8 Popular Ways to Travel from One Place to Another

travel & places

20 May

When it comes to getting from point A to point B, there are plenty of ways to travel – each with its pros, cons, and ideal situations.

Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, choosing the right mode of transport can make all the difference.

Below are eight common transportation methods to consider, depending on your budget, time, and destination.

The Different Ways to Travel

1. By plane

Planes are magic. They’re the fastest way to travel long distances, especially for international or cross-country trips.

Air travel saves time, and with budget airlines now available in many parts of the world, it can be more affordable than you think.

However, keep in mind the environmental impact and airport hassles that come with it. And rethink your life choices when you’re stuck in a middle seat, wedged between two armrest hogs.

2. By train

Trains make me feel like a writer with unfinished thoughts and a Moleskine notebook.

Whether it's the Eurostar, Japan’s Shinkansen, or Malaysia’s KTM Komuter, there's something timeless about rail travel. It’s comfortable, scenic, and efficient.

City rail systems like the MRT or LRT are less poetic and more "please let me get a seat", but they are popular types of travel within cities, offering a fast and traffic-free way to get around.

For a local example, I’ve written about Malaysia’s public transport adventures too.

3. By bus

Buses are often underestimated. They’re slower, sure – but they’re a budget-friendly way to travel.

Intercity coaches often cost much less than trains or flights, though they may take longer.

For short distances or regional travel, local buses are reliable and widely accessible.

4. By car

Driving feels freeing – until you realise you’ve been singing to yourself for three hours. But there’s nothing like complete control over your route, stops, and schedule.

(If you’re prone to motion sickness, here’s how to prevent it while in a car.)

It’s the ideal mode of transport for road trips, countryside exploration, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Whether you own a car or rent one, travelling by car offers freedom and flexibility – but comes with fuel, toll, and parking costs.

5. By boat or ferry

Sometimes, the only way to travel is across water. In coastal areas or island nations, boats and ferries are essential transportation methods.

Ferries are practical, especially for island hopping. You feel the breeze, you see the sea, and you hope your stomach holds it together.

6. By cruise ship

Unlike ferries, cruise ships are more about the journey than the destination. But they still count as a way to travel – especially for those who want to visit multiple locations without constant packing and unpacking.

Cruises offer a floating hotel experience, combining leisure, food, and entertainment as you travel from port to port. You might not get there fast, but you will get there full.

If you’ve never been on one, don’t miss my cruise preparation checklist.

7. By bicycle

If you’re up for an adventure and sustainability, cycling might be your thing. It’s a fantastic way to travel if you want to explore at your own pace and really soak in your surroundings.

It’s eco-friendly, great exercise, and you never have to worry about traffic jams (well, except for actual traffic).

8. On foot

Walking might be the slowest way to travel, but it’s also the most honest.

Whether you’re wandering through city streets or trekking rugged trails, travelling on foot forces you to slow down. You notice the little things – the way sunlight hits a cracked pavement, the smell of fresh bread from a corner bakery, or that suspiciously friendly dog who wants to follow you home.

It’s free, low-tech, and sometimes exhausting. But if you’ve ever gotten lost, walking is the ultimate way to stumble into unexpected adventures. (Like that time I got a little lost in Keelung.)

Just remember comfortable shoes are a must unless you enjoy blisters and regret.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best way to travel. Whether you're after speed, savings, comfort, or sustainability, there's a mode of transport that fits your trip.

Consider your priorities, do a little planning, and choose the transportation method that works best for you.

Which of these ways to travel do you use the most?

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