According to US Census data, about 75 percent of Americans name driving alone as their number one commute method. Another 10 percent carpool, while five percent use public transportation.
It goes without saying that driving, biking, walking, and taking a bus or train are the most common methods of transportation here in the United States. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other, more exciting transportation options around the world.
Here’s a closer look at 14 of the most unique methods of transportation around the globe.
Monte Toboggans
You may think toboggans are only meant for winter sporting events. But in Portugal, folks use these contraptions to get around!
These wicker toboggans are great for going downhill and reach speeds of around 30 miles per hour. Today, they used as both a functional option for public transit and as a popular tourist attraction.
Coco Taxis
If you’ve been to Cuba in the last three decades, then you know about coco taxis—they’re the small, coconut-shaped taxis that can fit two or three passengers in them.
These coco taxis are actually scooters that have been retrofitted to include side protections. They’re a fun alternative to regular taxi services—and also a cheaper ride.
The Schwebebahn
Haven’t been to Wuppertal, Germany yet? Well, when you do go, you must take a ride on the aerial monorail train that winds its way above the city—known as the Schwebebahn.
In addition to being a convenient way to get around town, the Schwebebahn also offers beautiful, sweeping views of the town and its surroundings.
The Maglev
Short for “magnetic levitation,” this type of train is exactly what it sounds like—it uses the power of magnets to levitate over a train track, creating an exceptionally fast and smooth ride.
Maglev trains are most commonly seen in Asian countries, including Shanghai, South Korea, and Japan.
The Norry
The Cambodian norry is a train stripped down to its bare essentials: A bamboo board is perched atop a set of wheels and travels on a track toward your destination. You simply climb aboard the bamboo and hope for the best!
This may not be among the safest methods of transportation, but it is certainly a fun one.
Go By Jeepney
After World War II, the American military left a bunch of “Willy Jeeps”—a type of military vehicle—in the Philippines. In the 1950s, Filipinos took those left-behind Jeeps and turned them into a type of bus service.
Brightly painted and retrofitted to be more comfortable, these Jeepneys are a fun tourist attraction, and an iconic symbol of Filipino culture.
Barco de Torta
Planning a trip to Peru? If your trip includes a visit to Lake Titicaca, then you’ll want to be sure and schedule a ride in a Barco de Torta.
These boats, made from dried tree reeds and formed in the shape of a dragon, are a fun way to take in the sights of the beautiful surroundings.
DUKW, or “Duck”
The DUKW is another example of how the US military inspires methods of transportation around the world.
A truck that can also go into the water, the DUKW—pronounced “duck”—is a popular way to take in the sights in London before sailing the River Thames.
Go by Gondola
Venice, Italy is known for being a special, romantic place. That’s largely thanks to gondolas, which tourists and locals alike use to travel through the city’s flooded canals.
If you ever travel to Italy with a significant other, make sure to take a tour in one of these iconic carved canoes.
Dog Sleds
In Alaska and the Arctic, dogs aren’t just loveable pets—they’re also a reliable transportation option!
These dog sleds are typically pulled by paks of four-to-six highly trained K9s. And if you ever take a trip to Alaska, keep in mind that tourists can sign up to take part in the fun!
Funiculars
A funicular is a tram that moves up or down a hill on a railway. While most funiculars around the world are in the open air, one funicular in Beyoglu, Turkey, travels underground.
This underground funicular has been operating since the late 1800s and connects different neighborhoods in Istanbul.
Felucca Boats
A Felucca boat is a particularly well-crafted, serene wooden sailboat. They are used to sail the Nile and the Red Sea in Egypt.
Because Felucca boats move at a slow pace, they offer tourists a chance to kick back and enjoy the view.
Reindeer Sleds
We’ve already mentioned dog sleds as a transportation option—but did you know you could also travel by reindeer sled?
No, we aren’t just talking about Santa Clause! In Lapland, Finland, reindeer abound, and it’s fairly common to see reindeer-drawn sleds carrying tourists and locals alike.
Best Methods of Transportation: Limousines
No matter where you are in the world, there is one transportation option that consistently provides style, comfort, and reliability: the limousine.
The limo is an internationally iconic symbol of extravagance and celebrations, and for good reason—the sleek exterior and interior simply cannot be beaten.
In fact, you might want to consider booking a corporate limousine service for your next special event.
Happy Travels!
Whether you’re hailing a coco taxi in Cuba, sailing the Nile in a Felucca boat, or sitting back in style while riding in a limo, the world offers a wide array of methods of transportation—each one more exciting than the last.
The next time you plan a trip, you might even want to plan it around which unusual transportation options you will use when you’re there.
We hope this roundup of 14 unique methods of transportation helped spark some inspiration for you. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to check out the other posts on our site!
You must be logged in to post a comment.