Seeing more of the world is on many people’s dream to-do list. With a multitude of ways to travel, sometimes it can be a challenge to decide which way to go. Here are some factors to consider as you plan your next vacation.
Buy a Plane Ticket
Since it became widely available to the public, traveling by plane has become quite common. This method is an obvious favorite when you are in a hurry to arrive at a destination, have minimal luggage to tote, or plan to travel a long distance.
It can be more economical than driving when only one or two people plan to go. It can also be less stressful than navigating roads through unfamiliar territory.
Consider a Cruise
When your goal is to go slow and take in the sights along your way, cruises can be fantastic. From New England cruises in the east to Alaskan cruises in the west, you can kick back on deck and watch the world float by. You can take pictures of amazing skies and beautiful scenery.
Eating, sleeping, and enjoying a variety of recreational activities will become the focus of your days. When your trip is more about the journey than the destination, a serene ride on a slow boat can be just the get-away you need from your daily hectic life.
Ride the Rails
If speed is an issue but planes make you uneasy, don’t forget that a passenger train is still an option for traveling within a continent. If digital connectivity is a concern, many trains now offer Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay in contact or get work done even on longer trips.
Commuter trains allow you to travel between neighboring cities and states while avoiding traffic congestion. Longer train trips may include accommodations such as sleeping quarters and dining services to help you remain comfortable during your trip.
If you are planning to travel a great distance, requiring you to add connections to your train trip, consider building in a few extra hours or even a couple of nights between each segment to explore these new areas.
Drive a Car
Although slower than planes and trains, and less passive than a cruise, driving remains popular — even to faraway destinations. Driving has several advantages, like more control of your route and greater luggage capacity. It can also be significantly cheaper if you are traveling with several people, such as your spouse and kids.
While you may not be able to both drive and take pictures simultaneously, you can at least control how often you pull over and for how long. You can stop for five minutes to snap a couple of pictures over a ravine, or stop for five hours to play around in a corn maze you happen upon.
If luggage capacity is a top reason for driving, but your car still isn’t big enough for your needs, you may be able to improve it. Depending on the type of vehicle, installing a roof rack or a hitch is a great option.
With a roof rack, special rooftop boxes and bags are available for purchase, allowing you to securely haul extra belongings without exposing them to rain or direct sunlight. With a hitch, even if you don’t like towing a trailer, or it is more space than you need, a hitch rack could be a good alternative.
Ride a Motorcycle
If you love adventurous trips and traveling light, making a motorcycle your mode of transportation could provide an exhilarating experience.
Motorcycle enthusiasts have even planned trips of this nature all over the world. Before you take this kind of trip, certain preparations will be necessary:
● Inspect your bike — Whether renting or riding your own bike, you will want to carefully inspect it for loose parts, excessive wear on tires, and any other areas of concern that may affect your safety.
● Carry non-digital options — With any kind of road trip (car, bike, or otherwise), it’s also a good idea to have paper maps on hand in case of poor signal or dead batteries with your GPS.
● Pack the necessities — You may need different things depending on where you plan to ride. Your need for supplies may include things like winter gear, a rain slicker, a cooling vest, or even food and water. Consider the terrain and amenities in advance to help you plan, and find a group of fellow motorcycle enthusiasts who can help you get ideas for what you will need.
● Check the weather — This is an even more critical consideration on a motorcycle, so check ahead along the path you plan to take, and recheck frequently. Weather can change rapidly.
● Wear earplugs — If your hearing goes, there may be no getting it back. While you may love the sound of your bike, you won’t get to hear it anymore if you don’t protect your ears!
This method may require more planning ahead of time than some of the other travel options, but the experience you get out of it may make it worthwhile.
If you are a newbie rider, though, don’t dive straight into a long road trip. Gain some local experience, get help and advice, and don’t skimp on the planning.
It’s a very different beast from road-tripping in a car!
Whichever way you choose to travel for your next vacation, you can make your trip as routine or exciting as you want it to be. Choose the method that suits you and your needs best, and enjoy yourself!
