"day-tripping Across Borders: Travel Insurance For Short European Escapes"

 "day-tripping Across Borders: Travel Insurance For Short European Escapes" - Lonely Plan-It provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up the most complex travel adventures. We asked Juan Martinez how he planned his overland trip to West Africa.

In West Africa, patience is often tested in unexpected ways. And an unparalleled adventure awaits you. For those looking to step out of their comfort zone, traveling here offers a truly exhilarating travel experience.

"day-tripping Across Borders: Travel Insurance For Short European Escapes"

In this area, underdeveloped skyscrapers and bustling markets coexist with traditional villages and pristine landscapes. From the labyrinthine markets of Serekunda and Grand Bassam to the nature reserves of The Gambia and the coastal beaches of Sierra Leone, West Africa will surprise you again and again.

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Five friends and I took a four week overland trip from Senegal to the Ivory Coast. Here are some tips and tricks that might come in handy when planning an equally ambitious overland trip.

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This is an aerial view of the main border highway, the only road connecting Guinea-Bissau and Guinea © Juan Martinez / Lonely Planet

With 19 countries to explore, the first step in planning your West Africa adventure is deciding which countries you want to visit and how long you want to travel. It is important to consider the possible routes and the time you would like to spend in each country. Please note that travel times may vary by location and crossing the border may take longer. Sometimes it takes half a day to travel only 100 km.

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Once you have a rough idea of ​​your route, choose anchor points based on flight connectivity and accessibility to other destinations. West Africa can be unpredictable and sometimes the best plan is to not plan at all, but it's always important to find a rough itinerary to suit time and budget. I chose Dakar as the starting point and Abidjan as the end point for my journey, along the coasts of West Africa via 7 countries, covering around 3500km in just a few weeks. of

It is important to prepare for the expenses associated with long trips through West Africa. With minimal infrastructure and limited access to essentials, be prepared to spend more than other regions. Visa fees, expensive airfares (domestic and international), and unexpected expenses can add up quickly, so it's important to have extra cash on hand to travel comfortably.

Cash is still predominant in West Africa, so plan ahead how you will fundraise during your trip. Some accommodations and companies may accept credit cards, but don't be fooled. Each member of our group holds multiple currencies such as US Dollars, Euros and West African Francs for emergencies. Additionally, we try to keep cash whenever possible and use credit cards whenever possible.

Once you know your budget, where you want to go and how long you want to stay, it's time to decide on the best mode of transport for your trip to West Africa. Available options include buses, private taxis, land tours, private drivers, and even private vehicles. In short, overland travel in West Africa can be as relaxing or rewarding as you want it to be.

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Public transport is an affordable option for backpackers, but connections can be very limited and journey times long. On the other hand, bringing your own vehicle gives you more flexibility and freedom, but requires extensive planning, permits and insurance.

For me, it was important to find a balance between time, comfort and experience. My group and I hired two private cars and a driver (Marlon Reed from Tiosen Travel). This driver has extensive experience crossing borders, dealing with local authorities and guiding you to the best routes. With this option, you can travel freely and comfortably without the stress of long journeys and paperwork.

If you prefer to leave all the planning to someone else, private companies such as MedVenture and Lupine Travel offer guided tours at a higher rate. Whichever option you choose, be sure to plan or know your total costs in advance in case of unexpected expenses.

Wildlife, culture, scenery or beaches? West Africa is rich in nature experiences, and no matter which country you travel to, there are plenty of things to do along the way. Lonely Planet West Africa has been my main source of information on what to do in each country and after reading about where you can visit, how hard it is to get there and how it fits in in the context of the whole trip, I had to decide.

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Fortunately, unlike Europe and the United States, most national parks and attractions in West Africa are relatively empty, so you don't have to worry about booking in advance. Additionally, Facebook travel forums such as Backpacking Africa and West Africa Travelers provide up-to-date information on regional destinations. In most cases you will also find the WhatsApp number of a local guide who will be happy to guide you.

Highlights of my trip were swimming to the top of Cambadaga Falls in Guinea, taking a river boat ride in Gambia National Park, and exploring the beautiful town of Bafata in Guinea-Bissau. Nature experiences have made my personal travels even more memorable, such as attending an induction party in Sierra Leone and partying until dawn in Monrovia, Liberia. These are activities that we could not have planned, but they enriched our travel experience immeasurably.

Finally, traveling in West Africa can be exhausting, so it's important to go at your own pace and take breaks as needed. I've learned the hard way that long stops are often the most memorable. A few days of relaxing on the pristine beaches around Freetown in Sierra Leone or exploring the charming villages of Guinea-Bissau can be a welcome break from long hours of driving and a totally immersive experience.

Obtaining a West African visa can be more complicated than in other parts of the world. Due to the lack of diplomatic security, citizens of many countries may need to send their passport to another city or country to apply for a visa.

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Although it is possible to obtain all visas during your trip, it is recommended that you obtain as many visas as possible before travelling. Applying for a visa while traveling can be frustrating as you wait a day or more for the paperwork to be completed.

Visas for countries such as Guinea-Bissau and Gambia (if required) are best obtained in Dakar, but if you have the option of obtaining visas for countries such as Liberia and Ivory Coast in your own country, we recommend that you do so. This is to avoid long waiting times and the unfortunate possibility of paying bribes to speed up the process.

My group and I applied for all visas in Europe, but some people in our group did not receive their e-visa and had to wait a whole day at the Guinean consulate in Dakar.

On top of that, I had to spend a whole day driving around Freetown to get my visa for the Ivory Coast. Unfortunately, my request for overland travel was rejected by the consulate in Berlin, forcing me to try to obtain a visa overland. Be prepared for such problems.

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During our four-week trip, we had three major car problems, any of which could have easily ended our trip © Juan Martinez / Lonely Planet

In West Africa, unexpected and wonderful experiences can happen at any time. From ceremonies with masks and colorful costumes to breaks and parties for honored guests, one of the greatest rewards of traveling the lands of West Africa was not knowing how the day would end.

Sure, there were days when you dealt with car trouble or drove 15 hours straight. However, there are days when I feel grateful and lucky to be in that place at that time.

We still had a rough idea of ​​where we wanted to spend the night and what hotel options were available, but it took about a week of trying until we realized we couldn't travel to West Africa. the West as we could in Europe. a mistake. Yes, we have learned to know and accept uncertainty and enjoy every moment of the journey.

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West Africa is changing, and the overland journey I took this time will no longer be possible in a few years. Rapid growth, globalization and improved infrastructure are driving the development of this region of the world, but these trends also add to the value of the unique cultural experiences offered there.

I learned to take advantage of the little moments: being the only one to cross the market, or