Stories with Tag Overland Travel

• A man who visited every country in the world without boarding a plane (2023)

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  Posted: 2025-05-17 09:13:11

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  Torbjørn Pedersen, a Danish man, completed a ten-year journey visiting every country in the world without flying. He relied on cargo ships, buses, trains, and other land- and sea-based transportation, facing numerous challenges including visa issues, political instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His motivation stemmed from a bet with his father and a desire to experience the world at a slower pace, fostering deeper connections with people and cultures. He finally completed his journey in the Maldives.

  In a remarkable feat of endurance, perseverance, and logistical ingenuity, Torbjørn C. Pedersen, a Danish adventurer, has accomplished the extraordinary: visiting every single one of the 195 sovereign nations recognized by the United Nations, along with an additional handful of observer states and disputed territories like Taiwan and Kosovo, all without resorting to the convenience of air travel. This ambitious odyssey, dubbed “Once Upon a Saga,” commenced on October 10, 2013, from his home port of Copenhagen, Denmark, and reached its triumphant conclusion a decade later, specifically on July 26, 2023, when he finally set foot back on Danish soil, having circumnavigated the globe entirely by land and sea.

  Pedersen's journey was not a mere leisurely tour; it was a meticulously planned and painstakingly executed expedition that required navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, securing visas for a multitude of nations with varying entry requirements, and enduring protracted waiting periods for cargo ships and container vessels to transport him across vast oceanic expanses. He traversed continents by bus, train, and automobile, relying on the intricate network of global transportation infrastructure, and braved challenging terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. His travels took him through bustling metropolises and remote villages, exposing him to a diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and human experiences.

  The protracted timeline of his decade-long voyage can be attributed, in part, to the unforeseen disruptions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly hampered international travel and forced him to remain in Hong Kong for an extended period of two years. This unexpected delay, while undoubtedly frustrating, served as a testament to Pedersen's unwavering commitment to his goal. He patiently waited out the travel restrictions, adapting to the evolving circumstances with resilience and determination.

  Throughout his journey, Pedersen adhered to a self-imposed set of rules to ensure the integrity of his accomplishment. He refrained from setting foot on an airplane for the entire duration of the expedition and committed to spending a minimum of 24 hours in each country visited. He meticulously documented his experiences, sharing his adventures and observations through his website and social media platforms, captivating a global audience with his extraordinary tale of human endeavor.

  The completion of this remarkable feat underscores not only Pedersen's exceptional fortitude and organizational prowess but also highlights the interconnectedness of our world, even in the absence of readily available air travel. His journey stands as an inspiring testament to the power of human determination and the boundless possibilities that lie within the realm of exploration and discovery.

  • travel
  • Adventure
  • no flying
  • ground transportation
  • global travel
  • slow travel
  • sustainable travel
  • Overland Travel
  • world travel
  • 2023
  • The Guardian
  • travelogue
  • unusual journey
  • unique travel

  Summary of Comments ( 46 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44013069

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters generally admire Graham Hughes's dedication and the logistical feat of visiting every country without flying. Several discuss the challenges and expenses of such an endeavor, with some pointing out the significant carbon footprint of the container ships and other vehicles he likely utilized. Others debate the definition of "visiting" a country, questioning whether short stays truly allow for experiencing a place. Some commenters share their own experiences with slow travel, emphasizing the deeper connections forged with local cultures when avoiding air travel. A few express skepticism about the claim, requesting more evidence of the journey. Finally, there's discussion of the privilege inherent in being able to dedicate so much time and resources to such a project.

  The Hacker News post titled "A man who visited every country in the world without boarding a plane (2023)" has generated a substantial discussion with a variety of comments. Several commenters express admiration for the traveler's dedication, perseverance, and the unique perspective gained from such a journey. They acknowledge the significant logistical challenges, time commitment, and personal sacrifices involved in avoiding air travel while achieving such a comprehensive goal.

  Several commenters discuss the environmental impact of flying, with some applauding the traveler's commitment to a lower-carbon footprint. This sparks a side conversation about the relative impact of different modes of transportation and the complexities of calculating individual carbon footprints. One commenter questions the overall environmental impact, suggesting that the numerous cargo ships and other vehicles utilized during the trip might offset the avoided airplane emissions.

  Some commenters focus on the practicalities and limitations of such a travel style. They discuss the significant time investment required, the potential difficulties with visas and border crossings, and the restrictions on spontaneity. Others mention the potential for increased exposure to various risks and dangers associated with ground and sea travel.

  A few commenters express skepticism about the traveler's claim, requesting more details about the specific routes and methods of transportation used. They point out the ambiguity surrounding the phrase "visited every country," questioning whether this includes disputed territories or island nations with limited accessibility. One user points out the challenge of verifying such a claim without meticulous documentation.

  Several commenters share personal anecdotes about their own travel experiences, highlighting the unique benefits of slow travel and the deeper cultural immersion it allows. They discuss the value of experiencing the transitions between places and the appreciation for distance and geography that comes with avoiding air travel.

  Finally, some commenters provide links to similar stories of individuals who have accomplished similar feats, demonstrating a broader interest in this style of unconventional travel. There is also discussion about the definition of "visiting" a country, with some arguing that simply setting foot in a country might not constitute a meaningful experience.

• One Last Ride for Antarctica's 'Ivan the Terra Bus'

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  Posted: 2025-03-29 06:35:04

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  After nearly 50 years and over 100,000 miles traversing the harsh Antarctic terrain, "Ivan the Terra Bus," a specially modified Ford Econoline, has been retired. Originally designed for a trans-Antarctic expedition in the 1970s, Ivan became a vital transport link for scientists at McMurdo Station, capable of carrying both passengers and cargo across the ice and snow. Now replaced by more modern vehicles, Ivan will return to the United States to be displayed at the U.S. Antarctic Program's headquarters, preserving its legacy as an iconic symbol of Antarctic exploration.

  The venerable Ivan the Terra Bus, a stalwart symbol of human exploration in the unforgiving landscape of Antarctica, has embarked on its final expedition, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning several decades. This specially designed vehicle, more akin to a ruggedized mobile research station than a conventional bus, has faithfully transported countless scientists and support personnel across the icy expanse of the southernmost continent, facilitating crucial research into the planet's delicate climate systems, its unique biodiversity, and the profound mysteries hidden beneath its frozen crust. Ivan, distinguished by its robust tracked chassis and elevated cab offering panoramic views of the austere beauty of the Antarctic wilderness, has proven an indispensable tool, enabling researchers to access remote and otherwise inaccessible locations, collecting invaluable data and expanding our understanding of this critical, yet fragile environment.

  The decision to retire Ivan, while undoubtedly poignant, comes as technological advancements have yielded more modern, fuel-efficient vehicles capable of operating with a reduced environmental footprint. The aging behemoth, despite its unparalleled service, has become increasingly challenging to maintain in the harsh Antarctic conditions, demanding extensive and costly repairs. Its retirement, therefore, represents a pragmatic, albeit bittersweet, acknowledgement of the relentless march of progress. Ivan's final journey, a poignant farewell tour, serves as a testament to its enduring legacy, allowing it one last traverse across the icy plains it has so dutifully served. While its active duty concludes, Ivan’s contributions to scientific advancement will continue to resonate, informing future expeditions and shaping our comprehension of this remote and vital region. Its story serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role specialized equipment plays in furthering human exploration and scientific discovery in the most extreme environments on Earth.

  • Antarctica
  • Ivan the Terra Bus
  • Transportation
  • vehicles
  • Retirement
  • History
  • exploration
  • Overland Travel
  • Extreme Environments
  • Polar Regions
  • Science
  • Research
  • logistics

  Summary of Comments ( 11 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43513301

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally expressed sadness at Ivan's retirement, viewing it as the end of an era. Several recalled fond memories of the vehicle from their time in Antarctica, emphasizing its reliability and iconic status. Some questioned the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the newer vehicles replacing Ivan, speculating they might not be as well-suited to the harsh Antarctic environment. There was also discussion of the logistics of transporting Ivan back to the US, and the potential for it to end up in a museum. A few commenters pointed out the apparent discrepancy between the article's claim of Ivan being retired and the linked Antarctic Sun article mentioning its continued use for cargo.

  The Hacker News post "One Last Ride for Antarctica's 'Ivan the Terra Bus'" generated several comments discussing the linked Atlas Obscura article about the retirement of a specialized Antarctic vehicle.

  Several commenters expressed fascination with the vehicle itself. One user highlighted the impressive mileage of over 20,000 miles, considering the extreme conditions in which the bus operated. This sparked a short discussion about the difficulties of maintaining machinery in Antarctica, with another user mentioning the challenges posed by low temperatures on lubricants and batteries.

  Another commenter reminisced about their personal experience seeing Ivan the Terra Bus in Antarctica, adding a touch of personal connection to the story. They described the experience as "surreal," further emphasizing the unique nature of the vehicle and its environment.

  There was also a thread discussing the specific model of the bus, a LMC-1. This prompted a comparison with similar vehicles and some speculation about the potential future use or preservation of Ivan, considering its historical and scientific significance. One user even suggested museums or private collectors might be interested in acquiring it.

  Some commenters focused on the practical aspects of operating in Antarctica, pointing out the logistical challenges of transporting and maintaining such a vehicle. They also highlighted the importance of specialized equipment like Ivan in supporting scientific research in such a harsh environment.

  A few users questioned the decision to retire Ivan, suggesting it could still be useful, while others acknowledged the inevitable need for replacement with newer technology. This led to a brief discussion about the balance between preserving historical artifacts and embracing technological advancements.

  Finally, a couple of commenters shared links to related information, such as other Antarctic vehicles and historical accounts of expeditions, further enriching the conversation and providing additional context. Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of admiration for the vehicle, curiosity about its history and operation, and appreciation for the challenges of working in Antarctica.