I once missed an overnight bus in a developing country, which was going to result in the loss of a day at my destination. After sulking for a few minutes, I posed the idea that we offer to pay someone to drive us overnight, under the suspicion that this would be surprisingly affordable.
Turns out, it was affordable, and we did it. It was, however, the scariest night of my life. I don't recommend doing this, but it was a lesson in what is possible, if I think outside the box.
Normal guy, but he didn't have the papers to drive out of his district, and so he was flooring it down the highway with lights off. We had to bribe several guards at checkpoints, and at one point, we were commandeered by paramilitary who wanted to hitch a ride to a different destination. The driver eventually managed to give them the boot, after much heated argument. We also had no common language with the driver, which added another layer to everything.
Turns out, it was affordable, and we did it. It was, however, the scariest night of my life. I don't recommend doing this, but it was a lesson in what is possible, if I think outside the box.