the Travel Enthusiast
- 01 Dec
5 alternatives to flying
Train in Norway, photo by Percita
Modern technology has revolutionized travel – just imagine what it was like to spend days on a coach just to cross into another country! First there were steamboats, then cars, and finally airplanes whisk travelers from one corner of the globe to the other in a matter of hour.
Flying is definitely convenient (without considering all the time it takes to board, waiting for delayed flights, etc), but it can be expensive if you’re not lucky enough to find tickets on a low-cost airline, and there’s also the carbon footprint to consider.
And besides, some people are just plain uncomfortable with flying. So what is a traveler with itchy feet to do to fulfill their wanderlust without stepping foot on a plane? Here are 5 alternatives to flying, for those who refer to go jet-free.
Driving
Say you want to visit some chunks of Asia, which is such a huge continent that even flying can take a bit long. But if you have enough time, driving instead of flying can mean a much richer travel experience. In most countries, you can rent a car, and if you have a driver’s license then you can have a trip that you have full control over. For a cheaper alternative, you can try carpooling – there are several online tools that can help you find a ride.
Bus travel
photo by Todd Morris
Long distance bus travel can be a nightmare, but it ultimately pays off when it comes to the budget. Besides, the days of crowded, smelly and uncomfortable buses are next to over, and most bus operators (even if poorer countries) have decent buses with good facilities like air conditioning, TVs, reclining seats and toilets.
Bus drives can be tedious, but there are ways to entertain yourself: reading a book, listening to music, or making friends with the locals (you can glean some useful tips like this too).
Train travel
Trains are regaining their popularity nowadays, even if you don’t get to ride on trains of the likes of the Orient Express. In Europe, at least, railway travel is a great alternative to flying, and more often then not it will cost much less. You can bet all sorts of benefits by buying rail passes, most of which allow you to stop for a few days and continues your trip later.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Crewing
photo by Felix O
Crewing is a great way to see the world, and if you can get a certification you can even earn money by working on a cruise ship. However, if you don’t plan on making a career out of crewing, you can do something else: volunteer on small vessels.
Most of the time, these boats are privately owned and transport only a few people, and they need people to help out with chores.
Freighters or ferries
If money and time are not an issue, you might consider taking a freighter. Freighter journeys can be very long, so thing carefully whether you’re prepared to be on a boat for weeks, but they can also be interesting experiences if you like life on the high seas. Ferries are also a good alternative, especially around Europe – they are a great way to cross the Mediterranean or the Baltic Sea.
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