Looking to spice up your next adventure? From hiking boots to private jets, explore 30 ways to travel ranked from rugged to ridiculously luxurious.
There are many modes of transport to choose from when travelling. Some are cheap and challengingly rugged, others are expensive and extravagantly opulent – and there are those in the middle that provide just enough comfort and convenience without costing too much.
It depends on what type of adventure you’re looking for and what your budget is as to which method of travelling you should choose. To help you explore your options, here are 30 different modes of transport compared from most rugged to most luxurious.
From Budget to Luxury: 30 Ways to Travel
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to explore the world. Some people crave rustic road trips or remote hiking trails, while others dream of ocean cruises and private jets.
Whether you’re watching your wallet or ready to splurge, the ways to travel are endless—and each offers its own kind of magic.
In this guide, we’re ranking 30 different types of travel, starting from the most rugged and adventurous to the most luxurious and extravagant. No matter your travel style or budget, you’ll find a mode of transportation here that suits your next great escape.
Walking
Walking may be one of the slowest and most physically strenuous forms of travel, but it also costs nothing and is a chance to enjoy the great outdoors at a leisurely pace. From guided city walking tours to multi-day mountain hikes, there are many ways to travel by foot.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is another free mode of transport that relies on the generosity of other road users.
Unfortunately, it’s a very unpredictable form of travel – you could be standing at the roadside for hours and you never know what type of person is going to pick you up.
Make sure to follow these hitchhiking tips for success.
Cycling
Although still physically demanding and exposed to the elements, cycling is faster than walking and relatively cheap if you’ve already got a bicycle. Taking an electric bicycle could take some of the sweat out of it.
Kayaking
It’s possible to explore coasts and rivers by kayak. In fact, there are multi-day kayak tours you can go on. This is a unique and scenic way to travel, but be prepared for an upper body workout.
Horse-riding/camel-riding
From the Andes to the Sahara, there are many places that you can travel by horse or camel as part of a guided tour. This could be a way to experience a traditional form of travel and be at one with nature.
Tuk-tuk hire
These three-wheeled vehicles are commonly found throughout Southeast Asia. Although cheaper than a taxi, they’re also smaller and slower and may not always offer a lot of protection from the rain. However, they are worth trying once in your lifetime.
Public bus
Buses can be a very economical way to travel, but vary massively in comfort and convenience. You could get a cozy seat and only have to experience a few stops, or you could have to stand up on a minibus with 50 stops until you get to your destination.
Regular train
Like public buses, public trains can vary greatly in quality. The benefit of trains over buses is that they are often much faster. When travelling long distances, you may even be able to catch a high speed rail train in some parts of the world.
Long-haul coach
Long-haul coaches are typically like buses but with more mod cons like air conditioning and even sometimes TVs. Famous examples include Greyhound, Megabus and FlixBus. Long-haul coaches can be very cheap, but can be slow and sometimes quite tedious.
Flying economy
Flying is the quickest way to cover long distances. Choosing economy seats can result in little legroom or luxuries, however it is relatively inexpensive and meals should still be included on long-haul flights.
Look into budget airlines for the cheapest prices – but be wary of the cost of upsold extras.
Motorcycle touring
Riding a motorcycle gives you the freedom to travel where you want, while covering much greater distances than on a bicycle. It may not be as comfortable as being in a car and you do need to consider costs like fuel, however it also comes with its own unique thrills. Choosing a touring motorcycle for fuel economy, superior ride comfort and ample storage space.
Ferry ride
It’s possible to travel down many rivers and cross many seas by taking ferries. While some ferries are very small and cramped, others are large and have shops and restaurants on board. You typically cannot sleep on a ferry.
Car hire/taking your own car
Hiring a car or taking your own car on a road trip gives you ultimate freedom to take the routes you want at your own pace, while being more sheltered than you are on a motorbike.
Taking a car does come with additional costs, but it’s a convenient way to travel. When driving in a new country, check whether your insurance and license cover you, as well as whether you need a vignette.
Taxi hire/ride-sharing
Taxi hire and ride-sharing allows you to enjoy the comfort of a car, but you get to be in the passenger seat. This could be more relaxing for some people, but more tedious for others. Hiring a taxi or Uber to take you somewhere long distance could be quite expensive, so bear this in mind.
Private mini-bus hire
An excellent option for transporting a large family or group of friends is a private mini-bus. It’s likely to be more sociable and cheaper than travelling in separate taxis, and unlike a public bus you get the bus to yourself.
Campervanning
A campervan is the most basic form of RV – it’s a van with a bed in the back to sleep.
The most classic example is the Volkswagen Transporter, however you can turn any van into a camper van.
A road trip in a campervan has all the perks of a car road trip, but with the option to sleep wherever you park up.
Sleeper train
Sleeper trains are trains with beds for sleeping on. These beds can vary greatly in level of luxury – some consist of very basic bunks in shared cabins, while others consist of larger beds in private cabins. Always consider upgrading to a sleeper train when travelling by rail overnight.
Sailing
Traditional sailing involves using the wind to direct a boat, however most sailboats also have engines nowadays. While sailing does require a bit of work, it can still be quite luxurious. Some boats even have space to sleep underneath. You can charter a sailboat or buy one.
Travel trailer
Pulling along a travel trailer could give you your own private cabin on wheels to sleep in. Trailers often have more space than the back of a campervan and may even have bathroom and kitchen facilities. Some people can find towing a trailer to be quite challenging however.
Cargo ship
Most cargo ships are purely for commercial use, however some do offer rides to passengers with the option of a bed to sleep in and meals provided.
Unlike a cruise, you’re not going to get much amenities on a cargo ship. However, you do get some room to explore.
Flying business-class
Business-class seats tend to come with more legroom than economy seats as well as other additional comforts. While targeted at people on work trips, anyone can pay to be in business-class. How much more you pay than an economy seat can depend on the airline.
RVing
An RV can serve as your own mobile vacation home. Whereas a travel trailer is pulled behind another vehicle, your classic RV is an all-in-one vehicle and accommodation that some people can find easier to drive. Most are fairly compact, unless you opt for a luxury RV (discussed later).
Limousine/luxury taxi hire
Limousines and luxury taxis are more roomy than regular taxis, and may come with extra luxuries like a mini-fridge and TV. They’re excellent for special occasions such as airport transfers during bachelorette party getaways.
Flying first-class
First-class seating can come with luxuries not found in business-class such as discreet boarding, private lounges, dedicated flight attendants, premium food options and in some cases even private cabins to sleep in. It’s an excellent option for those wanting a taste of the high-flying life.
Luxury RVing
For the most luxurious road trip, choose a luxury RV. This has fancy features that go beyond a regular RV such as a spacious bathroom, built-in entertainment system, smart appliances and potentially even a roof deck. You’ll feel as if you’re in a high-end condo while on the road.
Luxury train
Another option for those with money to spend could be a luxury train ride. These are sleeper trains with plush private cabins that have en-suite bathrooms. Many also have fine dining restaurants on-board and sumptuous lounge areas.
Yachting
Chartering or owning a yacht could give you the freedom to go on your own sea voyages, but with a lot more amenities than a sailboat. Many yachts come with their own comfortable living areas, bathrooms and kitchens, as well as their own crews at your disposal.
Cruising
A cruise ship is effectively a hotel on the water. You can stop off at lots of amazing ports while also enjoying an array of on-board facilities. Smaller vessels like river cruises may be relatively basic, while large ocean cruises have facilities ranging from gyms to casinos to live theaters.
Private jet
By far the most luxurious way to fly is to charter or own a private jet. You can go anywhere in the world while enjoying your own space and cabin crew. It doesn’t come cheap however – expect to pay $4,000 to $8,000 per hour to charter a private jet.
Superyachting
To experience luxury travel at its peak, consider looking into superyachts for sale and charter.
A superyacht is a yacht that exceeds 100 ft in length – often requiring a larger crew and more spacious living quarters. They’re essentially floating mansions.
Explore 30 Types of Travel from Simple to Elite
Every mode of travel from walking to owning a superyacht has its own benefits. Don’t be afraid to try out new modes of transport when going on vacations. How you get to your destination and how you get around can be a big part of the adventure and will make your trip more memorable.
From minimalist adventures like walking and cycling to high-end experiences aboard superyachts and private jets, there are so many unique ways to travel the world. Your choice depends on your budget, comfort preferences, and thirst for adventure.
Whether you’re backpacking through forests or cruising across oceans, the journey itself can be just as rewarding as the destination. So next time you plan a trip, don’t just think about where you’re going—consider how you’ll get there, too.
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.