Travel is one of life’s great pleasures. The world is an enormous place, offering endless opportunities for adventure and excitement. With 193 countries and a population of nearly eight billion, no one could even get close to seeing the whole thing in their lifetime (or could they?). Many people spend their entire lives in one place, rarely venturing beyond the confines of their town or country to see what the world has to offer. But what a missed opportunity, especially went there are so many unique ways to see the world.
There are so many reasons to travel the world. It opens you up to new cultures and ways of living and makes you more tolerant and understanding as a result. You get to try new foods and experiences that you would never have the chance to enjoy in your own country. And best of all, you can bask in sublime scenery and breathtaking landscapes that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
If you have itchy feet and are longing to feel the wind beneath your wings, there are many options available to you. Many casual holidaymakers are happy to take the conventional route and swarm to the busy tourist traps, but you don’t have to follow the crowd. Instead, why not do something a bit different and explore planet Earth in a totally unique way? There are so many ways to travel, each of which will give you a completely different experience and new perspectives on the places you visit. To help you make your decision, here are four unique ways to see the world.
By bicycle
Travelling on two wheels is neither the quickest nor the most efficient way to travel, but it has its own unique charm. Bikepacking is becoming an increasingly popular mode of exploration, where you move from place to place by bike, carrying all your possessions on the back. This slow pace of travel allows you to really experience each of the towns and villages you pass through along the way and spend more time indulging in gorgeous mountain landscapes and glittering blue oceans. You can stop in accommodation along the way, or you can carry a tent and sleep under the stars each night. Exploring by bike may require some route planning, but there are plenty of long-distance bike trails around the world that you can follow. Explore historic rural Europe along the Danube Cycle Path, or marvel at stunning coastal views along America’s Pacific Coast Highway.
By motorbike
Travelling by motorbike is a similar experience to bikepacking, but it allows you to go a lot faster and see more of the world in a short space of time. And you can still enjoy the freedom of exploring the world on two wheels, with the wind rushing past along the open road.
There are many ways to travel by bike. If you prefer your freedom and independence, you can just plan your route, pack your bag, and head out the door. Alternatively, there are numerous guided and self-guided motorcycle tours around the world that can give you more structure to get the most out of your trip. Take a look here to find out more.
By hitchhiking
One downside of international travel is that it is notoriously expensive. Flights alone will set you back hundreds of dollars, and then you have to deal with public transport, which can be sketchy and sporadic in some parts of the world. And if you have your own vehicle, you have the ongoing expense of fuel and potential breakdown repairs. But if you want to save money while having a truly memorable experience at the same time, hitchhiking your way across the world is a fantastic option.
Simply stand by the side of the road with your thumb out and a smile on your face, and before long, a friendly driver will stop to give you a ride to the next destination. This may seem intimidating to you if you’ve never tried it before, but hitchhiking is more common around the world than you think, and you will rarely struggle to get a ride. Many people have travelled the whole world with this method and have not regretted a thing.
You will meet new people all the time and have a totally cultural experience as a result. Locals will always be able to provide the best tips for sights to see and things to do, so you will really make the most of your journey. As always with meeting strangers, there is some risk involved, but if you’re careful and use your judgment, you will have an unforgettable time.
On foot
If travelling by bike is too fast for you, why not slow things down by walking? Using your own two feet might seem a ridiculous way to travel the world, but many people do it all the time. This doesn’t mean marching down dusty highways with cars rushing past you, but rather trekking through jaw-dropping wilderness landscapes for weeks or months on end. There are countless long-distance trails around the world on which hikers embark on the journey of a lifetime. All you need is a backpack, a tent, and some walking boots, and you’re ready to set off. Pretty much every country in the world has at least one long-distance trail, and if you have the fitness and motivation, it is one of the best ways to experience a new country.
America has numerous long-distance footpaths, including the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. If you prefer a more far-flung destination, why not try the 1000-mile Great Himalaya Trail or Te Araroa (The Long Pathway) in New Zealand? If you don’t have several months to spare, you can always break these trails up into sections and do a little bit every year. Or start off with one of the smaller trails around the world, such as Scotland’s West Highland Way, which can be completed in a week. This method of travel is not for the faint-hearted, but if you are brave enough to give it a go, it will provide an adventure you will never forget.
We hope these options help you when considering unique ways to see the world.
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