One common travel dilemma is deciding how you’ll get from place to place. On one hand, you want to choose a quick, reliable transport method that will get you where you need to be ASAP. On the other hand, you also must be considerate of your wallet.
And so emerges the big question: how does one choose the right mode of transport for their trip? In this post, we’ll go over five modes of transport to consider for your next vacation and their pros and cons to help you decide.
Rental Car or Van
If you don’t want to travel on a crowded bus or train surrounded by random people, a rental car or van could be the best choice for you. Rental cars/vans can be a bit costly, but the comfort and privacy they provide is worth the cost! And with rental cars/vans, you’re in complete control. You choose where to go and when to stop for the day.
We especially recommend rentals for group travel, as passenger vans can easily and comfortably accommodate 15 people or more.
Train
The perfect middle ground. Trains are a remarkably fast mode of transport, and while a ride isn’t dirt cheap, it isn’t extortionately expensive, either. It’s a nice, conservative option for your budget.
One pro of trains is that you can grab snacks at the station, and most trains have bathrooms onboard. That said, trains can also be crowded, which may unnerve the shy or claustrophobic sort.
Bus
A thrifty and convenient choice. Buses are cheap and come stocked with plenty of amenities. Some have bathrooms, sleeper seats, air conditioning, and even Wi-Fi! That said, bus trips can be long, bumpy, and uncomfortable. We recommend using them for traveling short distances, but if you need to go far, we recommend a more comfortable option, like a train or rental car.
Bike
If you’re traveling in the country or the suburbs, you can cross this one off your list immediately. But if you’re visiting a large, compact city, bikes are a fantastic option for getting around. They’re cheap, great exercise, and one of the most scenic transport options. That said, biking can be a lot of work. If you want a more relaxing vacation, you may find them too tiring.
Boat
Visiting an island or another watery paradise? If so, you may find that ferries or boats are the fastest and most convenient option for getting around. Ferries and boats are reasonably priced, and its great fun to travel across the water and admire the local scenery and sea life.
Of course, there’s one major downside to sea travel: seasickness. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you may need to use a land bound mode of transportation instead.
While these aren’t all the modes of transport to consider for your next vacation, they’re some of the most common. Choose your transport based on the distance you need to travel, how much money you can afford to spend, and how much control and comfort you seek.
