If you are looking for a unique way to travel, check out this creative list shared by Kacey Mya. Read more about the author below.
The great thing about travel is that it never has to be the same way twice. Sure, it’s easy to take a plane or car somewhere, but even these methods can be spiced up a little bit to give you a more unique experience. In fact, if you’re an avid traveller you’re always looking for something new and exciting and unique ways to travel for your next voyage.
Luckily for you, the list below can give you some ideas for your next adventure. Some of them are a bit far out there, but worth giving them a try at least once.
7 Unique Ways to Travel
1. Coast-to-coast sleeper train
While train travel may not be a new or unique method of transportation, seeing the whole of the US from coast to coast is definitely something that everyone should try at least once. Amtrak offers really great rates from different US cities and a unique way to visit such a vast country.
Public domain photo by Usamah Khan
2. Cruise to a far out destination
Consider a new twist on large cruise liner travel, and opt for a destination other than the Caribbean. Baltic cruises offer the scenic views of northern Europe – spectacular Fjords, castles and beaches – as well as a convenient way to pay a quick visit to Russia (without all the normal visa hassles).
Public domain photo by Dieter55
3. A vintage RV/car road trip
A road trip is kind of an American staple. Mix it up by renting a vintage airstream or vehicle to really turn the nostalgia up a bit. If you happen to choose one of those sweet, vintage two-seaters, you’ll attract the attention of everyone on the road. It would be wise to brush up on tips in case you get pulled over on unfamiliar roads (with unfamiliar speed limits).
4. By horse (yes, seriously)
Perhaps this one is a bit out there, but you’re looking for unique right? Clissmann Horse Caravans in Ireland, offer just that for the experimental and adventurous traveller. What better way to explore the emerald isle than across its beautiful countryside without all the traffic? They even offer “glamping” as an option.
5. Get dropped off and get lost
If you’re a fan of remote (and maybe even the TV show Lost), then the option of a deserted island may be the unique vacation you’ve been looking for all along. Docastaway is a travel company that specializes in taking its customers to the most remote corners of the world, where you’ll literally be dropped off and left to get lost in your own tropical paradise. This is the epitome of disconnecting.
6. Hire a dogsled
Yes, you read that right. Why not give the great Alaskan outdoors a go transported by your very own pack of sled dogs. It may seem a bit strange and weird as a method of transport by today’s standards, but travelling by dogsled has been around for literally longer than a millennium. If it’s stuck around this long, perhaps there’s something to it. Check out EarthSong in Denali to see what kind of travel packages may quench your thirst for adventure.
Photo by EveryDamnNameIsInUse
7. Be surprised
You might want to go as far as not even having any idea what your destination or activities will be for your next trip. Sound a bit crazy (but also a little exciting)? Well, even Oprah gives her approval, and you can organize your next mystery trip through Magical Mystery Tours – all you’ll have to give them is your budget and dates of availability. The rest arrives in an envelope right before you go. Talk about anticipation!
Public domain photo by Jeremy Levin
8. Get involved in your vacation
Heard of agriturismo travel? These types of vacations offer quests to have a ‘hands-on’ experience where they’re staying – whether that be a farm, vineyard or olive oil producer – your stay in the Italian countryside will feel more like being at home. Most locations even offer you the possibility to eat and drink some of the fruits of your labours, which is always satisfying.
9. Give back as you travel
While eco-tourism may be a buzzword, there are actually a growing number of options out there for the voyager who is looking for more than just a sight-seeing adventure. A new platform sponsored by the UN and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations, Travel+SocialGood gives businesses and travellers access to information, conferences, and networks that help you find the best option for lessening your carbon footprint and also giving back as you globetrot around the world.
Public domain photo by Abigail Keenan
Nothing is more exciting than the prospect of your next trip. While some of the options for the list may not be your cup of tea, they are definitely not your run-of-the-mill beach vacation. Choose any one and you’re bound to have a unique and one-of-a-kind experience.
Save on your trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Campervans or Motorhomes: we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
- Private guides: we often find the best option is to work with a private guide.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
What have you tried? Are there other unique ways to travel to add to this list?
You might also like …
About the Author:
Kacey Mya is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.” Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles while communicating these endeavours through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
Kristi
I would love to go on a sleeper train. A cruise is nice too, but I would need to take it easy on the buffets! 🙂
Rhonda Albom
We love cruising 🙂
Claudya Martinez
I love this, you gave some suggestions I never would have thought of.
Rhonda Albom
I agree, Kacey is pretty clever.
Kacey Bradley
Thanks so much Claudya! That is very sweet of you! Glad you enjoyed the article!
— Kacey
Xx
Andapo Girl
This was an awesome read(: … I like the train seeing the coast to coast… I liked the remote place idea as well, others horse riding, sledge dog riding were interesting as well… (:
Rhonda Albom
I agree, Kacey shared some fun ideas.
Kacey Bradley
I am really glad you enjoyed the article! Remote places are incredibly interesting, that is for sure! 🙂
— Kacey
Paul F. Pietrangelo
I’ve often thought about a train trip from Toronto, Ontario across Canada to Vancouver, British Columbia. I’ve checked on it before but the prices were a little high for us for now. Maybe some day.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
I have been to both of those cities, but not too much in the middle. I have seen photos, and I think that would be an amazing train trip.
Nika Jane
I’ve done traveling by ship, cars or train, but getting transported with the Dogsled is quite unique to me. I saw this kind of transportation on NAT Geo and I wanted to try it too.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – It’s not for me, I am not a fan of he snow.
Anda
Very interesting. I never actually thought there can be so many ways to travel. Getting lost and being surprised are the ones that least appeal to me. I am not a very brave or adventurous person. Instead I am very controlling (LOL). I remember one time when my husband wanted to surprise me with a trip, it was a fiasco. I couldn’t enjoy any part of it as I had no say in the planning. The entire trip I was only concerned with hiding how much I actually disliked it. The worst part was that he spent a great deal of money to give me one of the best possible week-ends of my life!
Rhonda Albom
I don’t mind getting lost so much, depending on where we are. For us, those often turn out to be some of our best days. Sorry you couldn’t relax and enjoy. I would love it if my hubby did this for me.
Travelera
Loving your guest post, These ways to travel are amazing! 😀
xxx
Rhonda Albom
I thought she came up with pretty impressive list.
Kacey Bradley
Aw, why thank you Rhonda! I would love to contribute again to see if I can impress you more 🙂
— Kacey
Kacey Bradley
Hi!
I am so glad you are happy with it! That means a lot!
Safe travels and take care!
— Kacey
Xx
Alex J. Cavanaugh
My wife and I have always wanted to take a train across country, maybe even one through Canada.
Rhonda Albom
We traveled by train all through Morocco and loved it. We also took an Amtrak train from Seattle to Portland last month. We got off wondering why we don’t spend more time on trains.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
horse ride and dog sleigh sound great!
Rhonda Albom
It sure would be an adventure!
Kathy Marris
I guess I would add to this list house swapping of housesitting as a means to travel to new and exotic locations. Although I haven’t tried it I know people who do this every year for their holidays. Great post.
Rhonda Albom
We have successfully done three home exchanges. They are a great way to see the world for less.
Travelera
Three home exchanges! I have never done that before but it must be wonderful experiences!! I must try it one day 🙂 xxx
Rhonda Albom
All of ours have worked out well. Two in Spain (Costa Brava and La Coruna) and one in the USA (Colorado).
Comedy Plus
Hubby and I thought about buying a motor-home, but we hate to drive. So it’s boating for us. That’s about it. We don’t see any long trips in our future. We’re just not the see the world like you and your family are. I’ll enjoy your travels from the comfort of my home or boat.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
I think motor-homes and yachts are quite similar, sort of a land-yacht. I could see you two on one.
Kacey Bradley
Aww – I understand where you are coming from! Driving can be tough, and for some people it takes awhile to get used to! There is just something about being able to stop and check out the little hot spots along the way that makes me enjoy it!
🙂
— Kacey