Hey there, fellow adventurers! Ever had one of those journeys that feels like it’s never going to end? Well, grab a coffee because I’m about to share my most epic (and exhausting) travel adventure yet – a 36-hour marathon across multiple countries!
The Starting Line: Goodbye New Zealand
It all kicked off at 7 AM in New Zealand, where I had to return my trusty RV (who had been my home during my Kiwi adventures). Picture this: rushing to Auckland airport, juggling bags, and trying to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Talk about starting with a bang!
The Airport Marathon
Let me tell you, airports are fun enough when you’re dealing with one or two – try dealing with four in a row! First stop was Hong Kong, but not before some interesting drama at Auckland. Pro tip: when they ask about your onward journey plans, having all your flights booked saves you from some serious headaches!
Singapore Stopover: Making the Most of 96 Hours
Thanks to having a US visa, I could transit through Singapore for up to 96 hours without a visa. Sweet deal, right? Despite being exhausted, I couldn’t resist exploring a bit. Caught a taxi to the famous Merlion statue at dawn – talk about timing! Found it completely empty, which is rarer than finding a penguin in the desert.
The Rain Dance in Singapore
Ever tried lugging 20kg of bags around Singapore in the rain? Let’s just say I got a free shower! But hey, at least I got to experience the famous Changi Airport (spoiler alert: it lives up to the hype). Everything was done in five minutes flat – now that’s what I call efficiency!
Final Destination: Kuching, Malaysia
After what felt like a lifetime of traveling, I finally landed in Kuching. Why Kuching, you ask? Well, it’s my gateway to Brunei – but that’s a story for another day! Finding my Airbnb was like solving a mystery novel. Think Sherlock Holmes with jet lag!
The Numbers Game
- 36 hours of continuous travel
- 4 countries
- 3 flights
- 20kg of luggage on my shoulder
- Countless cups of coffee!
Journey Highlights:
- Empty Merlion statue in Singapore (a miracle!)
- Fastest airport experience ever at Changi
- Most confusing Airbnb check-in instructions
- Cheapest taxi ride in Malaysia
Looking Back
Was it exhausting? You bet! Would I do it again? Absolutely (maybe with a bit more planning next time)! This journey might have been my longest continuous travel experience, taking me from the bottom of New Zealand all the way to Malaysian Borneo.
Tips for Long-Haul Warriors:
- Always have your onward flight tickets ready
- Keep some local currency handy
- Don’t skip chances to rest
- Embrace the adventure – even the tiring parts!
So here I am, finally in my Kuching Airbnb, looking at my watch that’s still on New Zealand time, and wondering if I’ve just set a personal record for the longest journey ever. The view of the pool from my balcony is telling me it was all worth it!
Remember folks, sometimes the craziest journeys make the best stories. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with a shower and a bed!
Until next time, keep exploring!
Paramvir
P.S. If you’ve ever done a longer continuous journey, drop a comment below. I’d love to hear your story!