These trains gratify visitors from all over the world with royal pleasures taking them on a journey through the inspiring heritage. The magnificence of these luxury trains is apparent from their royal décor, ostentatious interiors, and pampering hospitality.

Introducing you to the 5 finest luxury trains in India, we have Maharajas’ Express, Palace on Wheels, The Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot and Fairy Queen Express. Offering an experience for a lifetime, luxury train tours let you explore India like a royal.

Here’s a step-by-step blow down of these 5 luxury trains in India!

1. Maharajas’ Express

Winner of the “World’s Leading Luxury Train” award 5 times in a row from 2012 to 2016, Maharajas’ Express is a royal asset to India. Like its name, the train recreates the way Maharajas (“great kings”) used to travel. It offers seven sojourns to different parts of the country.

The 14-cabin train accommodates 88 passengers at one go. Equipped with private washrooms, individual climate control, spacious wardrobes, direct dial phones, live television, DVD players, CCTV cameras, electronic smoke detection systems, free WI-FI, etc. The décor imitates the royal homes of the Maharajas. Moreover, the sense of pure luxury is enhanced with the dining cars, a gym, an onboard doctor, excellent lounges and bars, shops, and much more!

As one of the best luxury trains in India and also the world, it is a royal pleasure any traveler to India must try once in their lives!

Maharajas’ Express itineraries:

• The Heritage of India (Mumbai — Ajanta – Udaipur — Jodhpur — Bikaner — Jaipur — Ranthambore — Agra — Delhi)
• Gems of India (Delhi — Agra — Ranthambore — Jaipur — Delhi)
• The Indian Panorama (Delhi — Jaipur — Ranthambore — Fatehpur — Sikri — Agra — Gwalior — Orchha — Khajuraho — Varanasi — Lucknow — Delhi)
• Indian Splendour (Delhi — Agra — Ranthambore — Jaipur — Bikaner — Jodhpur — Udaipur — Balasinor — Mumbai)
• Treasures of India (Delhi — Agra — Ranthambore — Jaipur — Delhi)
• Southern Jewels (Trivandrum — Chettinad — Mahabalipuram — Mysore — Hampi — Goa — Mumbai)
• Southern Splendour (Mumbai — Goa — Hampi — Mysore — Cochin — Kumarakom — Trivandrum)

Maharajas’ Express runs from October to April and plies on 5 different routes.

2. Palace On Wheels

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The pioneer of all luxury trains in India, the Palace on Wheels is a nominee for the “World leading Luxury Train” award. The royal ride started as the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat and the Nizam of Hyderabad. The 23-coaches of the train are each named after a former Rajputana state.

Two restaurants, namely “The Maharaja” and “The Maharani” are the highlights of this extravagant train. 14 saloons and a spa are always at your service whenever you feel a little low. It is truly a lavish feeling to be on board on the Palace on Wheels!

Palace on Wheels itinerary: Delhi — Jaipur — Sawai Madhopur — Chittorgarh — Udaipur — Jaisalmer — Jodhpur — Bharatpur — Agra — Delhi

Palace on Wheels runs from September to April. The 7 nights, 8 days journey includes 7 stops, where tourist are taken for city tours.

Key attractions covered by this train include:

• Delhi — India Gate, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb
• Jaipur — Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Rajasthali, City Palace, Jantar Mantar
• Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh — Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh Fort
• Udaipur — Jag Niwas, Lake Pichola
• Jaisalmer — Yellow Sandstone Fort, ancient mansions
• Jodhpur — Mehrangarh Fort, grand palaces, shopping tour in Jodhpur
• Bharatpur — Keoladeo Ghana National Park
• Agra — Fatehpur-Sikri, the Taj Mahal

3. The Deccan Odyssey

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Have you ever thought of a moving 5-star hotel? Odds are that you might not have. But the Government of Maharashtra and Ministry of Railways came up with a very unique—and very special—concept.

The Deccan Odyssey is a complete 5-star hotel in itself. Equipped with a well-stocked bar, 2 restaurants, a business center, modern amenities, and a sauna, this train is sure to spellbind you. Choose from six options available and embark for the sojourn of a lifetime.

The Deccan Odyssey itineraries:

• Maharashtra Splendor (Mumbai — Nasik — Ellora Cave — Ajanta Caves — Kolhapur — Goa — Ratnagiri — Mumbai)
• Indian Odyssey (Delhi — Sawai Madhopur — Agra — Jaipur — Udaipur — Vadodara — Ellora Caves — Mumbai)
• Hidden Treasures of Gujarat (Mumbai — Vadodara — Palitana — Sasan Gir — Somnath — Little Rann of Kutch — Modhera — Patan — Nashik — Mumbai)
• Indian Sojourn (Mumbai — Vadodara — Udaipur — Jodhpur — Agra — Sawai Madhopur — Jaipur — Delhi)
• Jewels of the Deccan (Mumbai — Bijapur — Aihole — Pattadakal — Hampi — Hyderabad — Ellora Caves — Ajanta Caves — Mumbai)
• Maharashtra Wild Trail (Mumbai — Aurangabad — Ramtek — Tadoba — Ajanta — Nashik — Mumbai)

The Deccan Odyssey runs from October to April. The duration for all 6 routes is 7 nights, 8 days.

4. Golden Chariot

Awarded as “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” in 2013, Golden Chariot takes you to the offbeat places of South India.

Coaches of this plush train are attractive and charismatic due to their opulent interiors. One can easily observe a glance of artistic quintessence of South Indian reigns from a bygone era. To preserve the regal panache of the train expedition, all the cabins have been named after states from the South such as Ganga, Rashtrakota, Bhahamani, Yudukula, and Adilshahi etc.

Once inside, you will find everything for your comfort. From a private bathtub to an LED TV, bar, gym, spa and almost everything that you can imagine.

Golden Chariot itineraries:

• Pride of the South (Bangalore — Kabini — Mysore — Hassan — Hampi — Badami — Goa — Bangalore)
• Southern Splendour (Bangalore — Chennai — Mahabalipuram — Pondicherry — Thanjavur — Madurai — Thiruvananthapuram — Alleppey — Kochi — Bangalore)

The Golden Chariot runs from October to March, and the duration for both the routes is 7 nights, 8 days.

5. Fairy Queen Express

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A British firm manufactured India’s remarkable Fairy Queen Train. This train was renowned as having the oldest working engine in the world—but it has now been replaced. Although it has a single air condition carriage it can accommodate 60 people at once. One can get an opportunity to embark on a short and sweet journey for 2 days.

Superfine cloth material is used to cover the seats. These seats are arranged in pairs, on either side of a wide corridor. The train consists of a huge glass window at the facade meaning you can actually see the engine too. A picturesque lounge offers fabulous sights of the landscape. A pantry car is also available to satisfy hunger anytime onboard.

Fairy Queen Express itinerary: Delhi — Alwar — Sariska — Alwar — Delhi

Fairy Queen Express runs from October to March on 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of the month. The duration of the journey is 1 night, 2 days.

Attractions at its two stoppages, Sariska and Alwar, are:

• Sariska — Lake Palace, Sariska National Park
• Alwar— Alwar Museum

What are your experiences of these luxury trains in India? Or perhaps you know of some more? Feel free to share and comment below!

Suggested next reading: How To Survive On The Trans Mongolian Railway

The post 5 Luxury Trains In India That Are Fit For Royalty appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Trans Mongolian Railway, and what you can do to make the journey as pleasant as possible!

Choose Your Train:

Passenger Trains

Passenger trains are the basic kind, slightly cheaper but slightly older and definitely not as comfortable.

My Chinese train from Irkutsk to Ulan Bator to Beijing was one of these; the bunks were solid, the carriage was old, the toilets were dirty with no toilet roll, you couldn’t buy snacks or water and the only plugs were in the hallway and didn’t work, but it is good enough and is sometimes your only option!

Firmenny Trains

Firmenny trains are slightly more expensive, but they will be a much more pleasant experience for longer journeys.

Your carriage attendant will do a good job at keeping the toilets clean and stocked, they can offer snacks and drinks, sometimes you’ll get fed, you’ll find plugs to charge your phone by each bunk and the carriages are generally newer and well looked after.

Choose Your Class:

First Class

First class is very expensive, but you get two single beds in a room. It’s perfect for couples with a bigger budget, or you can sometimes choose female-only compartments for women going solo.

Second Class

Second class means four bunks in a compartment and is significantly cheaper. Just remember, you can’t choose your bunkmates so you might be stuck with some weirdos, but it’s good for couples or groups, you can also sometimes choose female-only compartments.

You have a choice of the bottom bunk which doubles up as a sofa, you’ll be sharing this with your bunkmate during the day, but you have access to the table, plus storage under your bed. Top bunk is also great, room enough to sit up and a little bit of storage for your personal items.

Third Class

Third class is an open carriage with 52 bunks, like being in a big dorm room, and it’s the cheapest. Although there is no privacy, it’s also more sociable and fun to people watch, a great option for male or female solo travelers.

Third class bunks are like second class without the privacy, plus the extra “lateral” bunks running along the side of the carriage. The bottom lateral bunk turns into a table and two chairs, so you’re sharing it with your bunkmate during the day, but if there’s no one above you it’s all yours.

The top lateral bunk has to be the worst, it’s as cramped as the others (you can’t sit up in third class top bunks) but less private because you’re basically lying in the corridor, and you’re at the mercy of your bunkmate because if they want to make their bed, you’re stuck in yours.

Note for solo travelers: I’d recommend either the top or bottom bunk in second class, or the bottom lateral bunk in third class.

Seating

Seating is an option on some trains, I wouldn’t choose this for an overnight journey but it’s comfy and spacious and perfect for shorter trips. The seats recline, some carriages have a toilet, and even TV’s playing old school Russian movies.

Trans Mongolian Railway Tips:

Book Tickets Online

If you wait until you get to Russia and try to book at the stations, you might struggle to find a decent bed or it could even be sold out. You can use an agent like Real Russia, but they charge a high commission. I recommend downloading the Russian Railways app, once you’ve signed up you can easily view and book tickets online.

Note: you can’t book tickets between countries online, so you’ll need to either pay an agency to do it for you, or do it at the train station when you arrive.

Always Download The Ticket

Once you’ve booked through the app make sure you download the ticket because it disappears from the app once the train departs and they might check it again before you leave the station.

Check Out The Route

When booking the ticket you can see the route, plus the length of each stop. Screenshot this, keep your phone on Moscow time and you can plan which stops are long enough to get off and stretch your legs, but don’t wander too far, and take your valuables with you. It’s also listed in the carriage.

Wear Comfy Clothes

You’ll spend most of the time sitting around and watching the world go by. I saw one guy spend two days on the train (including sleeping) in jeans. No thanks. Be as comfy as possible.

Bring A Change Of Clothes

After even a day, you’ll start to feel a bit grimy. Have a comfy outfit to wear during the day, and something even comfier to change into at night. Don’t forget clean underwear!

Bring A Pair Of Flipflops Or Slippers

You aren’t really allowed to walk around in bare feet, and you wouldn’t want to. I bought a pair of slippers (I forgot to pack my flipflops) for $2 and it was a very good investment!

Bring Something To Keep You Busy

Sometimes you’ll find yourself too busy socializing to get anything else done, or staring out the window at the scenery, but sometimes the train can be really boring.

Pack a Kindle, a journal, coloring books, download movies onto your phone, or even bring your laptop… But don’t expect any power unless you’re on a Russian Firmenny train, make sure you bring a power bank!

Bring Something To Help You Sleep

Whether it’s earplugs to block out the snoring, a sleep mask to block out the lights, or green tea and a hot water bottle, do what you gotta do.

Pack A Small Toiletries Bag

Wet wipes will be your best friend. You could also bring dry shampoo, or perfume to hide the smell of cheesy feet. Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant!

Pack Some Food

Although there’s a restaurant car, it’s expensive and limited. You can hop off and buy food on the station platform at the longer stops, or from your carriage attendant, but it’s not a great choice.

You want food that doesn’t need refrigerating or can be cooked just with hot water. A big part of the experience is sharing food with your bunkmates, so bring a little extra!

Most people eat noodles for every meal but you can get creative. Bread, salted butter, jam, honey or spread (I brought Marmite from home), cheese slices or hard cheese, cured meat, noodles, cuppa soup, instant mash, fruit, crisps, biscuits, crackers, chocolate, the list goes on.

I would also recommend bringing some sort of container to cook and store food in, I bought a large plastic soup cup with a lid and handle and it’s been a lifesaver! Some cutlery is also essential.

Bring Some Water

While there is an unlimited supply of boiling water on board, there is no safe drinking water. I brought a two-liter bottle and my own one-liter bottle, you can buy small bottles from the carriage attendant or larger bottles for cheaper on the station platform whenever you stop.

Have you ridden the Trans Mongolian Railway? Share any tips you have in the comments below!

You can also follow the adventure on Facebook and Instagram!

Suggested next reading: Train Travel In Myanmar: What I Wish I’d Known

The post How To Survive On The Trans Mongolian Railway appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Road trips are so easy too.

All you need is a car, a few other essentials and you’re off, ready to see some thе mоѕt bеаutіful ѕіghtѕ thаt our world hаѕ tо оffеr. Thеrе are plenty of ѕроtѕ across thе United States meaning that there are also many Fall road trip ideas. Chооѕіng to pack your tеlеѕсоре аnd equipment іntо thе саr and tаkіng a road trip during Fall саn prove tо be a gеnuіnеlу wonderful еxреrіеnсе. Sure, you might miss summer, but who said the adventure had to stop just because the leaves are turning red?

But thеrе іѕ mоrе tо ѕее in thе fаll in thе U.S. thаn juѕt leaves changing color. Aѕ thе wеаthеr cools аnd gеtѕ сrіѕреr, why not tаkе аdvаntаgе of these 14 road trip ideas for Fall?

So, without further ado! Here are 14 Fall road trip ideas wіthіn thе Unіtеd States that wіll hаvе уоu fаllіng іn lоvе with Fall (each accompanied with a route mар tо help gеt you оut оn the rоаd ASAP).

PS. Click on each map for the interactive, larger version.

1. Georgia’s Appalachian Mountains

Most рrоbаblу only thіnk оf Fall fоlіаgе in Nеw England, but ѕоuthеrn раrtѕ оf thе соuntrу will also feature beautiful colors this Fall. Try a rоаd trір thrоugh Gеоrgіа fоr wаrmеr tеmреrаturеѕ thаn up nоrth.

Stаrt аt Thе Russell–Brasstown Scenic Byway in thе nоrthеrn раrt оf thе ѕtаtе, whісh tаkеѕ уоu thrоugh the Appalachian Mountains аlоng thе Chattahoochee Rіvеr. Stор іn Hеlеn, a mountain village mоdеlеd аftеr a ԛuаіnt Bavarian village, fоr the Oktоbеrfеѕt сеlеbrаtіоn, and аt Brаѕѕtown Bаld, thе highest nаturаl роіnt in Gеоrgіа and thе ultіmаtе foliage vіеwіng vаntаgе роіnt. Mаkе a ріt stop іn Clауtоn, a оld mountain tоwn wіth antique ѕhорѕ, galleries and restaurants.

Tаkе a hike in thе nearby Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest or vіѕіt wineries аnd vіnеуаrdѕ іn Gеоrgіа Wine Cоuntrу. Thе Bеeсhwооd Inn, a tіnу соttаgе іnn, offers ѕресіаl wine dіnnеrѕ іn thе Fall.

Thеn hеаd east to thе Tаllulаh Gorge State Pаrk, where you саn explore a 1,000-fооt сhаѕm саrvеd оvеr millions оf уеаrѕ bу thе Tallulah Rіvеr. In Nоvеmbеr, vіѕіtоrѕ can hike аnd wаtсh thе bіаnnuаl “whіtеwаtеr releases,” whеre еxреrt kауаkеrѕ brаvе the сlаѕѕ V+ ruѕhіng rаріdѕ.

2. Rhode Island’s Pint-Sized Charms

Tаkе a drive thrоugh thе соuntrу’ѕ ѕmаllеѕt ѕtаtе, which іѕ packed with fаll activities wіthоut too much drive tіmе between еасh. Start at thе new Rаіl Exрlоrеrѕ еxсurѕіоn іn Nеwроrt, whеrе реdаl-роwеrеd vеhісlеѕ trace historic rаіlrоаd tracks оn оnе-hоur long tours. Thеn head tо Brіѕtоl tо tаkе in ѕоmе historic mаnѕіоnѕ.

Next, сhесk оut the Jасk-O-Lаntеrn Sресtасulаr at the Roger Wіllіаmѕ Park Zоо in Prоvіdеnсе. You could even trу the Soaring Eаglе Zip Ride аt nіght, whісh tаkеѕ уоu раѕt thоuѕаndѕ оf ghоulіѕh creations. Then ѕtор аlоng Rhоdе Iѕlаnd’ѕ Brеwеrу Trаіl, whісh includes Fооlрrооf Brewing Cоmраnу іn Pawtucket.

Fіnаllу, hеаd to Woonsocket tо cruise thе wаtеrwауѕ on thе Blасkѕtоnе Vаllеу Explorer Rіvеrbоаt, which runs аt Cold Sрrіng Pаrk through Oсtоbеr.

3. New England’s Historic Trails

Yеѕ, іt’ѕ сlісhé, but New Englаnd does have bеаutіful fаll foliage and lоtѕ of hіkеѕ аnd historic places tо ѕtор. Stаrt іn Boston and wаlk the Frееdоm Trаіl, a 2.5-mile, red-lined rоutе that leads you tо 16 historically ѕіgnіfісаnt ѕіtеѕ. Then hеаd wеѕt thrоugh Mаѕѕасhuѕеttѕ’ Berkshires, where уоu саn take in plenty оf fаll соlоrѕ.

Mаkе a detour to Northampton оr stop in the lіvіng muѕеum Old Sturbrіdgе Vіllаgе, thеn travel ѕоuth through Cоnnесtісut аnd Nеw Yоrk to Philadelphia, where уоu can visit thе new Museum of thе Amеrісаn Rеvоlutіоn, whісh just ореnеd іn Aрrіl.

4. New York’s Finger Lakes

Gеt оutѕіdе the сіtу and еxрlоrе thе Finger Lakes region for Fall foliage аnd quiet соuntrу ѕсеnеrу. Stаrt іn thе сіtу and head thrоugh Pеnnѕуlvаnіа, ѕtорріng аt Gоuldѕbоrо оr Tobyhanna State Park аlоng thе wау.

Mаkе a dеtоur tо vіѕіt Jіm Thоrре, a bоrоugh іn Pеnnѕуlvаnіа that іѕ саllеd thе “Switzerland оf America” bесаuѕе of іtѕ mоuntаіn scenery and аrсhіtесturе.

Whіlе іn tоwn, go on a hіkе іn Lehigh Valley оr visit thе Lеhіgh Gоrgе Scenic Rаіlwау and Eсklеу Miner’s Village. Thеn take a tour оf thе Finger Lakes rеgіоn near Ithaca, whеrе you саn ѕtау аt thе historic Inns of Aurоrа, vіѕіt wіnеrіеѕ or hіkе thе trаіlѕ.

5. Pennsylvania’s Wilderness

Take a trip аlоng thе historic Route 6 іn nоrthеrn Pеnnѕуlvаnіа for vіеwѕ оf forests and mountains and other peaceful ѕсеnеrу. Take a detour tо visit Straub Brеwеrу іn St. Mary’s, Pеnnѕуlvаnіа, whісh hаѕ been serving beer fоr decades.

Yоu саn аlѕо tаkе a trip thrоugh thе Elk Cоuntrу Loop, a 76-mile rоutе thаt сrоѕѕеѕ thrоugh thе Pеnnѕуlvаnіа Wіldѕ аnd раѕt lаrgе еlk hеrdѕ.

Furthermore, yоu can ѕtор аt thе Wоrldѕ End Stаtе Pаrk fоr camping, саbіnѕ аnd hіkіng оn thе Loyal sock Trail аnd bеаutіful views оf fоrеѕtѕ іn vibrant соlоr.

6. The Blue Ridge Parkway

Making our list of 14 Fall road trip ideas is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Thіѕ wіndіng rоаd соvеrѕ almost 470 miles tо соnnесt thе Grеаt Smoky Mоuntаіnѕ Nаtіоnаl Pаrk in Nоrth Cаrоlіnа tо thе Shеnаndоаh National Park in Virginia.

Alоng thе way уоu’ll раѕѕ ѕрlіt-rаіl fеnсеѕ, old fаrmѕtеаdѕ, mоuntаіn mеаdоwѕ аnd ѕсеnіс оvеrlооkѕ. Stор along the wау аt thе numеrоuѕ hіkіng trаіlѕ, vіѕіt a local fаrm, аnd make a dеtоur to vіѕіt Monticello, thе hоmе of Thоmаѕ Jеffеrѕоn.

7. Connecticut’s Covered Bridges

Tаkе уоur tіmе exploring thе rоughlу 100-mіlе loop thrоugh the northwest corner of thе ѕtаtе. Pass thrоugh thе Falls Vіllаgе іn Cаnааn, whеrе thе сhurсhеѕ, rаіlrоаd depot, ѕtrееtѕ, and houses ѕtіll lооk as іf thеу were buіlt іn the 1800s. Thе Aрраlасhіаn Trаіl runs right through tоwn, ѕо уоu саn fоllоw thе white hаѕh marks tо go оn a dау hike.

Afterward, раѕѕ undеr thе Wеѕt Cоrnwаll Covered Brіdgе, which соvеrѕ 172 fееt оvеr thе Hоuѕаtоnіс Rіvеr. Tаkе іn Kеnt Falls Stаtе Pаrk оr Lake Wаrаmаug State Park fоr hіkіng аnd Fall foliage, and then head tо Litchfield tо vіѕіt Lee’s Riding Stаblеѕ or Whіtе Flоwеr Farm.

8. The California Coast

Yоu might think a drіvе uр thе Cаlіfоrnіа соаѕt іѕ bеѕt done іn the ѕummеr, but it’s also bеаutіful, and ѕtіll pretty warm іn thе Fall. Stаrt оutѕіdе Lоѕ Angеlеѕ аnd do an oceanside hіkе in Point Mugu Stаtе Park. Thеn trасе thе coast on Highway 101 to Sаntа Bаrbаrа, where уоu can ѕреnd a night аnd ѕtrоll down Stаtе Street, whісh іs fіllеd with shops аnd rеѕtаurаntѕ and dесоrаtеd wіth whіtе lights іn thе fаll.

Mаkе a side trip tо nearby Sоlvаng, whісh іѕ mоdеlеd after аn old Dаnіѕh tоwn, with wineries аnd bеаutіful scenery оutѕіdе. If уоu have thе time, continue nоrth fоr mоrе осеаn ѕсеnеrу. But rеmеmbеr, rоаdѕ tо Bіg Sur аrе сurrеntlу shut down.

9. The Olympic Peninsula

Mаkе уоur wау thrоugh thе ruggеd соаѕt оf Washington, іnсludіng Olympic National Park, fоr beautiful vіеwѕ of mountains аnd luѕh forests.

Stаrt in Sеаttlе аnd lоор around Pugеt Sоund, stopping fоr ferry boat dеtоurѕ to Vashon Iѕlаnd or Whidbey Island. On Vаѕhоn уоu саn wаlk thе bеасhеѕ оr vіѕіt Pоіnt Rоbіnѕоn Lighthouse fоr a ԛuісk іѕlаnd feeling. Stop to hіkе іn Olуmріс Nаtіоnаl Pаrk, аnd then carry on tо historic Pоrt Townsend, whеrе you саn wander аmоng thе оld wаtеrfrоnt nеіghbоrhооdѕ аnd Vісtоrіаn hоuѕеѕ.

10. The Gulf Of Mexico

Takе in wаrmеr tеmреrаturеѕ than уоu’ll gеt in Nеw England, but аvоіd thе unbearable hеаt and humіdіtу оf Flоrіdа’ѕ ѕummеrѕ bу dоіng this drive іn thе Fall.

Dо just thе ѕhоrt 19-mіlе drive аlоng Flоrіdа’ѕ Highway 30A, which runs along thе Gulf оf Mexico, оr extend іt furthеr. Stор along thе wау in one of Sоuth Wаltоn’ѕ 16 beach neighborhoods, whеrе the ѕаndѕ аrе sugar-white thanks tо thеіr рurе quartz crystal mаkеuр.

Yоu саn аlѕо сhесk оut соаѕtаl dune lаkеѕ that оnlу еxіѕt іn a hаndful оf рlасеѕ in thе wоrld, іnсludіng New Zealand, Mаdаgаѕсаr аnd Australia. Fоr fооd, ѕtор аt Aіrѕtrеаm Row, a street lined with aluminum trailers ѕеrvіng up ѕоuthеrn сuіѕіnе.

11. The Oregon Coast

You won’t get much Fаll fоlіаgе, but driving thе Orеgоn соаѕt has іtѕ own ѕсеnеrу tо оffеr.

Stаrt іn Aѕtоrіа, thеn hеаd ѕоuth. Along thе wау, уоu саn ѕtор fоr hіkеѕ аt Lewis аnd Clаrk Nаtіоnаl аnd State Historical Parks, Ecola Bеасh or Crеѕсеnt Beach. Stау іn Cannon Bеасh to wander аmоng thе lаrgе boulders, including Hауѕtасk Rосk.

Be ѕurе tо detour for the Tіllаmооk Chееѕе Fасtоrу and Rоguе Alеѕ Brеwіng.

12. The Great Lakes

Skіrt the nоrthеrn border оf thе соuntrу bу drіvіng аlоng thе Grеаt Lаkеѕ. Stаrt at thе ѕоuthеrn edge оf Lake Hurоn and wаtсh tаll ship schooners оr shop іn thе downtown аntіquеѕ market in Bay Cіtу.

Thеn head nоrth along the lаkе, stopping tо gо hiking оr bоаtіng аt Thundеr Bау Rіvеr Stаtе Forest. Stop in Mасkіnаw Cіtу аnd take thе fеrrу tо Mасkіnас Island, whеrе уоu can bіkе оr tаkе a hоrѕе and buggу аrоund thе hіѕtоrіс 3.8 ѕquаrе mіlе island that іѕ рrеѕеrvеd аѕ a National Historic Landmark.

13. Classic Route 66

Surely a staple of any list of road trip ideas for Fall, this hіѕtоrіс highway has bееn mаrkеd in songs аnd mоvіеѕ, аnd іѕ dеfіnіtеlу worth еxрlоrіng, еvеn іf you dоn’t mаkе іt during Summer, or thе whоlе wау.

You can start іn Chicago аnd fоllоw thе turn-bу-turn dіrесtіоnѕ tо trасе thе hіѕtоrіс rоutе. Stop along thе wау fоr mеmоrаblе ѕіghtѕ, іnсludіng the Polk-a-Dot Drіvе In, The Oklahoma Rоutе 66 Muѕеum, thе 80-fооt Bluе Whаlе аnd the Cаdіllас Ranch.

14. The Mississippi River

Trасе thе Mіѕѕіѕѕіррі Rіvеr by fоllоwіng the Grеаt Rіvеr Road, whісh runѕ 3,000 mіlеѕ іf you want tо gо the full dіѕtаnсе. Stop аlоng thе way tо еxрlоrе Sаіnt Paul аnd, later on, also соnѕіdеr dеtоurѕ to Chісаgо, Mаdіѕоn and Nashville.

Thеrе іѕ a long lіѕt оf аttrасtіоnѕ you can vіѕіt аnd рlеntу оf opportunities for hіkіng, including the Mississippi Palisades State Pаrk and Cаt Iѕlаnd Nаtіоnаl Wіldlіfе Refuge.

So, what road trip would you like to go on this Fall? Wherever you go, we hope you found this list useful. Comment below if you have any other road trip ideas for Fall!

Suggested next reading: The Perfect West American Road Trip For 2018

The post 14 Fall Road Trip Ideas In The United States appeared first on Modern Trekker.

My train was departing from Bagan, where I’d spent two days exploring its thousands of temples and pagodas that dot the green countryside. I was traveling solo and heading for Mandalay, the second largest city in the country and its last royal capital. I planned to arrive that afternoon and take a flight back to Thailand that evening, where I’d been living as a digital nomad for the past month. I didn’t know much about train travel in Myanmar, but was up for an adventure and decided to give it a try.

Oh, how I wish I’d known what I was in for.

The Truth About Train Travel In Myanmar

I had my first inkling that I might have been in over my head when my driver dropped me off at the station saying, “You are crazy! You are going to have real problems, my friend.” And then he drove away, laughing.

It was too late to turn back, so I walked into the station and found my platform. My ticket was scrawled in handwriting on a crumpled piece of thin paper, left at my hostel reception desk for me the day before. After some research on train travel in Myanmar, I’d chosen The Man in Seat Sixty-One to book it, and was really happy with their service. (They’re a pretty reputable site for booking travel tickets through third-party companies all over the world.)

It was before seven in the morning, and the station was quiet. I was the only woman around, and certainly the only Westerner. When my train arrived, a kind older man helped show me how to find my seat. It seemed like a pretty decent train at first glance, but I soon realized that my satisfaction was a little premature.

I’d tried to do some research on train travel in Myanmar before my trip, and didn’t find very much. I did find a lot about the well-known Goteik Viaduct, the railway bridge frequented by backpackers with selfie sticks out the train windows. Unfortunately, my ride was going nowhere near the popular tourist spots, and I was a bit disappointed.

The rail system in Myanmar is much less developed than in other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam. It was built in the late 19^th Century under British colonial rule, and seemed like it hadn’t had any upgrades since then—I felt like I could have landed on a train in the early 1900s. The lower-class seats were nothing more than hard wooden benches, and my seat, in second class, looked like a bench seat out of a bus. It was covered in a dirty green fabric that didn’t quite fit, and I was afraid to look underneath.

There were only a handful of people in my carriage for most of the ride, and after staying in hostels for the past few days, I was excited to have space to myself. I planned to read and listen to podcasts and maybe even write in my journal.

Then the train started.

Ratty Hair & Ratty Mice

It quickly became clear that I wouldn’t be doing any writing, and we certainly weren’t going to arrive anytime soon. The train lurched from side to side as if a ship in a storm. It crawled along painstakingly slowly—I think a bicycle might have been faster. The deafening chug-chug-chug noise was straight out a children’s movie, punctuated every few minutes by a whistle that always made me jump. I had to brace myself with my feet on the seat in front of me, arms on the armrests, gripping tightly. My hair in the back became a knotted, ratty mess against my seat as a result of train’s constant jerking from side to side. At one point, a few mice ran about under the seats, scurrying up into the seat cushions. My strong phobia of rodents had me trying not to hyperventilate, but no one else seemed to mind.

It was only one hour in. I already couldn’t wait for it to be over.

Beyond the discomfort of the train though, the ride itself was actually incredibly beautiful. We rumbled past lush, verdant fields dotted with palm trees and cows and the occasional farmer—the immense green of Myanmar is simply stunning. I felt acutely aware of the fact that I was seeing a part of the country that most people don’t see, and I was so excited every time we passed a group of children or a simple village. The sun was shining brightly, the heat was bearable, and everyone we passed seemed happy.

In fact, the people of Myanmar are what made my visit the most worthwhile. Every person I came across was smiling—quite literally. Trains carrying passengers in the other direction were always full of smiling faces and the townspeople gathered at the stations along the way waved to me happily. People that passed by my seat made eye contact and nodded kindly. I got the impression that it was uncommon to see a Westerner on a train in the middle of nowhere in Myanmar, and yet I never felt unsafe or out of place. I felt accepted and welcomed, and I’ll never forget that feeling.

The train eventually—finally—made its way to Mandalay, and I was mostly just excited to use the restroom. (I didn’t want to get dehydrated, but I also really wanted to avoid using the bathroom on the train, so I rationed my water and held it for the eight-plus hours!) Because of the delay, I needed to get right into a taxi and head for the airport, disappointed in missing the sights of the city. Comfortably seated in the air-conditioned cab, I could feel my muscles relaxing and recovering from the stress of the journey.

I knew train travel in Myanmar would be an adventure. I didn’t book it expecting comfort or peace or ease—I booked it to experience another side of this country I knew so little about. While I wish I had gone in with a little more awareness of just how uncomfortable the ride would be, I felt so grateful for just being able to witness Myanmar’s remote countryside and incredibly kind people.

It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

Suggested next reading: How To Go Rogue And See Southeast Asia By Motorbike

The post Train Travel In Myanmar: What I Wish I’d Known appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Key Largo

Key Largo is home to John Pennekamp State Park, known for its beautiful coral reefs and great snorkeling. The entire area is filled with wildlife reserves, cool diving spots, so you won’t be short of beautiful places to explore and cool things to see. You can kayak or take a boat ride through the Everglades, and even swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove! However, the area was hit relatively hard by Hurricane Irma and is affected by this year’s larger-than-usual Red Tide (a large bloom of toxic algae), so be sure to check with the locals to see what’s open and safe to explore before heading out.

Islamorada

Islamorada is found halfway on the Miami to Key West road trip and is a great spot for a quiet stopover. The island is known as the sports fishing capital of the world, so if fishing is your thing, grab a charter and go catch your dinner. If you bring your own fish, most restaurants in the area will cook it up for you for around $10-15.

If you’re looking for more water sports, be sure to hit the Kayak Shack at Robbie’s Marina for kayaks, snorkel gear, or boat rentals to go check out the mangroves or to motor on out to other nearby islands for the day. If you’re lucky, you might see some baby sharks, manatees, or even Penelope, the local fully-grown crocodile known to live in the area. Robbie’s also has all the souvenir shopping you could ever want, and a restaurant/bar where you can grab a slice of key lime pie and a cold beer after spending all day out on the water.

When you decide you need to get out of the car and stretch your legs a little, you can walk, skate, or bike along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, which runs the length of the Keys and provides incredible views of the calm blue waters.

If you’re looking for relaxing beaches, be sure to check out Bahia Honda State Park, a remote island just off the 7 Mile Bridge in between Islamorada and Key West. There, you’ll find calm blue waters as well as some hiking trails and a camping area if you decide to stay the night.

Key West

Key West is a quirky island town with a vibrant, rich history. The island was once home to figures such as Ernest Hemingway and Harry S. Truman. You can visit Truman’s Little White House, which was also used as the naval headquarters for the Spanish-American War in 1890. Be sure to snap a picture at the Southernmost point in the continental United States, grab some delicious fresh seafood, peruse the many art galleries throughout the city, and watch the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico from Mallory Square. If you’re spending the night in town, bar hop up and down Duval Street, which is lined with open-air bars filled with live music every night of the week.

The city is a bit of a tourist trap, so expect to pay a minimum of $12 per attraction if you decide to actually go inside. My personal favorite was the Key West Butterfly Conservatory, which was home to butterflies, flamingos, and other species of birds from around the world. You can also visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, home to many artifacts that have been retrieved out of the oceans, the Key West Lighthouse, the Key West Eco-Discovery Center, and many other historical sites throughout the town. The are several trolley and train companies to take you around town if you don’t feel like walking in the Florida heat, so you can take in all the sights in one day if you’re pressed for time.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even plan a day trip to Dry Tortugas State Park for some incredible views, snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and history that is only accessible by boat. The mostly-underwater park is also home to Fort Jefferson, one of America’s largest forts, dating back to 1846. Due to the Red Tides and chemical runoff stirred up by Hurricane Irma, it’s not possible to get in the water at many of the beaches in the area, however if you travel a bit further up the Keys, there are some incredible (and free!) spots to swim and snorkel right off the beach. The island pace of life is a big change from the hustle and bustle of Miami, and while Key West can be touristic and overcrowded, the islands in the middle are definitely worth a trip to break free from the stresses of real life without having to leave the country. So, what are you waiting for? Why not try out this Miami to Key West road trip and see what all the fuss is about?

Suggested next reading: 14 Road Trip Ideas In The US That Are Perfect For This Fall

The post Miami To Key West: The Ultimate Scenic Road Trip appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Situated at the northern limit of the African continent, Morocco spreads from the snow-capped high peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. A big part of the country’s territory was crossed by trading caravan routes connecting the Mediterranean to the famous Timbuktu, Mali—the terminus of a trans-Saharan caravan route. Nowadays, various trails in the desert include different sections of those old caravan routes. This way, avid travelers or explorers can get a feel for the wild and unwritten rules of life in the desert.

While it might seem challenging and intriguing to go on your own in the desert (unless you’re an expert), it’s far better to pay a tour agency and an official guide to safely take you into the middle of the wilderness. There are numerous tours that drive visitors to popular or remote parts of the desert. However, not all of them are official, professional, or quality tours. A Moroccan desert tour usually includes transportation (jeep and/or camel—it depends on the tour you’ve booked), food (three meals per day), bottled water, and staying in a camp overnight (tent, showers, and rudimentary restrooms). Different terms and conditions may apply, though, and this totally depends on your knowledge and negotiation skills.

With all this in mind, here are the 6 most important things you should know about Moroccan desert tours — and how to choose the right one before rushing off to the desert.

1. Morocco has two desert regions to choose from

Morocco actually features two desert regions with sand dunes—Merzouga and Zagora-M’Hamid. Merzouga’s desert is situated approximately in the middle of the country, near the border with Algeria. It mainly features sand dunes spread over a limited area (a surface of nearly 100 square kilometers). Merzouga is easily accessible from the touristic Todra Gorges and the Ziz Valley—approximately 40km from Rissani, a small town in Eastern Morocco which is located at the crossroads between these two key sights. Merzouga’s desert features one of the most fascinating sand dunes in Morocco, the famous Erg Chebbi (160m in height). One or two days spent in the area are enough to get a fair feel of the desert atmosphere.

On the flip side, a vast desert region lies between Zagora and M’Hamid (300km south of Merzouga), near the border of Algeria. This is the gateway to the Sahara Desert and it features a unique combination of isolated sand dunes and extremely dry and rocky areas. Zagora is more difficult to access—400km from Marrakesh, from which the last 100km snake slowly along the windy Draa Valley. However, Zagora’s desert features the largest and wildest sand dunes in Morocco, the famed Erg Chigaga (300m in height). Once you are there, it would be great to consider spending at least a couple of days in the area, so that you have enough time to experience the true beauties of this remote part of the country.

 2. You can do jeep tours as well as camel trekking

If you don’t have too much time to invest in your desert adventure, then a jeep tour is the best option for you. You can reach remoter parts of the desert faster and can even stay in a camp with tents overnight. In terms of time management, a jeep tour is more recommended for the Zagora-M’Hamid’s dunes, while a camel trek is preferred for Merzouga’s ones.

However, if you want to truly experience an authentic tour, a camel trek is the best choice you can make—and Erg Chigaga makes that a worthy challenge. Camels will carry everything you need in the desert. You can walk or ride a camel—very painful at times but you quickly get used to it. Along the way, you will have to stay in several camps, in oases or nearby different water sources such as wells or springs. This way, you will experience the real life of a camel caravan (without goods to trade, of course). In the same time, you will be surprised to see how fast and constant a camel can walk, covering even 40km per day.

3. Research the Moroccan desert tours market in advance

There are a lot of official travel agencies that organize tours in the desert. But there are fake guides that will try to gain your confidence as well, promoting great discounts and promotional prices. If you see a jeep following your car in Zagora and trying to sell you a tour when you stop at the traffic lights—as happened to me—ignore it. To choose the best tour for you, consider researching the market a bit before you go. Google “Moroccan desert tours” and see the range of tours in terms of duration, length, costs, and complexity. Having this kind of information will then help you to negotiate a better deal.

As a general idea, most of the tours around the Zagora-M’Hamid region include Erg Chigaga in the route. You will need a two-day trip if you take a jeep tour and a four-to-five-day one if you decide to ride a camel. From Merzouga, tours include Erg Chebbi and you will need only one or two days if you go on a camel and stay overnight in a desert camp.

4. Don’t underestimate the challenges of the desert

Wind, water, insects, and not least walking in the sand, the desert can be tough. Days in the desert are very hot even during fall (86-95°F / 30-35℃), while nights can be very cold (less than 50°F / 10℃). Once the sun sets, a wind continuously blows during the night, challenging even the most professional of tents. If you bring along your own tent, make sure to anchor it well in the sand or in the rocky terrain.

Despite all the myths, there is enough water in the desert and good guides know the location of water sources (wells, springs, oasis, etc.) However, this water is only good for camels, showers, and cooking (if well boiled). Bring your bottled water along the way (and negotiate this with the agency beforehand) or use a filter and pills to purify the water. Your stomach won’t be used to the local bacteria so take care.

I know it’s a pleasure to walk barefooted in the soft, orange sand (especially after a long day of trekking), but be aware that local insects and even scorpions might bite your toes. I got a swollen toe once because I ignored this basic rule. It took me several days of antibiotics to be able to walk again. Since then, I have always worn trekking boots (more comfortable to walk in) or at least sneakers in the desert. Forget the sandals!

Also, even if it seems amusing and apparently easy to hike the dunes, walking in the sand is rather difficult. Hiking a sand dune may be a true challenge for a beginner. You will take a step forward and two steps back and have the feeling you are never approaching that top of the dune.

5. Don’t miss stopping at a nomads’ camp

Nomads stay in the mountains during summer when it’s hot, and come down to the desert in winter when it’s pleasant to live there. More likely than not you’ll book on the Moroccan desert tours that depart in autumn or spring when the temperatures are acceptable. In that case, nomad families with their goats and camels will be there, so make sure to ask your guide to stop in one of the camps along the way (or maybe make a short detour). Nomads usually settle near an oasis or a spring for a couple of months. This way, you will have the chance to get an insight into their lives and feel like you’re in a National Geographic documentary.

6. Don’t forget to enjoy the mint tea and traditional tajine

The Moroccan mint tea is a widespread tradition all over the country. You are offered hot tea in Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains as well as in nomads’ camps in the desert. The hot tea rises your body’s temperature and helps it to adapt and resist the high temperatures. And that double spoon of sugar put in your glass of tea will give you more energy than you can imagine.

Besides the mint tea, the tajine is the most well known Moroccan traditional dish. Every region has its own tajine recipe but no matter where you eat it, it is cooked in a special ceramic pot that is shut close. The dish has a special taste when cooked on a wood fire in the desert. And if your guide is a true local, he will bake you a flatbread in the hot sand. You will be surprised to see how tasty this bread is.

Suggested next reading: 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In Africa

The post Moroccan Desert Tours: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Modern Trekker.

If you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to backpack Vietnam, you will find no better convenience than purchasing the Vietnam open bus ticket. This allows you to start your adventure either up north in Hanoi or down south in Saigon. From either of those starting points, you can travel across the country stopping at various cities on your own schedule. Vietnam by bus is easily accessible and allows you to experience the diversity of the ancient Chinese influence mixed with French colonialism.

What Is The Vietnam Open Bus Ticket?

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The Vietnam open bus ticket is a single ticket that allows you to hop on and hop off in certain cities. You can choose from a slew of open bus ticket packages that range from about $35 – $50 with the cheaper options offering fewer stops. The advantage of a great price with a flexible itinerary is worth it. Even if you feel that you want to ditch the other tourists on your multi-city trek across Vietnam, rent a motorbike (more on doing that here) or smaller bus from one of the set destinations and head elsewhere for a few days before you hop back on to your Vietnam open bus ticket transportation. The open bus ticket typically allows you to travel for up to a month at your leisure. All you need to do is call a day or two in advance when you are ready to head on over to the next town on your adventure.

It’s best to purchase the Vietnam open bus ticket upon arrival in either Hanoi or Saigon. You can visit any tourist center and inquire about the Vietnam open bus ticket.

8 Common Vietnam Open Bus Ticket Destinations:

1. Saigon is where you can experience a metropolis of 8.5 million people weaving their motorbikes through the city. Saigon is worth seeing for the War Remnants Museum, the delicious pho, and some of Asia’s best craft beer. It’s a city with a diverse twist of traditional Vietnam culture with touches of the outside world pouring in and bringing in a global feel. The hectic buzzing and busyness make people watching an event. There are loads of parks throughout the city to enjoy. Saigon is an accessible starting point to explore the Mekong River Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the southern islands.

Saigon also hosts lots of amazing and cheap street food. Check out this video for 10 street foods under $1 in Saigon:

2. Dalat is a must for those who love smaller mountain towns and outdoor adventure. One of the most popular attractions in Dalat is canyoning. You can sign up for a full day tour of rappelling off cliffs, sliding down streams, and swimming in the river. Dalat is also a perfect place to rent a motorbike or bicycle and get lost in the countryside while searching for really good coffee. The town is quite small which makes it easily walkable and a bit more relaxed for those who want something a bit more low key.

3. Muine has grown to be loaded with beach resorts. But don’t let that turn you off quite yet. You can hop into a guesthouse or hostel just on the other side of the beach for a much cheaper price and not be trapped into the resort life. However, if you want to have a fancy night or two, Muine is a good spot for that. Even during the day, you can relax on the beach, pay entry for a pool or table at a resort, or visit the famous sand dunes.

4. Nha Trang is another great beach town but with more of a lively city feel rather than just resort-speckled beaches. You can soak in the famous mud baths and island hop in your free time. Spend days relaxing in the sun before enjoying nights out in the city. Nha Trang is another stopover worth spending a few days.

5. Hoi An has stunning beaches right outside of the city center. The old town has a nice riverfront and is easily walkable. The night markets are bright and lively and you’ll be tempted to snag some of Hoi An’s pretty lanterns. You may get a bit overwhelmed by the mass amounts of tailor clothing shops, but it’s worth getting some new custom-made outfits while in Hoi An. While not busy finding your measurements or lounging on the beach, grab some cao lao near the river in town. You can also rent bikes to make it easy to explore the entire city or do a day trip up to Da Nang.

6. Da Nang is just a quick motorbike ride north from Hoi An and another stop on the Vietnam open bus ticket trek. It’s worth heading to the iconic Lady Buddha that watches over the country’s third largest city from her hill. Da Nang is not a prime hot spot for tourism so you can get away from some of the regular backpackers for a bit. If you head here, make sure to check out the Marble Mountains just outside of the city with their stunning views between the caves and temples. If you are looking to head somewhere away from the shops of Hoi An, this is a great getaway. Of course, both are worth seeing, and it’s easy to go back and forth between them.

7. Hue is worth seeing for the history. Hue was the capital for almost 150 years up until 1945. As being fairly centrally located on the strip of Vietnam, you can see where different parts of Vietnam have come together. You can roam around the forbidden purple city visiting various ruins and old pagodas. Some people bypass Hue, but it’s definitely worth a couple of days to see a side of Vietnam that’s not as well known to travelers.

8. Hanoi is lively, but only until about 10pm. Life shuts down early but the days and sites make it worth it. Walk through the Old Quarter, sing karaoke, and eat BBQ on the streets. The architecture mixed with the French influence is perfect for photographers. You can buy many famous brand name items at a fraction of the cost. Go and sip a cup of weasel coffee, but check the cafes that are “real” as you may see them all over the place. If you have some time, from Hanoi you can access buses to the mountains of Sapa where you can trek through the rice paddies or grab a boat to Halong Bay.

The open bus ticket is great for those who want to see loads of Vietnam—big towns, small towns, beach towns, mountain towns, French history, war history, regional food, and good beer. You can get bits and pieces of the entire country with the Vietnam open bus ticket. Best of all, it’s affordable and convenient! The buses typically get you to a part of the city where you can easily find accommodation and grab lunch nearby. The buses are safe and comfortable. However, remember that you are not bound to the itinerary listed above. From each destination you can hop on other buses to head away from the tourist crowds. You will not regret seeing the country with the help of the Vietnam open bus ticket.

Suggested next reading: How To Go Rogue And See Southeast Asia By Motorbike

The post Going To Vietnam? Don’t Miss This Essential Travel Hack appeared first on Modern Trekker.

There is, however, an alternative for sun-seekers in Japan. The Shimanami-Kaido cycling route—about 1.5 hours away from Kyoto and Osaka—is the perfect escape from urban Japan into a jaw-dropping subtropical paradise. You’ll cross awe-inspiring bridges over glittering, vivid-blue seas. You’ll make gentle climbs in the mountains and speed down paths flanked by wildflowers on the other side. You’ll experience local art, distinctive cuisine, and a region as rich in history as it is in gorgeous scenery. And then, when you’re tired, what better way to ease your muscles than with a cooling swim at a beautiful, quiet beach?

The Route

The Shimanami-Kaido Cycling Road is around 75km long and runs from Onomichi, on the mainland, to a town called Imabari on the neighboring island of Shikoku. This means that the whole length of the route should take anywhere from 4-10 hours to cycle, depending on your level of fitness and how often you want to stop. You can start your journey from Onomichi or Imabari, but we’d recommend the former as it’s a stunning and lively town, and is a better place to spend some time either before or after your journey.

There is a recommended route that most cyclists follow and it’s marked by a blue line for you to follow the whole way, so you never have to worry about getting lost. We left Onomichi on a short ferry ride, and passed over a series of six islands, each with their own character and quirks, before reaching Imabari. However, if you’re keen to go exploring, and don’t mind some more challenging climbs, then other routes and islands are waiting for you. Whichever route you take, some of Japan’s most spectacular natural scenery will surround you at every turn, so choose whichever is right for your level of cycling and you never need to worry about missing out.

Safety

There is some road cycling involved but the roads are so quiet and rural that it always feels very safe. We rode the trail in April and saw many children as young as 5 or 6 taking the route, sometimes—shamefully—even overtaking us. We also saw many lycra-clad locals with legs like traction engines, so you can feel assured that the route’s suitable for any age and experience level.

Cycle Hire

This is pretty straightforward, you basically have three options:

• Shimanami-Kaido cycling: There are a number of these rental outlets along the route, although most people will choose to hire in Onomichi or Imabari. It’s sometimes possible to reserve bikes ahead of time (try emailing them) but in most cases it’s first-come-first-served, so make sure you get there before opening time, especially on weekends and holidays. The main advantages are that it’s much cheaper (around 1,000 yen per day) and if you get tired and can’t complete your route then you can always leave the bike at another outlet en route and take the ferry or bus the rest of the way. Their bikes are mostly good quality and they have mountain bikes, cross bikes, city, electric and tandem bikes to choose from.
• GIANT bikes: GIANT offer high quality, carbon-fiber bicycles for people who take their cycling more seriously. However, at 6,000 yen per day, their prices are reflective of this. GIANT has two outlets: one in Onomichi and one in Imabari. You won’t have the option of dumping the bike midway through, and with all that hi-tech gear you won’t really have the excuse either. So only take this option if you’re sure you can make the whole route (and back).
• Red Bicycles: Is a small shop in Onomichi. Their bikes are in the middle for quality and price, but you’ll have to get the bike back to Onomichi and there are no drop-off points between there, so bear that in mind. Reservations are required in advance as their stock is much smaller than GIANT.

How To Get There

Here’s the best part: it’s so easy to get to. For Onomichi, the best plan is to take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka or Kyoto towards Hiroshima. Get off the train at Fukuyama and make a quick change to Onomichi. The whole journey takes a maximum of 2 hours from Osaka and is incredibly straightforward, even if you’re not familiar with the Japanese rail network. We didn’t make the train journey to Imabari but fellow cyclists we met told us it was similarly hassle-free. HyperDia is an excellent resource and can give accurate information for this route for your starting location and dates.

Where To Stay

Onomichi is a lovely town. It’s small enough to walk around easily but big enough to feel lively. Their local noodle dish is recognized around Japan and a unique dish for food-lovers to try. The town sits at the foot of a chain of mountains and a climb or cable-car to the top gives some spectacular views out over the Onomichi channel.

We only spent one night in Imabari but generally found it to be a less interesting of a town than its mainland counterpart. Generally, we’d only recommend staying there for a night before heading back to the mainland the following day, but maybe you’ll have a different experience?

If you’re more interested in frequent stops than chewing tarmac, why not do just half the route? Setoda Sunset Beach on Ikuchi Island is a beautiful spot to hire a Bed & Breakfast or pitch a tent.

Whichever route you take and wherever you decide to stay, we hope your escape to Japan’s tropical hideaway is every bit as memorable as ours. Happy cycling!

Recommended next reading: Real Life Mario Kart In Tokyo: Everything You Need To Know

The post Island Hopping In Japan Will Blow Your Mind appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Buying A Bike

The first step to seeing Southeast Asia by motorbike is..buying a motorbike! This is one of the most important steps in the whole process and I suggest you do your research ahead of time. Ask the best place to buy a bike at your hostel, get recommendations from other travelers, and ask how much they paid. Be prepared to negotiate for the bike you want, although most people are fair and honest. You will find better deals on bikes in big cities such as Bangkok because there is so much competition. There are dealers that guarantee buybacks, but you would have to return to the city where you purchased the bike. A month rental will set you back about $250 USD. Finally, once you have the bike you like, it is always a good idea to head to a mechanic and get the bike checked before you head out on the road.

Recap:

-Get recommendations on bikes
-Bigger cities, better deals
-Dealers with guaranteed buybacks
-Head to a mechanic

Planning Your Route

Now that you have your bike, you are ready to plan out your route! As mentioned earlier, Southeast Asia is 4.5 million square kilometers. That is MASSIVE. You will definitely have to pick and choose what to see and do (along with some unplanned stops along the way!) depending on how long you are traveling for. There are many popular motorbike routes through each Southeast Asian country, but the most important thing is to choose the routes you are most comfortable with. Some people have been riding bikes for years, others are doing their first ride. Another thing to look for when planning your trip is to pick roads that are easy for motorbikes to go on. You don’t want to be stuck on a narrow road where you are constantly passing trucks where the chances of an accident increase. You will encounter times where you might have to take a bus to another destination. Have no fear because most buses will store your bike for an extra fee. This is a good time to catch up on sleep and get some much-needed rest. Finally, while planning your route, take note of some hospitals along the way just in case you run into complications as you zip around Southeast Asia by motorbike.

Recap:

-Southeast Asia is big
-Pick the route for you
-Buses are your friend
-Know where hospitals are

What You Will Need

Like any trip, it is important to be prepared ahead of time. While there are shops along the way, you don’t want to risk being stuck in the middle of the jungle without proper equipment. Expect, no matter the season, to get rained on. Bring at least three ponchos, two for you and one for your backpack. Bring along some bungee cords to tie your backpack down while you are riding your bike. An item that is often overlooked but is critical is your helmet. It is recommended to get a helmet with a visor to help keep the sun, rain, dust, and dirt out of your eyes. Make sure the helmet is durable and if you get a helmet with your bike, make sure there are no cracks in it. It’s worth investing in a helmet that is comfortable and will protect you properly. Another item that is important for your safety is a SIM card. They are cheap (at most $10 for the card and 3 GB of data. Expect to use more data than planned, however) and help tremendously if you are lost, need to call a hostel, or find directions. Speaking of directions, bring earbuds so you can get audio directions while you drive. This helps you stay on the right route and saves you time by not having to pull over to check directions. The final thing you will need to bring is snacks and water. The best snacks are fruits or nuts because they are small and don’t need to be refrigerated in the hot, humid weather. Nothing can ruin your day like going the wrong way on an empty stomach!

Recap:

-Ponchos
-Bungie Cord
-Proper helmet
-SIM card
-Earbuds
-Audio directions
-Snacks
-Water

What You Will Encounter

You have your bike, you’ve planned your route, and you have everything you need to truly go rogue and see Southeast Asia by motorbike! The final question remains: what will I encounter on the road? Well, it is hard to say for certain what you will see on the road, but one thing I can assure you is that the police will pull you over at some point. Don’t be frightened, often times they demand to see your international driver’s license (I still have yet to meet anyone who actually has an international driver’s license..) and want a bribe. It is hard to get out of this situation and they often threaten to take you to the police station if you don’t comply. It is certainly a hassle, but make sure to have a small amount of cash on you at all times. If you have any issues along the road, locals are friendly and willing to help you, so be kind to others. Some may even invite you in for a tea or coffee as you look out over the lush landscape.

Recap:

-Police will stop you
-Be kind

Final Thoughts On The Journey Ahead

While there is a fair amount of planning that goes into seeing Southeast Asia by motorbike, once you actually head out, you will discover so much more than you would with any other mode of transportation. It is definitely a challenge, one that will test you physically and mentally, but you will cherish the adventure for the rest of your life.

Suggested next reading: Going To Vietnam? Don’t Miss This Essential Travel Hack

The post How To Go Rogue And See Southeast Asia By Motorbike appeared first on Modern Trekker.