Can you travel around the world in a car?

The World by Car: A Dream Dented by Oceans

The romantic notion of packing a suitcase, grabbing a map (paper or digital), and embarking on a continuous, round-the-world road trip is a powerful one. The open road, changing landscapes, and the thrill of discovering new cultures from behind the wheel – it’s an adventure that captures the imagination. But can this dream truly be realized? Can you genuinely circumnavigate the globe by car?

Sadly, the answer is a resounding no. While extensive overland journeys are certainly possible, and driving across multiple continents is achievable with careful planning, a complete circumnavigation using only a car remains firmly in the realm of fantasy. The culprit, of course, is water. Our planet, despite its extensive landmasses, is predominantly covered by vast, un-drivable oceans.

While intrepid adventurers have circumnavigated the globe by boat, plane, bicycle, and even on foot, the car, for all its versatility, remains stubbornly tethered to terra firma. No amount of off-road modifications can transform a vehicle designed for paved roads or rugged terrain into a seaworthy vessel. The Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans present insurmountable obstacles to a purely car-based global circuit.

This doesn’t mean, however, that the spirit of a world road trip is entirely lost. Strategic use of ferries and shipping services can bridge the oceanic gaps, allowing for extensive driving across continents. You could, for instance, drive across North and South America, ship your car to Europe, continue your journey across Eurasia, and then ship it again to Australia. While this isn’t a continuous, uninterrupted drive around the world, it offers a compelling way to experience a significant portion of the globe from behind the wheel.

Furthermore, the limitations imposed by geography shouldn’t diminish the joy of extensive road trips. Exploring a single continent, or even a specific region, by car offers unique opportunities for immersion and discovery. From the iconic Route 66 in the USA to the rugged landscapes of the Australian Outback, the possibilities for adventure are vast and varied.

So, while a true circumnavigation of the globe by car remains an impossible dream, the spirit of exploration and adventure on four wheels is very much alive. Embrace the open road, plan your route, and experience the world at your own pace, even if oceans necessitate a temporary break from the driver’s seat. The journey, after all, is the destination, and the world offers a wealth of roads waiting to be explored.