In our modern and ever-more accessible world, more of us than ever are becoming gripped by wanderlust. Some of us are born with a desire to explore and to travel; some of us get the bug after a particularly memorable or life-changing journey abroad.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to travel, actually going about it can sometimes be daunting. It can be difficult to know where to start, and what options there are. Whether you’re a soon-to-be-student or a wealthy investor, here are 8 ways you can travel the world.
1. Take a cruise
A classic and often misrepresented way to explore entire chunks of the globe in ease and comfort is to embark upon a cruise.
You don’t need to be rich – there are cruises available that cater to all budgets, and from mini ‘weekend cruises’ to longer adventures, you can sail the seas for as long as you like.
From swimming pools to golf courses, cruise ships now include every kind of feature you could need. Exploring the globe by sea has never been more accessible or appealing.
2. InterRailing
If you’re looking to experience as many cultures and countries as possible, and the countries of Europe are on your destination list, then interrailing could be a great choice.
By purchasing an interrail pass, you can hop on a train in any of the 30 participating countries at will – no pre-booking needed (with a few exceptions for high-speed or night trains!)
This is ideal for travellers who don’t want to feel restricted, and want to be able to explore Europe totally freely. One important caveat, however: only citizens of Europe, Turkey and Russia are eligible.
3. Airbnb
The rise of industry-giant Airbnb has been frequently covered and mentioned in the news and across digital channels, and the platform is only becoming more popular.
This is for good reason – Airbnb offers a fantastic way for travellers to stay in places they might not have considered, and caters to all budgets and demographics.
All you need to do is create a profile, and search. There are over 1.5 million properties to stay, from apartments to treehouses and even boats – meaning your accommodation could become as much of a talking point as the trip itself.
4. Invest in an International Property Fund
If you’re one of the lucky few for whom money is no concern, then you might be looking for a travel option that’s slightly more exclusive.
Alternatives have emerged that give the super-wealthy a new way to explore the world –it’s possible to become a shared owner of luxury holiday homes, via a property investment fund.
If you have the cash, this is undoubtedly one of the finest ways to visit a range of countries in luxury style. Investing in private properties like these could provide the perfect family getaway, and by visiting a new property every time, you can gradually tick off all of the locations and cultures you’ve dreamed of visiting.
5. Become a Digital Nomad
If your profession is mainly Internet or computer-based, and you want travelling to become part of your lifestyle, you could look into the possibility of becoming a digital nomad.
This lifestyle might not suit everyone – but if the thought of combining your working and travelling life appeals, why not see if this could work for you?
Careers including design, writing, e-finance and even online teaching can all be done on the go, and there are now many ‘digital nomad’ hubs available in countries all over the world.
You could be surfing the net for a client one minute, then surfing the waves the next.
6. Traditional Holidays
If it isn’t broken, why fix it? Sometimes one of the best ways to spend quality time with family and loved ones, and simultaneously scratch the travelling itch, is just to spend a week or two on holiday.
Pick a country, find a nice hotel or resort, book the flights, and you’re good to go. The possibilities with a traditional holiday are endless, and it’s easier than ever to organise, with many websites and travel agents now enabling you to book everything in one place.
Just don’t forget the flip flops!
7. Couchsurfing
If you’re a people person, and are looking to make new international friends, then a platform like Couchsurfing could be perfect.
Simply sign up and connect with hosts from cities all around the world – these hosts welcome travellers with open arms, and best of all, your stay is free. Perfect for the budget traveller, and anyone looking to make friends on the road.
8. Take a Road Trip
The topic of countless classic movies, the romantic road trip is one of the most memorable and exciting ways to see a country or continent.
Whether you’re renting or bringing your own vehicle, and if it’s just you, or a whole heap of friends – a road trip is one of the most exhilarating and liberating ways to explore.
The options are endless; will you camp out under the stars, find a roadside motel, or just keep driving until the sun rises?
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Travelling has become a truly important part of global culture. It enables us to broaden our horizons, learn more about our world and its citizens, and discover who we truly are as people.
The best thing about travel is that there are no rules – there’s not one specific way to do it, and it’s always a deeply personal and unique experience. Some of my friends even opt for a golf cart! Just make sure the moment you have properly secure your own golf cart rental – it is important to be aware of the regulations as how to drive your cart. No matter what activities you choose when you travel just make sure to always cherish them!
