Hitchhiking to Asia :
Journey preparations
Autumn 2023
The whole idea actually started from reading Autostopem przez życie(Hitchhiking through life) by Przemek Skokowski. He inspired me to the point that I thought - why not go in 2024?
The first plan was to drive through Belarus to Russia, then Kazakhstan, China, and winding somewhere around Southeast Asia, maybe even returning through India and the Middle East to Poland.
I also started learning Russian at that time.
By myself, or with someone else?
This question actually arose with me at the very beginning, in fact, at every event where there was an opportunity to meet new people - I hoped to meet someone who would be willing to go with me.
Well, unfortunately, I miscalculated, or I have too high requirements for a trip partner, but after my last hitchhiking trip ended in daily quarrels - I prefer to choose over expressively than to choose someone unsuitable.
The key to this was to write to Przemek Skokowski, who wrote me back like this:
Hey,
From my last trip I returned 10 years ago, so the perspective has changed somewhat :)
As far back as I can remember, no - I didn’t feel the need for a partner.
In fact, being alone allows you to have more adventures and better experience the trip.
Therefore, answering - no, I would not change anything and would not do the trip with someone.
So I’m going solo :)
Winter 2024
Technical details - visa, vaccines, camera or phone? hammock or tent? take thermals clothes or not?
Useful links
- https://www.reddit.com/r/AskARussian/comments/16qc8t0/ultimate_faq_on_travelling_to_russia/
- https://hitchspots.me
Documents
- Valid passport(mine’s till 2028)
- International Driving License
- Insurance (ISIC)
- Vaccination Card
- Passport/visa photo
- Printed out picture of family. Just in case, that could maybe save my life.
- Postcards from Poland, to give someone, or to write a letter.
- https://visa-rus.com/en/order-a-tourist-invitation.html
Vaccinations
| Disease | Price | Vaccinated | Dates | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | ❌ | |||
| Hepatitis A | - | ❌ | Dose before the trip, next one after 6-12 months. | |
| Rabies | - | ❌ | - | I don’t think I need, pepper spray will do it as well. |
| Diphtheria | - | ✅ | 14/05/2018 and 29/02/2024 | Public healthcare |
| Tetanus | - | ✅ | 14/05/2018 and 29/02/2024 | Public healthcare |
| Pertussis | - | ✅ | 14/05/2018 | Public healthcare |
| Hepatitis B | - | ✅ | 19/09/2004 and 02/11/2004 i 15/04/2005 | Public healthcare |
| Measles | - | ✅ | 13/10/2005 and 16/01/2017 | Public healthcare |
| Mumps | - | ✅ | 13/10/2005 and 16/01/2017 | Public healthcare |
| Rubella | ✅ | 13/10/2005 and 16/01/2017 | Public healthcare |
https://jaktodaleko.pl/szczepienia-do-azji-przed-podroza/
Visas
| Country | Visa | Complexity(0-3) | Price | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belarus | No visa - 90 days | 0 | - | |
| Russia | Visa/E-Visa | 2 | 344 zł | up to 6 months |
| Mongolia | No visa - 30 days | 0 | - | |
| China | Visa | 3 | ||
| Vietnam | Visa/E-Visa | 1 | $25 | |
| Cambodia | Visa/E-Visa | 1 | $36 | |
| Thailand | No visa - 30 days | 0 | - | |
| Malaysia | No visa - 90 days | 1 | Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) | |
| Indonesia | Visa on Arrival | 1 | 500 000 IDR |
Data from March 2024