For international travel the options are either by Air, overland or by boat. In general, traveling by air is the quickest and most-convenient form of international travel however it is usually more costly then other forms of transportation. Going overland, whether by train, car, bus or bicycle will also give you much more chance to enjoy the scenery and give you a true sense of the size of our world.
Transportation in the rest of the world is very different then what we’re used to at home. Your options for transportation are quite varied and the longer your trip, the more different type of transportation you will probably end up using. It’s not just a means of getting from one place to another, it is part of the essence of travel.
Once you do arrive in a new country, you will have several options as to how you are going to move around the city and travel to and within the country or countries previously set out in your itinerary. The cost of getting around ranges from the very cheap (walking) to relatively expensive (a taxi for one person). Before your plane even touches down, you should put some thought into how you would like to move about, based on your budget and/or the importance of safety. This section will help you understand your transportation options and make choosing the appropriate mode of transport easier.
Air Travel: Your airline ticket will probably be one of the largest purchases you make for your trip and is therefore where you can save the most money. For this reason, it is essential that you do your homework and use all of the available options to trim this cost down as much as possible.
Train Travel: Trains are one of the easiest and most convenient ways to travel abroad. They exist in all but the most primitive countries and stop at the major cities of interest. The quality of train services vary from country to country. Europe is by far the most popular place to travel by train due to its convenience and wide-spread routes. Eurrail, Eurostar
Car Travel: A car is the best way to get away from the touristy areas and get a feel for the rural parts of the country. Any town not connected by a train is bound to be quieter, more authentic and have less tourists in it, and a car is just the means to get there. We give tips for renting a car and international road safety.
Bicycle Travel: A bicycle is a great way to see the city and even get out into the country-side. A bike allows you to cover plenty of ground, yet still remain immersed in the country’s culture instead of racing by on a mechanized contraption, and you’ll see plenty as you peddle around. You are also able to go wherever you please, unlike a train or bus system.
Bus Travel: Buses offer one of the most affordable ways to travel, whether you are going from one city to another or simply traveling within a city. Depending on where you are headed, you may find buses to be very comfortable and easy to use, or crowded and downright scary. We take a look at the two main types of bus transportation: city-to-city buses and intra-city buses (those operating within a city).
Hitchhiking: Hitch-hiking is definitely the most affordable way to travel long distances but it comes with certain and serious risks. This method of travel can be, without a doubt, one of the most dangerous methods of getting around in our world today. You never know who is picking you up or what their mental state or intentions are. But hitching is a great opportunity to meet people and strike up some interesting conversation. You may even get a friendly invitation for a meal or a place to stay for the night. Just be cautious about who picks you up.