Hostel Review

The top 5 transport methods we have used when travelling the globe are as follows: Plane, train, taxi, bus and boat. Each of these methods of transport has their pros and cons, but which is the best? Well, firstly, it depends on your destination and trip plans. If you are planning on just staying in city centres then taxis and buses are the top choice. However, if you plan on covering vast amounts of distance then planes and trains might prove a better option. Below we have detailed the good and bad with each mode of transport, so you can plan your trip.

1. Plane

You will no doubt begin and end your trip by flying, the convenience and speed of a flight outweighs anything else. Flying will eat into your budget, so try to plan and book ahead to get a good deal. Short charter flights may seem cheap at first, but remember to factor in the cost of getting to and from the airport – airport taxis often carry a premium.

2. Taxi

Taxis, especially for short trips around town, provide a fast, affordable and safe mode of travel. You should rely on taxis for late night outings in rough areas. Taxi’s can get expensive over longer distances especially in heavy traffic and to and from airports, so consider going with others to split costs and save money – with three others for example taxi’s become a real bargain.

3. Bus

Buses are very much the most important mode of transport for most countries around the world. In most cases, there are two options: 1. The local rust box on wheels, and 2. The upmarket air conditioned coach. The local bus is probably the cheapest form of transport available to the average backpacker. You can cover a lot of miles for very little money. That said, you have to share the experience with every man and has dog/goat/chicken, but then that’s all part of the experience, right? Local buses are regular and generally reliable and a good distances upto 7hours – anything more you should consider something with a few more facilities.

You will pay a bit extra, but a coach with air conditioning, TV, toilets and food is a much wiser choice for longer distances and night journeys. You’ll be sending in excess of 16hours on a standard night bus, so it is worth paying to have a toilet!

4. Train

Trains are much like buses in respect to cost, you can travel long distances for very little in most countries. Our trip on the famous ‘Death Train’ through Bolivia is one example of being very cheap, and surprisingly comfortable, despite the rather intimidating name. When booking a train, enquire about the different classes and carriages, you may the costs for upgrading to a better seat minimal. This is especially apparent in South America and South East Asia.

5. Boat

To be honest, we have only taken boats when we have no other options. For example, crossing the from the north island to the south in New Zealand. Boats are generally slow and expensive for the budget traveller. For those who have the money to spare, sailing trips to the Galapagos Islands or the northern tip of Columbia to Panama are fantastic experiences, if your stomach and wallet can take it.

There are a wealth of other means to travel which we haven’t covered, so which is your favourite?