One of the best ways to safe costs on a holiday is to look at the different ways of travelling to your destination and once in your destination. In most cases how you get there and how you get around will largely depend on how much time you have and how many are in your group. Here we look at some of the more common and some of the more interesting transportation options for varying numbers of people.
FlyingInvariably the quickest and most convenient way to get anywhere is to fly. With the rise in cheap airlines it has also become one of the most cost effective ways as well. However, that is largely dependent on the number of people travelling and the urgency with which you want to get somewhere. The best thing to be said about flying is it will get you over vast distances more quickly. If you are holidaying alone, one of the best ways to save on flights is to offer to courier documents. Many a student has enjoyed time in another country by utilising the courier service required primarily by law firms that will comp you a flight for the delivery of documents across the seas. TrainsThe rail networks around the world are vast and often under exploited by travellers. In many countries in Europe it can also be more expensive than flying with a low cost airline. However, with a little research one can actually find that in most European countries that planning to travel by rail with a lot of trips can see a great reduction in price by purchasing a promotion or tourists’ pass. In the developing world rail travel is invariably cheaper and can be quite exciting as it allows one to experience a different type of travel and to see the countryside as you trundle along. When calculating savings it is also important to look at the option of using sleeper trains as this saves on a hotel room. For large distances across India, China, Eastern Europe, North America sleeper trains can offer an alternative type of holiday and the transportation becomes a part of the whole experience. Boats
One form of transportation not often considered, due to the time it takes, is by sea. We’re not talking cruise ships, as they are a holiday in themselves. We are talking about different ways to travel around the world by sea. It is very possible and often a lot easier to gain passage on an ocean going yacht if you are prepared to be a crew member. Experience is not so necessary if you can take being told what to do, but an ability to get on with people in a confined space is a must. A lot of fun and a great experience, we would recommend taking short 3 or 4 day trips first to see how you take to it. Another cheap way of getting to your destination, without having to work your passage, is on cargo ships. Many ships have guest cabins and work out incredibly cheap. However, be warned very few have much to do in the way of entertainment and dinner may be in crew quarters. It also takes weeks rather than days to get somewhere on these boats but if you have a good collection of books, enjoy the company of your friends then it is an experience worth having. BikingFor the more athletic travelling by bicycle is another option. In many European countries touring bikes can be hired with all the necessary kit to carry your belongings. If you do need to hire bikes it may be worth taking some mini weekend breaks first to see if your fitness level is up to it. Of course the advantage of a bicycle is that you can also put them on a train to get back to your point of departure if you have lost the inclination to peddle. |