Going on vacation can be a lot of fun, but it’s not without its problems, and that’s especially true if you hate flying or don’t like airports. At that point, even the most exciting of adventures can be dampened by the thought of having to visit an airport just so you can get back home.
The modern travel industry tends to make out that flying is the only option if you want to have a grand adventure, but that’s absolutely not the case. Flying only became widespread a few decades ago, and people were traveling long before that! In this post, we’ll run through a few travel ideas that don’t involve flying (or at least help to limit the number of flights you take).
Take a Train Trip
Like the idea of taking a road trip across the US, but don’t want to do the actual driving part? Then a train trip is the ideal solution. There are plenty of outstanding train routes in the US, including the California Zephyr that takes you from Chicago to San Francisco, or the Coast Starlight that runs from Seattle to Los Angeles.
In Europe, there are plenty of easy and affordable overnight sleeper trains that make for a great adventure. In fact, pick two major European cities, and you can probably get from one to the other via sleeper train.
Rent an RV
Most people love the thought of going on a long road trip but don’t like the thought of spending thousands to stay in hotels along the way or spending each night in a tent. The solution? Rent an RV, which is more affordable than staying in hotels and more comfortable than camping. You’ll have a bed on wheels, and all you’ll need to do is find RV parks along your route and pull up for the night. It’s a great way to spend a lot of time in the great outdoors while retaining some home comforts.
Explore Your Local Area
There’s the idea that, in order to go on an adventure, we have to look at far-flung lands, but that’s not always the case. You might have some awesome travel destinations within easy driving distance of your home. It can be a lot of fun going on overnight trips to nearby towns, nature areas, and cities. Look at combining your trip with a visit to a festival to make the most of the weekend.
Drive With Others
If you’ve got somewhere to be (or somewhere you want to be), then why not look at taking a ride with some strangers? In truth, this approach probably won’t work in the United States, but it can work in Europe. There are sites, such as Blablacar, that connect you with drivers who are already going in the direction you want to go. Not only is it cheaper than other forms of travel, but you’ll get the added bonus of connecting with someone who you would otherwise never have met. Cultural exchange and a cheap trip? Sign us up.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the operations of The We Spot—thank you for your support! The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The We Spot, its owners, employees, sponsors, or affiliates. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or therapeutic advice. Readers should consult a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided.
