1971 was a time of significant cultural change. In many parts of the world border crossings were opening up. There was a freedom and desire to travel through undiscovered countries. Further education gave a generation of young people new visions to explore and find out about different cultures, languages and religions. There was a freedom to become adventurous. The overland route to India and the Far East was open and followed by many inquisitive people from Europe and North America.

During this time there was a dramatic revolution in music, clothing and social attitude. A desire to get away from traditional family routines. Drugs and looser sexual morals were easily accepted. The War in Vietnam raged on, generating demonstrations and draft dodgers. When following the trail there were many people to meet, those travellers with similar quests, those serving the travellers with food and resting places. Those official at customs and border crossings. There were villages, towns and cities to explore. The countryside along the trail was varied, from dense forests to open dusty deserts. The roads could be dangerous.