If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get from a large city to a smaller town, consider the local bus system. In practically every country you might wish to visit, buses connect villages with cities and local attractions.
Regional and national bus systems can get you to your destination affordably. Greyhound and its affiliates connect cities and towns throughout the U.S., and several low-cost lines connect big cities. Most countries have at least one regional bus line. In Japan, you can take regional buses, run by Japan Railways, from Tokyo to most major cities. The buses are slower than trains, but they are much less expensive and usually travel at night so that you don’t lose sightseeing time.
Bus travel can be slow and inconvenient, especially if you’re traveling to a rural town with limited bus service. You will need to find out how to buy tickets and understand the bus schedule before you travel. It’s not always easy to exchange bus tickets if you must change your itinerary, and you may even have to pay a penalty. You’ll probably have to carry your own luggage and watch it carefully. And, although many buses have a restroom on board, the driver will probably discourage you from using it unless there’s an emergency.
BoatThere’s something special about traveling by boat. It’s an extremely relaxing way to get to your destination. Whether you choose a barge trip, river boat excursion or traditional ocean cruise, you’ll enjoy both interesting scenery and excellent service. Typically, a cruise involves stops at several points along the way, with time for sightseeing before you reboard. In some cases, such as Germany’s KD Line on the Rhine River, you can buy one way or round-trip tickets, or you can book a preplanned river cruise tour.
Ferries are an affordable alternative to air travel in many places. If you have a rental car, consider taking a car ferry – from Wales to Ireland on Irish Ferries, for example – so that you can explore back roads. Traditional ferries travel slowly, but you can usually choose between a cabin or a less-expensive reserved seat, which will resemble an airplane seat, so you can sleep during the journey.
The biggest drawback to boat travel is cost. Traditional cruises and river excursions are expensive. You or your travel agent will have to check each cruise line for discounts and deals. You won’t be able to completely manage your itinerary; your cruise line chooses the stops you’ll make. You’ll also have to decide how to manage your sightseeing while on land. Cruise lines offer prearranged shore excursions; you can pay extra to go on one of these short trips or strike out on your own. Just be sure to return to the pier on time.
