Planning cross country road trip

I know our minds are still on the piece of amazing history that our compatriots have just chalked  up--trekking from Accra to London all by road. 

We congratulate the team and their unseen background support staff.

The travel party is a group of philanthropists and tourism enthusiasts. The team initially consisted of 13 members, including individuals such as Richard Anim, Kwadwo Saka, Kwame Peprah and Kofi Peprah. In all, they spent 16 days and clocked about 10,000 kilometres.

This article looks at the operational and technical aspect of such a road trip. But before then, let me answer one lingering question on the minds of many Ghanaians. Is it possible to journey from Ghana to England by road?

Yes!

Our Wanderlust adventurers proved that by driving from Accra through Kumasi, continuing northwards to Sunyani. They then branched westwards and crossed the Gonokrom border, near Dormaa Ahenkro, into neighbouring La Cote d'Ivoire. From there, they trekked further north through Mali, Senegal, Mauritania. From the Sahel zone, they entered North Africa through Morocco.

From Morocco they eventually hit Europe through Spain. But here, they and their vehicles proceed by a Mediterranean ferry. Within Spain, they cleared Valencia, Monaco and then arrived at Lake Como in Italy.

From Italy, they crossed into Germany (Frankfurt). From Frankfurt they drove all the way to Amsterdam, continued via France (Calais) arriving in England through the iconic Dover. (Listen to Jim Reeve’s The White Cliffs of Dover).

That’s a rather long one, I can hear you say. Indeed, it is like driving from Accra to the Paga border post times 10!

To begin with, the most important thing to do before any such trip is to plan a route. Many travellers want to be able to drive safely and see the best sights. Your trip will be more enjoyable if you have a strategy for what to do and how to accomplish it.

This is followed by another very important process, budgeting. This can be challenging as one is planning across different economic zones with different currencies. Another thing to consider is how much cash to carry on you. Also which cash cards to use in which country, etc.

So how does one execute the actual trip? What does it take? Who and what must be involved? It begins with a plan and that plan includes everything, including what you eat! 

It also includes planning the amount of fuel your vehicles will guzzle daily. (Oh, did I mention valid documents covering the cars?) Of course, these are not rickety and poorly serviced vehicles. Try that and you are on a sure route to suicide. The plan also takes care of how and where to change spare parts such as brake pads.

For the Wanderlust team, the inclusion of Nana Afua Serwaa, nicknamed "Shecanic," an auto repair technician, was thus a sensible one. Because out there in the Sahara, a car can just cough “I’ve had it” and that would require a real mechanical head.

For such a trip one needs a solid 24-hour monitoring base. This could be back home or at the destination being driven to. This control centre is made up of close associates who not only know the trekkers but also understand the travel and the terrains being covered. During the journey, they gauge progress, provide information and take care of some ground handling matters, mostly ahead of the travel party. Sometimes they do vital cash transfers, payments or purchases on behalf of the travel team.

There is also the diplomatic aspect of the journey. As several borders were being crossed across two continents, there was the need to find out and sort all identification documents, visa and health documentation requirements. And oh, travel insurance! Beyond that you need to have on standby a key contact in each city or country you traverse. That way dangerous scenarios, contingencies or even unnecessary delays by overzealous border officials can be mediated. 

Another thing people are wondering about is what to pack for such a trip? Rule No.1: Don't over pack! Remember to bring the following items: batteries, phone charger, camera, photocopies of relevant documents, a towel or cap, sunscreen, shoes, and sandals (One trekker hardly even wore a sandal).

Also crucial, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, non-perishable food items, like granola bars, water, blankets, etc. Plenty of good music.

Plan frequent stops – maybe as many as once an hour – to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. You can stop for gas or grab coffee from a local shop. Hopping out of the car frequently will help you avoid a stiff back, and it will keep your mind fresh so that you can focus on driving safely.

Just because you have a cross-country trip plan in place does not guarantee all will go well. As you cross into another country, several complex circumstances might develop. Consider the potential dangers ahead of time and devise a few backup plans.

Cross-country travel is becoming easier than ever, thanks to developing car safety and connection technologies, as well as enhanced infrastructure around the world. So when are you going on your trip?