Is it possible to travel around the world by car?

Driving Around the World: A Balancing Act of Land and Sea

Embarking on a global circumnavigation by car presents an alluring yet complex challenge. While automobiles grant the freedom to explore vast landmasses, the Earth’s diverse and formidable terrain renders a purely automotive world tour impossible.

Challenges of a Purely Automotive Journey

The primary obstacle to a purely automotive world tour lies in the presence of vast oceans separating continents. Driving across the Atlantic or Pacific oceans, for example, is simply not feasible. Similarly, glaciers, mountains, and other impassable terrains present significant barriers to continuous car travel.

Integrating Alternative Transport Modes

To overcome these challenges, travelers must integrate alternative modes of transport into their journey. This typically involves utilizing ships to cross oceans and other large bodies of water. For instance, one could drive from North America to South America, ship their car across the ocean, and continue driving in the new continent.

Planning a Hybrid Itinerary

Planning a global circumnavigation by car requires careful planning and coordination. Travelers must research available shipping routes and schedules, determine where they will load and unload their vehicles, and factor in the costs associated with shipping and any necessary modifications to their cars.

Examples of Successful Circumnavigations

Despite the challenges, several intrepid individuals have successfully circumnavigated the globe by car. One notable example is that of the late Sir Francis Chichester, who drove from England to New York City and then shipped his car to Australia before continuing his journey across Asia and Africa.

Conclusion

While a purely automotive world tour may be impossible, it is certainly possible to travel around the world by car with careful planning and a willingness to embrace alternative modes of transport. By integrating shipping routes into their itineraries, travelers can experience the freedom and flexibility of car travel while overcoming the challenges posed by the planet’s diverse terrain.