The Coolest Ways to Travel That Aren’t Planes or Cars

Travel doesn’t always have to involve long airport security lines or sitting in traffic. Some of the most memorable journeys happen when you step outside the usual options and try something different. Whether it’s gliding across the water, riding the rails, or soaring through landscapes in unexpected ways, there are plenty of alternatives that make the journey just as exciting as the destination. If you’re looking to upgrade your travel experience, here are some of the coolest ways to get around that aren’t planes or cars.

Train Journeys That Feel Like Time Travel

There’s a reason train travel never loses its charm—it combines comfort, scenic views, and a sense of adventure that few other forms of transportation can match. Whether it’s a luxury sleeper train rolling through the Swiss Alps or a historic steam engine chugging through the English countryside, traveling by rail transforms the journey into an experience itself. Overnight trains let you fall asleep in one city and wake up in another, while high-speed trains zip between destinations faster than cars without the stress of airports. For those who love nostalgia, classic train routes like the Trans-Siberian Railway or the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offer an old-world travel experience unlike any other.

Bikepacking for the Ultimate Slow Travel

For travelers who love the open road but want to ditch the car, bikepacking offers the perfect mix of adventure and freedom. Cycling through scenic landscapes, whether it’s the vineyards of France or the rugged trails of Patagonia, allows you to connect with your surroundings in a way that cars never can. With lightweight camping gear strapped to the bike, long-distance cyclists can explore remote places at their own pace. Cities across Europe and Asia have extensive bike-friendly infrastructure, making it possible to cross entire countries on two wheels. Unlike cars, biking lets you stop anywhere, anytime, without worrying about parking or fuel.

Hot Air Balloons for a Sky-High Perspective

Few things feel as magical as floating silently over a breathtaking landscape in a hot air balloon. Whether it’s watching the sunrise over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey, drifting above the savannas of Africa, or soaring over the colorful valleys of New Mexico, balloon travel turns any trip into an unforgettable experience. Unlike the rush of planes, hot air balloon rides let you savor the journey, offering panoramic views that make you feel like you’re in a dream. With nothing but the sound of the burner and the wind guiding you, it’s one of the most peaceful and scenic ways to travel.

Boats, Ferries, and Canoes for Waterborne Adventures

Traveling by water isn’t just about reaching your next stop—it’s about experiencing the journey itself. From hopping between Greek islands on a ferry to navigating the Amazon by canoe, water travel opens up a world of possibilities. Slow-moving river cruises, like those along the Mekong or the Nile, allow travelers to soak in landscapes at a relaxed pace, while overnight ferries across the Baltic Sea or Mediterranean combine transportation with a touch of adventure. Kayaking through fjords, taking a houseboat down India’s backwaters, or sailing on a traditional wooden dhow in Zanzibar are just a few ways to turn water into your highway.

Dog Sledding for a Wild Arctic Ride

For those who crave an adrenaline rush, dog sledding across snowy landscapes offers an unforgettable travel experience. Traditional in regions like Alaska, Norway, and Canada, dog sledding connects travelers with nature while experiencing the raw power and skill of sled dogs. The thrill of racing through icy wilderness, guided only by a team of huskies, makes for a far more immersive adventure than simply riding in a car. Many places offer multi-day expeditions, where travelers can camp under the Northern Lights and truly embrace the spirit of Arctic travel.

Camels for a Desert Expedition

For centuries, camels have been the go-to transportation for crossing vast deserts, and today, travelers can still experience this ancient form of travel in some of the world’s most spectacular sandscapes. A camel trek through the Sahara Desert in Morocco, the Thar Desert in India, or the Wadi Rum in Jordan offers a chance to experience the silence and grandeur of the dunes in a way that no car ever could. These slow-paced journeys allow travelers to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets, sleep in Bedouin camps, and feel the timeless rhythm of desert life.

Ziplining for High-Speed Thrills

While it may not be the most practical mode of transportation, ziplining offers an exciting way to move between locations—especially in jungle environments. In places like Costa Rica, Thailand, and Ecuador, long-distance ziplines let travelers fly above dense forests, waterfalls, and river canyons. Some zipline networks even connect treetop lodges, turning transportation into an adventure of its own. It’s the ultimate way to add adrenaline to your travel plans while getting a bird’s-eye view of some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.

Trams and Cable Cars for Iconic City Views

Urban travel doesn’t have to involve cars and taxis—some of the best cityscapes are best seen from a tram or cable car. Historic trams, like those in Lisbon, San Francisco, and Hong Kong, provide a scenic way to explore cities while embracing their heritage. Meanwhile, cable cars in cities like Medellín and La Paz transform public transport into a high-flying experience, offering stunning aerial views of urban landscapes. Unlike sitting in a traffic jam, riding a tram or cable car adds an extra layer of adventure to everyday commuting.

The Journey Matters as Much as the Destination

Travel isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about how you experience the journey. Whether you choose to glide through mountains by train, sail across remote islands, or trek across the desert by camel, alternative travel methods can turn even the most routine trip into an adventure. Ditch the usual planes and cars, and try something new on your next journey.

Which unique way of traveling will you try first?