You are in your car with your family cruising down a magnificent mountain, or you are in a chic convertible vehicle with your partner, riding across the road. Well, that is the picture that probably pops up in your mind when you hear about traveling, right?
Did you know that traveling can also be fun without a car? Well, hard to believe, but yes!
Nowadays, many people have started to realize that letting go of the wheels results in a much happier traveling experience.
Traveling without a car can super easy, yet with these few tips up your sleeves. Let’s dive in, shall we?
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The lighter you pack, the easier it will be
With traveling comes packing. Which varies from one person another. However, for you to enjoy the beauty behind traveling car-free, you have to pack as light as possible. Here are some tips on how to pack lighter:
- Share the bags: sharing bags amongst yourselves is a great way of packing light. For instance, you can decide to pack clothes in one bag pack and food supplies in another. Then one person carries each. This is better compared to every person carrying along a couple of bags for themselves.
- Use backpacks instead of suitcases: Why drag your luggage along when you can carry them on your back? When traveling, especially without a car, you need to be comfortable. By that, I mean carrying your luggage with ease. Therefore, opt for backpacks rather than suitcases.
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Take a train instead
The train is one of the most common and accessible means of transport across the globe that is an alternative to driving. With a train, you can enjoy stopping a couple of times and enjoy the places in between even more.
Traveling on a train is relaxing. No more being careful behind the wheel. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. You also get to be treated to the breathtaking views as you travel.
What’s just important is how traveling by train answers all your questions about protecting the environment. I mean, the fewer the vehicles on the road, the better it is for the environment. Also, this is a very economical means of transport. Why? You may ask. This is because you will eliminate the costs of fuel, which will be quite expensive compared to buying train tickets.
What’s more is that many countries around the world have well-connected railway links, which makes it easier for you to plan a whole trip to your destination just by train. Did I forget to mention the quality time you get to spend with your family? You won’t be focusing on driving safely, meaning that you will get to interact with your family even more.
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Why not take a bus?
A bus is ultimately the cheapest means of transport, especially if you are on a travel budget. Many people assume that coaches are often congested and uncomfortable, but that, nowadays, it is far from the truth. Many countries now have modern buses that come with air conditioning, free WiFi, and even screens for you to enjoy a movie or two while traveling.
Unlike traveling by air where they charge you an arm or a leg extra for luggage, it’s pretty much the opposite when it comes to buses. They have compartments up and down to accommodate any luggage you have and without any additional charges.
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Opt for car-share traveling
While this article is focusing more on how to travel without a car, this is also one of the most significant ways to do so, of course, with proper planning. You can arrange with another family to go together in a car or use car apps that are available across the globe.
Apart from being affordable (since you will only contribute towards fuel expenses), it is also safer than traveling alone. Looking for a way to contribute to the environment? Well, as mentioned earlier, the fewer vehicles on the road, the better it is for the environment.
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Cycle your way through most of your journey
This is yet another way that you great alternative means of transport. Of course, traveling the whole way to your destination might be a little too daunting, especially if it is quite far. Well, you can cycle in between stops of other means of transport like the train.
With cycling, you and your family can get to go through tracks and view the fantastic scenery that you would not have seen if you were behind the wheel or from a car window. We cannot leave out the health benefits that come with cycling. The good thing is that you can book train or bus tickets at different stops and times to allow you to get there by cycling.
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Go all out by traveling on foot
It sounds nearly impossible, but I promise it is! You cannot travel your whole journey on foot, especially if you have kids. However, you can improvise by mixing with other means of transport. For instance, you can travel by train and alight at a particular stop, then walk the rest of the way.
You can research online and see stops that are in or nearby interesting places like amusement parks, zoos, museums; you name it. This will not only add having fun to the list of what you and your family will do while traveling, but it cuts costs by a considerable percentage. Not forgetting how healthy it is to walk and you get to spend quality time with your family.
Is opting for a travel-free journey a good idea?
I cannot begin to talk about all the benefits that come with traveling without a car. It is why more people are now turning to this style of travel. Well, are you thinking about starting? Please do not give it much thought and go ahead and treat yourself and your family to a great family experience. I promise you will love it!
