STORY BY PAUL HUGHES, 2023 LUXURY MOTORHOME IMAGE FROM VOLKEN MOBIL
If you want to add a bit of variety into your travel experiences, maybe you shouldn't always stick to the traditional means of transport.
There are more than 100 ways to "get around" while exploring the world. Some might seem unusual; others perhaps implausible; while a few might suit only the very adventurous.
Let’s explore some of the options and the types of precautions you might want to consider!
There are more than 100 ways to "get around" while exploring the world. Some might seem unusual; others perhaps implausible; while a few might suit only the very adventurous.
Let’s explore some of the options and the types of precautions you might want to consider!
Traditional Transport Options
Aircraft: Whether by international jet, helicopter or anything down to a small sea plane that will take you to a private island hideaway or an amazing adventure into the wilderness, air transport is the fastest way to travel long distances.
Check visa and passport requirements; location of departure airports, as many larger cities have several airports; and baggage limits (I spent an hour wearing snow gear in the summer sun at a domestic airport in Barcelona as our domestic limits were much lower than international)!
Also, leave plenty of time between flights! A two-hour wait is much better and cheaper than a missed flight!
Check visa and passport requirements; location of departure airports, as many larger cities have several airports; and baggage limits (I spent an hour wearing snow gear in the summer sun at a domestic airport in Barcelona as our domestic limits were much lower than international)!
Also, leave plenty of time between flights! A two-hour wait is much better and cheaper than a missed flight!
Boats: While most cruise ships return to their departure ports, at the end of each season there are “repositioning” cruises as the ship relocates to a new destination.
We took a one-way 10-day cruise from Vancouver, spent a day in Seattle, four days at sea, then five nights in different ports in Hawaii before flying back to Australia. The transport, accommodation and food combined was cheaper than five nights in a reasonable hotel in Hawaii!
River cruises are also very popular, especially through Europe, although its probably one of the most expensive ways to travel.
Ferries and water taxis ply the waters of many countries, for both getting around the area or visiting nearby islands or destinations. Then of course there are the famous gondolas of Venice (and many other countries).
Some countries also offer live-aboard house boats and canal boats and those who are more adventurous can sometimes crew on a yacht to travel around a region, or even between countries.
Trains and Trams: While only major cities around the world have trams, cablecars, funiculars and similar services, most countries have extensive train services.
They vary from the clean, high quality bullet trains in countries like Japan; modern services that run aroun d a countries or across whole continents like Europe; to very basic, over-crowded trains (Beijing to Shanghai) with messy squat facilities and some that rumble across some very precarious-looking landscapes.
Trains have fixed departure schedules and destinations, so you will need connecting transport. Many train services also do not run 24-hours or seven days.
Trains are slower than travel by car or plane - a flight across Australia from Brisbane to Perth takes about five hours, but going by train takes four days!
That being said, there are some amazing train journeys around the world and in many places it’s one of the fastest ways to travel between towns and cities.
There is also a whole Rail Travel industry - see our story here.
We took a one-way 10-day cruise from Vancouver, spent a day in Seattle, four days at sea, then five nights in different ports in Hawaii before flying back to Australia. The transport, accommodation and food combined was cheaper than five nights in a reasonable hotel in Hawaii!
River cruises are also very popular, especially through Europe, although its probably one of the most expensive ways to travel.
Ferries and water taxis ply the waters of many countries, for both getting around the area or visiting nearby islands or destinations. Then of course there are the famous gondolas of Venice (and many other countries).
Some countries also offer live-aboard house boats and canal boats and those who are more adventurous can sometimes crew on a yacht to travel around a region, or even between countries.
Trains and Trams: While only major cities around the world have trams, cablecars, funiculars and similar services, most countries have extensive train services.
They vary from the clean, high quality bullet trains in countries like Japan; modern services that run aroun d a countries or across whole continents like Europe; to very basic, over-crowded trains (Beijing to Shanghai) with messy squat facilities and some that rumble across some very precarious-looking landscapes.
Trains have fixed departure schedules and destinations, so you will need connecting transport. Many train services also do not run 24-hours or seven days.
Trains are slower than travel by car or plane - a flight across Australia from Brisbane to Perth takes about five hours, but going by train takes four days!
That being said, there are some amazing train journeys around the world and in many places it’s one of the fastest ways to travel between towns and cities.
There is also a whole Rail Travel industry - see our story here.
Hire Car: Apart from cost, the biggest challenges when driving any vehicle in another country include:
We found it was a similar price and much, much safer to take a chauffeur-driven limousine from Naples to Positano in Italy than it was to hire a vehicle, pay fuel and parking and drive on the opposite side of the road to back home.
- You usually need an international driving licence from your home country
- Road laws are often vastly different (and sometimes almost non-existing) in different countries
- Remembering to drive on the correct side of the road. While 65% of the world’s population drive on the right side of the road (with the driver sitting on the left), 35% drive on the left side.
- Understanding road conditions - safety should always have priority.
We found it was a similar price and much, much safer to take a chauffeur-driven limousine from Naples to Positano in Italy than it was to hire a vehicle, pay fuel and parking and drive on the opposite side of the road to back home.
Motorhomes: There are motor homes of all sizes and descriptions available to hire in most countries.
Motorhomes range from the multi-million dollar luxury vehicles like the Volken above (which is there for show and not for hire anyway), right down to the traditional kombi van or tent-on-a-roof.
The benefits of a motorhome include not having to pack and unpack suitcases; there are free camping or travel stops in many countries; you can access more remote areas (and easily carry items like surf boards); and your transport, accommodation and “home-cooked” meals are all included.
Double check fuel prices and make sure you book van parks well in advance (see our of trip around New Zealand in a motorhome).
Taxi or Ride Share: While this can often be the most expensive way to get around (both overseas and at home), it’s usually easy, convenient and sometimes it’s the only option, especially after a night out or around a busy event.
At airports, make sure you only use those services approved by the government (there is usually a sign on the window or numberplate). Always get the price in advance - you can often ask airport staff for a price guide to your destination.
One safety suggestion is to post online to your friends or even on social media a selfie or photo that includes your driver or vehicle identification.
Depending on the country, using unauthorised ride services can sometimes result in robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault or even worse.
Motorhomes range from the multi-million dollar luxury vehicles like the Volken above (which is there for show and not for hire anyway), right down to the traditional kombi van or tent-on-a-roof.
The benefits of a motorhome include not having to pack and unpack suitcases; there are free camping or travel stops in many countries; you can access more remote areas (and easily carry items like surf boards); and your transport, accommodation and “home-cooked” meals are all included.
Double check fuel prices and make sure you book van parks well in advance (see our of trip around New Zealand in a motorhome).
Taxi or Ride Share: While this can often be the most expensive way to get around (both overseas and at home), it’s usually easy, convenient and sometimes it’s the only option, especially after a night out or around a busy event.
At airports, make sure you only use those services approved by the government (there is usually a sign on the window or numberplate). Always get the price in advance - you can often ask airport staff for a price guide to your destination.
One safety suggestion is to post online to your friends or even on social media a selfie or photo that includes your driver or vehicle identification.
Depending on the country, using unauthorised ride services can sometimes result in robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault or even worse.
Motor Bike, Scooter or Moped: While it might seem cheap and fun, hiring a motor bike, scooter or moped overseas is probably the most dangerous way to travel!
In some countries they often don't check driving licences closely (that also applies to those travelling towards you at excessive speed); there are few if any safety laws, such as wearing helmets; and the likelihood of death or life-changing injury in an accident is extremely high (one Australian dies every 10 days in Bali, usually through road accidents).
While this mode might suit experienced riders, remember you are on holidays, likely to party more and less likely to be as careful as you would be at home.
Pedal Power: Many countries are set up for cycling, especially in the larger cities and towns, while in others itcan be challenging because of roads conditions and heavy traffic.
However, cycling can be strenuous, and if you haven't been on a bike since you left school, enquire about hiring an electric bike and where to charge it!
You can often buy or hire a push bike cheaply, however double check what side of the road is yours, how hilly the terrain is you are planning to travel, whether you need to wear safety gear (big fines can apply), and how to secure your bike at your destination!
In some countries cycling is a common mode of transport and a popular activity for tourists. These countries have well-developed cycling infrastructure, including bike paths, bike rental systems, and bike-friendly roads.
Many tourists visit these countries specifically to experience the cycling culture and explore the scenic landscapes on two wheels and many cities offer guided bike tours that allow tourists to see the local attractions while getting some exercise.
Buses and Coaches: There are two main types of bus services - coaches that travel across countries (providing either direct destination services or on a specific tour) and “local” buses that transport people around one specific town or city.
You can view timetables online or pick one up at the relevant bus/coach depot.
Most local bus services are “pay-as-you-go” (hop on when the bus arrives). If you are there for a while, weekly or monthly passes are usually available.
Coach tours to tourist attractions or services across the country usually need to be booked in advance, even if only a day or so before.
Many holiday destinations also have “hop-on, hop-off” buses where you pay a daily fee and hop on or off the bus at any of the many appropriate “tourist” stops around that town or city. Pickup times are not specific.
Before you travel by bus in some remote countries, search online to check the quality of roads and whether the “buses” are overcrowded.
In some countries they often don't check driving licences closely (that also applies to those travelling towards you at excessive speed); there are few if any safety laws, such as wearing helmets; and the likelihood of death or life-changing injury in an accident is extremely high (one Australian dies every 10 days in Bali, usually through road accidents).
While this mode might suit experienced riders, remember you are on holidays, likely to party more and less likely to be as careful as you would be at home.
Pedal Power: Many countries are set up for cycling, especially in the larger cities and towns, while in others itcan be challenging because of roads conditions and heavy traffic.
However, cycling can be strenuous, and if you haven't been on a bike since you left school, enquire about hiring an electric bike and where to charge it!
You can often buy or hire a push bike cheaply, however double check what side of the road is yours, how hilly the terrain is you are planning to travel, whether you need to wear safety gear (big fines can apply), and how to secure your bike at your destination!
In some countries cycling is a common mode of transport and a popular activity for tourists. These countries have well-developed cycling infrastructure, including bike paths, bike rental systems, and bike-friendly roads.
Many tourists visit these countries specifically to experience the cycling culture and explore the scenic landscapes on two wheels and many cities offer guided bike tours that allow tourists to see the local attractions while getting some exercise.
Buses and Coaches: There are two main types of bus services - coaches that travel across countries (providing either direct destination services or on a specific tour) and “local” buses that transport people around one specific town or city.
You can view timetables online or pick one up at the relevant bus/coach depot.
Most local bus services are “pay-as-you-go” (hop on when the bus arrives). If you are there for a while, weekly or monthly passes are usually available.
Coach tours to tourist attractions or services across the country usually need to be booked in advance, even if only a day or so before.
Many holiday destinations also have “hop-on, hop-off” buses where you pay a daily fee and hop on or off the bus at any of the many appropriate “tourist” stops around that town or city. Pickup times are not specific.
Before you travel by bus in some remote countries, search online to check the quality of roads and whether the “buses” are overcrowded.
Less Common Transport Options
Air Boats: Air boats serve a similar purpose to hovercraft but are cheaper to build and operate. They can travel over swampy and other similar terrain and are the main way for tourists to explore many gems.
There are a number of commercial air boats in service, including in New Zealand, the Everglades in Florida and the Mekong River in China, to name a few.
Camel Trekking: While most people associate camels with traversing the Sahara Desert, Somalia in Africa has by far the world’s largest camel population, which is estimated at around six million.
Surprisingly, Australia has one of the world’s largest single camel herds, totalling about 750,000 animals, and offers spectacular camel treks through the outback.
Other leading camel treks are through Egypt, Morocco, China, Dubai, and the wilds of Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania.
There are a number of commercial air boats in service, including in New Zealand, the Everglades in Florida and the Mekong River in China, to name a few.
Camel Trekking: While most people associate camels with traversing the Sahara Desert, Somalia in Africa has by far the world’s largest camel population, which is estimated at around six million.
Surprisingly, Australia has one of the world’s largest single camel herds, totalling about 750,000 animals, and offers spectacular camel treks through the outback.
Other leading camel treks are through Egypt, Morocco, China, Dubai, and the wilds of Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania.
Canoes, Kayaks, Jet Skis and Rafting: Dozens of countries offer travel options by canoes, kayaks and rafts and usually local tours by jet-ski. Relevant fitness is necessary, especially in the arms and shoulders.
While usually these ways to get around are just to explore the waterways and go fishing or scuba diving, they also offer great tours and some adrenalin-pumping rafting, like I experienced through the Shotover River Canyons in New Zealand.
Dog Sleds: Some claim there is no better way to experience the unforgettable wilderness views and timeless hand of Mother Nature than to explore winter wonderlands with a pack of amazing huskies.
The ancient tradition of dog sledding can now be experienced by many travellers, from exploring the wilderness and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park in America, to the Baltic countries like Sweden, Finland and Norway.
There are dozens of locations around the world where everyday tourists can take part in dog sledding expeditions, including Chile, Greenland and Iceland.
While usually these ways to get around are just to explore the waterways and go fishing or scuba diving, they also offer great tours and some adrenalin-pumping rafting, like I experienced through the Shotover River Canyons in New Zealand.
Dog Sleds: Some claim there is no better way to experience the unforgettable wilderness views and timeless hand of Mother Nature than to explore winter wonderlands with a pack of amazing huskies.
The ancient tradition of dog sledding can now be experienced by many travellers, from exploring the wilderness and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park in America, to the Baltic countries like Sweden, Finland and Norway.
There are dozens of locations around the world where everyday tourists can take part in dog sledding expeditions, including Chile, Greenland and Iceland.
Donkey Trekking: While people who have cruised to Santorini in Greece may have taken a donkey ride up the steep cliffs, in some parts of Europe in particular, donkey trekking in huge.
It also very big in Australia. Many tourists say that the donkey treks through the Australian Outback are as spectacular as anywhere in the world.
Treks for up to a week or more using donkeys, mules and horses are very popular in Ethiopia, France, Italy, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, to name just some countries.
E-scooters, Segways and Skateboards: These forms of transport are becoming more prevalent around urban areas, but they are possibly the second most dangerous forms of travel (after scooters and motor bikes).
Rules can vary from location to location, but in most instances they are regularly broken, especially around speed and where they are driven. In some centres they are banned altogether.
No licences are required and where you can use them there are usually speed and safety issues to consider.
It also very big in Australia. Many tourists say that the donkey treks through the Australian Outback are as spectacular as anywhere in the world.
Treks for up to a week or more using donkeys, mules and horses are very popular in Ethiopia, France, Italy, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, to name just some countries.
E-scooters, Segways and Skateboards: These forms of transport are becoming more prevalent around urban areas, but they are possibly the second most dangerous forms of travel (after scooters and motor bikes).
Rules can vary from location to location, but in most instances they are regularly broken, especially around speed and where they are driven. In some centres they are banned altogether.
No licences are required and where you can use them there are usually speed and safety issues to consider.
Gondolas: Once simply the main means of transport for people and goods around the waterways of Venice, gondolas are now a symbol of love and romance that is recognised around the world.
Thousands flock to the singing gondoliers in Venice every year.
They are so popular that tourist gondolas now ply their trade in many countries. Probably the most enthusiastic is in the USA, where a number of cities combine for annual nation al competitions.
Hiking: While it’s often the only way to get to more remote destinations, unless you are an experienced hiker or with a group, think about this very carefully.
Hiking is not simply walking into the bush or mountains. Ensure you are properly prepared for all weather conditions and in many instances you must carry all your own food, wather and shelter.
Tracks are rarely well marked - always let someone know your route and schedule.
Thousands flock to the singing gondoliers in Venice every year.
They are so popular that tourist gondolas now ply their trade in many countries. Probably the most enthusiastic is in the USA, where a number of cities combine for annual nation al competitions.
Hiking: While it’s often the only way to get to more remote destinations, unless you are an experienced hiker or with a group, think about this very carefully.
Hiking is not simply walking into the bush or mountains. Ensure you are properly prepared for all weather conditions and in many instances you must carry all your own food, wather and shelter.
Tracks are rarely well marked - always let someone know your route and schedule.
Hitch hiking: While this popular in many countries, especially among the younger generations, in some parts of the world hitch hiking is illegal and can result in fines or detention.
In some other countries it’s downright dangerous, and shouldn’t be considered.
There is lots of information online, including maps of the best places to catch a lift and guides to the best attire and expected behaviour.
Hot Air Balloons: Very much a local destination "return-to-departure" base activity, everyone should experience hot air ballooning at least once in their life.
It's spectacular viewing if you pick the right destination, operator and weather.
It's also unbelievably exhilaration and calming at the same time. The peace and quiet as you drift over cities, waterways or the best that nature has to offer is surreal.
The spectacular views provide a perspective of the world that you can't appreciate even from a high rise building, helicopter or mountain viewing platform.
In some other countries it’s downright dangerous, and shouldn’t be considered.
There is lots of information online, including maps of the best places to catch a lift and guides to the best attire and expected behaviour.
Hot Air Balloons: Very much a local destination "return-to-departure" base activity, everyone should experience hot air ballooning at least once in their life.
It's spectacular viewing if you pick the right destination, operator and weather.
It's also unbelievably exhilaration and calming at the same time. The peace and quiet as you drift over cities, waterways or the best that nature has to offer is surreal.
The spectacular views provide a perspective of the world that you can't appreciate even from a high rise building, helicopter or mountain viewing platform.
Hovercraft: Travel by these air-cushion vehicles is more common than many people realise and are popular because they can travel over land, water, ice, mud and other challenging surfaces.
They are still used privately and for tours in many places in the world, however in 2023 the only public hovercraft service still operating was between Southsea in the United Kingdom and the Isle of Wight.
Jet Ski Tours: Jet ski tours are a great way to explore scenic areas such as lakes, rivers or coastlines with a guide.
They can be fun and adventurous but like any water activity carry inherent dangers. Depending where you are, you may not need a licence if using an approved guide.
They are still used privately and for tours in many places in the world, however in 2023 the only public hovercraft service still operating was between Southsea in the United Kingdom and the Isle of Wight.
Jet Ski Tours: Jet ski tours are a great way to explore scenic areas such as lakes, rivers or coastlines with a guide.
They can be fun and adventurous but like any water activity carry inherent dangers. Depending where you are, you may not need a licence if using an approved guide.
Rickshaw, Horse and Carriage, Tanga: The traditional horse and carriage is usually a tourist-focused way to travel around cities in “western” countries like Europe, North America and Great Britain. They are often used for weddings and festive occasions.
Whether pedal-powered or motorised, rickshaws are popular in Asian countries such as Japan, Hong Kong and China and are used for short-distance travel in urban areas.
A Tanga or Ekka is a one-seat or two-seat carriage popular in parts of India, Pakistan and subcontinent, where the driver usually stands on the back of the carriage which is pulled by a horse.
Whether pedal-powered or motorised, rickshaws are popular in Asian countries such as Japan, Hong Kong and China and are used for short-distance travel in urban areas.
A Tanga or Ekka is a one-seat or two-seat carriage popular in parts of India, Pakistan and subcontinent, where the driver usually stands on the back of the carriage which is pulled by a horse.
Reindeer Sledding: This is not only available just at Christmas!
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, you can make sure that bucket overflows by traveling to your destination like Santa - in a sled drawn by reindeer.
However, there is no promise you will be aboe to follow Santa "up, up and away" without knowing the magic passwords!
Submarines: This is one of the transport options most tourists have never considered. Dozens of countries around the world offer “submarine tours” that descend 30-metres or more and can spend up to an hour below the water where tourists can see all types of corals and underwater creatures.
Some companies even take that dream a little further.
Atlantis submarines based in Hawaii is the world's largest passenger submarine. The company fleet has already taken more than 12 million tourists down to 150 feet (46 metres) to view sunken ships, treasures, corals and all types of sea life (see our "more options" category below).
Tuk Tuks: Imagine being in India, Thailand, Cambodia or another Southeast Asian country and you hear a roughly-powered two-person rickshaw approaching, spluttering a noise like “tuk, tuk, tuk, tuk”.
That’s how these iconic vehicles were named.
Throw in a bit of travel ingenuity and a quiet electric engine with enough power to transport six people and you can now also take Tuk Tuk tours in cities in the United States, the France, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland and even Iceland.
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, you can make sure that bucket overflows by traveling to your destination like Santa - in a sled drawn by reindeer.
However, there is no promise you will be aboe to follow Santa "up, up and away" without knowing the magic passwords!
Submarines: This is one of the transport options most tourists have never considered. Dozens of countries around the world offer “submarine tours” that descend 30-metres or more and can spend up to an hour below the water where tourists can see all types of corals and underwater creatures.
Some companies even take that dream a little further.
Atlantis submarines based in Hawaii is the world's largest passenger submarine. The company fleet has already taken more than 12 million tourists down to 150 feet (46 metres) to view sunken ships, treasures, corals and all types of sea life (see our "more options" category below).
Tuk Tuks: Imagine being in India, Thailand, Cambodia or another Southeast Asian country and you hear a roughly-powered two-person rickshaw approaching, spluttering a noise like “tuk, tuk, tuk, tuk”.
That’s how these iconic vehicles were named.
Throw in a bit of travel ingenuity and a quiet electric engine with enough power to transport six people and you can now also take Tuk Tuk tours in cities in the United States, the France, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland and even Iceland.
Want More Options?
That is not the full list of transport options available to explore the world and we wonder how soon flying drone transport will be a practical reality.
But if all of that are not enough to whet your appetite to explore, why not descend to the deepest part of the earth?
Travel enthusiasts who have up to $AUD 1 million to spare can take a 35,843-foot dive (that's over 10 kilometres) to the bottom of the world’s deepest ocean, the Marianas Trench.
The Marianas Trench was the background for the hit movie “The Meg”, where they encountered the world’s biggest shark, the prehistoric Megaladon.
Then there is deep space ......... but that’s still in its infancy!
Back to the Home Page.
But if all of that are not enough to whet your appetite to explore, why not descend to the deepest part of the earth?
Travel enthusiasts who have up to $AUD 1 million to spare can take a 35,843-foot dive (that's over 10 kilometres) to the bottom of the world’s deepest ocean, the Marianas Trench.
The Marianas Trench was the background for the hit movie “The Meg”, where they encountered the world’s biggest shark, the prehistoric Megaladon.
Then there is deep space ......... but that’s still in its infancy!
Back to the Home Page.