Flying is, by far, the fastest mode of transport over short or long distances. However, it also comes with challenges that can make you consider other ways to travel without flying. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to flying.
Choosing the best alternatives to flying is a daunting task. We will walk you through the steps to do it and explain why it may be the best option to try alternative flying methods.
Lastly, we will get into the main content by describing other ways to travel besides flying. So, let’s dive in!
Why Look for Ways to Travel Other Than Flying?
Flying seems lucrative, but what factors can make you look for alternative travel options? There are many, but let’s briefly discuss a few of them.
High cost of flying
First, flying is not for everyone because of the ticket fees. Even if you are willing to take to the air, you will be discouraged by how expensive it is to buy a plane ticket. As a result, airline alternatives offer the best cost-effective option to many people.
Other ways to travel cost only a few bucks, especially if traveling domestically.
Connecting modes of travel are needed
Next, flying may not be the best option for you because it is not complete on its own. You still need to use buses, trains, or other travel options to connect to your destination. Airports are not as everywhere as bus stops. You need to spend quite a lot to get to the airport or your destination once you land.
Some people may see that as inconvenient and would use road or water to get to their destination.
Occasional delays
Flying is praised as the fastest mode of transport. However, that is not always true, as occasional delays can sabotage the entire flight routine. Sometimes you have to wait at the airport or in a plane for hours before it can be declared for takeoff.
Also, you are required to get to the airport a few hours before departure time to navigate the check-ins and security lineups. Without knowing it, you will be wasting many hours at the airport. That could be enough for you to get to your destination using other means.
Flying loses its tag as the fastest mode of transport over short distances. Summing up the time you take to go to the airport, move past security checks, and finally become airborne can surprise you. If you are traveling from state to state or city to city, consider an alternative to flying.
Jet lag syndrome
Jet lag is a sleep disorder that you experience when you move from one time zone to the next over a short time. Your body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm needs to adjust over time. Unfortunately, that is not possible when you fly.
Symptoms of jet lags include the following:
- Insomnia – Difficulty falling asleep
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Lack of focus and concentration
- Stomach upset
- Fatigue
- Mood swings, etc.
Not all individuals suffer from jet lag. But if you are a victim, find out how to travel overseas without flying. You don’t have a choice because the symptoms are not pleasant.
See Related: Must-Know Pieces of Advice for Booking Flights Online
What to Consider When Choosing Alternatives to Fly?
There are many alternatives to flying, and what you choose depends on many factors. You don’t just wake up to say you want to sail or drive yourself to the destination. Consider the following:
Know Your Route
This is necessary if you have never been to your destination before. You will need to master your route if you will be driving yourself. It is part of planning. Decide where you want to go and how to get there without flying.
Among the things you need to do is check the map for the routes. Besides, you are not doing that to only know the road. You also do it to identify possible stopovers. Identify restaurants, hotels, filling stations, hospitals, and other facilities available along the way.
Also, you should ensure your travel insurance can cover your journey. Check out the travel insurance companies such as InsureMyTrip and TravelInsurance.com. These are reputable insurers that cover a range of incidents.
See Related: Why So Many Flight Cancellations? Here’s What to Know
Transport Option
You can now decide what your alternative travel options are. If you are traveling across your country’s borders, choose other ways to travel that can take you through.
Research on the possibility of using trains, automobiles, cruise ships, motorbikes, etc. Each of these is best suited for different routes and travel reasons.
For example, a camel or a horse can be the best alternative to flying if you are just going on a road trip. In fact, it is eco-friendly.
When looking at flying alternative travel methods, consider the cost. Some will be more cost-effective than others. On the other hand, some may not be feasible. For instance, you cannot think of a car or motorbike if you want to travel over water. Instead, you can consider using a yacht, ferry, cruise ship, and other water vessels.
Set Timeframe
How soon do you want to get to your destination?
Time is a primary factor to consider before you can choose your alternatives.
We have seen some people cycling. But will that get you to the destination on time?
It may not be possible to use a camel if you want to get to your destination faster. A ferry may not be an option over a speed boat if traveling over water and time is a constraining factor.
Evaluate all other ways to travel besides flying and settle on the ones that will take you to your destination on time. In some cases, you may decide on sailing over road transport if it is a faster option.
Prepare Your Travel Documents
Your travel documents include visas and passports. Don’t think you will only need them when flying. If you want to travel from one country to the next, you need them regardless of the alternative travel methods chosen.
Check your documents and ensure they are valid. You should renew any that have expired. Travel will only legit documents to avoid unnecessary problems.
Traveling With Goods
Once again, check the laws of the destination country if what you want to transport is legal. This also applies whether you fly or use different ways to travel other than flying.
The size of your goods will also determine how to travel without flying. You may need a cargo ship over a yacht or a pickup truck over a camel.
See Related: Best Travel Accessories
List of the Best Alternatives to Flying
Finally, we get to the main subject of this article. You wanted other ways to travel besides flying, and now we have the answer you needed.
But before we unveil them, let’s remind you that these alternatives to flying have pros and cons compared to air travel. Make an informed decision depending on your dream destinations.
Train as an alternative to flying
Train routes are also widespread. It, therefore, offers you other ways to travel without flying. You can comfortably travel from city to city. There are also international trains that can take you across the border.
Also, the train speeds have significantly increased over the past decades. Depending on your country, some trains are faster than buses.
All you need to travel by train is to buy train tickets to your destination. This transport mode is ideal for overland travel, but we also have underwater trains in some countries.
Trains connect major cities and offer tight routines as airlines. But on the bright side, trains are freer from occasional delays than airplanes. In fact, it is the fastest way to travel without flying. So, you will likely get to your destination on time.
Pros:
- Traveling by train is convenient
- Idea for commuting
- No traffic jams
- Night trains available for night travel
- Reduced carbon footprint
- You can work while traveling
- Cost-effective even for shorter distances
- Relatively safer
Cons:
- Takes longer compared to air travel
- Not ideal over long distances
- Overcrowding in trains
- Requires connecting modes of transport
- Rural areas are poorly served by trains
Cruise Ships are alternatives to flying.
If you are still wondering how to travel overseas without flying, cruise ships are your answers. This is the only flying alternative that connects continents. You can travel by cruise ship from South America to Africa or Africa to Europe.
Most cruise ships are designed for passengers’ comfort. That is why they are more famous than other ways to travel without flying. You can even have a private room inside a cruise ship. Most honeymooners and seasoned travelers choose them for that very reason.
Alternatives to cruise ships are yachts, hovercrafts, and boats. These water vessels aid traveling over water, but they cannot cover a long distance.
Like trains, cruise ships also follow a tight schedule. You have to check in on time for your journey. You don’t have control over this routine since travel operators handle everything.
Pros:
- Ideal for families and groups
- Air conditioning available for comfort
- Easy, comfortable, convenient, and relaxing
- Great for adventure
- Variety of food options
- Getting new acquaintances
- Tax- and duty-free shopping
Cons:
- No eco-friendly
- Expensive for all-inclusive packages
- No flexibility
- Does not cover most destinations
See Related: Norway Cruise Packing List
Sailing as an Alternative to Flying
Like Cruise ships, boats allow you to travel overseas. It is also luxurious and comfortable to travel by boat. That, however, depends on the vessel type.
Ocean liners are the direct substitutes for passenger planes. They are also designed for the comfort of passengers.
Some ocean liners are even fitted with world-class entertainment systems and luxurious accommodation rooms.
There are also different food options to choose from depending on your preferences. You can get both local and international dishes.
High-end ocean liners additionally have restaurants, a gym, spa, pools, and other facilities. That is why some people call them a city on the sea.
River cruises are smaller versions of ocean liners that use river channels to transport people from one major city to the next. They are also built for comfort. You can even sleep during your long journeys.
If you want a better over-water travel experience, you can try cargo ships or local ferries to your destination.
Pros:
- Ideal for families and groups
- Climate control rooms available for comfort
- Easy, comfortable, convenient, and relaxing
- Variety of food options
- Easy to socialize
Cons:
- No eco-friendly
- Relatively expensive
- No flexibility
- Does not cover most destinations
Buses as Alternative to Flying
A Bus is one of the overland travel options considered friendly to our environment. Many organizations now encourage public transportation to reduce carbon emissions. Consider taking a bus to your destination instead of using your own car.
Unlike trains, planes, and ships, buses are widespread.
Road networks are found everywhere, both in rural and urban areas. It is one of the transport options that may not require another connecting mode of transport. You can walk to a bus station and board to your destination.
Buses are ideal even for longer journeys overland. Some are now traversing states to take passengers to their various detonations.
Compared to air transport, using a bus is more cost-effective, even over long distances. Besides, modern buses have comfortable seats. That is the reason grand tours or safari companies now use buses.
Like other public transportation methods, bus travel can be inconvenient in many ways.
Pros:
- Flexible booking time
- Cost-effective alternative to air travel
- Short check in time
- Easy to access
- Contributes to the economy
- Reduces carbon emissions to the atmosphere
Cons:
- Bus travel takes longer compared to flying
- Some bus operators do not allow seat reservation
- No complimentary food
- Can be inconveniencing
RV or Van as Alternative to Flying
If you want to quit flying domestically, a recreational vehicle may be the best option. People repurpose old buses and vans into RVs. You can call it a mobile home or home on wheels. Besides, you can use RV rental sources such as Cruise America, Outdoorsy, and RVShare to temporarily own one.
RV is the ideal choice for road tripping when traveling as a family or just a few people. You save time and extra cost of booking hotels for accommodation and food.
A well-designed RV has beds, an entertainment area, a kitchen, and other facilities you need for comfort during your trip.
You can freely explore the places you visit and rest anywhere for a night when the dark falls. But if you have a driver, you can be on the move at night and engage in different activities during the day.
RVs are the only option if you are looking for an inexpensive way to go on a trip. Grand tours and Safaris may cost more. They are also not as convenient as your own RV.
If you can’t fly to your destination, for whatever reason, you can use a recreational vehicle to take you there.
Pros:
- Comfort and convenience guaranteed
- Reduced cost of trip and adventure
- No constant packing and unpacking
- More family time
- Better journey experience
- You can bring your pet along
Cons:
- Road trip includes chores
- Difficulty navigating city streets
- Extra cost in vehicle fees
- Sewage handling may be challenging
- RV travel takes time
See Related: Outdoorsy vs RVShare: What is Better?
Shelf-Drive Car as Alternative to flying
If you are a licensed driver, you can opt for driving your own car or a leased one. It gives you the freedom of going anywhere you want and the flexibility to plan your schedule. You can also stop anywhere you please for refreshment before continuing your journey.
As hinted, you can drive your own car or rent one. Whichever option you take, you should get to your destination worry-free. Ensure to follow all the procedures of planning a road trip, including servicing the car if you will be driving over long distances.
Driving your own vehicle will make you work at your own pace and have total control over your journey. You can change your destination from one major city to the next.
Pros:
- High flexibility and more freedom
- Convenient for carrying your luggage around
- More privacy and comfort
- You can see and explore more places
Cons:
- Exhaustion sets in over long distance
- Theft risk is high
- Possible mechanical breakdown
- Not eco-friendly unless you are using an electric car
- Costlier than traveling by bus
Cycling as an Alternative to Flying
This may seem impractical if you consider a long distance. However, you can ride a bike from city to city over a short distance to save on the transport fees.
Cycling is not only energy efficient but also the most inexpensive way of traveling without flying. It is also eco-friendly since no greenhouse gasses are emitted into the atmosphere.
However, cycling over a considerable distance requires physical strength that the elderly and minors don’t have. It is also slow. It can take even two weeks to cover the miles you do when driving. If time is a crucial factor, consider other ways to travel without flying.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Eco-friendly
- Doubles up as a workout
- Flexible
Cons:
- Very slow
- Not time conscious over long distances
- No comfort
- Unexpected weather changes can sabotage the journey
- Affected by terrain
Horse or Camel as Alternative to Flying
Horses and camels transported people and their luggage for centuries. If you don’t mind the time they take to get to your destination, they may be the best option for you.
Camels or horses offer eco-friendly alternative travel methods. If you care about saving the planet, flying, sailing, or driving should not be an option. You can only consider them if the vessel used does not burn fossil fuel for energy. Electric cars are a good example.
However, camels and horses require feeding along the way. The feeding sessions take time, making this travel option nearly unreliable in the current error.
Like cycling, riding on the back of a horse can be affected by the weather. Rain and storms will halt your journey. Unless you are doing it for fun, horse or camel riding does not come before other ways to travel besides flying.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Eco-friendly
- Doubles up as a workout
- Flexible
Cons:
- Very slow
- No comfort
- Affected by weather elements
- Affected by terrain
- Horses and camels require regular feeding, which takes time.
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