There’s so many different ways to get around while traveling and there are lots of pros and cons to both. From train rides throughout the Czech Republic, sleeper trains in Vietnam right through to walking rickshaws in India, I’ve sampled the lot. The transport you will use will depend heavily on where you are and how long you’ll be there. Here are some tips I’ve learned from a few years on the road:
Photo Credit: “Just Drive”
1) Driving is Best in Australia and New Zealand
As someone who was born in Australia and spend most of her time living in New Zealand, I consider myself a semi-expert on both of these countries. I can honestly say that the best way to travel either of them is by car. While cities in Australia (not in New Zealand) have excellent public transport, getting between the cities can be a nightmare, unless you want to fly everywhere. Hiring or buying a car, depending on how long you’ll be there, is the best way to see everything and it allows you a unique level of freedom. If you’re planning to stay for a while in Australia or New Zealand but don’t have the spare cash to buy a car, there are a number of Auto Finance companies that might be able to help you out, such as Westralian Auto Finance. Many visitors to NZ and Aus buy cars, use them for the duration of their trip and sell them off. Japanese cars especially are quite affordable in both countries.
2) Trains are Almost Always More Comfortable
I once spent 36 hours on a bus from Vang Vieng in Laos, across the Vietnamese border to Hanoi. It was painful, I had food poisoning and there was no toilet on board. Thankfully, I’m almost Vietnamese sized so I managed to get some sleep, but it’s kinda gross sitting in a bed you’ve been laying in for hours and hours on end. It was a cheap and efficient way to get between the destinations and I had a bunch of friends with me which made it a little more fun. I’ve learned, as a general rule, that trains are always more comfortable than buses. This proves true for day trips, as you can wander around and rest your legs. There’s often someone selling snacks and drinks, while some trains even have meal services. There’s always a bathroom on a train and while some of them are in horrible condition, other’s aren’t so bad. If you get the choice between train and bus and there isn’t a huge price difference, go with the train. You’ll also get significantly better views out the window, too.
Photo Credit: “Train Ride”
3) Lock Up Your Stuff
The number of people I’ve met along the way who have had stuff stolen while they were on buses, planes or trains is outrageous. It happens, I wish it didn’t but it does so you need to be aware of that. When I’m sleeping on a sleeper bus or train I will put my laptop (probably my most valuable item) in it’s case under my pillow. Yes, that might seem a bit over the top but it’s not been stolen yet. My other valuables are kept in a small backpack that I keep near me. My passport, money and phone also go under my pillow too. When I’m on buses I’ll lock up the two zips on my bag. I understand if someone’s really keen to take something, that probably wont stop them but it might deter them.
These are my tips for getting around when traveling and keeping all your stuff in tow. If you have any tips or comments you’d like to share, please feel free to do so in the comments below:
