Everyone is quite familiar with boarding a plane, or driving a car, or perhaps even sailing to their desired destination.
But some people may be interested in those other crazy people who make it across the country or ocean in other ways.
Ever wonder “How do they do it?”
My only answer can be, “They simply do.”
Many people may also wonder, “Why do they do it?”
There may be many answers related to the experience, or saving money, or moral issues.
Here are 7 Not-So-Conventional Ways to Travel Across the Country.
1. Some people still take the train to travel long distances.
I took this picture out the window when I was leaving Kansas City, going back to Kirksville, Missouri by train. NOTE: You take the Amtrak train from Kansas City, Missouri to La Plata, Missouri (2 hours), followed by a 15-minute Truman shuttle from La Plata, Missouri to the Truman State University campus.
2. Some people bike more than 180 miles to get where they are going.
Ok, so it wasn’t 180 miles, but it was four miles away from my house. Yes, those are some cows in a nearby field…This is where my tire blew out and I had to have someone come and get me. Fun times…
3. Some people go by cargo ship or freighter to travel across seas.
I have to say that this is definitely on one of my bucket lists.
4. Some people couch surf. Couch surfing is a way to save money on where you are staying in another country if you don’t have anyone to host. But, be careful. There are definitely risks involved.
I JUST got started….The day before yesterday. Wish me luck!
5. Some people ride in a buggy.
Photo Courtesy of TheCadExpert
One time I found one of these driving through my neighborhood in Kirksville. Which is something you definitely do not see everyday, but you will commonly find them going along the highway.
6. Some people take the bus for long distances. Usually this is called taking the intercity bus service.
I’ve only taken one of these once. And it was for to take a large group of kids to Columbus, Ohio. And I have to say, it was rather enjoyable. I honestly couldn’t imagine taking that many hyper kids on a airplane.
7. Canoe camping. It is the practice quite similar to backpacking where one will canoe for great distances, and then set up camp on on the shore of the body of water that they are canoeing.
Photo Courtesy of Mwanner
Some of these ways of travel are adventurous (even dangerous) and I wouldn’t recommend most of them if you aren’t fit and active or able to take care of horses.
However, you may want to consider all of these unusual methods of transportation to make your tip more adventuresome.
You may be able to see more sights this way or discover something more about yourself. Whatever the case may be it will certainly defy conventional modern travel, and will definitely push you to your limits.
What other ways do you know how to travel across the country? Care to share with us?
This post is written by Megan Bryde, a forever student of the world while also finishing up her bachelors in English at Truman State University this semester.
Involved in too many activities, she sings as loud as she can, writes, cooks, bakes, and drinks a lot of coffee. Check out her blog and linkedin page to see more about what she does.
Megan is currently completing an internship with VentureTime Travel and aspires to be teaching English someday.
Want to search for other ways in which to make your travels more exciting? Look at these posts: