Try A New Method Of Travel
Traveling the world is usually accompanied by taking in the sights and sounds of a new place, but did you know that the actual travel component can also be a part of that journey? Many countries across the world have unique transportation systems that are a crucial part of their culture’s identity. Check out some of the wild and wacky methods of getting around that you could experience during your next trip.
1. Jeepneys
When American soldiers left the Philippines at the end of WWII, they left several military jeeps behind. The locals took these trucks, added roofs, and painted the cars bright colors. It costs P13 to ride in a traditional jeepney and P15 to ride in a modern one, which equals 0.23 and 0.16 in American dollars, respectively.
John Mukiibi Elijah on Unsplash
2. Traghetto
If you’re from Venice, this isn’t a particularly unusual form of transportation. For tourists, however, the simple sister of the gondola will get you across Venice’s Grand Canal for about $2.30 in American currency.
Original uploader was Adriano at it.wikipedia on Wikimedia
3. Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-Tuks are motorized rickshaws that are common in high-traffic cities around the world. Commonly seen in Thailand, India, Cambodia, and Indonesia, this hybrid of a smart car and jeep is a great way to intimately experience the places you’re visiting.
4. Suspension Railway
The Schwebebahn is a suspended monorail system in Wuppertal, Germany. It opened in 1901 and has continued to be a common public transportation option for locals and tourists alike. The train runs a route of over 8 miles and sits about 39 feet above ground at its highest point.
5. Norry
Located in Battambang, Cambodia, this bamboo train is reminiscent of flat mining carts from the 18th century. Passengers ride a bamboo platform on unmaintained railway tracks, reaching speeds of up to 24 miles per hour.
6. Tangah
A tangah is a wooden horse-and-buggy style ride that you can find in Pakistan. Typically used more for enjoyment than efficient travel, you can take in the city sites at a leisurely pace.
7. Punts
Similar to gondolas or traghettos, punts are river-specific rides found across the world. The boat is shallow, and the “punter” pushes a pole into the riverbed to propel the boat across the water. You can find punts in England, New Zealand, and Canada.
8. Coco Taxi
Found in Havana, Varadero, and Trinidad, these adorable coconut-shaped taxis function as your standard rickshaw. The driver pedals the vehicle while up to two guests sit in the back, and they’re considered cheaper than traditional taxis in Cuba.
9. Amfibus
Like something out of a superhero movie, the amfibus is a bus-boat hybrid that came out of the Netherlands. The city of Rotterdam launched these multi-purpose vehicles in 2011, but you can now experience the beauty of the Amfibus in Germany and Portugal.
10. Reindeer Sled
A popular tourist attraction in Lapland, Finland, the reindeer sled provides guests with an incredible close-up experience with these domesticated caribou. Fun fact: this particular region of Finland has almost an equal amount of reindeer and people.
journaway Rundreisen on Unsplash
11. RailCruising
Located in Rotorua, New Zealand, RailCrusing is a unique experience where passengers can travel in small cars along the railroad tracks. The car is self-driving, hybrid, and will take up to four passengers between two railway stations at a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour.
R. Henrik Nilsson on Wikimedia
12. Wicker Toboggans
Created for public transportation but are now typically used as a tourist attraction, the carrinhos de cesto are a thrilling and unique journey on Portugal’s island of Monte. Two drivers will help you start your journey at the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church, and will get you up to speeds of 31 miles per hour as you journey down to the city of Funchal.
13. DUKWs
Similar to the Netherlands’ amfibus, DUKs are amphibious trucks that came out of London, England. These vehicles were also left by the American military in WWII., these vehicles are the primary locomotive for London’s famous Duck Tours.
14. Songthaew
Also known as the baht bus, songthaews are located in the Asian country of Laos. The word translates to “two rows,” and typically runs as a standard taxi or bus service. You can think of them like a pickup truck with benches in the truck bed.
15. Sandormen
Appropriately named for its location, the Sandormen is a tractor-pulled trolley that travels across Denmark’s sandbars. Looking very similar to a standard subway car, the sandorman directly translates to “the sand worm,” so you can tell everyone that you visited Arrakis.
16. Maglev
Located in Shanghai, China, the maglev opened in December 2002. Maglev is short for magnetic levitation, and is the world’s first commercial high-speed train that features a floating magnet design. This train can make an 18-mile journey in seven minutes.
User JakeLM on en.wikipedia on Wikimedia
17. Felucca Boats
Possibly one of the oldest modes of transportation on this list, with the first ride happening in 2570 BCE, Egypt’s felucca boats will easily transport you back in time. These traditional wooden sailing boats are used to ride across the Nile and the Red Sea. A one-hour sailing cruise on a Felucca will cost you just over $10 USD.
18. Ice Angel
The Ice Angel is located in the American state of Wisconsin. It first appeared in the early 2000s, and helped locals on Wisconsin’s Madeline Island to Bayfield when the water freezes over. These boats can run on thin ice, water, and slush, thanks to their air propeller technology.
19. Barcos De Totora
Located on Peru’s Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, visitors can float on boats made entirely of weeds. Travelers can take a short tour or experience multiple-day treks and take in the sights on these dragon-faced vessels.
20. Chicken Bus
Very similar to the jeepneys, Central America’s chicken buses are repurposed school buses that are painted in colorful designs. Their standard engines are typically replaced with stronger truck engines, and the name stems from locals transporting live animals alongside human passengers.
