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Overland travel is the ultimate in ethical travel and is almost always cheaper than travelling by air. Travelling by rail, road, foot, bike, horse - you name it! is also FAR more fun than having to sit in someone else's personal space for nine hours gaining nothing but their germs.

Over the next few months we'll add inspirational ideas for overland travel including some comprehensive advice on how to do it but for starters here are some ideas....

The ultimate train journey - the Trans Siberian Beijing to Moscow

Surprisingly cheap if you go independently - this journey will set you back a mere 100 odd quid if you are prepared to do battle at Beijing rail station (and come on, you've not seen Beijing if you've not seen their train station!) Yup - one hundred pounds.

Spend three or four days being cultured in the smoggiest city in the world - the wall, Forbidden city, Tiannemen Square, hutongs, olympics then hop on board for vodka fuelled conservation, yurts, plains and more vodka. Spend your time getting to know your fellow passengers in an epic seven day solid journey or hop on, hop off and explore magnificant Mongolia, rural Russia or stunning Siberia.

Singapore to Bangkok - the modern hippy trail

Start your voyage by boarding the overnight express train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's cosmopolitan captal. Spend a few days shopping till you're dropping then head on up into Malaysia's gems - the Cameron highlands if you're missing a good old cuppa, the ancient Taman Negara rainforest for some wildlife spotting or the Pulua Perhertian isles for some tanning in the sun. Next cross over the border on foot to Thailand and travel through the lush deep South before relaxing in the jaw-droppingly beautiful Ao Nang beaches. When you're ready carry on up the thin coastline of Southern Thailand - go partying at Ko Samui and diving at Ko Tao before taking the coach through to in-your-face Bangkok for culture, wats a plenty, go-go girls and great food.

What about overland tours?

Overland tours run in most continents, particularly popular is Africa where public transport can be sparse and border crossings difficult. There is quite a backlash about going on overland tours as it is seen by some as the easy option, with the tours limiting cultural interaction and the trucks being more of an 18-30s trip than independent travel experience.

However, if you have never been away before and are not comfortable travelling alone or you have limited time and money, these trips can be outstanding and often good community links are made and you'll experience things you wouldn't be able to if travelling solo.

Overland trips are extremely different from each other. Most will cater for different markets so think about what you want out of it such as travelling in a small group, visiting lots of wildlife, a bit of luxury rather than sleeping in tents, a local guide, the same age ranges travelling with you.

Overland trucks are surprisingly comfortable. They usually contain and MP3 player and speakers, intercom to speak to your driver, lockable personal stores, a safe deposit box, a fridge, library and windows can be opened.

If you're really lucky you'll be on a tour that has a small group so you may even get two seats to yourself - the ultimate bonus when you've got a 10 hour journey ahead of you.

Search on the directory for all our overland tours. All our advertisers listed follow an ethical travel policy.