really think an adventure like this is best not undertaken alone.. At the very least, I hope you’ve inlcuded some martial arts training as part of your preparations, and if not – well, maybe you should take Al’s advice and budget for bodyguards through the rough places.
This is something I’ve always thought about doing and wish you the best! I’ll definitely be following along!
I’ve met sooooo many people who have crossed tha Panama-Colombia Darien Gap (doing exactly what u say u will do) and had no drama about it. People from Europe, from Uruguay… So, don’t come now to say it wil lbe dangerous!!! It will be expensive, but u will not cross the jungle. Don’t come and play the victim, many people is coming to Colombia and nothing is happening to them!
Oh! And if u need any help or suggestions, don’t hesitate to write!
Hello! I found out about you via an article on MSN.
It sounds very exciting, and I’m looking forward to following along on your blog. I wish you the best of luck with your adventure, have a safe trip!
Oh, I’m so glad I found out about this before you left! I frequently discover interesting events like this when they’re either almost done, or long gone 🙂 One note, some friends of mine recently traveled through Thailand and Cambodia and did some couch surfing while there… and LOVED it. They strongly endorse the couch surfing movement, and have each hosted guests of their own here in the US since then. It’s a great way to sleep somewhere comfortable and dry for a night, meet a new friend, AND save some money.
Best of luck!
Do you know about couchsurfing dot com? If not you should check it out! Free accommodation and a more personal and intimate experience of the places you visit through the people who know it best–locals. Would at least be a good alternative to camping and hotels every now and then… Best of luck!
It will be a trip of a life time. I live in Reynosa Mexico a border town next to McAllen Texas. If you want to come thru this way instead of Laredo (only 1 ½ hrs South East) let me know; I have a spare room at my house (in a good part of town…border towns have gotten pretty bad the last few years) that you are welcome to use as long as it take to get vacations and can help with pharmacy’s or doctors to get your shots. Would be great to meet with you and get you out of the USA on the right foot. Dinner is on me if you come threw my direction, I know the best restaurants in Reynosa.
Hello Nick,
I heard about your story on MSN! My husband and I are cheering you on and will be in our thoughts and prayers-travel safely! And if it brings you to Colorado Springs, you always have a place to stay!
Jenn and Landon
Nicolas,
I am so excited for you! This is actually gotten me very interested and I will probably be checking this website and your twitter every day just to make sure things are going well and to see and hear about everything you are going through.
Good luck with everything, and I am actually also interested in seeing more of your truck. Your description sounds very inventive. Maybe show the inside with your refrigorator and other things.
Take PLENTY of pictures on your journey, you will want to look back on those moments, and I am sure everyone is interested in seeing what you see. Who knows, maybe you will become a very famous person after all of this and news broadcasts will follow you!!
What a romantic and challenging endever! As I near retirement I can live vicariously through your wonderful trip!
Bon Voyage Nicolas….all the best & have a safe trip. Most importantly, be open to the new cultures and enjoy the expedition.
Note: I had added your story on my facebook profile page…and i will share it with other friends. Take Care.
Cheers :))
Bon Voyage Nicolas….all the best!! Have a safe trip and enjoy the journey.
Note: I had added your story on my facebook profile page…and i will share it with all my friends. Take Care of yourself.
Cheers :))
Wow Nick this sounds so exciting….I will keep you in my thoughts this year and hope you have a wonderful trip…..if you happen through San Antonio TX you have a warm bed if you dont mind 3 teens and a 9 year old who will be so excited to meet you along with myself and my husband. We are all rooting for you and cant wait to read about your amazing adventures.
Have a great trip and be safe
Jeanette
Hi, Nick!
I saw your article on MSN. I admire you, and completely understand your desire to take this amazing trip of a lifetime. You can do it! This website helps me when I travel, Virtualtourist.com. It may be a resource if you are ever trying to find something to do in your location. Best of luck to ya! P.S. N’oubliez pas un pull en laine. :0)
Bon voyage Nick! Your adventure is one to be envied. I am so excited for you and can’t wait to check out your blog as you proceed on your journey. I wish you all the best! Be well, take lots of pictures and have fun!
Nick….
Just look at all the people that you are making this journey for !!! And why wouldn’t people pull for you and want you to succeed ??? Total strangers soon to be good friends as we follow along.My family is so excited for you to begin !! With all the garbage on the internet these days,there are adventures and stories worth turning the computer on for.
I have a comment for Courtney C. who posted on Nov. 3rd regarding her husband and herself questioning why you would drive instead of fly and use drivers etc.From a great old Greek poet ….”It’s not the destination,it’s the journey”
Thanks for living a little for us.
Dana in Iowa
My cousin just told me about this planned expedition. I’m really liking it. I’m looking forward to reading your updates while you’re on the road.
Hope all goes well and good luck to you!
Hello Nick! Found your blog via MSN’s article, and I wish you the very best. I am very excited I found your blog before you left, as I now have something to look forward to, so post often!
Best of luck, be safe, and if you can, post some videos too!
This is such an amazing idea! If you need a place to stay near Hattiesburg, MS, you are more than welcome to visit us!
Best of luck on your journey!!
Nicholas
Good luck my friend. Your gonna need it with the budget and time line you have in mind. I just drove a 1971 VW Beetle from Chicago to Ushuaia on a similar budget. I have done the kind of travel your planning a lot. You better rethink your budget and figure out your paperwork better. Do you have a carnet? You WILL need one to drive where you are planning. I really wish you all the luck in the world and I will be watching. If you have any questions please feel free to email me. I don’t have all the answers and every trip is different. I just hope you have some other financial backing and more time… Lastly, regardless of how far you actually get you will have an amazing journey. I hope you discover as I have over the years the would is an amazing place full of wonderful people. Godspeed…
Nick,
I am very excited for you to blaze this journey of a lifetime. I wish you all the best and hope for your safe return, but we all know there will be troubles and dangers so keep a clear mind, think quickly without hesitation and stay the course my friend. I along with many others look forward to following your adventures and seeing the world through your eyes. I would say good luck, but luck is for those who can’t get it done. If you stop in Charlotte, NC on your way out a good meal and a drink are on me.
Happy Trails
Ryan
When you leave N.Y., which way are you going ? New Jersey ? If so, which way ? Good luck
This is something I want to do when I’ll be 30… or something like that. Actually I’m from Europe… so I was thinking first to do a roadtrip just in Europe. But I also would like to do another one in Australia. I’ve noticed that you excluded from your trip. 🙂
Good luck… and be safe!
Nick:
Good Luck to you. I am originally from Iran, a US citezen and have been living in San Francisco for couple of decades. I have been to over 40 countries and have a lot of contacts throughout the world. My family still lives in Iran and I visit there often. If I can assit you in anyway let me know. Good luck.
A Buenos Dias, Hola or a Buena Noches go a long way in Mexico. Sounds like a wonderful adventure, safe travel and good luck amigo!
Just wanted to send my loving support! Amazing to see someone attempt something so courageous. Time to show all those out there that the world IS full of wonderful people! It’s not a scary place at all and I’m sure you’ll have the most amazing time of your life!! I’m soooo tempted to stowaway in your trunk!!
If you drive by/through Richmond VA, I’ll load you up with as much homemade artisan bread as you can handle. Right off 95.
Bon Voyage!
Mark
http://www.norwoodcottage.com
Cool, dude. I hope you succeed and make it back in one piece. If and when you do, i’d like to pique your brain as i’m inspired to try something like that too… but probably with 1 or 2 other people as going it alone is not only dangerous but not as fun. Best of luck!
Hi Nicolas, I think your expedition will be a once in a lifetime experience and because of that I would like to help you along the way.
I own a property in Panama City, Panama and I’m willing to provide you with accommodations in it “FREE” of charge whenever you get to Panama City, Panama since I know that you will be there for some time to ship your car across Darian to Colombia and continue your journey.
Feel free to contact me if interested below is the VRBO listing of my property with a few pictures.
http://www.vrbo.com/203266
Good Luck, on your journey.
Salut Nicolas!
I think you are really brave to go on this trip. You are right – to many people, it is and will always remain a dream. I admire your courage to actually make this dream come true.
I’m sure it’ll be the best trip of your life and you’ll learn many things and meet many people. If you do come over to Singapore, I would love to bring you around!! It’ll be great to learn about your adventures =)
Take care and bon voyage!!
You might want to pummel your face into sausage before you go. Seemed to work for Al. Seriously, who wouldn’t want a piece of that sweet little French ass? Think about it.
Is this going to be some AP-style fluff blog? Nick going from point A to point B smoking cigarettes, eating ramen and fixing the occasional flat? Or are we going to get the real dirt?
People should know you’re absurd and now possibly suicidal. But you’re also one the most industrious little fuckers I know. So odds are even you’ll survive. But will I care?
So which is it? TinTin or Kurtz?
hey man, i saw the article on yahoo, later on visited your web page, just letting you know that if by any chance come to Caracas, Venezuela I can help you out with anything you need, i am also a 4×4 enthusiast, i have a well equipped 80 series too. Good luck, keep us posted on the progress!
I am a full blown travel addict and I am SO excited for you! What an awesome adventure. Most beautiful cities I’ve seen in Europe and must sees; Prague, Venice, and anywhere in Bavaria!
Good luck and be safe!
cherish this beautiful and long trip Nick. You will remember this into old age. So…. good luck, remember these roads, lock in your soul the morning dawns and the evening twilights, capture the forests of South America, watch the children play in Africa, have fun in Europe, take in the middle Eastern air desert, enter the greenery of Asia and come safe back home to the States. Good luck Nicholas and you are living your life!
I am a teacher and my students and I will be following your journey! What an exciting undertaking. Thank-you for sharing your trip with us and letting us travel along even though we won’t be leaving our classroom in Pennsylvania.
I checked your route and near the end you will be very close to us. Perhaps we will get to see you.
Hi Nick,
When I first came across your trip, which I believe was on AOL, I was immediately hooked! I told my son about your trip and now we are both so excited to go on this trip with you! ;o) I subscribed to your RSS so I can follow you on email (I’m not too familiar with twitter). I am soooo excited for you on this trip that I can’t wait!
You are my inspiration. I think it’s great that you are attempting this, and you are correct when you say that you should do this now and not after you get married and have a family. It will be more difficult or almost impossible to do with a family back home. So I congratulate you on your decision to do this now…..I wish I would’ve done something similar when I was your age…but now I’m two kids older!
I just wished you would have gone with a buddy. I think it’s a bit dangerous to do this on your own…..always use the buddy system. Anyhow, I’m still rooting and supporting you.
Mari and Mikey
By the way, Nick, it’s Mari again. My family and I live in New Jersey, just 15 minutes from Manhattan….if you’re having a send-off, please post! We would love to be there…..not sure when it is that you’re leaving (I forgot the date). I’m a teacher but I have first grade students so it’s a bit hard for them to understand the long journey ahead of you. But if I would still be 6th grade like I used to be, I would have them following you faithfully.
Have a safe one….
Mari and Mikey
Here’s a trick I learned which came in handy on two occasions, once in Mexico and once in Colombia. Be sure to always leave US$20 (or so) visibly in your glove box. On occasion you will be asked to leave your vehicle while the “officials” sniff about. Both times it worked the same way, one of the officials would open the glove box, his hat would fall off at that moment (once he saw the $20), the money would move to his hat which was quickly returned to his head. A few words would be exchanged then we would be allowed to go on our way.
Have a safe trip and I will be looking forward to your postings.
uncle nick how far along the trip are, sorry i missed your departure today keep me posted please